How to Renew a Green Card and How long does it take: A step by step guide

Introduction

A green card is proof of your permanent residency in the US. How to renew your green card and how long it takes are the information you need to equip yourself with. This is because a green card is not the same as citizenship and requires renewal to avoid running into legal issues with the US authorities. It is very important to have an up-to-date green card because without it, you’ll find it difficult to prove that you are a permanent resident.

In this blog post, we will be going over how to renew  green card? How long does it take? The documents required for a renewal, and so on.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Renew Green Card

• Fill out an application for renewal in form I-90. You can do this by mail or online.
• Arrange your supporting documents. If you select a reason for a renewal, the Form I-90 will list the documents you need to provide. 
• Pay the fees for the green card renewal fee. This is about $540, which includes a $455 filing fee, and a biometrics service fee is $85.
• Sign and submit your application, and wait for your new green card.
• You may get a receipt notice from the USCIS, which is Form I-797C, Notice of Action. This document is proof that the government accepted your application. It also extends the validity of your green card by 24 months.

How Long Does It Take to Renew Green Card?

Green card renewal takes about 10 to 12 months. This is because the USCIS has a lot of green card renewal applications and may need more documents in some cases. Therefore, it’s best to apply a few months before the expiration of your green card.

Tips for Expediting the Process

USCIS may give you an ADIT – Alien Documentation Identification & Telecommunications” (ADIT) to prove your green card status if:

• You urgently need to prove your permanent residence. For instance you’re applying for a new job while processing your green card.
• You applied for naturalization about 6 months before your green card expires. In that case you need not file Form I-90
• If you need this stamp, reach out to the USCIS Contact Center or go to the nearest USCIS field office.

Furthermore, in certain circumstances, USCIS can expedite the process for you. You can check out the criteria here. This depends entirely on the discretion of the USCIS.

If they expedite your case, the entire process will be much faster for you than the usual processing time. 

USCIS may expedite your process in the following circumstances:

• In an emergency;
• Critical loss of finances for a person or company;
• Error from the USCIS;
• Compelling interest from the USCIS;
• If it is necessary for a job application;

Related: What are the requirements for a Green Card?

Required Documents for Green Card Renewal?

The particular documents you need to submit alongside your green card renewal application depend on each case. If you’re not sure which document to submit, contact our immigration lawyer to assist you. If you submit the wrong document or fail to submit the necessary documents, this can cause a delay or even a denial of your case.

The documents you need are: 

• Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card: This is the form you will fill out to start the process of green card replacement. 
• Your existing green card: You are mostly told to submit the front and back of your current green card. It is necessary in a situation where you are applying to replace your green card because there’s an error due to USCIS error. An original green card must accompany your application. Any other copy is not acceptable. 
• If you lost your green card, you might have to submit another means of identification, like a driver’s license or your passport.
• Evidence of change of information: If you are applying for green card replacement because of a change in information, you will have to provide the details of such change. For instance, if you got married and you changed your surname, you will submit the appropriate legal documents to reflect the change. For instance: divorce decree, marriage certificate, and so on.

Tips for Gathering and Organizing Documents Efficiently

One of the best things to do is talk to your immigration lawyer about the necessary documents you need for your peculiar situation.

Gather the required documents in the order you are to submit them to avoid delays in your application or even a denial.

What Are the Possible Reasons for the Denial of My Green Card Renewal Application?

When the USCIS denies your application, it is because of the following reasons:

You committed an offense, and it resulted in deportation

You did not give the necessary or correct info on your application

The government has directed that you leave the US before your card expires

You did not apply with the necessary supporting documents

FAQ on How to Renew a Green Card and How Long It Takes 

Finally on How to Renew a Green Card and How Long It Takes 

In conclusion, renewing a Green Card is a crucial process for maintaining lawful permanent resident status in the United States. The steps involved typically include filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and submitting the required documentation. Individuals need to initiate the renewal process well in advance of the card’s expiration date to avoid any gaps in legal status.

Do You Need to Talk to an Immigration Attorney About How to Renew a Green Card and How Long It Takes? 

Applying for a green card renewal may seem like a formal procedure, but you still need an immigration attorney to lower the chances of a denial or refusal. This is why you need an experienced attorney by dialing 914-481-8822. An attorney will provide you with all you need to do to make your process faster.