Also, there is a process to obtain a replacement card. If however, your Green Card is lost due to changed eligibility status, then the path to replacement is a bit less guaranteed. Fortunately, we are going to discuss both options below.
Help! I lost my Green Card! As a permanent resident of the United States, your green card is an essential that you must carry with you everywhere. After all, this is evidence of your status as a permanent resident as well as proof that you’re living and working in the United States legally.
As a conditional permanent resident, you are entitled to receive a green card which is valid for a period of two years. However, in order to legally remain a resident in the United States after that two-year period, you must file a petition to remove the conditions in the 90 days before the expiration of your green card. In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how to renew green card after 2 years and the implications if you fail to do so.
As an immigrant in the United States, the Green Card is one of the most important documents you possess since it is proof of your status to live and work legally in the country as well as a necessary document for getting loans of credit, re-entering the country, renewing a driver’s license and other scenarios. The road to obtaining a U.S. Green Card is often long and arduous so once you actually receive it, it’s important to keep it safe. In the event that you need to replace your lost green card, it was stolen or is going to expire within the next six months, we’ve outlined the necessary steps below.
However, there are some requirements that may force you to wait beyond the 5-year standard. If you have lived in the U.S. as a permanent lawful resident for 5 years, you could possibly have to wait even longer to apply for citizenship if:
You did not actually live in the United States for the required amount of time- for most green card holders, that time is a minimum of half of your required years as a permanent resident;
You have not resided at least 3 months in the state or district where you will be filing your application;
You spent more than a year outside the U.S., or
You cannot yet, for any reason, show that you’ve had upstanding moral character for the specified time before applying for citizenship.
General instruction by USCIS
Replacing Conditional Resident Card/Replacing Permanent Resident Card
If you are a permanent resident needing to replace your green card or a conditional resident needing to replace your two-year green card, you can initiate the application process for a replacement card by completing the E-Filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card online, or by filling out a paper Form I-90 and returning it by mail.
Renewing Permanent Resident Card While Inside the United States
If you are a permanent resident and you are inside the United States when your 10-year green card expires or will expire in the next 6 months, you can initiate the renewal process by completing the E-Filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card online. Or you may fill out a paper Form I-90 and return it by mail.
Along with your Form I-90, you must submit a photocopy of your expired or expiring green card. If your name has changed since your card was issued, you must provide documented evidence of this name change (i.e. marriage certificate, adoption decree, court order, etc.).
Renewing Permanent Resident Card from Outside the United States
If your green card will expire sometime in the next 6 months and you are outside the United States but plan on returning within 1 year of leaving, and before the card expires, you must file your application for renewal immediately upon returning to the United States.
If, however, you are outside the U.S. when your green card expires and you did not apply for a renewal card before leaving, you must contact the closest USCIS office, U.S. Consulate, or U.S. port of entry prior to filing Form I-90 for a renewal card.
Getting your green card and becoming a permanent resident of the United States is a wonderful feeling. Thankfully, that status does not expire — once you get your green card, you remain a permanent resident of the United States until you either become a U.S. citizen or you lose or abandon your status.
So the status doesn’t expire, but the green card itself is only good for 10 years, at which point you must renew your green card using form I-90.
note: if you are a conditional permanent resident whose green card is expiring, your status does expire along with the card, and you must file form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to remain in the U.S.).
Even though your permanent resident status doesn’t expire when your card does, problems come up when you let your green card expire. For starters, U.S. law requires that you carry a valid green card with you at all times, and letting your card expire breaks this law and could get you charged with a misdemeanor crime. In addition, four things become difficult or downright impossible with an expired green card:
To do any of these things, you need to show proof of your permanent residency, and an expired green card does not work as proof.
Your best bet is to start the renewal process six months before the card is set to expire, thereby avoiding these headaches in the first place.
But, of course, mistakes happen. Maybe you didn’t realize the expiration date was near, or perhaps you didn’t have the $540 fee to renew. For whatever reason, you may find yourself with an expired green card on your hands. Let’s look at these four common problems that arise from an expired green card and their solutions.
