
j sparks law
Austin Replacing or Renewing a Green Card Attorney
- A “green card” is the document that is given to non-citizens as proof that they have been granted residency in the U.S. Permanent Residency status means that an individual may live in the U.S. permanently, seek employment of their choice, and travel internationally with their green card and valid foreign passport.
- Permanent residents who have a ten-year green card remain permanent residents, even if their green card is expired. However, a renewal application should be filed, and having a valid green card makes employment and international travel easily possible.
- If a green card expires in only two years, this means the holder of the card is not a permanent resident, even if the cards has these words. Instead, the holder of the card is a Conditional Resident subject to mandatory requirements discussed below.
While the expiration of a 10-year green card does not cause one to lose their lawful status, other things can cause LPR status to be taken away, such as:
- Being outside of the U.S. for too long;
- Permanent moving to another country;
- Convictions for certain crimes;
- Being discovered to have committed fraud to obtain the green card.
When am I most at risk of losing my status?
- USCIS typically looks for these and other issues when a non-citizen tried to become a citizen through naturalization.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may check the background of anyone trying to enter the U.S,, even if that person already has a green card.
- Permanent residents can renew their green card up to six months prior to the expiration date on their green card.
- Even if your ten-year green card has already expired, you can still apply to renew your green card at any time.
- While there are many benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen, some individuals may choose to renew their green card instead because, for example, the individual does not meet the English language requirements, the individual has disqualifying criminal history, the individual could be referred to immigration court for potential removal, or the individual cannot easily establish good moral character.
- Any resident can apply to renew their green card and apply for naturalization at the same time, or the residency can opt to only apply for naturalization.
- Many countries recognize their own citizens, even if they become U.S. citizens, and therefore the applicant becomes a dual citizen. Check with your country of citizenship to find out if that country will recognize dual citizenship if you naturalize in the U.S.
NO! A common mistake conditional residents make is to apply for an I-90 to “renew” their green card, when in fact only permanent residents can renew their cards. Conditional residents only have two-year green cards, and they are all required to file to removal the conditions on their residency, an entirely different legal process and form. Failure to follow these required procedures could lead to being placed into removal proceedings in immigration court. If you filed the wrong form and are a conditional resident, consult with us today to see if you can file the required form late for good cause.
Our Results Speak for Themselves
We Treat Our Clients Like Family
Deported Honduran National’s Case Reopened
Deportation Case Terminated
Man Previously Tortured by Police in His Country Was Awarded Protection
Protection Won for Torture Survivor
Juveniles Facing Deportation Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Removal Proceedings Closed
Child Sexual Abuse Victim Appeals for Asylum in Court
Victim of Child Sexual Abuse Granted Asylum
College Student Was Arrested for Possession
Client Released and Case Dismissed
Entered the U.S. Illegally
Parole Awarded to Mother of Soldier
Family Suffered Interrogation and Arrest in West Africa
Asylum Granted
Foreign Husband Petitions for Provisional Waiver
Family Suffered Interrogation and Arrest in West Africa