U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a process in place for permanent resident card renewals. The green card renewal process may seem simple and straightforward, but problems can come up along the way. With help from an immigration lawyer in Duluth, you can avoid these issues.
The team at Barrios Virguez can walk you through the process of renewing your green card. We are available to discuss your renewal and help you initiate this process. To learn more, contact us today.
Why You Need to Renew Your Green Card
A green card lets you legally live and work in the United States. It also serves as a legitimate form of identification. If your card is close to its expiration date, you should apply for renewal or risk the consequences that come with not doing so.
Most permanent resident cards remain valid for 10 years. In instances where someone is given conditional permanent resident status, their card is active for two years. In rare instances, a card does not have an expiration date.
If your green card is out of date, it is difficult to prove you are a permanent resident. This may affect your ability to travel. It may also impact your eligibility to live and work in the country.
For a free legal consultation, call 678-888-2222
When to Renew Your Green Card
If you have a permanent resident card that is active for 10 years, renew it within six months of your expiration date or if it is already out of date. For those who have a green card that is valid for two years, you are considered to be a conditional resident. You will need to submit a petition to remove the conditions relating to your residency before your card expires.
In instances where you have a card that does not have an expiration date, it may be invalid. Older permanent resident cards are considered no longer active. Regardless of whether your card actually has an expiration date, it is in your best interest to apply to renew it.
There may be instances where someone’s card gets lost, stolen, or damaged. In these instances, you can apply for a replacement. If someone becomes a permanent resident before the age of 14, they are still required to replace their card when they reach this age.
Steps to Renew a Green Card
Fill out Form I-90 to request a renewal of a permanent resident card. Make sure you meet USCIS requirements to become a U.S. citizen. A free tool is available to help you do just that.
USCIS offers a naturalization eligibility tool you can use at any time. The tool helps you determine if you should complete Form I-90. Conversely, it does not verify if you are eligible for citizenship.
If you file Form I-90 online, you can check your case status updates. You also have the ability to upload evidence to support your request. This gives you the option to go online to access all of your case correspondence as well.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Cost to Renew a Permanent Resident Card
There is a filing fee of $455 with Form I-90. You can pay this fee via a money order, personal check, credit card, or cashier’s check if you submit the form by mail. There may be an $85 fee for biometric services, too.
If you requested a green card, got approved, and never received it, you may not have to pay anything. USCIS notes you will not get charged for your renewal if your card was mailed more than 30 days ago and you never received it. It also waives any fees if your card was returned to USCIS as undeliverable or you have not moved from the address you originally provided.
There may be situations where you ask for a permanent resident card, but it has your name or other incorrect information. If this happens to you, notify USCIS. Then, the agency can fix the errors and issue a new card to you free of charge.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Green Card Renewal Processing Time
The processing time for permanent resident card requests varies. You can check the current processing time for green cards online. Generally, it takes up to a year to process a renewal.
If you need a permanent resident card right away, legal help is available. Consult with a green card lawyer in Augusta. You and your attorney can explore options to help you get your card as quickly as possible.
Barrios Virguez is an Augusta law firm with many years of immigration law experience. We can answer frequently asked questions and many others about the permanent resident card renewal process. For more information, reach out to us.
Tips to Renew Your Green Card
The renewal process can be challenging. If you make a mistake along the way, you risk having your renewal request denied. Here are things you can do to avoid issues that can otherwise delay your approval or lead to a rejection:
- Do not wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application and get all of your required materials ready.
- Gather all of the documents you need. Provide a copy of your expired or soon-to-expire card and any other documents USCIS requests.
- Partner with an immigration attorney in Augusta. Work with a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the renewal process and will help you address any legal issues.
Even if your renewal request gets denied, you still have options. You may submit a motion to request USCIS to reconsider its initial decision. It also helps to hire an Augusta immigration attorney who can help you prepare evidence and file an appeal.
Get Started with an Augusta Immigration Lawyer
If you are worried about what could happen if you make a mistake when you ask USCIS to renew your green card, Barrios Virguez can help you out. Our team can take a look at your renewal request and help you submit the necessary application materials. To request a free case consultation, contact us today.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