Immigration Topics Explained:
Renewing an Expired or Expiring Green Card
Officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, your green card is physical proof of your right to live and work in the United States. It’s also an essential document for re-entering the United States after a trip abroad, obtaining employment, getting a home loan, and even renewing a driver’s license. In fact, you are legally required to carry proof of your permanent resident status with you if you are age 18 or older. Generally, you should renew a green card if your card is already expired or will expire within the next six months. Once you’ve submitted the green card renewal application, it will likely take several months to get a new card. However, there is a solution to help you get temporary proof of your permanent resident status quickly.
Green Card Renewal Application
Permanent residents use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, for green card renewal. File the application if your card is expired or will expire within the next six months. Other valid reasons to use this application include:
Generally, you must be physically present in the United States to renew a green card. If you’re outside the United States, you can likely use an expired green card to board a transportation carrier to return to the United States as long as your departure date was less than one year ago. Check with your airline or other carrier. If they will not board you, you may need to file Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation), to obtain temporary travel documentation for the purpose of boarding a transportation carrier and returning to the United States.
Do not use Form I-90 to renew a conditional green card. Certain individuals who obtained permanent residence through marriage may have a two-year conditional green card. You must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence.
Steps to Extend the Validity of Your Expired Green Card
Our customers generally report shorter processing times, but typical Form I-90 processing times exceed 8 months. You may need more urgent proof of permanent resident status to travel abroad, renew a driver’s license, get a new job, or apply for a mortgage. In these cases, you can get temporary proof. It’s not a temporary green card, but it is valid evidence of of your status and is the equivalent of a card.
Prepare and File Form I-90
For green card renewal, you’ll need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and a $540 filing fee with USCIS. You may download the application directly from USCIS.gov and prepare it on your own. Or use CitizenPath’s Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package to make it easy. We provide a low-cost service that helps you prepare the application in about 15 minutes. The service helps to eliminate common I-90 errors, delays and rejections. We even guarantee USCIS approval.
Get Your Receipt Notice
USCIS is automatically extending the validity of green cards for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90 correctly. Approximately 2 to 4 weeks after filing Form I-90, USCIS will mail you Form I-797C, Notice of Action. This “receipt notice” is an important document. It’s proof that USCIS has accepted your Form I-90 application. It is also a 24-month extension of the validity of the green card.
The receipt notice will say, “This notice provides evidence of your lawful permanent resident status for 24 months from the expiration date on your Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card). You remain authorized to work and travel. This notice, presented with your expired Permanent Resident Card, is evidence of your status and work authorization.”
If you’ve lost your card or it expired more than two years ago, USCIS does not issue a temporary card. However, you can request an I-551 stamp in your valid, unexpired passport. The stamp is the equivalent of a green card. You may use it for work or travel as well.
Use Your NOA and Expired Card Together
The Notice of Action (receipt notice) is your temporary evidence until you receive the new card. Present the receipt notice together with an expired green card as evidence of permanent resident status. You’ll be able to use the letter and expired card as a valid green card for activities such as accepting U.S. employment or to re-enter the United States.
To see what happens after filing Form I-90 in more detail, review the I-90 processing time. You can also check processing times on the USCIS website.
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
Use Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) to renew a green card that is expired or is already expired. Each year, USCIS rejects or denies thousands of I-90 applications. Therefore, it’s important to get it right.
each year an average of
I-90 applications are filed*
out of these
How CitizenPath Helps You with Green Card Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you begin the replacement process, it’s important to search everywhere imaginable for your green card. After all, the process is neither free nor quick. This means that if you could spend just an hour or two searching for it, you should.
If you can’t find it, it’s best to begin this process as quickly as possible. Doing so will ensure that you receive your new green card and are able to carry it once again for proof of your legal residency and work status.
File a Police Report
Prior to actually beginning the replacement process, it’s important to report that you lost your green card. Doing so will ensure that no other individual will be able to use the card for illegal purposes and means you won’t be responsible for anyone who tries to.
You should visit your local police station, or call over the phone if you prefer, to file a police report with your local police department. Many police departments will require you to provide copies of the missing documents along with other supporting documents containing additional information of your green card.
Some choose to skip this step, but you shouldn’t. In fact, a police report is often required as you complete the process to replace your green card. As such, it’s vital to take just an hour to file your own police report.
Collect Supporting Documentation
As you prepare to apply for your new green card, it’s important to collect supporting documentation. This documentation will be necessary at different points of the application process, so gathering it early will only make it simpler as you move forward.
