To renew a green card, applicants must submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, along with a copy of the existing green card. Supporting documents such as a government-issued photo ID and proof of residence may be required to verify identity and address. It is essential to provide accurate information and current documentation to avoid delays in the renewal process.
What Documents Are Necessary for Green Card Renewal?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, requires submission of your current green card, proof of identity such as a government-issued photo ID, and supporting documents like evidence of legal name changes or corrections if applicable. Providing accurate personal information and paying the filing fee are essential to ensure the smooth processing of your green card renewal. |
| 2 | Current Expired or Expiring Green Card (Form I-551) | To renew a Green Card (Form I-551), applicants must submit a completed Form I-90 along with their current expired or expiring Green Card as proof of their lawful permanent resident status. Supporting documents such as a copy of a government-issued photo ID and evidence of any legal name changes should also be included to ensure accurate processing. |
| 3 | Copy of government-issued identity document (if Green Card is lost/stolen) | A copy of a government-issued identity document, such as a valid passport or driver's license, is required for green card renewal if the original green card is lost or stolen. This document serves as proof of identity while the replacement green card application is processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 4 | Police report (if applicable, for lost/stolen card) | For green card renewal, submitting a police report is necessary if the original card is lost or stolen, serving as proof of the incident to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This report helps verify the circumstances surrounding the card's loss or theft, supporting the applicant's request for replacement during the renewal process. |
| 5 | Fee payment receipt | The fee payment receipt is a critical document for green card renewal, serving as proof of timely submission of the required fees to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Maintaining this receipt is essential to avoid delays or complications during the renewal process and to verify payment compliance. |
| 6 | Two passport-style photographs (if required) | Two passport-style photographs are required for green card renewal only if specified in the USCIS instructions for Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. These photographs must meet the official specifications, including size, background color, and recentness, to ensure compliance and avoid processing delays. |
| 7 | Evidence of any name change (court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree) | Evidence of any name change is crucial for green card renewal and must include official documents such as a certified court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree reflecting the legal change. Submitting accurate and verifiable documentation ensures the name on the green card matches current legal identification, preventing delays or denials in the renewal process. |
| 8 | Supporting documentation for biographical changes | Supporting documentation for biographical changes during Green Card renewal includes legal evidence such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, court orders for name changes, and updated birth or death certificates. Providing these documents ensures USCIS accurately reflects personal information changes in the renewed Green Card. |
| 9 | Notice of Action (Form I-797C, if applicable) | The Notice of Action (Form I-797C) is essential for green card renewal as it verifies receipt of your application and provides tracking information for your case. Including Form I-797C with your renewal package ensures USCIS acknowledges prior communications and helps avoid processing delays. |
| 10 | Copy of removal proceedings documents (if in removal/deportation) | A copy of removal proceedings documents, including Notices to Appear (NTA) and immigration court orders, is essential for green card renewal if the applicant is currently in removal or deportation proceedings. Providing these documents ensures proper verification of legal status and ongoing case details during the application review process. |
Understanding Green Card Renewal: An Overview
Renewing a green card requires submitting specific documents to prove your identity and residency status. Understanding the necessary paperwork helps streamline the renewal process and avoid delays.
The primary document needed is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You must also provide a copy of your current green card and any government-issued identification.
Key Legal Requirements for Green Card Renewal
To renew your Green Card, key legal requirements include submitting Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You must provide proof of your current Green Card and evidence of your continuous lawful permanent resident status.
Supporting documents such as a copy of your expiring or expired Green Card and a valid government-issued identification are necessary. If your card was lost or stolen, you must include a detailed explanation or police report. USCIS may also require biometrics for identity verification as part of the renewal process.
Timeline and Eligibility Criteria
To renew your Green Card, it is essential to submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, along with a copy of your current Green Card. Eligibility criteria include being a lawful permanent resident with an expiring or lost card, and the renewal application should be filed within six months before the card's expiration date to avoid delays. Supporting documents such as a government-issued ID and proof of residence may be required to verify your identity and eligibility.
Required Forms and Official Documentation
Renewing your Green Card requires submitting specific forms and official documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The primary form needed is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Supporting documents include a copy of your current Green Card and, if applicable, evidence of any legal name change. Accurate documentation ensures a smooth renewal process and helps avoid delays in receiving your updated permanent resident card.
Supporting Evidence: Proof of Identity and Residency
What documents are necessary to prove identity and residency for your Green Card renewal? You must provide clear supporting evidence such as a valid government-issued photo ID and recent utility bills or lease agreements. These documents establish your continuous residency and identity, which are critical for the renewal process.
Addressing Legal Name Changes and Corrections
Renewing your Green Card requires specific documents, especially when addressing legal name changes or corrections. These documents ensure accurate reflection of your identity in official records.
- Form I-90 - The Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card must be completed to initiate the renewal or correction process.
- Legal Name Change Proof - Submit court orders, marriage certificates, or divorce decrees that legally document your name change.
- Current Green Card - Provide a copy of your existing Green Card as evidence of your permanent resident status.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Submission
When renewing a green card, it is essential to submit Form I-90, a copy of the current green card, and proof of identity such as a government-issued photo ID. Common mistakes during submission include failing to sign the form, submitting incomplete or outdated documents, and neglecting to pay the required fee. Carefully reviewing the application and ensuring all information is accurate helps avoid delays or denial in the renewal process.
Guidelines for Submitting Form I-90
Renewing a Green Card requires submitting specific documentation to ensure the process proceeds smoothly. Guidelines for submitting Form I-90 must be carefully followed to avoid delays.
- Currently valid Green Card - A photocopy of your existing Permanent Resident Card must be included with the application.
- Completed Form I-90 - Fill out the latest version of Form I-90 accurately to request the renewal or replacement of your Green Card.
- Supporting identification documents - Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, to verify identity as required by USCIS.
Legal Implications of Failing to Renew on Time
Renewing a Green Card requires submitting specific documents to ensure continuous legal permanent resident status. Failure to renew on time can lead to significant legal consequences, including delays in travel and employment verification.
- Form I-90 Application - The primary document to file for renewing a Green Card is the USCIS Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
- Current Green Card - A photocopy of the existing Green Card must be submitted as proof of current permanent residency.
- Supporting Identification Documents - Additional documentation such as a copy of a government-issued ID or passport may be required to verify identity.
Timely renewal is essential to avoid potential legal complications such as difficulties re-entering the U.S. or loss of employment authorization.
What Documents Are Necessary for Green Card Renewal? Infographic
