When you find that your green card has expired, you have to renew it immediately. However, it will be better if you realize it previously at least 6 months before it expires and if you realize that your green card will expire in 6 months, you can renew it before it expires.
Before you renew your green card, you need to know what you have to do to renew it. There are two ways to renew a green card and you can choose any way that you want. And here, I will explain it to you about it.
The Steps to Renew Your Green Card Online
If you prefer to renew your green card online, you are able to do it by following the steps below.
- The first thing that you have to do is to create a USCIS online account.
- After creating an account, then you have to fill out Form I-90.
- And then, you are required to upload evidence needed such as a copy of your expired green card.
- Now, you have to review and sign your application digitally.
- Don’t forget to pay the government fees if it is required.
- And the last step is to submit your application.
The Steps to Renew Your Green Card by Mail
Renewing a green card can also be done by mail. If you do not know what to do to renew it online and you are afraid of making mistakes since you do not understand to use a computer, doing it by mail can be your option.
- The First thing to do to renew your green card by mail is to fill out the Form I-90 in the form of paper.
- After filling it out, then make a photocopy of the evidence that you need such as your expired green card.
- Now, you need to review and then your application needs to be signed.
- You have to include your payment for the government fees if required.
- And now, you have to mail your application to USCIS.
Read also: How to Find A-Number on Green Card
You may want to apply for a fee waiver. If so, then you need to file it by mail. You may find that your card expires when you are traveling outside the U.S. If it happens, the thing that you are able to do is to contact the nearest U.S. consulate, U.S. port of entry, or international USCIS field office and then you have to explain your situation before you fill out the Form I-90.
Documents That You Must Prepare
There are not many documents that you need to renew your green card. In general, you only need to prepare a copy of your expired green card. However, if the reason why you renew your green card is because the card is stolen, lost or even damaged, then you may be required to prepare other documentation.
What Do We Have to Do After Applying for Renewal?
If you have applied the renewal for your green card, then you are able to wait to get the notification from USCIS. After USCIS accept your application, you will be notified by mail. In the mail, there will be a receipt number which consists of 13 characters where it consists of 3 letters and 10 numbers. This receipt number is useful to check the status of your application.
If the renewal application is filed after September 26th, 2022, you will be sent a receipt notice extending the validity of your green card by USCIS. It is also important to note that in your USCIS online account, USCIS will post the same notification as you get from the mail. What will happen if we do not have an online account? If so, USCIS will create an account for you. In the mail, you will be given the instructions about how to access your online account.
Another thing that will happen after you submit the renewal application is that, within around 1 to 2 weeks after USCIS gets your application, you will be sent notice of a scheduled date for your biometrics appointment. Besides, you may also be required to prepare some additional information or documents.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
