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Since most people don’t use their green card on a daily basis, it can be easy for an expired card to go unnoticed. If your green card is about to expire or has already expired, you might be wondering how long you can stay in the United States until it is renewed. Our Orange County immigration attorneys break it down for you below.
Will An Expired Green Card Cost Me My Status?
No, you won’t likely lose your permanent resident status due to an expired green card. You can only get deported from the U.S. if your lawful permanent residency status is no longer valid. Since your lawful permanent resident status isn’t linked to your green card’s validity, it’s unlikely you’ll be deported due to an expired green card. However, it can create some major problems for you if you don’t renew your card in a timely manner.
An expired green card can create problems for if you are:
- Applying for a job
- Obtaining a professional license
- Reentering the United States after traveling to another country
- Buying a house
- Renewing your driver’s license
How to Renew Your Green Card
Even though you won’t be deported just because your green card has expired, it is still vital to renew your green card promptly. You must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). In most cases, it will take ten to twelve months to get your green card renewed. Therefore, you should start your renewal process earlier than the expiration date listed on your card.
Shortly after you’ve filed your green card renewal, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will provide you with a biometrics appointment where you will need to have your fingerprints taken.
Need help obtaining or renewing your green card? Our team at Yekrangi & Associates is here to help you. Contact us today at (949) 478-4963 to schedule a consultation!