How Long Is a Green Card Good For Before You Have to Renew?

If you’re a permanent resident in the United States, your green card is proof of legal status and your key to living and working there. But just how permanent is “permanent” residency?

While the green card symbolizes putting down long-term roots, it doesn’t actually last forever. Like so many things with immigration law, there are essential details to understand about green card validity periods and expiration timeframes.

Your lawful permanent resident status isn’t automatically revoked at a set date (except as noted below for conditional permanent residents), but that green card itself has a specific end date when it must be renewed and replaced.

Types of Green Cards and Their Validity Periods

Not all green cards are created equal. The validity period and renewal requirements vary significantly depending on your residency type.

Permanent Green Cards (Form I-551)

A permanent green card, or Form I-551, is typically valid for ten years. As a permanent resident, you must renew your green card before it expires to legally continue living and working in the United States.

The renewal process should be initiated well before the expiration date to avoid any gaps in your legal status.

Conditional Green Cards

The government issues conditional green cards issued to individuals who obtain permanent residence through marriage to a U.S. citizen. These cards are valid for only two years.

To maintain your permanent resident status, you must remove the conditions on your green card by filing the appropriate form (I-751 for marriage-based) within 90 days before your conditional green card expires. If you do not meet the deadline to remove the conditions, USCIS will notify you that your permanent residence has been terminated and place you in removal proceedings.

Green Card Validity Extended During Renewals

While a green card is stamped with a 10-year expiration date, the renewal process can temporarily extend its validity much longer. In recognition of lingering processing delays, USCIS has greatly expanded this extension window.

As of September 2022, green card holders submitting a routine renewal on Form I-90 now have their permanent resident status automatically extended for 24 months from the expiration date on their current green card.

This doubling of the previous 12-month extension period provides crucial breathing room as they await the arrival of their new green card, documenting the next 10-year validity period. The updated I-90 receipt notice can be presented alongside the expired green card as proof of continuing lawful permanent residence during this extended grace period.

How to Renew Your Green Card in the U.S.

We recommend beginning the green card renewal process six months before your card expires.

This precaution allows ample time for processing and ensures you receive your new card before your current one becomes invalid.

Required Documents and Forms

To renew your green card, submit Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) and supporting documents, such as a copy of your current green card, photos, and proof of your legal name change (if applicable).

Biometrics Appointment and Processing Times

After submitting your renewal application, you’ll receive a notice for a biometrics appointment, where the government will capture your fingerprints, photo, and signature. Processing times for green card renewals vary, so check the USCIS website for current estimates and plan accordingly.

Renewal Fees and Potential Fee Waivers

The fee for renewing your green card is $495 as of April 1, 2024. If you demonstrate financial hardship, you may be eligible for a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) along with your renewal application.

Consequences of Having an Expired Green Card

Residing in the United States with an expired green card can put you at risk of losing your permanent resident status.

You must maintain a valid green card to prove your legal status and avoid potential immigration consequences.

Employment and Benefits Challenges

An expired green card can make it difficult to obtain employment, as the law requires employers to verify your work authorization. You may also face challenges accessing certain state social benefits or government services that require proof of your legal status.

Citizenship Application Complications

An expired green card can complicate the process if you plan to apply for U.S. citizenship. Possessing a valid green card when submitting your naturalization application avoids delays or denials.

Don’t Let Your Green Card Lapse

At the end of the day, the most important thing is not letting your green card’s validity fully lapse without taking action. Even if it’s expired, as long as you apply for renewal before the expiration date, USCIS considers you a lawful permanent resident during the renewal process.

But if you miss that window and let your green card and the grace period run out without filing for renewal, you risk the potential of removal proceedings.

If you have questions about maintaining your permanent residency status, contact our immigration lawyers. We can walk you through the renewal requirements and make sure you avoid any missteps that could jeopardize your green card.