When should I renew my green card?
The answer to this question depends on whether you were issued a:
- Two-year green card, or a
- Ten-year green card
If you were granted a two-year green card, then you were classified as a “conditional” permanent resident.
USCIS issues a 2-year green card when your residency is based on a marriage that was less than two years old on the day you became a permanent resident.
The 2-year green card is used to prevent immigration through fraudulent marriages. It requires that you prove your marriage is bona fide in order to remove the conditions from your status and receive a 10-year green card.
You cannot file to “renew” the 2-year green card.
Instead, you must file a petition to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status.
It’s essential to file this petition (Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions) within the 90-day period before your conditional green card expires.
Upon receipt of your properly filed I-751, USCIS will extend your conditional permanent resident status automatically while your Petition to Remove Conditions is processed.
You will continue to be allowed to live and work in the United States, and can travel internationally, during the I-751 processing period.
If your conditions are not removed, you will lose your permanent resident status and you will become subject to removal proceedings.
Use our Filing Calculator on our website to determine your 90-day filing date. (AWH/TSM add filing calculator link to our website)
If you were granted a 10-year green card, then you were classified as a legal permanent resident (LPR).
If you’re an LPR, you must renew your green card every 10 years.
If your 10-year green card has expired, or will expire within six months of the expiration date listed on it, you may file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) to begin your green card renewal process.
Form I-90 can be filed by mail or online.
Upon receipt of your properly filed I-90, USCIS will extend your permanent resident status automatically for 24 months while your application is processed.
You will continue to be allowed to live and work in the United States, and travel internationally, during the processing period.
Worried about renewing your green card because you have a criminal record history?
There are waiver provisions in immigration law that may allow you to successfully renew your green card.
Contact our experienced attorneys at the Alaska Immigration Law Center before you file to learn more!
Before filing your Form I-90, check to see if you’re eligible to become a U.S. citizen!
At Alaska immigration Law Center, we encourage all legal permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as they’re eligible.
You can use the naturalization eligibility tool on the USCIS website or give us a call at (907) 562-4000 https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/learn-about-citizenship/naturalization-eligibility-tool