Published: July 1, 2025
When should you consider renewing your green card? Timely renewal of your green card is crucial to maintaining your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the US. You don’t automatically lose your legal status when your green card expires. Even with an expired green card, you can remain in the US as long as your authorized stay duration is valid.
However, Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act requires you to carry evidence of your legal status. Without a valid green card as proof of your immigration status, you may encounter difficulties with government agencies, employers, and travel authorities. Thus, don’t let your green card expire to avoid unnecessary fines, delays in processing, and other complications.
In this guide, find out how renewing a US green card works in 2025 and what specific steps you should take to complete the process correctly.
When Is the Appropriate Time to Apply for Green Card Renewal
Long renewal processing times can impact your employment, travel, and immigration status. Although you can still file for a renewal even after your card expires, you may encounter additional complexities and scrutiny.
Ensure to keep track of your green card’s expiration date. Filing early and on time allows you sufficient time to complete the renewal process without further complications, particularly when traveling overseas. You can’t use an expired green card to reenter the US unless you can show evidence that you have submitted an application to renew it.
It’s also worth noting that the specific type of green card you hold can affect the renewal timeline. The renewal process for a 10-year green card varies from renewing a conditional 2-year green card. Each requires a different form and filing period. Learn when to renew each type of green card at the appropriate time.
Ten-year permanent resident green cards
Holding a green card valid for 10 years means that you have satisfied all the requirements necessary for a lawful permanent residency status. It authorizes you to reside and work permanently in the US. While this ten-year green card requires renewal, it doesn’t come with similar conditions as the two-year conditional green card. You must file a renewal for your green card within six months of its expiration date.
Two-year conditional green cards
Meanwhile, you’re a conditional permanent resident if you have a green card with a two-year validity. You must submit a petition to remove the conditions of your permanent resident status within the 90-day timeframe before your two-year green card expires. You will receive a new ten-year permanent resident card upon approval of this petition.
Four-Step Process to Renew Your US Green Card
Applying for green card renewal on time provides you with adequate time to complete the procedures and minimize the risk of disruptions. Suppose the validity of your green card has already expired. You must renew it as soon as possible to avoid further issues with your residency status. Generally, renewing your green card involves the following four-step process:
- Ensure you meet the criteria to be eligible for green card renewal and complete the corresponding forms, either online or by mail.
- Provide any documents that support your eligibility for renewal and pay the fees required to file the application.
- Complete the necessary background checks and identity verification at the scheduled biometric appointment.
- Wait for USCIS to complete the renewal processing and issue you a new green card.
Apply for a Green Card Renewal With ALG Lawyers
Having a Los Angeles immigration lawyer guiding you every step of the green card renewal process can help maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Although you can find instructions online, any error in your green card renewal application can result in longer waiting times or even denial.
Our team at ALG Lawyers provides end-to-end support, from preparing and reviewing documents to managing communications and monitoring your case. With our decades of experience, you can have peace of mind knowing that your immigration journey will proceed smoothly and efficiently. Contact our law firm now for quality legal assistance with your case.
FAQs on How Renewing a US Green Card Works in 2025
How can you monitor the progress of your green card renewal application?
Several options are available to monitor the progress of your renewal application. The easiest way and USCIS’s recommended starting point is to check it online. Use the receipt number on your confirmation notice to check real-time updates of your renewal application on the agency’s Case Status Online page.
Another option is to contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can utilize the TTY services by calling 1-800-767-1833. You may also get receipt notifications through email or text if you submit the e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance form.
Is it possible to request a waiver of the green card renewal fee?
You can submit a request to waive the green card renewal fee. But to qualify, you must demonstrate that your financial situation prevents you from making the payment. You can save approximately $500 on your renewal fee if you can prove that you’re incapable of paying based on one of the following criteria:
- Your household income falls at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You’re a beneficiary of means-tested benefits, such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Supplemental Security Income.
- You’re facing financial difficulties because of unemployment, homelessness, and substantial medical expenses.
What are your options if USCIS denies your green card renewal application?
You will receive a written notice explaining the reasons for the denial of your application. Suppose you suspect the government made an error. You can take these actions to proceed with the renewal application:
- Carefully read through the denial notice to clearly understand the specific reasons behind USCIS’s decision.
- File a motion with USCIS requesting that they take another look at your case.
- Submit a Notice of Appeal or Motion if USCIS turns your case over to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO).
- Obtain legal assistance from a credible immigration lawyer.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)