How to Renew an Expired Green Card

If your green card has expired, you should renew it. Although not required by law, it is advisable to renew your expired green card. Without a valid green card, you might have problems re-entering the US after a visit abroad.

Expiration Date

All green cards issued between 1979 and 1988 do not have an expiration date. So there is no need to renew them but the US government is in the process of changing the law to introduce rules for renewing such green cards. If your green card has been issued after 1998, it will have an expiration date on the front. All green cards issued after 1988 are generally valid for 10 years.

Why renew

Although you are not required to renew your expired green card, an expired green card might cause problems for you. By law you are required to carry evidence of your immigration status at all times. Also when you are returning from an overseas trip, you must produce your green card at the port of entry. In both cases, an expired green card can be problematic.

Application

You must submit the application on Form I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card if your green card has expired or is about to expire in six months. You must submit a copy of your expired or expiring green card. You must also submit evidence of any name change that has occurred after you received your green card. You must provide a detailed explanation if you are deemed to have given up your lawful permanent resident status or you have filed a Form I-407, Abandonment by Alien of Status as Lawful Permanent Resident. The completed Form I-90 along with the application fee of $290 and the biometric fee of $80 must be submitted to the USCIS office having jurisdiction over your place of residence in the US. If your application is complete, the USCIS will call you to collect your biometric information. You must visit the USCIS office on the date you are called or you must reschedule the appointment. Failure to do so can result in your application being denied. After your biometric information is collected, the USCIS will process your application and you will be notified about its decision in writing.

Getting Legal Help   

Consult with an experienced US immigration attorney if you want to renew your green card. The attorney can assist you with the process and help you fill Form I-90.