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Green Card Renewal: Significant Facts

A green card is equivalent to Permanent Resident Card in the United States. This is an essential document to all permanent residents in the US. Hence, the renewal for a green card is similarly important for those with expired or expiring residence cards.

What Happens During the Renewal Process?

The renewal of green card can be filed 180 days before the stipulated expiration date which is stated in front of every green card. The application form for a green card renewal is commonly known as the Form I-90 which can be downloaded online. Thus, the application for renewal may be processed electronically. However, it could also be executed via the traditional process, by acquiring an application form through the corresponding agency. Applicants may renew their residence cards through personal applications besides the electronic process.

In general, every green card has validity of 10 years. In the event that a card is misplaced, lost, or destroyed, the application form I-90 for card renewal is similarly necessary. Any individual with lost, misplaced, or destroyed green card must fill out the Form I-90 immediately, reporting the said incident to authorities as early as possible.

The renewal process usually takes between 6 and 12 months, dependent on specific circumstances. An individual is granted with a temporary documentation, stating his permanent residency while waiting for the renewal of his green card. This documentation serves as a temporary evidence of the person’s status, which is normally valid for a year.

What Happens with an Expired Green Card?

Individuals 18 years old and above with an expired green card shall carry or possess a certificate of alien registration. The failure to renew a green card is subject to the corresponding prerequisite of the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically the Section 264 of the state policy. A person with an expired green card may also carry with him a receipt card or certificate of alien registration (at all times). Failure to comply with the said provision shall be charged with misdemeanor. Therefore, green card renewal is highly necessary as early as possible, avoiding any crime or offense against the US government.

Other Considerations

Change of Status: Changing an individual’s status also requires the proper renewal procedures. This is equally necessary for individuals who become married, changing the status on their green cards. Thus, renewal form I-90 is required, filling out the application form, and submitting supporting documents such as marriage certificate.

Travel Documents: Permanent residents may stay outside the US territories, traveling to other countries. However, there are certain limitations for green card holders to stay or travel outside the country. Travel documents like Reentry Permit or application for extended travel may also be necessary.

In a nutshell, there are policies, regulations, and documentation surrounding the use, validity and renewal of green cards. All of these are equally necessary for every green card holder, complying with the state laws while preventing any act of a misdemeanor or crime against the state. Thus, all green card holders must abide by all policies and laws related to the application of green card renewal. Check out Green Card Maintenance for more information!

Green Card Renewals

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A Green Card or Permanent Resident Card is evidence one's legal permanent resident status in the United States Of America. If you want to discover how to make application for a Green Card or ways to replenish it, visit our internet site now!