
Is your green card been lost? Check the lost green replacement process from inside and outside the United States.

If possible, avoid traveling abroad that will conflict with your applying for a new green card on time. However, if you will still be out of the country when your current green card expires, you need to contact your nearest consulate or embassy to inform them of your situation before returning to the U.S. If you are outside of the United States when you reach the six-month mark until your green card expires, you should file for renewal as soon as you return to the United States. The closer to the six-month mark, the better, as it can take several months to receive your new green card. Once you get to six months until your card expires, it is time to renew.

Meanwhile, applying too late could leave you with a gap where you don’t have a green card and are subject to difficulties, including a possible misdemeanor conviction. Attempting to renew too early could mean an automatic denial of your application with USCIS keeping your renewal fee. It is essential to renew at the right time. However, you may not be able to renew your green card in certain circumstances, such as if you have been convicted of a deportable crime.Ĭheck Eligibility to Renew Your Green Card When Should You Renew Your Green Card? Renewing your card is typically going to be a formality.

Your current green card was lost, stolen, or damaged.Your current green card expires within six months.In most cases, you will be able to renew your green card if: Eligibility to Renew Your Green Cardīefore beginning the process, you must ensure you are eligible.

Keeping your green card valid is essential to help avoid this potential charge. Failure to have your green card with you is a misdemeanor offense and can be punishable by a fine or imprisonment. United States immigration regulations state that all lawful permanent residents aged 18 or older must carry their permanent resident card at all times. Renew Your Green Card Why Do You Need a Valid Green Card All the Time?
