How to Renew Your Green Card in New York

If your green card expiration date is approaching, understanding how to navigate the renewal process is critical to ensuring you remain in status. Generally, this process is simple and entails filing Form I-90 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your card expires. While most green cards are valid for 10-years, failing to renew your card can result in serious complications for employment, travel, and identification purposes. As such, understanding this process, the timeline, and the common issues green card holders face when renewing is critical to ensuring you can maintain your lawful permanent resident status.

What Is Green Card Renewal, and Why Does It Matter?

Renewing your green card in New York City is an important way for lawful permanent residents to show valid proof of their immigration status in the United States. Though you will not lose your permanent residency in the event your card expires, without an active green card, you may face considerable challenges for employment, travel, and identification purposes.

Important Facts About Green Card Renewal

• Most green cards are valid for 10 years
• Renewal is completed through the filing of Form I-90
• You may renew the card before or after its expiration date, but renewal before is recommended
• An expired green card does not mean you lose your status as a lawful permanent resident
• A valid green card is necessary for employment verification purposes
• You may be unable to travel internationally with an expired green card

How Do I Renew a Green Card in New York City?

If you need to renew your green card in New York City, you must begin the process by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, online or through a paper application. If you complete the paper application, you must mail it to the correct USCIS processing center. Those in possession of a previous version of an alien registration card, it must be replaced with a current green card.

Steps to Renew Your Green Card

• Complete Form I-90 online through USCIS or by paper application
• Pay the required filing and biometric fees
• Submit supporting documents upon request
• If scheduled, attend the biometric appointment
• Wait for USCIS to process and issue your new green card

Can I Renew a Green Card While Outside of the United States?

If you are currently outside of the United States and your green card is set to expire within 6 months, but you will return within 1 year of your departure from the U.S. and before your green card expires, you must file for your renewal card as soon as you return. However, if you have not applied for the renewal card before you left the United States, you must contact a U.S. Consulate, USCIS office, or a U.S. port of entry before you can file a Form I-90 for a renewal green card.

Important Travel Considerations

• You generally cannot complete the entire renewal process if you are abroad
• Reentry into the U.S. may be delayed if your card expires while you are outside of the U.S.
• If you are outside of the country for more than one year, you may be considered to have abandoned your residency
• You may need documentation from a U.S. consulate
• Filing for renewal prior to travel can reduce complications

What Should I Do if My Application Is Denied?

If your application is denied in New York City, unfortunately, you cannot appeal the decision. However, you may file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider with the office that made the decision. This can be complicated, as this motion must provide new information to warrant a reopening of your case. This motion must also confirm that the decision to deny your application was based either on a misguided or incorrect application of the law, therefore establishing that the office made the wrong decision on the basis of evidence in the file at the time the decision was made. In order to file a motion, you should reach out to an immigration attorney for assistance.

Common Reasons for Green Card Renewal Denial

• Filing an incorrect or incomplete Form I-90
• Failure to attend your scheduled biometric appointment
• Criminal history or prior violations of immigration law
• Providing inaccurate information on your application
• Issues verifying your identity or prior immigration records

What Happens if You Don’t Renew Your Green Card in New York?

In the event you do not renew your green card before it expires, the most important thing to understand is that your status as a lawful permanent resident does not expire. Even though your card is no longer valid, you still have legal standing as a permanent resident of the United States. However, an expired green card can result in a number of difficulties, including issues related to employment and legal proceedings.

Risks of Not Renewing

• Difficulty proving work authorization
• Difficulty re-entering the United States after international travel
• Issues with applying for citizenship
• Difficulty obtaining a driver’s license

Contact Our New York City Immigration Lawyers

Our law firm can explain the process of renewing your green card and help you through the entire procedure. We understand that immigration law can be incredibly complicated, which is why we are proud to represent New Yorkers in all matters related to immigration. For an initial consultation with a skilled immigration lawyer, contact the Law Office of Cheryl R. David in New York.