A few examples of documentation you should put together include:
By doing this early in the process, you won’t have to waste time later on compiling the documents you need. This can make the process much quicker (not to mention easier for you).
Contact the U. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS Office Where You First Applied for Your Green Card
While it’s essential to notify your local police of your missing green card, it’s also important to notify the embassy, consulate, or USCIS office where you first applied for your green card and/or received your immigration visa.
Once you’ve contacted the office, you will need to provide specific information regarding where you applied or the approval of your Form I-90 application.
If you’re outside of the United States when you lose your green card, you should immediately contact the U.S. embassy, consulate, or USCIS office in your area. This will streamline the entire process and provide the same protective measures as notifying your local police if you’re in the U.S. when you lose your green card.
Applying to Replace Your Permanent Resident Card
Once your police report is filed, you’ve prepared all necessary documents, and notified the embassy, consulate, or USCIS office you’re finally ready to take the most important step: Actually replacing your green card!
You will replace your green card with Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. As a legal permanent resident, there are only two parts of the form you must fill out, each with multiple sections:
Part 1
Information About You – The first few sections require personal information such as your alien registration number, name, address, gender, date and place of birth, and information about your mother and father.
Part 2
Type of Application – You will select why you’re applying and indicate that your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, issued but never received, or mutilated (i.e. partially destroyed).
For most applicants, the form costs $365 to file. This doesn’t include the necessary biometric service fee of $85 so you will pay $450 in total to replace your green card. The biometric service fee is required when you appear in person to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature to confirm your identity. During this interview, you may also be asked questions about your criminal records or other identification-related matters. The interview is scheduled once your application has been received at a designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) in your area.
How Do I Prove That My Marriage is Legitimate?
In order to successfully have your conditions removed on a marriage-based green card, you will need to show that your marriage is bona fide and that it was not fraudulent with the purpose of circumventing immigration law. Here are some things that can help prove your case:
When To Replace Your Green Card
If any of the above situations are applicable to you as a conditional permanent resident or lawful permanent resident then you should file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card online through myaccount.uscis.gov or by mailing your I-90 to the address below:
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attention: I-90
1820 E. Skyharbor, Circle S, Floor 1
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
What about RFEs?
If the USCIS sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE), then that means that something on your petition raised their suspicions. This could be the result of insufficient or conflicting evidence.
If you do receive an RFE, you have a window of time in which to respond. Missing this window could result in the denial of your petition to renew your green card after 2 years. To make sure that a sufficient response is given within the timeframe, bring your RFE to your immigration attorney as soon as possible.
A Lost Green Card — Physical Copy
If you are reading this, you are probably in full panic mode because you may have just lost your Green Card. Or worse yet, your Green Card has been stolen. So, what happens if you lose your Green Card or someone steals it? Is it possible to replace a lost Green Card? How do you replace your lost card? What is the replacement process like?
Thankfully, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) department offers a clear and streamlined process to help you get a replacement Green Card. And to further help you, we will provide clear instructions on how to best replace your lost, or possibly stolen Green Card.
Before we proceed, it is important to note that other than the Green Card being lost or someone stealing it, USCIS denotes ten (10) additional categories in which you may need to replace your Green Card. For example, your card may destroyed or damaged due to fire, washing, or accidental, partial shredding or tearing. If any of this happens, your Green Card is no longer valid proof your legal residency and must be replaced. Other categories in which you need to replace your Green Card include:
Now, lets discuss the process to replace your Green Card. The first thing you will need to do is file Form I-90. You can file this form online or by paper copy via mail. The form is a relatively simple 8-pager that asks for basic biographic information and reasons for filing. Only the first 5 pages are necessary, while the last three pages are for additional information, like interpreter information. As with every USCIS form, ensure that you are using the proper edition. As of this writing, both the 6/30/15 and 12/29/14 editions are accepted. Of course, include all requested documentation to help forego any delays.
Filing form I-90 costs anywhere from $85-$450. The wide gap is because some teenagers only have to pay the biometric services fee, while others have to pay the total amount. This fee includes the $365 filing fee and an $85 biometric fee. Of great importance, you might not have to pay a fee. If USCIS made a mistake and you received a card with incorrect information or never received your card, you will be exempt from the fee. Of course, you have to provide evidence that the error was USCIS’s and not yours. Also important to know, you are not allowed to file online if you are applying for a fee waiver. If filing by mail, your payment options are limited to only check or money order. More conveniently, filing online offers payment flexibility with options to pay by either credit or debit card, or a United States bank account.
