Renewing Your Green Card - What You Need to Know from Brad Collins's blog

As a lawful permanent resident, it's important to keep your green card up to date. Even though your residency status doesn't expire, your physical card needs to be renewed every 10 years. Not having a valid green card can cause problems with travel, work, and other ID documentation.

Here's a guide to the green card renewal process so you stay in compliance with US immigration rules. Whether your card is expiring soon or has already expired, read on to learn your options.

When should you renew?

Start the renewal process at least 6 months before your card expires. Doing so ensures plenty of time for processing without gaps in ID validation. If you'll be traveling internationally during that window, begin even sooner to account for any delays.

Your green card should have an expiration date printed on the front. Common reasons for earlier replacement include name changes, damaged/lost cards, or if you need to correct information.

Form to use

Lawful permanent residents fill Form I-90 with USCIS to begin their green card renewal online or by mail. Be sure to submit proof of your current residency, such as utility bills, and your expired green card if available.

Conditional residents must use Form I-751 (to remove conditions) or Form I-829 (for entrepreneurs) instead of I-90. Consult an immigration lawyer for the proper process.

Timeline and fees

Processing for I-90 applications can take months due to heavy workloads. Standard fees for Form I-90 are around $540, including biometrics. Check the USCIS fee schedule for the latest amounts as costs are periodically adjusted.

Is your renewal outside the US?

It's possible but not ideal - contact your nearest consulate for guidance. Returning early may pose problems while waiting risks losing your status if denied re-entry on an expired card alone. Consult an immigration attorney for the best approach.

What if your card is lost or stolen?

File Form I-90 right away as proof of identity and residency. You may ask for an "Adit" stamp in your passport as a temporary status placeholder until the renewed card arrives. However, these are only granted under urgent circumstances like new jobs requiring authorization.

Consequences of an expired green card

While your status remains, your physical card expires and can no longer be used as a proper ID. Renew promptly to avoid issues at airports, with employers or licenses.

Meanwhile, there are no fines or penalties for an expired card - just practical barriers to everyday tasks like flying, working, or opening bank accounts that a renewed card eliminates.