Are You Required to Renew Your Green Card While Awaiting US Citizenship?

Published: June 11, 2025

Are you a green card holder seeking citizenship in the US? The naturalization process allows you to become a US citizen when you satisfy the necessary residency and eligibility criteria. 

In fiscal year 2024, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted citizenship to 818,500 individuals during naturalization ceremonies held throughout the US and worldwide. It’s a common occurrence for a green card to expire while an application for naturalized citizenship is under review. 

Given this, many applicants wonder whether green card renewal is necessary while awaiting citizenship. Here, understand the importance of keeping your US green card valid and carrying evidence of your status at all times. 

Changing Your US Green Card to Citizenship

In general, no one can apply for naturalized citizenship immediately after securing a green card. You must also satisfy specific eligibility criteria to become a citizen in the US, such as the following: 

• The minimum age required is 18 years
• Ability to read, write, and speak basic English, with some exceptions depending on age
• Of good moral character 

Other qualifications you need to meet depend on your unique circumstances. For instance, a key requirement for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) or green card holders to become a citizen through naturalization is residing in the US for a minimum of five years before. Yet, because of timing considerations, you can submit an application to USCIS up to 90 days before the five-year mark. 

Suppose you hold an LPR status and are married to a US citizen. Instead of waiting the usual five, you only need three years of permanent residency to apply for naturalized citizenship. Meanwhile, military personnel, whether active duty or veterans, can expedite naturalization by having the continuous residence and physical presence requirements waived.

Automatic Green Card Validity Extension for Naturalization Applicants

The time it takes to become a naturalized US citizen after submitting an application can vary depending on one’s location and other circumstances. In most cases, the process can take 6-12 months from application to oath-taking. 

On the bright side, USCIS released an update on its Policy Manual, granting automatic green card validity extension for LPRs applying for naturalization on or after December 12, 2022. Because of this extension, the green cards of naturalization applicants remain valid for up to 24 months past their expiration, provided that the application is still pending. 

Is Green Card Renewal Necessary While Awaiting US Citizenship

Before the automatic extension, USCIS required you to file an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card at least six months prior to the expiration of the green card’s validity. However, under the new policy, you don’t need to submit a separate application to renew your green card. 

The expired green card and the receipt notice can serve as evidence of your legal status and employment authorization during the extended period. On the contrary, you must consider applying for a green card renewal if you haven’t submitted a naturalization application and your green card is close to expiring. 

Suppose the naturalization application remains pending after the 24-month extension ends. In this case, you must secure an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication stamp to provide temporary proof of your LPR status. You can do so by scheduling an appointment at your local USCIS field office. 

Maintain a Lawful Status While Securing US Citizenship

Abandoning your green card status can disqualify you from becoming a US citizen. You must remain in a lawful status even through the naturalization process. Make your path to US citizenship straightforward with a Los Angeles immigration lawyer.

Our team at ALG Lawyers can support you from evaluating eligibility to preparing your applications and resolving potential immigration concerns. Contact us for a case-specific consultation to prevent unnecessary complexities and delays in pursuing US citizenship. 

FAQs on Renewing Your Green Card While Awaiting US Citizenship

Can you still proceed with the naturalization process if your green card has expired? 

Since USCIS automatically grants a 24-month extension to your green card’s validity when you properly file the naturalization form, you can start the process even with an expired green card. The extension proves your LPR status while processing your application to become a US citizen. 

If you lost your green card, are you still eligible for an automatic extension while applying for naturalization? 

Suppose you lost your green card. You must file the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card to remain eligible for an automatic extension. That applies even if you have already filed the naturalization application and have been granted an automatic extension, but have lost your green card. Failure to carry proof of your registration and extension can put you at risk of criminal prosecution under INA 264(e).

What to do if you’ve already applied for naturalization and your green card is expiring?

Even if your green card is expiring, it remains valid for an additional 24 months when you’ve already applied for naturalization because of an automatic extension from USCIS. Should your naturalization application remain pending after the 24-month extensions, you must take additional steps to keep your immigration status legal.