If by slight chance you find your card after you file from I-90, you are allowed to withdraw the application. However, you will not be refunded the application fee. So, make sure you really need a replacement card before wasting $450.
Lost Green Card While Traveling
Because permanent residents are permitted to travel outside of the United States, you may lose your card or have it stolen abroad. If you are traveling and lose your Green Card, you must report to the nearest United States Consulate before filing your form I-90. The consulate will help advise you on any special protocols you have to take since you will be filing from outside of the country. If approved, you will receive your new Green Card via mail.
How Is This Different From Renewing?
When you renew a 10-year unconditional green card, you will file the I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Note that the operative word is “replace”. This form is used primarily when a green card is expiring. However, conditional residents and unconditional residents alike often use the I-90 to replace any green card if it is stolen, lost, or damaged, if it has incorrect information on it, if the USCIS issued you a green card but you never received it, or if your personal information has changed.
So, ultimately, you cannot technically “renew” a conditional temporary green card. It requires a different set of forms, different fees, and different supporting evidence. Instead, you are removing the conditions on your green card.
How Much Will It Cost?
Like with many forms that are filed with the USCIS, a filing fee is put into place for each submitted iteration of the form.
Is Your Petition Approved?
If your petition was approved the good news is that you’ll be sent a new permanent resident card which will be valid for a period of ten years. You will not necessarily need to file
My Card Has No Expiration Date
In some cases, your card may not have an expiration date printed on the front of it. If that’s the case then you have an old version and most of these are no longer valid. USCIS strongly recommends replacing this with the newest card available. Contact VisaNation Law Group attorneys to learn the best way to replace it.
Applying for U. Citizenship with an Expired Green Card
What happens if you are in the process of applying for citizenship when your card expires? Your green card is just proof that you are a permanent resident, and even when the card expires, you are still a permanent resident of the U.S. For this reason, many people decide to apply for citizenship when their green card expires, or simply not bother to renew their card if they are waiting to hear from USCIS on a decision about their citizenship application. While USCIS policy fluctuates on their acceptance of this practice, on its own, lack of a current green card should not interfere with your naturalization approval.
In general, however, it is best to keep your green card renewed. Carrying a valid green card with you all the time is one of the responsibilities of being a permanent resident. And while several factors are involved in determining the timeline for citizenship approval, the process typically takes months. If you go for months without a valid green card, you could have trouble keeping your job, finding new work, or reentering the United states after traveling overseas. So, if you don’t want to renew your green card, play it safe and apply for citizenship more than 6 months before your green card will expire (but as soon as you are eligible).
*A Special Note About an Expired Conditional Green Cards*
An expired conditional resident card is an entirely different situation than the case discussed above. The expiration date on a conditional green card is also the expiration of your status. When your conditional green card expires, you must petition to have those conditions removed and convert your status to permanent resident. You will then need to accumulate more time as a permanent resident before applying for U.S. citizenship. The conditions placed on your conditional green card will dictate the form and process by which you may have those conditions removed.
If you have any questions or concerns about any legal incidents that could interfere with your application for green card renewal or your application for citizenship, you should contact an immigration attorney before proceeding with any of the processes discussed above.
Three main problems present themselves when you’re trying to travel with an expired green card.
Problem #1
Most airlines will not let you fly if your green card is expired. You can purchase a ticket, but they could refuse to board you at the gate if they wish.
Solution: As soon as you realize your card is expired, file form I-90, the green card renewal application. Two to three weeks after you file the I-90 you’ll receive a Notice of Action (aka form I-797), which verifies you are in the process of renewing your green card.
Then find out if the airline will accept the Notice of Action along with your expired green card to fly with them; many do.
Problem #2
Customs & Border Protection may not let you re-enter the U.S. Anytime someone who is not a U.S. citizen tries to enter the U.S., they are subject to an immigration review. Part of this review is showing proof of lawful permanent residency, and an expired green card is not acceptable proof. At best you’re looking at a long delay and an expensive re-entry fee; at worst, you could be denied re-entry.
