subject: Learn Thegreen Card Renewal process [print this page] Getting a Green card is not an easy task but it will be all worth the time and money once we begin to live and work in the US. There are so many ways by which a person can get a Green Card and getting this is the prime concern of many immigrants.
One may wonder about the rush of immigrants to get a green card. The reason behind this is it gives them the legal rights to stay and work in the US permanently. Also Green card is a must in order to become a US citizen.
Why Green Card Renewal?
Although the status of a permanent resident is for a lifetime, the green cards are valid only for 10 years. It is important that these cards are renewed periodically so as to maintain their legal status. Green Card is considered as a very important identification card in the US and all international travels and employment opportunities depend on it. Additionally, the US government incorporates several latest technological features in the card, on a periodic basis, and a Green card holder must ensure that his/her card is fully updated with it. Considering all this, Green Card Renewal becomes very important and mandatory.
Process of Green Card Renewal
When the Green Card (10 yrs valid) of a Permanent resident has already expired or is about to expire within the next 6 months, then the PR should go in for green card renewal. For this purpose, Form I-90 (Application to replace permanent resident card) should be filed. This form can be file either through mail or online (E-filing) by those who are living in the US.
When the applicant is outside the US with a Green card whose status is about to expire then he/she should file in their I-90 as soon as they return to the US. This is applicable only if the applicant is planning to return to the US within 1yr of departing from it. They must ensure that they file in for a green card renewal as soon as they get back into the US. However, under circumstances wherein the validity of their green card has already expired and they have not filed an I-90 before leaving the US, then they need to contact the nearest US embassy or consulate to inquire about the Green card renewal procedure.
Conditional residents cannot go in for green card renewal when their conditional status is about to expire. They need to file in Form I-751 to remove the conditions on their card. Similarly individuals who have obtained a green card through financial investment in the US need to file in Form I-829 to remove the conditions.
The I-90 application form should be completed and sent to the USCIS Phoenix lockbox facility with all the necessary supporting documents for proof. If the applicant requires an email or text notification from the USCIS indicating that their application has been accepted, then they need to file in Form G-1145 and attach it along with the application.
Filing Fee for Green Card Renewal
The total fee comes to$450 - $365 for the green card renewal application and $85 for the biometrics. In case an applicant wants to withdraw or cancel the application, this filing fee will not be refunded to them. To request a withdrawal or cancellation, an applicant should send in a written request to the Nebraska service Center.
