A lot of people assume renewing a green card is just a formality—fill out the paperwork, send it in, and wait for the new card to arrive. And while that’s true in many cases, it’s not always so simple. Over the years, we’ve helped people who missed deadlines, lost their cards while traveling, or faced complications they didn’t see coming. The truth is, green card renewal is a process that’s easy to overlook until it suddenly matters a lot.
If your green card is about to expire—or already has—here’s what you should know about keeping your lawful permanent resident status in good standing.
When to Renew Your Green Card
If you have a 10-year green card, you should apply to renew it within six months of its expiration date. You won’t lose your status if the card expires, but an expired green card can create serious issues when traveling, applying for jobs, or proving your identity to government agencies.
Some people don’t realize their green card is expiring until they try to renew a driver’s license or reenter the U.S. after a trip abroad. If you’re in that position now, you’re not alone—and there’s still a path forward.
How to File
The renewal process starts with Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You can file it online or by mail. You’ll need to include:
- A copy of your expiring (or expired) green card
- Payment for the filing fee (unless applying for a fee waiver)
- A current mailing address and updated biographical information
- Explanation if you’re requesting a replacement due to loss, damage, or name change
Once you file, you’ll receive a receipt notice (Form I-797), which you can use as temporary proof of status if your card expires while your renewal is pending. You’ll also be scheduled for biometrics—usually just fingerprints and a photo—at a USCIS office.
What If Your Card Is Already Expired?
An expired green card doesn’t mean you’ve lost your permanent resident status. But it can complicate things. Some employers or agencies may not accept an expired card as valid proof of your status, even if you technically still hold it.
We’ve seen clients get turned away at airports, delayed at the DMV, or denied job opportunities simply because they didn’t realize how important that card is as a form of ID. If your card has already expired, file Form I-90 as soon as possible and carry your USCIS receipt as temporary documentation.
If you have international travel planned soon, let us know. We’ve helped travelers get emergency proof of status or schedule appointments at local USCIS offices for I-551 stamps that allow reentry while awaiting renewal.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
One mistake people make is assuming renewal is automatic—it’s not. USCIS doesn’t send reminders. You have to keep track of your expiration date and act early.
Another issue is criminal history. If you’ve had any arrests or convictions since becoming a permanent resident, those can delay or complicate your renewal. Even old issues that were resolved may trigger extra review. It’s best to disclose everything and get legal advice before filing if you’re unsure.
Changing your name or address without updating USCIS can also slow things down. If you’ve moved or recently married, be sure your documents reflect those changes before applying.
What About Conditional Green Cards?
If you have a 2-year conditional green card—typically through marriage or investment—you can’t renew it with Form I-90. Instead, you’ll need to file Form I-751 or I-829 to remove the conditions before the card expires. That’s a different process entirely and often more involved, so it’s important to follow the right path based on the type of card you have.
We’ve had people apply for the wrong form and waste months of time before realizing the mistake. If you’re unsure what category you fall under, it’s worth a quick consultation to sort it out early.
Let Us Help You Stay Current
At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we understand that life gets busy and paperwork sometimes falls to the bottom of the list. But renewing your green card is about more than staying legal—it’s about keeping your life in motion without interruptions.
We assist with standard renewals, lost or stolen cards, and more complex cases involving criminal records or late filings. We welcome clients from all backgrounds and immigration paths. If you need help filing Form I-90 or figuring out the right next step, visit tourzanilaw.com and let’s talk.