Solution: As soon as you realize your card is expired, file a renewal application, form I-90. Then, schedule an appointment with your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office to get a temporary I-551 stamp inside your passport (note: you will likely be required to show the USCIS officer your Notice of Action that proves you filed your green card renewal application). The I-551 stamp indicates you have permanent resident status for a year from the date of the stamp. A passport with a temporary I-551 stamp is acceptable proof of permanent residency to re-enter the U.S. at Customs & Border Protection.
Problem #3
Your green card expires or gets lost, stolen or damaged while you are abroad. Perhaps you didn’t realize the expiration date was approaching when you traveled outside the U.S., or maybe your green card was lost, stolen or damaged during your travels. Still, you’ll have the same problem when trying to re-enter the U.S. at Customs & Border Protection — no valid proof of residency.
Solution: Find your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and file form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (aka Carrier Documentation). This document lets you re-enter the U.S. if you’ve been overseas for less than one year and your green card has been lost, stolen or damaged.
How to Remove Conditions
As a conditional permanent resident, you need to file a petition in order to remove the conditions 90 days prior to your conditional card expiring in order to remove your conditions
What happens if I don’t file on time?
If you do not file within those 90 days to renew your green card after 2 years, then your permanent resident status will be revoked. This means that you won’t be in legal status, otherwise known as “out of status”.
Because being considered “out of status” may result in serious consequences such as a temporary bar from re-entry into the U.S., meeting this deadline is very important. In certain instances, a late filing may be allowed with the help of a qualified immigration attorney.
Want to Learn More?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Questions and Answers on Appeals and Motions
Are you eligible to apply for renewal?
Are you currently living in the United States?
Did you enter the United States with an active visa or green card?
Are you married to a US citizen?
Which of these options best describes your Green Card?
Did you obtain the Green Card through marriage?
Is your Green Card going to expire in the next 6 months?
Is your Green Card going to expire in the next 10 months?
What type of Green Card do you have?
What is your Green Card issue date?
What is your Green Card expire date?
What is your Green Card Category Code?
Do you have a Driver License?
Do you understand English and agree to review the entire application before signing and submitting to the USCIS?
Are you sure that you do not understand English or do not agree to review the entire application before signing and submitting to the USCIS?
You are probably not eligible to apply.
If you would like to apply for a Green Card, instead of a Renewal, we can help you.
You are eligible to renew your Green Card online!
The rules for getting and renewing a driver’s license vary by state, but all 50 states have one thing in common: They all require proof of identity and residency to obtain a driver’s license. A valid green card satisfies this requirement; an expired one does not.
Solution: Contact your state’s department of motor vehicles to find out if you can use a passport with the I-551 stamp as valid proof of identity/residency. The instructions to get the stamp are outlined in both sections above.
Should I Renew my Green Card or Apply for U. Citizenship?
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you will have been given a photo identification card (your green card) that has an expiration date. The expiration date on your permanent green card will be 10 years from the day you were approved for permanent residence. Just prior to the card’s expiration, the green card holder is expected to apply for renewal.
If your green card will expire within the next 6 months, you might be wondering if you should renew it or apply for U.S. citizenship. There are some factors that will influence your decision. First, you must determine if you are eligible for citizenship. If you’ve been a green card holder for at least 5 years, maintained a residence in the U.S. for much of that time, and can demonstrate upstanding moral character, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship. And per any one of the exceptions listed above, some asylees, refugees, spouses of U.S. citizens, and some other immigrants may not have to wait 5 years before applying.
Before you decide whether to renew your green card or apply for citizenship, you should consider if you are prepared for all the responsibilities that come with being a U.S. citizen. As a green card holder, you have become accustomed to the rights to live, work, and travel freely inside the U.S. However, green card holders can’t vote or stay outside the U.S. for very long without risking abandonment of their residency. Green card holders also risk losing their residency rights if they do not inform USCIS about changes in their address, or if they participate in criminal activity or acts of terrorism or espionage. Additionally, because many federal programs enforce a 5-year waiting period on green card holders before they can receive benefits, green card holders may not always be eligible for the same assistance available to U.S. citizens.
