Immigration services are an important part of the lives of many individuals and families. In the United States, having a Green Card is the essential way to ensure your right to live and work here, and it must be renewed on a regular basis. Fortunately, the process for renewing your Green Card is relatively straightforward and can be done with the help of an experienced immigration lawyer. Nelson Immigration Law provides legal immigration services and can be reached at 626-683-3451 for a free consultation.
In this blog post, we will explain how to renew your Green Card and the importance of professional immigration services.
Immigration Services Information: How to Renew Your Green Card
Green Card Renewal Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for Green Card renewal, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements are established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
First, applicants must have a valid Permanent Resident Card that has not yet expired. Second, they must not have committed any crimes that would make them ineligible for renewal, such as serious drug offenses or a crime of moral turpitude. Third, they must not have abandoned their permanent resident status by living outside of the United States for an extended period of time.
Crimes That Make an Individual Inelligable for Green Card renewal include:
– Serious drug offenses
– Crimes of moral turpitude
– Fraud or misrepresentation related to any immigration benefit
– Unlawful voting in a U.S. election
– Convictions for two or more crimes with a combined sentence of five years or more
– Crimes involving persecution or torture of others.
In addition to these eligibility requirements, applicants must also provide documentation of their identity, current address, and marital status. If the applicant has been married more than once since the issuance of their initial Green Card, they must provide evidence of all previous marriages, divorces, and annulments. Finally, applicants must have their fingerprints and photograph taken by the USCIS.
Those who fail to meet any of these eligibility requirements may be ineligible for Green Card renewal.
Furthermore, applicants must submit all necessary paperwork and fees in order for their application to be considered complete.
The following paperwork is necessary for Green Card renewal:
– Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
– Copy of the front and back of the Permanent Resident Card
– Proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license
– Proof of current address
– Evidence of marital status
– Two recent passport-style photographs
– Fingerprint scans
Nelson Immigration Law can provide assistance with this process and is available for a free consultation at 626-683-3451.
Green Card Renewal Application Process
Renewing a Green Card is an important step in maintaining your legal immigration status in the United States. The application process for renewing a Green Card is relatively straightforward, but it is important to understand the requirements and have all of your documents in order.
First, you must determine if you are eligible to renew your Green Card. Generally, Green Cards that have been expired for less than 12 months are eligible for renewal. You will also need to make sure that you have not committed any crimes that may disqualify you from renewing.
Next, you must fill out the I-90 form. This form is available online at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website and must be completed with all necessary information, including current address and passport information.
Once the form has been filled out, you will need to mail it along with two passport-sized photographs, the application fee and any other necessary documents to the USCIS processing center. Depending on where you live, it may take several weeks or months for your application to be processed.
In some cases, you may be asked to attend an in-person interview with a USCIS officer. During this interview, you will need to provide additional documentation such as proof of identity and evidence of your current employment or financial situation. If you pass the interview, the USCIS officer will issue you a new Green Card.
Finally, make sure to keep your new Green Card safe and secure so that you can continue to remain in the United States legally. If your card ever gets lost or stolen, you will need to go through the renewal process again.
If you have questions or concerns about the application process for renewing a Green Card, please do not hesitate to contact Nelson Immigration Law at 626-683-3451 for a free consultation. We are here to help guide you through the process and ensure that all of your documents are correctly filled out and submitted so that you can remain in the United States legally.
Renewal Fees Associated with Green Card Renewal
When renewing your Green Card, you will be required to pay certain fees. First and foremost, you will need to pay the application fee of $540. In addition, there may be an $85 biometric services fee which covers fingerprinting and a photo. If you are applying for a fee waiver due to financial hardship, there is no fee associated with the form, however, you will still be responsible for the biometric services fee if applicable.
Finally, if you are requesting a replacement or initial card to replace a lost or stolen card, you may need to pay an additional $455 for the replacement fee.
It’s important to note that any fees that are paid are non-refundable, even if your application is denied or withdrawn. It is also important to make sure you have all the necessary documents as incomplete applications will not be accepted and can result in delayed processing.
If you have any questions about the renewal process or fees associated with it, reach out to Nelson Immigration Law at 626-683-3451 for a free consultation.
What Happens If I Don’t Renew My Green Card
Failing to renew your Green Card can have serious consequences. First, you will no longer be eligible to remain in the United States. If you stay in the country after your Green Card has expired, you are technically considered an illegal immigrant and may face deportation proceedings.
Another possible consequence of not renewing your Green Card is losing your status as a permanent resident. This could lead to you not being able to work legally in the U.S., receive benefits from the government, or travel outside the country and return.
Furthermore, if you are outside of the United States when your Green Card expires, it’s possible that you will not be allowed to re-enter the country.
Additionally, if you try to re-enter the country with an expired Green Card, you could be permanently banned from entering the United States.
It is therefore important to make sure your Green Card is up to date and renewed before its expiration date. If you need assistance with the process, Nelson Immigration Law can help. Give us a call at, 626-683-3451.
Conclusion
Renewing your Green Card is an important part of maintaining lawful immigration status in the United States. By following the guidelines and requirements outlined in this article, you should have a better understanding of how to renew your Green Card.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your case with a qualified immigration attorney, contact Nelson Immigration Law. Our experienced lawyers are available for free consultations and can answer any questions you may have. Reach out to us at 626-683-3451 and get the help you need.
