
You have two options for filing for your green card renewal application: online or by mail. That’s why it’s important to get started at the right time.

An expired card can, however, put a roadblock in the way of your career, your schooling, and your travel plans. The renewal process of your green card can feel like it’s dragging on, but thankfully it does not affect your permanent residence status. You also may need to receive a replacement card if you have had a name change, you may have decided to become an actual resident of the United States if you had previously been living outside of the country for part of the year, your previous card might have not ever arrived, or have arrived with incorrect information. While your current card might still be valid, the physical card may have been lost, stolen, or damaged.

Renewals aren’t the only reason you might need a new green card. You must instead apply in the last 90 days of the validity of your green card to have the conditions of residency lifted so that you gain permanent residency status and can receive a 10-year green card. If you have a 2-year conditional green card, for conditional permanent residence, you cannot renew your green card.

If you have a 10-year unconditional green card you should start the process about 10-12 months before your card expires, due to application processing time. If you are out of the country at the time of the expiration of your green card, it can be extremely difficult to reenter the United States at a port of entry without an extension sticker for your card. You won’t be able to travel, get a job, or renew or obtain a license. Losing your green card, letting it expire, or getting denied for a card renewal does not affect your resident status, or immigration status, and will not put you at risk for being deported, but having a green card that is lost, stolen, damaged, expired, or does not have up to date information can make your life hard. Experienced NYC green card attorneys look over and correct these forms often, and can make sure you are filling out the form correctly and sending in the right evidence to stop you from getting rejected. While it is only one form, form I-90 can be extremely confusing, and filling out your forms wrong can see your request for renewal or replacement denied.Įvery attempt at filing requires a new filing fee, which can add up quickly.

The process to renew a green card is essentially the same for all four different types of green cards. Green Cards, or Permanent Resident Cards, are physical cards that represent your valid status as a legal permanent resident in the United States.
