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Renewing a Green Card

Renewing a Green Card

Renewing a Green Card: Everything You Need to Know

If you are a non-US citizen living in the United States, chances are you need to renew your Green Card at some point during your stay here. A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is proof that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It is important to keep your Green Card up-to-date, because it can impact your ability to work and travel in the US. Here is everything you need to know about renewing a Green Card.

General Information

A Green Card must be renewed every 10 years. However, if you received your Green Card before you turned 14 years old, you will need to renew it before you turn 16 years old.

Renewing a Green Card is a relatively simple process, but it requires attention to detail. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency responsible for processing Green Card renewal applications. You must submit an application, pay a fee, and attend an appointment to renew your Green Card.

Documents Needed for Renewal

When renewing your Green Card, you will need to provide the following:

1. A completed Application to Renew/Replace Green Card (Form I-90)
2. Two passport-style photographs of yourself
3. Evidence of your current Green Card (copy of both sides)
4. A copy of your passport page with your biographical information
5. Fee payment (currently $540)

Application Process

The application process for renewing a Green Card involves the following steps:

1. Complete Form I-90
2. Gather all necessary documents
3. Pay the applicable fee online
4. Attend a biometrics appointment
5. Wait for your new Green Card to be mailed to you

It can take several months for the entire process to be completed, so it is important to apply for renewal as soon as possible.

Common Issues Encountered in the Renewal Process

There are several common issues that can arise during the Green Card renewal process. Some of these include:

1. Missing documents: USCIS requires specific documents to be provided during the application process. Failing to provide any of the required documents can result in delays or rejection of your application.
2. Inaccurate information: All the information provided in your application must be truthful and accurate. Double-check your application before submitting it to avoid errors.
3. Expired Green Card: If your Green Card has already expired, it is essential to renew it as soon as possible to avoid any negative impact on your ability to work or travel.

Conclusion

Renewing a Green Card is a mandatory process for non-US citizens to continue to stay and work in the US. If you need to renew your Green Card, be sure to take the time to gather all necessary documents and complete the application process as soon as possible. With attention to detail and a bit of patience, you will be well on your way to getting your renewed Green Card.


It is possible for a United State Permanent Resident Card, or green card, to expire given enough time. Normally, if a US green card will expire, then the expiration date of that US green card will be listed on the front of the card. If this occurs, then the individual holding that US green card will have to go through “renew green card” procedures.

The process for green card renewal is not necessarily the same process as that of green card replacement, which is significant, as an individual who loses his or her US green card does not necessarily have go through green card renewal.

The “renew green card” process is normally only necessary once every ten years for full, permanent residents with green cards. This is not always the case, however, as an individual might have a conditional green card, for example, in cases when the green card was issued for marriage or investment from a company.

In those cases, the green card might have had a 2 year expiration date built in, meaning that green card renewal would likely be necessary much sooner than for a full green card. Regardless, one should begin the “renew green card” process within six months of the date at which the US green card will expire.

One should be certain to submit the proper forms when attempting to submit for a US green card renewal. This is because the forms to renew green card, the forms to replace a green card, and the forms to transfer a green card from a 2 year to a 10 year green card are all different.