For all alien residents in the United States, the US immigration authority provides a permanent residence card, or “green card” to officiate the permanent residence of these citizens. Through this special registration card, citizens who are not naturally born US citizens are permitted to work and reside in the US. In conclusion, non-US citizens with green cards are encouraged to have green card renewals, for them to update their card registration, allowing them to permanently sojourn in the US.

Green Card Renewals and Processes

Each green card is officially made effective for an indefinite period. Yet, there’s a proposal pushing expiration dates to be applicable to all green cards. Though this isn’t implemented yet, green card holders are promoted to have green card renewals during the arrival and departure from the US. The Customs Border Protection or CBP facilitates this event. It’s a must to do filing when requesting for green card renewal. Filing process of card renewal can be made 180 days from the time of expiry.

Green Card Renewals and Requirements

Cited below are the general requirements and necessary information about green card renewals.

- The Form l90

In observance of green card standards, filing of Form l90 is required for green card renewals. Concerned individuals must complete and submit this form to the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services. Apart from its use in green card replacement and renewal, you could also use Form l90 to update personal information, most especially when it concerns the change in name. On the other hand, Form l90 is not applicable for the replacement or renewal of green card conditions or to lengthen the status of residency of a foreign citizen.

Form l90 can be downloaded online and filed electronically. You could also obtain in paper form.

- Green Card Validity and Expiration Date

Even if green card duration of functionality is indefinite, the government encourages the green card holders to undergo regular card renewal upon leaving and arriving in the US. The validity of green cards lasts for 10 years.

- Renewal for Lost or Destroyed Green Cards and Name Change

All green cards lost or destroyed require the filing of Form l90. Same applies upon marriage in the United States, to update the change in name. Duration of green renewal is about 6 to 12 months prior to application.

- Permanent Residence Status Confirmation

Temporary documentation will be provided for the temporary documentation requirement for the cards are subject to green card renewals, until the process completes. This temporary documentation will last for 1 year, prior to its issuance.

- Length of Stay outside US territory

As stated in the standards, green cardholders may travel outside US but are limited to a specific length of time in foreign land. You may request for a reentry permit to lengthen your stay outside US.

To Obtain a Green Card

- Marriage to a legitimate US citizen

- Be sponsored by a Family Member

- US-based company Sponsorship

- Have green card investment

- Through Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

For further updates on green card renewals, contact the US Immigration office or check online for announcement.

Would you like to know how you can actually renew your Green Card? Check out Green Card Renewals and Green Card Maintenance for more info!