If, however, you do not meet the qualifications for U.S. citizenship, or decide not to naturalize at this time, you will need to renew your green card. Your permanent residence does not expire when your green card does, but allowing your green card to expire could cause you problems, including loss of your rights to live, work, and travel freely within the United States. Most people will renew their green card by filing Form I-90 within 6 months of its date of expiration. However, different cases may have special circumstances. For instance, a conditional green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen will require Form I-751 and a conditional green card based on a financial investment will require Form I-829.
If you decide to apply for your U.S. citizenship, you must file Form N-400 through the USCIS. Once you have submitted your completed form, USCIS will check it for completeness and accuracy and will send you a receipt notice once they begin processing it. You will then be contacted about your naturalization interview and test. Most immigrants will be required to attend a biometrics appointment. In most cases, the interviewing USCIS officer will be able to tell you the results of your interview and test as soon as you have completed them. If you passed, the officer will give you information about your oath ceremony where you will pledge allegiance to the flag and become a United States citizen.
A successful application for U.S. citizenship requires passing the USCIS interview and citizenship test. To effectively interview and pass the test, you will need to have good English skills- reading, writing, and speaking. You will also need to have an understanding of some basic American government and history facts. All the information you will need to know can be found online. It might also be helpful to register for citizenship classes. There, not only will you learn the facts you need to pass the civics test, but you can also get some practice using conversational English, which will help you during your interview.
- Determine whether you are already a U.S. citizen. If you are not a citizen by birth, or did not acquire or derive citizenship from your parents automatically after your birth, proceed to step 2.
- Determine whether you are eligible to apply for citizenship. If so, proceed to step 3.
- Download and complete your Form N-400.
The process for getting a mortgage is the same for permanent residents as it is for U.S. citizens, and every lender is going to require either proof of citizenship or proof of permanent resident status before they will give you a mortgage. Of course, if your green card has expired, you can’t provide this.
And that could mean losing your loan and losing the house you wanted while you wait for your renewal to go through.
File I-90 Online to Replace or Renew Green Card
It’s typically better to file online through your USCIS online account because you can also pay your filing fee, check the status of your case and receive notifications of updates, respond to requests for evidence and much more. Your attorney or representative can also handle this for you through the online portal on your behalf. After you complete the form I-90 and sign it, you will need to submit it along with any required supporting documents and the filing fee. It is a good idea to submit Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, at the same time as filing Form I-90. What Form G-1145 does is requests that USCIS send you a email or text notification when they have received your application. The form is very simple to fill out and asks for the applicant/petitioner’s full name, email address and mobile phone number for texting.
E-Notifications do not include any personal information, including your name, because email and text message are not secure ways for us to transmit this information. The notification will list your receipt number and tell you how to obtain case status information.
When your application is approved, your new green card will be mailed to you. Note that you can only fill out the I-90 while in the United States. If you are overseas you need to wait until you return to the United States before requesting a replacement.
If you are a conditional resident trying to remove conditions on your green card you need to file either Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (for green card obtained through marriage) or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (green card obtained through financial investment in U.S. business).
If you lost your Green Card and are a conditional permanent resident or lawful permanent resident in the United States then you should file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card online or by mail. In the event that you need to travel outside of the United States before you obtain your replacement card, then you should call your local USCIS office and make an appointment to request an I-551 stamp in your passport. This stamp will serve as temp proof of your permanent residence in the U.S. and is valid for 1 year. If you are outside of the United States and lost your Green Card (as a lawful permanent resident) then you need to obtain a travel document otherwise known as carrier documentation by filing Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document and taking it to a local U.S. embassy or consulate near you. This travel document will allow you board an airplane or other transportation.
Should I tell the police if my Green Card was stolen or lost?
If your Green Card was stolen or lost it may be wise to file a report since it can be used as a record when filing Form I-90 and if there are attempts made by someone else to use your identify with the Green Card.
How long does it take to replace a lost Green Card?
While the exact timeframe is uncertain due to USCIS backlogs, it can take 10-12 months or longer to replace a lost green card. You can always check case processing times for your specific field office or service center. If there are errors on your I-90 it can take even longer. For that reason, it is best to have legal documents prepared by an immigration professional.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Green Card?
In some cases, the Green Card replacement fee can be waived (see section above) but typically the cost is $455 plus $85 for the biometric service fee.
Can I apply for citizenship if I lost my Green Card?
