How to Renew an Expired Green Card

Renewing your green card is essential for maintaining legal status in the United States. It is a requirement set forth by the US government and must be followed to remain legally present in the country. If your 10-year green card has expired or is expiring within the next 6 months, it’s time to renew it.

It is important to note that green card renewal does not necessarily mean you are applying for permanent residence status again. It simply means you are confirming your current legal immigration status and eligibility to remain in the country lawfully. Your status as a lawful permanent resident does not change if your green card expires, but you’ll run into problems:

Getting a job
Obtaining a professional license
Reentering the US
Renewing your driver’s license
Buying a house

Contact Moffitt Law, LLC’s Georgia immigration lawyers about your questions or issues with green card renewal.

How to Renew a Green Card

To renew your green card, you must fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form is available online or can be requested by mail from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The rest of the steps will depend on whether your renewal application is online or by mail.

Renewing a green card online

Visit the USCIS website and fill out Form I-90.
Upload any relevant documents that support your application for renewal.
Pay the form filing fee (if applicable). This fee is currently $455.
Submit your application and wait for an approval notice from the USCIS.
Once approved, you will receive a new green card with updated validity dates in the mail.

Renewing a green card by mail

Fill out a paper Form I-90
Make a photocopy of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records, including the soon-to-expire green card.
Double-check and sign your application.
Mail your application and documents to the USCIS address listed in the instructions.
Include the applicable filing fee (currently $455).

It is essential to apply for your green card renewal at least six months before it expires. This will give the USCIS time to process your application and issue you a new card. If you wait until the last minute, your application may be delayed.

What Is the Cost of Renewing a Green Card?

The cost of renewing a green card is currently $455. But a biometric fee of $85 may also be required for certain applicants. This means the total cost to renew a green card is $540.

If you file Form I-90 online

You’ll be directed to pay.gov, where you can pay the fee with a credit card, debit card, or pre-paid card.

If you file Form I-90 by mail

You can pay the fee with a cashier’s check, personal check, money order, or credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?

The processing time for a green card renewal application varies, but the USCIS website estimates it can take between 1.5 to 12 months.

How to get your green card sooner

The USCIS may provide an “Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications” (ADIT) stamp, which is temporary proof of legal permanent residency. This stamp allows you to show employers, government agencies, and other service providers that you are lawfully present in the US while your green card renewal application is pending with USCIS.

You can request an ADIT stamp by filing Form I-867 along with your application for green card renewal. This form is available on the USCIS website and can be requested in addition to Form I-90.

When to Renew a Green Card

You must renew your green card when it expires or within 6 months of its expiration. Don’t apply too early; the USCIS may deny your application if filed more than 6 months before your green card expiration date and will not issue a refund.

If you are outside the US

If your green card expires while you are outside the US, contact the nearest US consulate or embassy for information about how to apply for a new green card from abroad. Note that an expired green card can prevent you from reentering the US and can lead to delays at ports of entry.

It is important to remember that a green card renewal application takes time to process, so it’s essential to plan if you need to travel outside the US and ensure that your green card will not expire while you are away.

Requirements for Green Card Renewal

To renew a green card, you must meet specific requirements.

You must be physically present in the US when applying for renewal
You must provide proof of your current legal permanent residency status
You must provide evidence that you have maintained your continuous residence and physical presence in the US
You must submit all required documents, such as a current passport-style photograph and photocopies of the required documents
You must have a valid passport
You must pay the applicable filing fee
If you are outside the US, you may have to apply for a new green card at a US consulate or embassy.

Legal Help With Green Card Questions in Georgia

If you have any questions or need assistance with renewing your green card, contact an experienced Georgia immigration attorney at Moffitt Law, LLC. We will provide personalized service and guidance throughout the entire process to ensure that your application is processed correctly and as quickly as possible. Don’t wait — contact us today to get started.

Green Card FAQs

What should I do if my green card renewal application is denied?

If your green card renewal application is denied, you will receive a notice from the USCIS explaining why it was denied. You may then take steps to address the issue and appeal the denial, or you may be able to re-apply for a new green card. It is crucial to seek professional help if your application is denied so that you can understand the implications of the denial and take appropriate action.

Can I renew my green card if it has already expired?

Yes, you can still apply for a green card renewal even if your current one has expired. However, you should do so as soon as possible to avoid further delays in your application process. The USCIS may also deny your application if filed more than 6 months after your green card expiration date.

Can I travel abroad with an expired green card?

Traveling outside the US with an expired green card can be risky, as you may not be able to reenter the country without a valid green card.

What documents do I need to renew my green card?

You will need to provide the USCIS with a current passport-style photograph and photocopies of your identity documents, such as a valid passport or national ID card.