Green Card Renewal Services

Understanding Green Card Renewal and Replacement

A Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a green card, serves as proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This document allows you to live and work permanently in the country, while also providing evidence of your authorization to work and your status as a returning resident when traveling internationally.

There are two primary reasons permanent residents may need to file for a new green card:

• Renewal: When your 10-year green card is approaching expiration or has expired
• Replacement: When your green card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information

When to Renew Your Green Card

You should apply to renew your green card in the following situations:

• Your 10-year green card is expiring within the next 6 months
• Your 10-year green card has already expired

USCIS recommends filing for renewal no earlier than 6 months before the expiration date shown on your current green card. Filing too early may result in your application being rejected.

When to Replace Your Green Card

You should apply to replace your green card in the following situations:

• Your green card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed
• Your green card has been damaged
• Your green card contains incorrect information
• Your name or other biographic information has changed since receiving your green card
• You never received your green card that USCIS sent
• You have an older version of the green card (issued before 1989)
• You have a conditional green card (CR-1) and have received approval of your I-751 petition to remove conditions, but have not received your new 10-year green card

Special Considerations for Conditional Permanent Residents

If you have a conditional green card (valid for 2 years rather than 10), do not file Form I-90 for renewal. Instead, you must file a petition to remove the conditions on your residence:

• Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (for marriage-based conditional residents)
• Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (for investor-based conditional residents)

These petitions should be filed within the 90-day period immediately before your conditional resident status expires.

The Green Card Renewal/Replacement Process

The process for renewing or replacing your green card involves the following steps:

Step 1: Prepare and File Form I-90

To renew or replace your green card, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This can be done:

• Online through the USCIS website (recommended for faster processing)
• By mail by sending a paper application to the designated USCIS address

The application requires:

• Personal information
• Information about your immigrant category and when/where you became a permanent resident
• Reason for your application (renewal due to expiration or replacement due to loss, damage, etc.)
• Filing fee payment
• Supporting documentation based on your specific situation

Step 2: Attend a Biometrics Appointment

After filing Form I-90, USCIS will send you a notice scheduling you for a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). At this appointment:

• Your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be captured
• USCIS may verify your identity and conduct background checks

Step 3: Receive Decision and New Green Card

After your biometrics appointment, USCIS will process your application:

• If approved, your new green card will be manufactured and mailed to you
• If USCIS needs more information, they may send a Request for Evidence (RFE)

The current processing time for Form I-90 applications can range from 5 to 12 months, depending on USCIS workload and your specific case factors.

Documentation Required for Green Card Renewal/Replacement

For All Applications:

• Copy of your expired or soon-to-expire green card (front and back)
• Filing fee payment (currently $455 plus $85 biometric services fee, for a total of $540)

Additional Documentation Based on Your Situation:

• For a lost/stolen card: Copy of a government-issued ID, police report (if filed)
• For a damaged card: The damaged green card
• For a card with incorrect information due to USCIS error: The incorrect card, evidence of the correct information (no fee required)
• For legal name change: Court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document showing name change
• For never receiving a card that was issued: Evidence that the card was never received (if address change was not reported, fee may be required)

Temporary Evidence of Permanent Resident Status

If you need evidence of your status while waiting for your new green card, you can:

• Request an I-551 stamp in your passport by scheduling an InfoPass appointment at your local USCIS office
• Request a receipt letter from USCIS that indicates your green card renewal application is pending

These temporary proofs can help with employment verification, travel, and other situations where you need to prove your lawful permanent resident status.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Permanent residents often face various challenges during the green card renewal/replacement process:

• Past Criminal Issues: Even minor offenses might trigger additional scrutiny during renewal
• Extended Absences from the U.S.: Long periods outside the U.S. may raise questions about abandonment of residence
• Name Discrepancies: Inconsistencies in how your name appears on different documents
• Processing Delays: Lengthy waiting periods, especially during high-volume periods
• Employment or Travel Needs: Urgent need for proof of status for work or international travel

Our attorneys can help address these challenges through:

• Proper disclosure and documentation of any criminal issues
• Evidence to overcome presumptions of abandonment of residence
• Strategies for resolving document discrepancies
• Expedite requests in genuine emergency situations
• Obtaining temporary evidence of status during the pending period

Our Green Card Renewal and Replacement Services

JZ Law Group provides comprehensive legal services for green card renewal and replacement, including:

• Determining the appropriate process based on your specific situation
• Preparing and filing Form I-90 applications
• Gathering and organizing supporting documentation
• Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Tracking your application status
• Assisting with InfoPass appointments for temporary proof of status
• Addressing complications related to prior immigration history or status issues
• Handling cases involving criminal history or extended absences from the U.S.
• Providing guidance on maintaining permanent resident status
• Advising on eligibility for naturalization as an alternative to renewal

Green Card Renewal vs. Naturalization

If you're eligible for U.S. citizenship, applying for naturalization instead of renewing your green card may be worth considering:

• The naturalization application fee is higher than green card renewal, but it's a one-time cost
• U.S. citizens don't need to worry about green card renewals or maintaining permanent resident status
• Citizens enjoy additional benefits, such as voting rights, protection from deportation, and expanded ability to petition for family members

Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether naturalization is a better option for your situation compared to green card renewal.

Why Choose JZ Law Group for Your Green Card Renewal or Replacement

Although green card renewal or replacement may seem straightforward, complications can arise from various factors, including past immigration history, criminal issues, extended travel outside the U.S., or documentation problems. Our firm provides experienced guidance to navigate these potential pitfalls.

We help ensure that your application is properly prepared, filed on time, and supported by appropriate documentation. Our attorneys can identify any potential issues before they become problems and develop strategies to address them proactively.

For permanent residents with more complex situations, our legal representation offers peace of mind and protection of your valuable permanent resident status.