The good news is you can apply for citizenship even if you green card is stolen/lost. Of course, you should file for a replacement with Form I-90 but you do not need to have received the replacement card in order to file for citizenship. Approximately 2 weeks after filing for the replacement, you will get Form I-797C Notice of Action which is a receipt letter. After receiving that, you can file your Application for Naturalization (Form N-400). We should clarify that a conditional Green Card is a different situation. If you were granted a Conditional Green Card due to a marriage then it will only be valid for two years. Ninety days before your Conditional Green Card expires you should file Form I-751, with your spouse.
Can I travel without my Green Card?
You are permitted by USCIS to travel while you are awaiting your Green Card but you should obtain a temporary travel document also called advanced parole (must be valid for the entire time you will be traveling), by filing out Form I-131.
It is not wise to leave the United States before obtaining the advance parole document because it will be considered ‘abandoned’ by USCIS.
If you are seeking immigrant status (a Green Card) and depart the United States without the appropriate documentation (i.e. advance parole) you may be inadmissible to the United States upon return, or even if admitted, you may be found to have abandoned your application.
What do I need to bring with me to the USCIS I-551 stamp appointment?
If you have not received your replacement Green Card yet and need to travel outside of the United States or need urgent temporary proof of status, then you need to contact your local USCIS office and make an appointment to request an I-551 stamp, also known as a Alien Documentation Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp.
How long does it take to get the I-551 stamp?
While the time to receive the stamp may vary based on urgency and the case, many people can get the stamp in 2-4 weeks. If possible, it is advised to delay your trip until you receive it than to travel oversees with a Green Card that is expired.
Does my employer need to known if I lost my Green Card?
If your current employer does not ask then you do not need to tell them but if they request proof of employment authorization again then you will need to disclose what happened and hopefully by that point you will have already filed for a replacement card and they will be understanding.
What is the Processing Time?
Once the USCIS receives your petition, you should receive a notice of receipt in the mail about 2 or 3 weeks after you file. This receipt is not approval and it does not renew your green card.
A few weeks later, you should be given a notice that includes your biometric service appointment date. When you go to this appointment, your fingerprints will be recorded and your background will be checked. Be sure to bring a form of photo identification such as a passport or driver’s license to your appointment.
Up to four months after your biometrics appointment, you may be asked to go in for an interview with an immigration officer to determine if your marriage or business is bona fide. This requirement is sometimes waived if your petition makes it apparent that your intentions are legitimate.
If your petition using either one of these channels is successful then the conditional status of your green card will be removed and USCIS will issue you a 10-year green card. If your petition is denied, then the USCIS should send you the reasons for the denial by mail.
Ways to Renew Your Green Card
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How VisaNation Law Group Attorneys Can Help
Looking to renew green card after 2 years? Do you need to renew your permanent resident card after 10 years? VisaNation Law Group lawyers have years of experience in many aspects of employment green cards, marriage green cards, and investment-based permanent resident cases.
They offer comprehensive consultations to explore the details of your case and then determine the appropriate solution. Again, helping their clients renew their conditional green cards is something we’re quite familiar with and can begin the process immediately. The most important aspect to keep in mind is the expiration date because it adds additional challenges into the equation when trying to renew your card after the expiration period.
Have additional questions about how to renew green card after 2 years in the United States? Fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation today.
What is a Permanent Resident Card
A permanent resident card, as the name implies, is a document which serves as proof of your permanent resident status in the country. While some permanent resident cards (green cards) do not indicate an expiration date, the vast majority have a validity period of ten years.
Conditional permanent resident cards differ in the sense that they’re valid for only two years. These are typically issued in marriage cases when the marriage is less than 2 years old. On a less-common basis, conditional permanent resident cards are issued to entrepreneurs that obtained permanent resident status through the EB-5 green card category.
This time is usually seen as a temporary probationary period with the intention of testing whether your method of entering the U.S. was a legitimate one.
Why Wasn’t I Issued a Lawful Permanent Resident Card?
Many people try to take advantage of the marriage-based visa system by marrying fraudulently. Conditional permanent resident cards are issued to these types of marriages to ensure that they are bona fide. On that same note, some fraudulent entrepreneurs fabricate their business in order to enter the U.S., this process is to deter those that would abuse this system.
