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The I-90 green card renewal process is crucial for lawful permanent residents seeking to maintain their legal status in the United States. Form I-90 is specifically designed for the renewal or replacement of a green card, enabling residents to continue to have valid identification, which is essential for travel, employment, and accessing various services.
Timely renewal of your green card is vital to avoid potential complications, such as difficulties in re-entering the U.S. after travel or challenges in proving residency status. At Affordable Immigration, our capable team provides knowledgeable legal assistance that can significantly facilitate navigating the renewal process. We are here to help you meet all requirements accurately and efficiently, giving you peace of mind when dealing with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Book a free initial consultation with our I90 green card renewal attorney at Affordable Immigration. Call (971) 308-5892 or contact us online. Hablamos español.
The Process for a Green Card Renewal
The process for renewing a green card using Form I-90 involves several steps.
Determine eligibility: You must be eligible to file Form I-90, which is used to renew or replace an existing green card.
Complete Form I-90: Fill out the form accurately. You must provide all required information and documentation.
Gather required documents: Depending on your situation, you may need to submit additional documents, such as a copy of your current green card, evidence of a name change, or proof of biographical data changes.
Pay the filing fee: Submit the required filing fee with your application. The fee amount can vary. The USCIS website provides the most current information. Fee waivers may be available for those who qualify.
Submit your application: If filing online, submit your application through the USCIS online portal. If filing by mail, send your completed form and supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS address.
Receive a receipt notice: After submitting your application, you will receive a notice from USCIS confirming that your application has been received.
Attend a biometrics appointment: USCIS may require you to attend a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. You will receive a notice with your appointment’s date, time, and location.
Wait for processing: USCIS will process your application, which can take months. You can check the status of your application online using the receipt number provided in your notice.
Receive your new green card: Once your application is approved, USCIS will mail your new green card to the address you provided. Your address must be up-to-date to avoid delivery issues.
Common Green Card Renewal Issues and How to Avoid Them
Renewing your green card may seem straightforward, but many applicants make common mistakes that can delay the process. Some of the most frequent issues include:
Incomplete or Incorrect Forms: One of the most common mistakes is submitting Form I-90 with missing or incorrect information. This can lead to delays or a rejection of your application.
Missed Deadlines: Failing to renew your green card in time can result in complications with your legal status, travel, or employment.
Failure to Submit Required Documents: Not including all the necessary supporting documents, like a copy of your current green card or evidence of a name change, can cause processing delays.
Tips to Avoid These Issues:
Double-check your application for completeness before submitting it.
Keep track of the expiration date and apply for renewal within the recommended 6 months before expiration.
Carefully read the instructions and make sure to submit all required documentation.
When to Renew Your Green Card
It's crucial to know the right time to renew your green card. You can apply for a renewal as early as 6 months before your current green card expires. Applying too early, though, may result in delays.
Why Timely Renewal is Important:
Avoid Gaps in Status: If you wait too long to renew your card, you risk a gap in your permanent resident status.
Employment and Travel Issues: Without a valid green card, you may face issues with employment authorization or travel restrictions.
What to Do if Your Green Card Is Lost or Stolen
Losing your green card or having it stolen can be stressful, but it's important to act quickly to avoid complications.
Steps to Take:
File a Report: If your green card is stolen, report it to the police and obtain a copy of the police report.
File Form I-90: Complete Form I-90 to apply for a replacement green card. Be sure to select the correct reason for replacement (e.g., lost or stolen).
Monitor Your Identity: If your card was stolen, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report to protect your identity.
How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?
The processing time for green card renewals can vary. On average, it takes about 6-12 months for USCIS to process a renewal application.
Factors That Can Cause Delays:
Backlog in Processing: USCIS may experience delays due to a high volume of applications.
Missing Documents or Information: If your application is incomplete or contains errors, it may delay the process.
Additional Requests: USCIS may require extra documentation or a biometrics appointment, adding time to the process.
To avoid delays, make sure your application is complete and accurate before submitting it. Keep track of your application status and respond promptly if USCIS requests more information.
Need Help Renewing Your Green Card? Contact us today for expert legal assistance with your I-90 green card renewal. Call (971) 308-5892 or schedule your free consultation online!
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Green cards generally need to be renewed every 10 years. It’s essential to start the renewal process about six months before the expiration date to maintain your legal status and avoid disruptions in your ability to work, travel, or prove your residency status.
The processing time for a green card renewal can range from seven to twelve months, depending on the case and the USCIS’s workload. When you receive your receipt, the USCIS may request additional information or documentation. To safeguard against delays, promptly complying with any USCIS requests is crucial.
If you have a conditional green card, often issued for two years (such as those given to certain spouses of U.S. citizens), you must file a petition to remove the conditions before it expires rather than a standard renewal.
Start Your Green Card Renewal Today! Don't risk delays—get professional help with your green card renewal. Call(971) 308-5892 now or reach out online for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Green Card Renewal
Can I work while my green card renewal is pending? Yes, if you are renewing your green card, you can continue to work legally in the U.S. while your application is pending, as long as your current green card has not expired. However, you should keep a copy of your Form I-90 receipt as proof of your renewal application.
What happens if I miss the deadline to renew my green card? If you miss the deadline to renew your green card, you may experience issues with employment and travel. While you are still a lawful permanent resident, it’s best to renew your green card as soon as possible to avoid complications. USCIS may also charge a penalty in certain cases.
Can I travel outside the U.S. while my green card is being renewed? It is not recommended to travel outside the U.S. while your green card renewal is pending. If you need to travel, you may need to apply for a "Travel Document" (Form I-131) to avoid complications upon re-entry.
How will I know if my green card renewal is approved? Once USCIS processes your renewal, you will receive a notification and your new green card will be mailed to your address. You can track the status of your application through your USCIS account or by using the receipt number provided when you submitted your Form I-90.
Can I still renew my green card if I’ve had legal issues? Yes, you can still apply for green card renewal if you have legal issues, but it’s important to disclose any criminal or legal issues during the application process. USCIS will review your case, and in some situations, it may affect your renewal approval. Consider consulting an immigration lawyer if you have concerns.
Is the green card renewal fee refundable if my application is denied? No, the green card renewal fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. It’s essential to ensure your application is complete and accurate to minimize the chance of denial.
Can my employer help me with the green card renewal process? While your employer may assist with verifying your employment status, they cannot complete the renewal process for you. It is your responsibility to file the I-90 form and handle the necessary steps for renewal.
The Value of Legal Representation for Renewing a Green Card in Salem
Navigating the green card renewal process can be complex and requires attention to detail in preparing and submitting complete information. Our team at Affordable Immigration can provide significant advantages by reducing the likelihood of errors, enabling timely submission of all necessary documents, and offering professional guidance in cases of denial. We have handled thousands of immigration cases for clients since our founding in 2009.
Call (971) 308-5892 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation with our Salem I90 green card renewal attorney.
