Important Points on Green Card Renewals: Processes and Requirements

Important Points on Green Card Renewals: Processes and Requirements The US immigration system issues an alien registration card for permanent residence, informally known as “green card�. With the issuance of a green card, all non-US citizens are privileged to reside and work in the United States for a period of time. Thus, foreigners issued with green cards are encouraged to undergo green card renewals, to update card registration, for a permanent abode in the United States.

Process of Green Card Renewals Every green card is made effective for an indefinite time. However, a proposal to the legislation was passed to include expiration dates to all green cards. Though this is yet a proposal, involved citizens are highly encouraged to undergo green card renewals upon leaving and returning to the United States. This will be facilitated by the Customs Border Protection (CBP). For the renewal process of green cards, filing must be done. The process of filing for the renewal of green cards can be done 180 days prior to its expiration.

Requirements for the Process of Green Card Renewals Cited below are the general requirements and necessary information about green card renewals.

Form l90 In compliance to the standards, green card renewals require the filing of Form l90. Aside from using this form for the renewal and replacement of permanent residence cards, Form l90 could also be used to bring personal information up to date, especially for instances of name modification. However, this form cannot be used to apply for the removal of renewal/ replacement conditions, or to extend the citizen’s residency status.

Form l90 can be downloaded online and filed electronically. You could also obtain in paper form.

Validity and Expiration Date Although green card effectivity is indefinite, permanent citizens with green cards are encouraged to have their cards renewed regularly upon departure and arrival in the United States. Green cards are valid for 10 years.

Lost or Destroyed Green Cards, Name Change and the Renewal Timeframe For all green cards lost or destroyed, the cardholders must fill-out the Form l90 and file it as soon as possible. Upon marriage in the United States, green cardholders must also submit a Form l90 to update their names. It takes about 6 to 12 months for the process to complete.

Proof of Permanent Residence Status Temporary documentation will be provided for the temporary documentation requirement for the cards are subject to green card renewals, until the process completes. This temporary documentation will last for 1 year, prior to its issuance.

Length of Stay outside US territory Green cardholders are allowed to travel outside the United States but are limited to a definite length of stay in foreign territory. Reentry Permit may be considered for travel extension outside US. How to Apply for a Green Card Marriage to a legitimate US citizen Sponsorship of Family Member Sponsorship of a US-based company Through green card investment Through green card lottery Updates on green card renewals should be checked frequently to know the current rules and processes. Visit Green Card Maintenance for more information!