It’s vital to ensure that your card is valid at all times to ensure that you can prove your legality in the U.S. If not, you could seriously jeopardize your ability to work or travel in the country. For that reason, it is important that you remove the conditions on your status and get a 2 year green card renewal as soon as possible.
It is important to realize that this is not technically a renewal. Your conditional green card cannot be renewed. Instead, the conditions are removed and a new 10-year green card is issued. This distinction is important because the process of removing conditions is different than the process of renewing a 10-year green card. You will need to demonstrate the authenticity of your case.
Everyone who starts a new job in the U.S. must file a form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification form, with their employer. The I-9 verifies your identity and permission to work in this country. Before or on your first day of work, your employer will ask you to fill out the form and present a valid green card. Of course, if your green card is expired, you don’t have valid proof of residency, and you won’t be able to start your job.
Solution: The I-551 stamp to the rescue again. The only way you’ll be able to legally start at a new job (besides waiting for your green card renewal to go through) is to get a temporary I-551 stamp inside your passport, which proves you have permanent resident status for a year from the date of the stamp. The instructions to getting a I-551 stamp are outlined in the solution to problem #2, above — “Customs & Border Protection may not let you re-enter the U.S.” But we’ll recap them again here:
Two important things to note
2. It currently takes USCIS more than a year to process a renewal application. When we spoke to USCIS in June 2017, the time to process a green card renewal application was 13 months. The I-551 stamp is only good for one year, however. If you filed to renew your green card and got an I-551 stamp as a temporary solution to prove permanent residency, and that one year time period is almost up and you still haven’t received your renewed green card, you’ll have to get another I-551 stamp. The process is the same as the steps above.
Renew your green card before it expires
The best solution is to avoid these problems in the first place and begin the green card renewal process six months before your card is set to expire. SimpleCitizen can help you prepare and submit form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. We can even have it reviewed by a professional immigration lawyer. Start a Green Card Renewal Application today.
What if I am No Longer Married
Life does not always go as planned, so there are often instances where marriages end before the 2-year conditional period is over. This does not necessarily nullify your green card, but you will need to show that, regardless of the means of termination, you entered into the marriage in good faith and without the intention of committing fraud. Through this, you may be able to obtain a waiver that allows someone other than the sponsor to remove the conditions.
Here are some circumstances that we have encountered when someone is trying to remove the conditions on a 2-year green card:
If your divorce is in the process of taking place, you will need to wait until the divorce is finalized. As the beneficiary, you are a conditional resident. Therefore you cannot file an I-751, your sponsor must. If your sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so, then you must qualify under one of the above circumstances in order to have your conditions removed. In any of these cases, it is important to have an experienced immigration attorney look over your situation to help you support your case. This is especially true if you plan to use the extreme hardship case because those are heavily scrutinized.
Documents to Renew Green Card After 2 Years
As a conditional resident, in order to renew your green card after 2 years, you must submit:
Processing Your Application
Once you’ve submitted your application, the appropriate authorities will review your request. During this review process, you may be contacted to provide additional information – such as biometrics, an additional interview, or original documents of copies you’ve provided – for approval.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive your new green card in the mail. If for any reason your application is denied, you will receive the reason for denial in the mail.
Should your application be denied, you cannot take steps to appeal the decision. Your only option is to submit a motion to reopen the application to have your case reconsidered.
If you choose to submit a motion, you must do so and establish that the decision to deny your application was due to the incorrect application of law or immigration policy. Further, you must establish what new facts (i.e. information) you would provide if your case is reopened and what document-based evidence you can offer to support your motion.
The team at SimpleCitizen strongly believes that the immigration process should be simple for all individuals. As such, we hope that you’ve found this article helpful regarding what to do should you lose your green card or if it is stolen.
If you have any questions, please reach out to a member of our team for the assistance you need. We look forward to supporting you with the information and other resources you require for all of your immigration needs!
Replacement Green Card Filing Fee
There are a few cases in which the Green Card replacement fee can be waived but normally the cost is $455 plus $85 for the biometric service fee. If you are filing Form I-90 by mail then you can pay this fee with a check (personal or cashier’s), money order, or credit card (use Form G-1450).
You do not need to pay the filing fee if:
Below is a convenient chart provided by USCIS that indicates which filing fees you are responsible for based on the reason.
