Maintaining Your Legal Residency When Renewing Your Visa from Brad Collins's blog

Renewing your Green Card is a vital process in maintaining your legal permanent resident status in the United States. If your permanent resident card is nearing expiration or looking to update the outdated information, here’s a step-by-step guide on  how to renew green card:

Check your eligibility

Before filing the Form I-90 with the USCIS, you should start with your eligibility for a Green Card renewal. You should check the expiration date of your current Green Card, any change in your personal information, and your immigration status. The ideal time to commence the Green Card renewal process is six months before expiration to avoid any lapses in your legal status.

Gather your supporting documents

Once you determine your eligibility for a Green Card, the next step is preparing the required documentation which includes the primary form for replacing or renewing a permanent resident card, Form I-90, and proof of identity like your driver’s license. In some cases, you might be required to include supporting evidence to prove your continuous legal status of residency in the country, change of name, and other relevant information.

Filing the Form I-90

After gathering the relevant documentation, you need to fill out the Form I-90 completely and accurately. You can complete the form, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, online on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Also, there’s an option to submit the form by mail if you are experiencing any technical difficulties completing the process online or are concerned about your data security.

Biometrics and in-person interview

The next step is to undergo a biometric screening which will be scheduled by the USCIS upon receiving your submission for Green Card renewal. This process usually includes photographs and fingerprinting. In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview. If these steps are crucial to your Green Card renewal or replacement, you can rely on guidance from USCIS officials.

Receiving your replaced or renewed Green Card

After completing your biometric screening and any required interviews, USCIS will process your application and issue you a new Green Card with the latest information. The new permanent resident card invalidates the old ones and will serve as valid proof of your legal right to live and work in the country. The new card will be sent to you via mail. Upon receiving the newly issued permanent resident card, it’s important that you keep it secure and up-to-date to avoid any complications with identification and proving your legal permanent residency when traveling or trying to secure a job in the United States.