If your green card has been through the 10-year expiration period, it’s time for renewal. However, there are two ways of doing this:
How to file for a green card renewal online?
- Initially, you’ll need to create a USCIS account on the USCIS website. If your 10-year is expired or expiring within the next 6 months
- You will need to pay fees electronically right after registration on the website.
- An expired green card doesn’t mean you’re no longer a lawful U.S. permanent resident.
How to file for green card renewal by hand?
- Read the instructions for Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card;
- Complete and sign your Form I-90;
- Pay the filing fee, if applicable; and
- Provide all required evidence and supporting documentation which will mostly require only your soon to expire green card, however, if the documents are stolen or lost. See this guide on the required documentation.
After it’s filed, you are expected to receive an acceptance notification which will also include the renewal notification. The letter will include a 13-character “receipt number” consisting of 3 letters and 10 numbers that you’ll be able to use to check the status of your renewal application.
USCIS will post the sane details on their online website which can also be used to check the status of the same. Within 1–2 weeks after USCIS receives your application, you should also expect to receive notice of a scheduled date for your biometrics appointment (basically, an appointment to take your fingerprints, photo, and signature)
Handling application denial:
While this situation may not persist most of the time if the US government manages to take things forward with denial you should expect a letter stating why. However, if you think the government made a potential mistake, you can take this forward by filing for a motion:
- Submit a motion to request that USCIS reconsider its decision. Be sure to describe any new factual information.
- Seek professional legal help, especially if you have a particularly complicated case. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can help find a licensed immigration attorney near you. The U.S. Department of Justice also accredits certain nonprofit organizations that provide low-cost or free immigration legal services.
