When To E-file My Green Card Renewal?

Green card is the ticket to getting a comfortable job and to reside peacefully in the US. It gives a sense of secure feeling to the individuals as they have the most important legal rights granted to them. The easiest way of getting a green card is by marrying a US citizen, as the citizens have the right to sponsor their immediate relatives. Getting a green card is very important and at the same time, keeping it fully updated and valid is also important. This is where the green card renewal comes to play.

Why Green Card Renewal?

USCIS has instructed all the Green card holders to have their cards with them all the time, irrespective of where they travel or what they do. Recent laws have authorized the police to pull up anyone that they feel to be suspicious and check their legal status. In these circumstances, having a green card (fully valid one) will be highly useful. Even though the Green cards are issued for the purpose of granting permanent residency till the entire lifetime of the individual, they come with a10 year validity period only. Green card holders should go in for a green card renewal when the card is about to expire or has already expired.

Before E-filing

This is one of the recent facilities introduced by the USCIS to facilitate easy submission of the green card renewal applications. Before starting this process, the applicant should ensure that he/she is eligible for filing in I-90 (Application for Green card renewal). Following circumstances will not allow a person to go in for e-filing

• Removing the conditions on the card cannot be done
• Applying for a fee waiver
• Residing outside the US , Guam, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands
• The card was never received or received with an incorrect data due to an USCIS administrative error
• Renewing within 30 days of becoming a 14 year old when the existing card has expired or not expired.

Having a Pc with a compatible browser and a secure, fast internet connection is the next item on the list. Once the applicant logs in to the E-filing page of the USCIS website, he/she must follow the instructions that are specific for each and every form that are listed on the page. In order to login and e-file a form, the applicant must first create a valid user account, which is very easy and can be done within a few minutes.

USCIS has taken the pains to list out the most common mistakes that applicants do while filing in their applications, which leads to rejection or denial. It is highly important that the applicants go through this before e-filing.

E-filing process

Once the applicant has completed the application and submitted it, he/she should ensure that it has been successfully done. The following are indications that the application process has been successful

• Receiving a receipt number on the web confirmation page
• Receiving a Form I-797 (Notice of Action) with the confirmation receipt number through mail, that too within 10 days of e-filing

Before closing the e-filing page, applicants should note down the receipt number on the confirmation page. Only then 'finish' has to be given which will generate a PDF copy of the green card renewal application. Applicants are also advised to save a soft copy of their completed application and confirmation receipt notice on the computer or USB. It is essential that the applicants' fingerprints and photographs meet the USCIS stipulations as only then they will be processed further. Source: immigrationdirect.multiply.com

Instructions for Completing Form I-90

Why Should a Lawful Permanent Resident File Form I-90?

Green card holders can apply for a Green Card renewal by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, so as to keep their Green Card updated. Form I-90 must also be filed with the USCIS in order to request for a replacement of a Green Card.

Things to be noted while completing Form I-90

Under the section for entering the applicant’s name, the name entered should match exactly with the name listed on the Green Card, unless otherwise the Green Card contains an error or if there has been a formal name change of the applicant. In case of the applicant not receiving the green card, then it should match exactly with what is listed on the alternative identity proof that is submitted along with Form I-90.

A# refers to the applicant’s Alien Registration number that is printed on his/her Green card.

Information in response to the following questions should be in the mentioned format.

• City of Residence where the applicant applied for an Immigrant Visa or Adjustment of Status refers to the city where the applicant was residing when he/she filed an Immigrant Visa or Adjustment of Status petition.
• Consulate where the Immigrant Visa was issued or the USCIS office where status was adjusted refers to the U.S. consulate where the applicant’s Immigrant Visa was issued or the USCIS Service Center which approved the applicant’s Adjustment of Status petition.
• To the question on the Date of Admission as an Immigrant or Adjustment of Status, the date on which the applicant entered the U.S. on an Immigrant Visa or the date on which the applicant’s Adjustment of Status application was approved by the USCIS
• To the question on the Destination in U.S. at time of admission, the applicant should enter the city and state where he/she was planning to go after arriving in the U.S. In case the applicant falls under the Adjustment of Status criteria, then he/she must write Not Applicable.
• To the question on Port of entry where admitted to U.S, the applicant should indicate the city and state through which the applicant gained entry into the U.S. This information is stamped on the passport of the applicant. Applicants falling under the Adjustment of Status criteria should indicate that they are Not Applicable.
• To the question, “Are you in removal/deportation or rescission proceedings?” the applicant should check the appropriate box and, if applicable, provide a detailed explanation on a separate sheet of paper. A Permanent Resident who is in the process of removal proceedings has a right to get a proof of a permanent resident until the final order of removal is issued. Temporary proof can be issued to cover the removal proceedings of the applicant.
• To the question, “Since you were granted permanent residence, have you ever filed Form I-407?”, the applicant should check the appropriate box and submit a detailed explanation on a separate sheet of paper. Generally, Form I-90 will be rejected if the applicant’s answer is “Yes”, unless otherwise there is proof that they did not abandon their status of a permanent resident. Under such circumstances, the applicant should seek the assistance of an immigration attorney.

Finally, the applicant must sign and date the Form I-90.

Source:Instructions for Completing Form I-90

Do you need to renew your Green Card?

The New Year is fast approaching. Is it time to renew your expired Green Card? Keep in mind that green card renewals are necessary every ten (10) years. visit the uscis.gov for details.

Renewing A Green Card

Green cards grant permanent resident status to individuals but even if one follows all the responsibilities that come with this status, the card must typically be renewed every 10 years.

Those who should renew are usually green card holders with a Form I-551, which is valid for a decade. After 10 years, or within six months of the 10-year period, individuals should file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card either online or via mail.

Once this form is filed, applicants can check their status either at the website of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center.

Those who are abroad when their green card will expire but have not applied for a Green Card Renewal prior to their departure should contact the closest USCIS office, American port of entry or US Consulate before filing Form I-90.

Those who are not permanent residents and have conditional resident status should not follow these instructions and should instead file Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence, to attempt to have their status changed.

Source: Renewing a green card