Understanding what you need to do to renew your green card can be confusing and overwhelming, but San Diego immigration lawyers are here to simplify the process. Read carefully to understand the crucial steps to take and ensure your renewal process goes smoothly.
Conditional and permanent residency cards issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have expiration dates, but only the green card can be renewed. Ideally, you wouldn’t need to worry about expiration dates if you are on a solid path to obtaining the highest immigration benefits possible. As a conditional resident, you must focus on filing a Form I-751 petition so you can enjoy greater freedom and opportunity after the conditions are removed. As a permanent resident, the upcoming expiration of your green card should prompt you to think about your options for naturalization.
You can start the green card renewal process six months prior to the expiration date, on which you must be in the United States. If you happen to be outside of the U.S. when your card expires, you will have to apply through the American consulate overseas, and you may have to retain an immigration attorney to help you with this situation.
As long as you are in the U.S., you can start the process by completing USCIS Form I-90, which you can file electronically or in paper form. Filing online allows you to track the status of your petition, and it also lets your attorney handle the entire process on your behalf. Filing online also means being able to pay electronic via debit or credit card as well as by check transfer. You will be able to upload scanned images of support documents, including valid state-issued identification, your passport, and a copy of the Notice of Action you received before your card was issued.
As of late 2016, the green card renewal fee was $455. There is an additional $85 you must pay for fingerprinting, which you will have to obtain from a police station or approved biometrics provider.
The Form I-90 is eight pages long and is very similar to the Form I-485. You may be called for an appointment if your name has changed or if USCIS officials have questions about your travel patterns. Otherwise, your new green card will be mailed to you in about six weeks.
If you are interested in learning about green card services in San Diego, contact the immigration law experts at KS Visa Law at 858-874-0711. We would be happy to guide you through the process of obtaining your green card.
