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Before 1989, when you got a green card it was good forever. However, from 1989 on, green cards were only issued for 10 years at a time. If you have one of these green cards, you will need to renew it before it expires. If you have an older green card, you will need to renew it because the old ones are not valid anymore. The process is very easy once you know all the steps.
Why should I renew my green card? Your green card is proof that you are a lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) of the United States. If it expires, you will not have this proof that you are allowed to live in the US anymore and it can cause you problems. Not only will you have trouble to re-enter the United States after you travel, but you might also have a hard time getting a job or keeping a job. This is because your green card is also like a work permit.
When should I renew my green card? You should renew your green card six months before it expires. However, you can renew it at any time in the last six months before it expires.
What if my green card is already expired? It is better to renew your green card before it expires, but if you forgot or you didn’t realize it was going to expire, don’t worry! You can still renew it and there is no penalty – you will not need to pay anything extra for it. You will get a temporary green card you can use.
How do I renew my green card? First, you will need to get Form I-90, “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.” You can get this form from your local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) office or download it right now for FREE from our website without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. Fill it out very carefully and double-check that there are no mistakes. Make sure to include a copy of your old permanent resident card and any other evidence you might need (such as a copy of a marriage certificate or court form if your name has been changed). Then, mail it in and wait. You will get a letter saying you must go to the local USCIS office to do your biometrics and pick up your new card. Biometrics are just a photograph and some fingerprints. Make sure to bring your passport and some extra passport photos with you just in case you need them!
How much does it cost to renew a green card? It currently costs $365 to renew your green card, which you must mail in with your form I-90. You may also have to pay $85 for biometrics. All money must be paid in check or money order made out to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
What if I am outside of the United States? If you’re returning before your green card expires, just wait until you get home and then file your paperwork. If you did not leave yet and you know you will not be back before your card expires, file the renewal paperwork and pick up your temporary green card before you go. If you did not renew your card before leaving and your card is expiring, contact the nearest US consulate, USCIS office, or US port of entry, then follow their instructions
when filing form I-90.
What do I do if my temporary green card expired and I still don’t have my new green card? Don’t worry! You can go to the USCIS office and get another temporary green card to use until your new green card arrives in the mail.
How can I find out the status of my green card renewal application? First, you will need your receipt number. Then, you can find the “My Case Status” link on the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov) and can enter the number there. If you have a question, you can call 1-800-375-5283 for USCIS customer service.
What happens if my green card renewal application is denied? You cannot appeal a denial of an application to renew a green card. However, you can submit a motion to reopen or reconsider with the same office that made the decision. A motion to reopen must include new facts and evidence of them. A motion to reconsider has to show that immigration law or immigration policy was incorrectly applied.
Where can I get the form I need to renew my green card? You can get the form for FREE from our website! Some places will charge you $30 or more for this form, but we will email it to you so you will be able to keep it forever and use it again next time you need it.
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