A resident alien must provide a valid Form I-551, the Permanent Resident Card, along with a completed Form I-90 for green card renewal. Proof of identity, such as a foreign passport or valid visa, and evidence of continuous residence may also be required. Submitting updated biometric information is typically mandatory during the renewal process.
What Documents Does a Resident Alien Need for Green Card Renewal?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | A resident alien needs the current I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as the primary document when applying for green card renewal to prove lawful permanent resident status. Supporting documents may include a completed Form I-90, proof of identity such as a valid passport or state ID, and evidence of residence to ensure accurate renewal processing. |
| 2 | Form I-90 Receipt Notice | A resident alien needs the Form I-90 Receipt Notice as proof of submission for green card renewal, which confirms that the application to replace or renew the Permanent Resident Card is being processed by USCIS. This notice is crucial for maintaining lawful status and employment authorization while awaiting the new card. |
| 3 | Conditional Resident Evidence Packet | A resident alien must submit the Conditional Resident Evidence Packet, which includes Form I-90, the green card renewal application, and supporting documents such as the expired green card, passport-style photos, and proof of continuous residence. This packet facilitates verification of the individual's eligibility and identity during the green card renewal process. |
| 4 | Alien Registration Number (A-Number) Verification | A resident alien must provide their Alien Registration Number (A-Number) when renewing a Green Card to verify identity and status accurately. This unique identifier, found on the existing Green Card, streamlines processing and ensures eligibility during the renewal application. |
| 5 | USCIS Account Access Data | A resident alien must provide USCIS account access data, including their USCIS online account number or receipt number, when renewing a Green Card to track application status efficiently. Essential documents also include the current Green Card, a completed Form I-90, and proof of residence to verify identity and eligibility. |
| 6 | Biometrics Appointment Notice | A resident alien must bring the Biometrics Appointment Notice, along with a valid photo ID, to the scheduled appointment as part of the green card renewal process. This document is essential for fingerprinting and identity verification required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 7 | Digital Document Uploads for RFE | Resident aliens renewing their green card must upload digital copies of key documents such as the current green card, passport-style photos, and any Requests for Evidence (RFE) responses through the USCIS online portal. Ensuring all submitted files meet USCIS specifications for format and size is critical for timely processing of the renewal application. |
| 8 | Expired/Expiring Card Return Receipt | A resident alien must submit the expired or expiring green card as a return receipt when applying for renewal to prove continuous lawful permanent resident status. This document is crucial for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify identity and eligibility during the green card renewal process. |
| 9 | Electronic Case Status Update | Resident aliens seeking green card renewal must provide their current Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) and proof of identity, while regularly checking the USCIS Electronic Case Status Update online tool for real-time renewal progress. Maintaining access to an active USCIS online account ensures timely notifications and facilitates submission of any additional required documents electronically. |
| 10 | Address Change Confirmation (Form AR-11) | Resident aliens renewing their green card must submit the Address Change Confirmation using Form AR-11 to comply with USCIS requirements. This document verifies the updated residential address, ensuring effective communication and authorization processing during green card renewal. |
Introduction to Resident Alien Green Card Renewal
What documents does a resident alien need for green card renewal? A resident alien must gather specific identification and legal documents to successfully renew their green card. These documents typically include the current green card, proof of residence, and government-issued identification.
Eligibility Criteria for Green Card Renewal
Renewing a Green Card requires a resident alien to meet specific eligibility criteria established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Essential documentation proves identity, continuous residency, and lawful presence to qualify for renewal.
- Valid Green Card - The applicant must submit their current or expired Green Card as proof of lawful permanent resident status.
- Proof of Residency - Documents such as utility bills, tax returns, or rental agreements verify continuous residency in the United States.
- Eligibility Confirmation - Evidence demonstrating no disqualifying factors like criminal convictions or extended absences abroad is required to maintain renewal eligibility.
Overview of Required Documents
Renewing a Green Card requires submitting specific documents to verify identity, residency, and eligibility. Proper documentation ensures the renewal process proceeds without delays or complications.
- Form I-90 - The application for renewing or replacing a Green Card must be accurately completed and submitted.
- Current Green Card - The existing Permanent Resident Card serves as proof of status and must be included in the application.
- Supporting Identification - Valid government-issued IDs or passports confirm the applicant's identity during the renewal process.
Form I-90: Application Process Explained
Resident aliens seeking to renew their green card must submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form is essential for updating or replacing an expired, lost, or damaged green card.
Form I-90 requires specific documentation including a copy of the current green card, proof of identity, and any relevant supporting evidence. The application process involves completing the form online or via paper submission, followed by biometric appointment scheduling. USCIS processes the renewal and sends the new green card upon approval, ensuring continuous lawful residency status.
Supporting Identification Documents Checklist
To renew your green card as a resident alien, you need to provide specific supporting identification documents. These typically include a copy of your current green card, a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver's license, and proof of your residential address like a utility bill or lease agreement. Submitting this checklist ensures that your identity and residency status are verified accurately during the renewal process.
Evidence of Continuous Residence Requirements
Resident aliens renewing their Green Card must provide evidence of continuous residence in the United States. This documentation demonstrates that the applicant has maintained lawful permanent resident status without extended absences.
Accepted evidence includes utility bills, employment records, tax returns, and lease agreements covering the renewal period. Consistent documentation helps establish the continuous presence requirement for Green Card renewal approval.
Additional Documentation for Special Cases
| Special Case | Additional Documentation Required |
|---|---|
| Lost or Stolen Green Card | Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card), police report if applicable, proof of identity (passport, visa), and explanation of loss or theft |
| Change of Name | Legal name change certificate, marriage certificate, court order reflecting the new name, and government-issued IDs showing updated name |
| Extended Travel or Absence from the U.S. | Evidence of continuous residence such as tax returns, employment records, proof of family ties, and documentation explaining the reasons for extended absence |
| Conditional Permanent Residents | Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), evidence of a bona fide marriage if applicable, joint financial documents, affidavits from friends and family |
| Criminal Records | Court records, police reports, certified copies of convictions or dismissals, letters of rehabilitation or character references, and proof of compliance with legal requirements |
| Refugees or Asylees | Documentation of asylum or refugee status, Form I-693 (Medical Examination Report), and supporting evidence for change to permanent resident status |
| Disabled Applicants | Medical certification, proof of disability status, and supporting letters from healthcare providers explaining the condition and impact on residency duties |
Biometrics Appointment and Authorization Procedures
A resident alien must bring the Green Card (Form I-551) and a valid government-issued photo ID to the biometrics appointment for green card renewal. The biometrics appointment involves fingerprinting, photographing, and signature capture to verify identity and conduct background checks. Authorization procedures require the applicant to complete Form I-90, providing personal information and consent to USCIS for processing and renewing the green card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renewal
Renewing a green card as a resident alien requires proper documentation to ensure the process goes smoothly. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays or denial.
- Expired or Damaged Documents - Submitting expired or physically damaged identification can cause rejection of your renewal application.
- Incorrect Form Usage - Using outdated or incorrect forms for green card renewal often results in processing delays or denial.
- Failure to Provide Proof of Residency - Not including valid proof of continuous residence may lead to questions about eligibility for renewal.
Carefully preparing your green card renewal application reduces common errors and improves your chances of approval.
What Documents Does a Resident Alien Need for Green Card Renewal? Infographic
