Quick Glance:
Summary: 1. The blog post provides step-by-step guidance on renewing or replacing a green card, ensuring legal status in the United States. 2. The process starts with Form I-90, available on the USCIS website, which must be completed accurately. 3. Supporting documents, fees, biometrics appointments, and temporary stamps may be required during the renewal or replacement process. Are you a permanent resident with an expiring or lost green card? Figuring out how to navigate the renewal or replacement process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to renew or replace your green card, ensuring you maintain your legal status in the United States without any unnecessary complications.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the main body responsible for handling green card renewals and replacements. First, it’s crucial to know when to start this process. Generally, you should begin the renewal process six months before your card expires. But, don’t worry if you’re a bit late; you can still renew an expired card.
Where to Start: Form I-90
The application to either renew or replace your green card is standardized through Form I-90, “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.” It is the official document that gets the ball rolling and is available on the USCIS website.
Filling Out Form I-90
When it comes to completing Form I-90, accuracy is key. Any errors or incomplete sections can result in delays or denials. Be sure to:
- Provide all required personal information.
- Explain the reason for your application – renewal or replacement.
- Double-check your information for any mistakes.
Keep in mind that if you are outside of the U.S. when your card expires and you haven’t applied for renewal prior to leaving, you should contact the nearest U.S. Consulate, USCIS office, or U.S. port of entry before submitting Form I-90.
Supporting Documents
Alongside the application, you must provide supporting documents. These typically include:
- A copy of your expiring green card.
- If you’re replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card, any evidence of your status (like a copy of your passport and a photocopy of your green card, if available) will be necessary.
The Submission Process
You have the choice to file Form I-90 online or by mail. Online filing offers you the convenience of immediate submission and easy tracking of your application status. If you prefer to mail your application, you’ll have to send it to the address provided by USCIS for your area.
Fees and Payment
There will be a fee to process Form I-90. As of the date of this post, the fee is set, but it’s vital to check the latest information on the USCIS fee schedule webpage to confirm the current cost. You can pay this fee with a credit card, debit card, check, or money order.
Biometrics Appointment
After Form I-90 is submitted, you’ll likely be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. This step involves taking your fingerprints, photograph, and signature to verify your identity and perform necessary background checks.
What About Travel and Employment?
If your green card is lost or expired, and you need evidence of your permanent resident status for travel or employment, USCIS can provide a stamp in your passport. This stamp is temporary but serves as proof of your lawful status until your new card arrives.
Patience is a Virtue: Processing Times
Processing times for green card renewals and replacements vary. In some instances, it may take several months. You can check processing times on the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
It is crucial to maintain your legal status at all times. Keeping your green card valid ensures you have no interruptions in your ability to work, travel, and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency.
To summarize, here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:
- Determine if you need a renewal or replacement.
- Complete Form I-90 with care and accuracy.
- Gather necessary supporting documents.
- Choose between online and mail submission.
- Pay the appropriate fee.
- Attend your biometrics appointment.
- Obtain a temporary stamp if needed for travel or work.
- Monitor your application status and be aware of processing times.
Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By starting your renewal process early and following the outlined steps, you can ensure that you continue to enjoy the rights and privileges of being a green card holder without interruption.
For any additional information or to get started with your renewal or replacement application, always refer to the official USCIS website. They provide up-to-date forms, instructions, and the latest information pertinent to your immigration needs, keeping you informed and on the right track.
So there you have it, my green card-challenged friend! Renewing or replacing your green card doesn’t have to be a panic-inducing experience. Just follow these simple steps, gather your documents, and boom! You’ll be on your way to maintaining your legal status and enjoying all the perks of being a green card holder. For more detailed information and tips, head over to visaverge.com and explore their helpful resources. Happy renewing!
FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: When should I start the green card renewal process? The USCIS recommends starting the green card renewal process approximately six months before your card expires. However, you can still renew an expired card, so don’t worry if you’re a bit late. It’s important to avoid any gaps in your legal status and maintain valid documentation throughout your stay in the United States.
FAQ 2: What is Form I-90 and how do I fill it out? Form I-90, “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card,” is the official document used to renew or replace your green card. You can find the form on the USCIS website. It is crucial to accurately complete all required personal information, clearly state the reason for your application (renewal or replacement), and carefully review your information to avoid errors or incomplete sections that could lead to delays or denials.
