Legal Topics

Author: Hetal Bansal on Feb 24,2025

Green Card Renewal Legal Steps to Stay Compliant 2025

Green Card, which means a Permanent Resident Card, is a legal, permanent status that grants noncitizens the right to live and work in the United States. It, however, is not a one-time document. Conditional Green Cards expire in two years and Green Cards usually expire every ten years. You need to renew your Green Card to remain legal, even if the expiration date has not arrived. The renewal process entails various legal steps and it is essential to remain enlightened on immigration law updates to avoid facing a charge of being an illegal alien.

Keeping your Green Card updated timely avoids complications such as showing your legal status becomes difficult, inability to work, and your problem while traveling. The process much remain the same in 2025, but some changes in immigration policies could influence processing times or rules. If you understand what is involved, it will be easy to go through this system.

When to Renew Your Green Card

Checking Your Green Card Expiration Date

Checking the expiration date on the Green Card is crucial. It is advisable to start renewing a minimum of six months before the date of expiry. It allows enough time to beat the expiry card problem. If you already have an expired fulfilling your Green Card, you should apply for a new one right away. An expired Green Card can cause problems while proving your legal status as a permanent resident while you remain resident.

Conditional Green Cards and Renewal

Marriage-based Green Cards and investor-based Green Cards are conditional for two years. Rather than renewal, you must file Form I-751 (for marriage-based Green Cards) or Form I-829 (for investor-based Green Cards) for the removal of conditions. However, this process has to be followed within 90 days of the date of expiration.

Steps to Renew Your Green Card

Step 1: Complete Form I-90

To renew your Green Card, the first step is to do Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form can be filed either online or by mail and is available on their website.

If filled out incorrectly, it will not be accepted when applying for Form I-90. Processing can be delayed by mistakes or omission of details. To verify your date of entry into the U.S., you will need to give your Alien Registration Number (A Number), in addition to providing other details related to your Green Card such as expiration and issue dates.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Usually, you also need to submit Form I-90 along with the supporting documents proving your identity and eligibility. The required documents may include:

• A copy of your current Green Card (front and back)
• A passport-style photo (if required)
• Categories such as your name has changed (marriage certificate or court order)

Suppose your Green Card was lost, stolen, or damaged. In that case, you may have to furnish something more proof that this has happened.

Step 3: Pay the Renewal Fee

As of 2025, the amount to be paid as a standard filing fee to file Form I-90 is $455 followed by a biometrics fee of $85 totaling $540. There are many ways to pay online by check such as money orders and credit and debit cards. If you are qualified for a fee waiver you will be asked to complete Form I-912 to apply for financial assistance.

Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment

If you submit your application, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). Fingerprinting, photographing, and identity verification are part of this appointment. Doing this ensures that databases for USCIS that can be run by them in background checks are up to date. Therefore, missing this appointment may lead to a delay in your renewal process, so attend at the supposed time and location.

Step 5: Track Your Application Status

USCIS will process the renewal application after completing your biometrics appointment. However, processing time can take place, depending on the application and most applications take between 7 to 12 months in 2025. To check your application status, enter your receipt number on the USCIS Case Status Online portal.

If your application is running longer than it should, you can call USCIS customer service, or put in an inquiry.

What to Do If Your Green Card Renewal Is Delayed

Requesting a Temporary Green Card Stamp

While renewing your Green Card is still in progress, if your Green Card expires, you can ask for an I-551 stamp on your passport. The Green Card is a temporary proof of this permanent residency and is issued at USCIS field offices, allowing you to travel and prove your legal status while you wait for your new Green Card. You have to make an appointment for an Infopass to be had at your closest USCIS office to get this stamp. If you have received a receipt notice for your Green Card renewal application and a valid passport, bring that to you.

USCIS requests for evidence (RFE)

Even if USCIS has your renewal application, sometimes USCIS decides that they require additional paperwork to process your renewal, and they will send out a Request for Evidence (RFE). An RFE is a way of asking you to provide additional information for their application for your immigrant visa approval (and rejection).

Traveling While Your Green Card Renewal Is Pending

Understanding Travel Restrictions

If your Green Card expired, or is about to expire, then it may be risky to travel outside the U.S. Your I-90 receipt notice must be proof that you have filed for renewal, but some airlines and border agents may not accept that as proof of permanent status. However, if you must travel, before leaving the U.S. it is advisable to apply for a temporary I-551 stamp. This is a valid proof of residency on your passport stamp.

Re-Entering the U.S.

Particularly when re-entering the U.S. after your renewal has expired, carry your expired Green Card, renewal receipt notice, and any other supporting documents to show at the port of entry. It’s best to be prepared as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may ask for further proof.

Also read: Green Card Medical Exam 101: A Complete Overview and Tips

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Green Card Renewal

Submitting Incorrect or Incomplete Information

Among the mistakes made when renewing a Green Card is entering incorrect or omitted information on Form I-90. Ensure your details are correct before submitting to avoid time wasting.

Not Updating Your Address with USCIS

Moving while your Green Card renewal is still pending will prevent you from doing so; you have to update your address with USCIS using Form AR-11. Not doing so can mean missing notices and delays in obtaining your new Green Card.

Missing Deadlines

Renewal should be applied too late may cause you to have a very serious legal issue especially if your Green Card expires before you get a new one. Immensely, one must always plan and start the renewal process about 6 months before the ones are expired.

Final Thoughts

It is equally important to renew your Green Card on time to continue your legal living in the United States. Complete the correct legal steps, get the needed documents, and keep yourself updated on whether or not you are a permanent resident or not will prevent you from getting caught up in unneeded delays and complications. Sedition from any part of the renewal process should confront or seek Green Card legal guidance from an experienced attorney to make sure the process is smooth. This informs you that if you stay proactive and informed then you will comply with the changes in immigration law in 2025.