Green Card
Text provided by the Immigration Naturalization Services (INS)
How do I know if I need to renew my Green Card?
How soon should I apply to renew my expiring Green Card?
What should I do if my Green Card has already expired?
Where do I need to go to renew my Green Card?
How do I apply to renew my Green Card?
How long will it be before I receive my new Green Card?
Will I lose my permanent resident status if I do not renew my Green Card?
What will happen if I don’t renew my expiring Green Card?
How do I know if I need to renew my Green Card?
If you were issued your Green Card about 10 years ago and there is an expiration date on the front of your card, you should check the expiration date to see when your card needs to be renewed.
Do I need to renew my Green Card if it was issued between 1979 and 1988 and does not have an expiration date?
No. Green Cards issued between 1979 and 1988 do not have expiration dates and do not need to be renewed at this time. INS will develop an orderly plan for replacing these cards at a future time. (Note: If you obtained your Green Card before your 14th birthday and are now over 14, and your Green Card does not have an expiration date on it, you will need to get a new card. You should call the INS National Customer Service Center toll-free number 1-800-375-5283 for information on how and where to apply)
How soon should I apply to renew my expiring Green Card?
You can apply up to six months prior to the expiration date of your card (indicated on the front of the card). However, there is no need to rush to apply for a new card too far in advance since you will be issued temporary proof of status the same day you apply in-person for your new Green Card.
What should I do if my Green Card has already expired?
Will the INS penalize me for renewing my card after it expired? If your Green Card has already expired, you should apply to renew your card as soon as possible. Those renewing expired cards will not be penalized.
Where do I need to go to renew my Green Card?
Effective June 20, 2000, most Green Card renewal applicants will have the convenience of one-stop, walk-in service at their local INS Application Support Centers (ASCs) You should call the INS National Customer Service Center toll-free number 1-800-375-5283 for information on how and where to apply.
How do I apply to renew my Green Card?
To renew your Green Card, you should call the INS National Customer Service Center toll-free telephone line 1-800-375-5283 to obtain a Form I-90, "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card" and information on how and where to apply. (The application form is also available on the INS Web site at www.ins.usdoj.gov or by calling INS’ toll-free forms request line 1-800-870-3676.)
How long will it be before I receive my new Green Card?
Currently, it takes about five months to receive your new Green Card. However, you will be issued temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status when you go to renew your card.
Will I lose my permanent resident status if I do not renew my Green Card?
No, you will not lose your permanent resident status if you do not renew your Green Card—permanent resident status will not expire or change. However, you are required by law to carry evidence of your status/registration (e.g. a valid, unexpired Green Card or the temporary proof of status you receive at the time of filing to renew your Green Card.)
What will happen if I don’t renew my expiring Green Card?
If you fail to renew your expiring card, you may experience difficulties in obtaining employment, benefits, and re-entry into the United States from abroad. When you submit your renewal application in-person, you will receive temporary evidence of your lawful permanent resident status.
What will happen if I present an expired Green Card when I try to reenter the United States after traveling abroad, or when I obtain a new job, or when I apply for entitlement benefits?
Re-entry into the United States from abroad: To the extent possible, apply for your new Green Card before you travel and bring with you on any trip the temporary documentation you received. If after traveling abroad you try to re-enter the United States with an expired Green Card, you may experience a delay during the inspection process at the port-of-entry.
Obtaining employment:While employers will not accept an expired Green Card to verify employment authorization for new hires, you may use other documents listed on the Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification Form), or the temporary proof of status you received when you submitted your renewal application.
Applying for benefits:Your status as a lawful permanent resident has not changed. Therefore, your eligibility for benefits will not change. The temporary proof of status that you received when you submitted your renewal application is sufficient evidence to verify your legal status.
What if I cannot afford the application fee, or I am ill or disabled and cannot go to my local INS office?
If you cannot afford the fee you may request a fee waiver according to standard procedures. If you are unable to appear in person because you are confined due to advanced age or physical disability, you may contact your local INS office to request accommodations.
What should I do if I’ve already applied for naturalization and my card is expiring; do I still need to renew my Green Card and pay the $110 renewal application fee?
If you have applied for naturalization more than six months prior to your card’s expiration you do not need to apply to renew your Green Card. If you are in the process of obtaining new employment you may use other documents listed on the Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification Form) for employment verification purposes. However, if you need a new Green Card for employment or benefits verification purposes, you should apply and pay the $110 filing fee to renew your expiring Green Card.
What if I applied for naturalization less than six months before my card expires, or I choose to apply for naturalization instead of applying to renew my Green Card?
If you have applied for naturalization less than six months prior to your card’s expiration, you will still need to apply and pay the $110 filing fee to renew your expiring Green Card and ensure that you have evidence of your legal status.