FAQ 3: How do I submit my green card renewal or replacement application? You have the option to file Form I-90 online or by mail. Online filing offers immediate submission and easy tracking of your application status. If you prefer to mail your application, you must send it to the address provided by USCIS for your area. Remember to include the supporting documents required, such as a copy of your expiring green card or evidence of your status if you’re replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
What did you learn? Answer below to know:
- True or False: You can still renew an expired green card in the United States.
- What is the official document used to initiate the green card renewal or replacement process?
- How can you track the status of your green card renewal or replacement application if you choose to file online?
Did you Know?
Did You Know?
- The United States has one of the highest immigrant populations in the world. As of 2019, there were over 44.9 million immigrants living in the United States, making up about 13.7% of the total population.
- Immigrants have contributed significantly to the U.S. economy. According to a study by the Center for American Entrepreneurship, immigrants started 44% of all new businesses in the United States in 2019, despite representing only 13.7% of the population.
- The United States has a long history of immigration. Between 1820 and 1920, over 34 million immigrants arrived in the United States, with the majority coming from Europe. This period is known as the “Great Wave” of immigration.
- Immigrants have enriched American culture in many ways. They have brought with them diverse languages, traditions, cuisines, and art forms that have contributed to the multicultural fabric of the United States.
- Immigration laws in the United States have changed over time. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the national origins quota system, which heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe. The new law introduced a preference system based on family relationships and employment skills.
- The United States offers various pathways to legal immigration. Besides family-based sponsorship and employment-based visas, there are also diversity visas available through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the green card lottery.
- Undocumented immigrants make up a significant portion of the U.S. immigrant population. According to the Pew Research Center, there were approximately 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States in 2017, accounting for about 24% of the total foreign-born population.
- Immigrants are more likely to start their own businesses compared to native-born Americans. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that immigrants are twice as likely to become entrepreneurs as native-born Americans.
- Immigration has a positive impact on innovation in the United States. According to a study conducted by the Partnership for a New American Economy, more than 75% of patents awarded in America’s top research universities involved immigrants.
- The United States has a diverse immigrant population. In addition to countries like Mexico, China, India, and the Philippines, immigrants come from all over the world, including countries in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
Learn Today: Key Terms Explained
Glossary
1. Green Card: A commonly used term for the United States Permanent Resident Card, which provides proof of an individual’s permanent resident status in the United States.
2. Renewal: The process of extending the validity of a green card by submitting an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before it expires.
3. Replacement: The process of obtaining a new green card to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged one.
4. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): The federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing immigration laws and processing various immigration-related applications, including green card renewals and replacements.
5. Form I-90: A standardized application form titled “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card” used to initiate the green card renewal or replacement process.
6. Expired Card: A green card that has already reached its expiration date.
7. Supporting Documents: Documents required to be submitted along with the Form I-90 application, such as a copy of the expiring green card or evidence of status in the case of a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
8. Biometrics Appointment: An appointment scheduled by USCIS for an applicant to have their fingerprints, photograph, and signature taken in order to verify their identity and perform necessary background checks.
9. Temporary Stamp: A stamp provided by USCIS in the passport of an individual with a lost or expired green card to serve as temporary evidence of their legal status until a new card is issued.
10. Processing Times: The time it takes for USCIS to review and make a decision on a green card renewal or replacement application. The processing times can vary and may impact the overall timeline of the application process.
11. Permanent Residency: The immigration status granted to foreign nationals who have been authorized to live and work in the United States permanently. A green card is often used as evidence of permanent residency.
12. USCIS Online Account Number: A unique identification number assigned to individuals who create an online account with USCIS, allowing them to access and track their immigration-related applications submitted online.
13. U.S. Port of Entry: A location, such as an airport or border crossing, where individuals can enter or exit the United States. It is advised to contact the nearest U.S. Consulate, USCIS office, or U.S. port of entry if outside of the U.S. when a green card expires and an application for renewal has not been submitted.
14. USCIS Fee Schedule: The official list of fees charged by USCIS for various immigration-related applications and services. It is important to check the latest information on the USCIS fee schedule webpage for the current cost of filing Form I-90.
15. Legal Status: The immigration status granted to an individual by USCIS that allows them to legally reside, work, and enjoy the benefits of their immigration status in the United States.
16. Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure: A popular phrase emphasizing the importance of taking proactive measures to avoid problems or difficulties. In the context of green card renewal, starting the renewal process early is a preventive measure to ensure uninterrupted legal status.
