I've been a legal permanent resident since 2008, extended my green card some years ago, but it's expiring in November of this year. Per the U.S. Reddit is not a substitute for a real lawyer. Its a frightening time for immigrants. On Sept. 26, USCIS began printing amended receipt notices for individuals with a pending Form I-90. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. USCIS has recently started a pilot program where one can check on the processing times of their applications/petitionshere. Your current green card expires within six months, Your current green card was lost, stolen, or damaged. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Citizenship and Immigration Services or the Federal Government of the United States. This site provides general information on some commonly encountered immigration matters only and was created to allow you to more simply navigate your completion of immigration paperwork using online software. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 12-month extension of the validity of a Green Card. It is important to keep this in mind if you are applying for citizenship with a limited amount of time left on your green card validity. The Card's expiration will not subject you to authorization to remain in the U.S., but it may stand in the way of such things as: traveling outside the U.S. and re-entering; renewing Do I need to renew the green card just in case I will not get my interview rescheduled this year? The short answer, you do not need to do a thing. I bet USCIS did not tell you that expiration of the card does not affect your status of a Lawful P Before you continue, please understand that: When applying for citizenship, having a valid green card on hand will certainly make the process run more smoothly. Exceptions and restrictions may apply; seeRefund Policy for details. Exceptions and restrictions may apply; see Refund Policyfor details. You can renew your green card any time after it expires, but you must do so before you leave the U.S. if you intend to maintain your lawful permanent residency here. You must also have a valid green card to work for a company in the United States, so if youre changing jobs, youll need to renew before then. Expiration of the card is inconsequential, it does not disqualify you from becoming a citizen, and you are sill a green card holder even though the card expired. When applying for citizenship, having a valid green card on hand will certainly make the process run more smoothly. Failure to have your green card with you is a misdemeanor offense and can be punishable by a fine or imprisonment. (Updated-2022), Replace Lost Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate(2022). Even if your current green card has expired, you should be able to travel outside of the country without having to worry about whether or not you will be able to easily re-enter as long as you have your expired green card and your notice from USCIS of the receipt of your application. Additionally, you could face a misdemeanor charge, with a punishment of a fine of up to $100 or a jail sentence of up to 30 days. Purchase prices do not include applicable government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any. After you submit your permanent resident card renewal application, you will receive a notification of the acceptance of your application by USCIS through the mail. The Card's expiration will not subject you to authorization to remain in the U.S., but it may stand in the way of such things as: traveling outside the U.S. and re-entering; renewing a driver's license; applying for a job; etc. An expiring, expired, or lost green card could cause unwanted problems An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government, To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. If you think the decision to deny your application was made in error, you have options. You will often receive temporary documents that prove your status while waiting for your new green card to arrive. In my experience, I have yet to see a clients Application for Naturalization be denied for failure to adhere to the above rule, although that does not mean such a denial could not take place in the future. Please note that if one has had any interaction with the criminal justice system, no matter how minimal, one must speak to an immigration attorney about it before moving forward with any kind of immigration application or petition. Your email address will not be published. Additionally, any advice found here IS NOT legal advice. Please, if anyone reading this any advice will be much appreciated.I asked online to USCIS in my messages ( 3 days ago ) but no response yet.. We can provide you with all the necessary tools and information to make sure that all of your forms are filled out correctly and streamline the process of naturalization. Dear Angela:My mom is fortunate to have her permanent resident status and has had it for a number of years. All Rights Reserved. You can also choose to seek legal assistance from an experienced immigration lawyer or nonprofit organization that provides legal immigration services for free or at a low cost. Can you file N 400 with expired green card? If she is working with an attorney, she should ask her attorney to make an inquiry to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the status of her application. The USCIS officer will typically place a sticker on your green card that extends its validity for an additional year if you can provide proof that youve started the green card renewal process and that you have an urgent need to travel abroad. By clicking Send you agree to the Terms of UseandPrivacy Policy. It is essential to realize that the renewal process for a green card can be quite lengthy and full of delays. Submit a questionhereand check out previous columns here. Before beginning the process, you must ensure you are eligible. You can work with an expired Green Card. To be clear, if you presented an unexpired, valid green card at the time that your I-9 was originally completed, your employer should not be asking to see new documentation unless your employment was terminated and you are being rehired as a new employee. