Green Card Renewal Lawyer in San Jose

Assistance with Renewing Your Permanent Residence

The green card (Form I-551) is evidence of your status as a lawful permanent resident. Most green cards expire every ten years, meaning that you will have to apply for a new I-551 as long as you wish to remain a permanent resident. You will also need to apply for a new card if you lose your green card.

Green Card Renewal Process

The process for renewing a green card can differ depending on a number of circumstances. An experienced immigration lawyer for green card renewal can help you through the process. At The Law Offices of Timothy D. Widman, our team can help you retain your permanent resident status.

How to Renew a Green Card

To renew a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) in the United States, follow these general steps:

1. Check eligibility and ensure your current card will expire within six months.
2. Complete Form I-90 with accurate and updated information.
3. Gather required documents such as your current Green Card and passport-style photos.
4. Pay the filing fee specified by the USCIS.
5. Submit your completed application, supporting documents, and fee to the USCIS.
6. Attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and background checks.
7. Stay updated with USCIS communications and promptly provide requested information.
8. Receive your new Green Card by mail, typically valid for ten years.

Note that the process may vary for lost, stolen, or damaged Green Cards. Consulting an immigration attorney or referring to the USCIS website for specific instructions is recommended for a smooth renewal process.

If your green card expired or was lost, turn to the green card renewal lawyers at the Law Offices of Timothy D. Widman to answer all of your green card renewal questions. Contact us today!

What Documents Do I Need to Renew My Green Card?

To renew your green card, you must provide the following documents to USCIS online or via mail:

• A completed Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
• Copies or clear pictures of your required evidence. Typically, USCIS only needs your soon-to-be expired green card, however, if there are other reasons for renewing your green card such as you never received it or it was lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed then more evidence is required. This may include, but is not limited to the list below. 
  
  Additional evidences required for green card renewal depending on your situation:
  • Government-issued ID that displays your name, birthday, photo, and signature
  • Latest Form I-797, Notice of Action
  • Passport page with I-551 stamp
  • Documents showing your name change or corrected name
  • Marriage certificate, divorce papers, birth certificate, adoption papers
  • Evidence of employment in the last 6 months
  • Proof of U.S. residence
• Payment for renewal fee

To be sure of what documents you need to renew your green card, reach out to a San Jose green card renewal attorney at Law Office of Timothy D. Widman (408) 780-1684 as soon as possible.

Renewing a Permanent Resident Card

In the majority of cases, applying for a renewed green card involves filling out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It is highly recommended to being the process of renewing your green card at least six months before it expires.

Green Card Renewal Cost

USCIS charges a fee of $540 to renew an expired or soon-to-be-expiring green card. This fee covers the cost for your biometrics and application.

If you become a citizen through the naturalization process, you will no longer need to renew your status.

Renewing a Conditional Green Card

Conditional green cards are given to investor immigrants and newly married immigrants. If you have a conditional green card you will need to apply to remove the conditions on your permanent residence after two years.

So long as you still qualify for permanent residence, you will then receive a regular green card. This card will then need to be renewed every ten years.

Have Questions? Contact us online or call our green card renewal attorney in San Jose at (408) 780-1684.

What are the Consequences of a Lost or Expired Green Card?

If your 10-year green card is set to expire within the next six months or has already expired, it is vital that you take immediate action to obtain a new one. You are required by law to carry a valid green card with you at all times.

You may need to show it to immigration or law enforcement officials, and you will need it to provide proof of your eligibility to receive federal public benefits. If your green card has expired, you won’t be able to obtain these benefits, and you may be at risk of deportation.

Can I Still Work With an Expired Green Card?

You can continue to work in the United States with a lost or expired card, so long as your permanent resident status is intact. However, employers cannot legally accept expired green cards from job applicants. If you want to apply for a new job without risk of disqualification or delays, it is important to renew your green card.

Replacing a lost or expiring card typically takes several months, which is why filing Form I-90 on time is critical. You will likely need to renew your green card even if you have applied for citizenship through naturalization and you have not yet been approved. Addressing an expiring green card now can potentially save you a significant amount of time and difficulty down the road.

Our Immigration Lawyers Help Immigrants Throughout Santa Clara County

Our attorney at the Law Offices of Timothy D. Widman can help you with every step of the green card renewal process. He is here to answer all your questions and help you accomplish both your short-term and long-term goals.

Questions about the green card renewal process or cost? Contact our firm online or call (408) 780-1684 to begin the renewal process today.