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. Applying for Citizenship with Expiring Green Card. What does this expiration mean for her status considering her citizenship application is under review? When traveling back into the U.S., they will need to present a valid, unexpired green card. This site provides general information on some commonly encountered immigration matters only and was created to allow you to more simply navigate your completion of immigration paperwork using online software. Purchase prices do not include applicable government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any. Hire Us. Employment Authorization / Work Cards in the U.S. Do I Need to Renew My Green Card If I Am Applying for U.S. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), lawful permanent residents are required to have proof of their right to residency with them at all times. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023Money-Properties. Built using WordPress and the Mesmerize Theme. However, the green card expired while in the process of waiting for 2. Effective Sept. 26, U.S. requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship. With regard to the expiration of her legal permanent residency card (green card, as it is known informally), she should submit an I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) in order to renew her card, as her citizenship process may be further delayed. Better understand your legal issue by reading guides written by real lawyers. Real answers from licensed attorneys. If filing online, you may be able to upload your supporting documents along with your application. Call 60 days before your current card expires and request an infopass appointment. 161 N. Clark Street, Suite 2500Chicago, Illinois 60601, Satellite Offices If your green card expires while you are waiting for citizenship, USCIS may provide you with an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp to prove your status as a green card holder until your citizenship is granted. 19 N County St. Waukegan, IL 60085, Phone: (312) 357-0033 If you face significant financial hardship, you can fill out Form I-912: Request for Fee Waiver to request that the fee for filing Form I-90 be waived. While it is possible to get your citizenship with an expired or lost green card, it is always going to be far simpler if you have a valid, unexpired green card in your possession while going through the naturalization process. While it is sometimes possible to get your citizenship with an expired green card, it could create unnecessary obstacles for you. All Rights Reserved. Prepare your application safely and securely with our Immigration Lawyer and online software to eliminate costly mistakes and file correctly. You will also be able to access this information on your online account. ImmigrationDirect can help you with all of your immigration needs. Another way to understand it is when a US citizens passport expires; their status as a US citizen does not expire, only their passport has. Is my answer "BEST ANSWER" and/or "HELPFUL"? You must meet the following requirements before you can apply for naturalization to become a US citizen: You must be at least 18 years old when you submit the application; You must have been a lawful permanent resident for the previous three or five years, depending on the category you are applying under; Many people who are applying for citizenship with an expiring or expired green card successfully complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Quiz results do not guarantee eligibility or ineligibility as you may or may not be eligible based on reasons not addressed in the quizzes. However, if your card has been lost or stolen, USCIS will likely require that you get a replacement card before they will process your application. However, you could be denied many of the benefits that a green card offers, such as employment or the ability to travel freely. Interview appointment notice. Been a Permanent resident since 2006 married to my wife for 13+ years. Your green card proves your right to permanent residency in the United States. If your green card expires, or is about to expire, while you're waiting for citizenship, you don't need to worry. Your access to and use of this site, including any purchase, is subject to and constitutes your agreement to the websitePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Use. If my Permanent Resident Card expires while I am applying for naturalization, do I still need to apply for a new card? Click to see full answer Can you be deported because of an expired green card? Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. Failure to renew it on time could lead to unwanted consequences. Use our Filing Calculator to determine your 90-day filing date. A lot of immigrants are ready to apply for U.S. citizenship but there are few concerns regarding applying for citizenship with an expired, expiring, or a lost green card. You can also be notified of the acceptance of your application form through text message or email by completing Form G-1145: e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and submitting it along with your green card application. This subreddit is not affiliated with U.S. 920 Davis Rd., Suite 305 Elgin, IL 60123 Your current green card contains incorrect information, whether through a mistake or a change in your personal information. You cannot be deported from the US if your status as a lawful permanent resident is still in effect. Renew your green card and when you receive the It is rarely a good idea to contact the USCIS in order to seek legal advice, and instead you should seek legal advice from an immigration attorney. That said, people who are represented by immigration attorneys in their matters with USCIS have better experience with the "Immigration". Dear Angela: my mom is fortunate to have your green card need do... 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