Green Card Renewal Lawyer

The process of renewing a green card demands prompt action and precision. The experienced immigration attorneys at SimVisa focus on helping lawful permanent residents safeguard their status without interruption.

We can streamline the renewal process by meticulously preparing crucial documentation, addressing possible challenges, and keeping you updated on immigration law. From start to finish, we’ll ensure that your application is completed and submitted properly, minimizing potential errors and delays.

Trust SimVisa to provide the legal support you need to navigate the immigration process confidently and preserve your permanent residency. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a dedicated Chicago immigration attorney.

Can You Renew an Expired Green Card?

If your green card has expired, it's critical to initiate the renewal process promptly to maintain your legal permanent resident status. Ideally, you should renew your green card within six months of its expiration. Doing so will ensure more expedient processing and prevent potential complications.

Our immigration law professionals can walk you through the renewal process to help you maintain your lawful permanent residency without interruption.

When to Renew or Replace Your Green Card

You can renew your permanent resident card under the following conditions:

• Your 10-year green card is expiring.
• Your two-year conditional green card is nearing expiration.

Alternatively, it will be necessary to replace your green card if:

• It has expired.
• It will expire within six months.
• It was lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• It doesn't display an expiration date.
• It contains incorrect information.
• Your name has changed, and your green card still displays the old name.
• Your green card was approved but never arrived.
• You turned 14 after obtaining a green card.

Renewing or replacing your green card as needed will ensure that you enjoy continued legal status and prevent issues related to school, work, and relationships.

Conditional Green Card vs. Permanent Green Card

To effectively maintain your green card status, it’s important to understand the distinction between conditional green cards and permanent ones.

A conditional family-based green card, which is valid for two years, requires the removal of conditions to secure permanent residency. Failure to do so exposes you to the risk of losing your legal status.

By contrast, a Permanent Resident Card lasts 10 years and represents established permanent residency. Timely renewal is essential to avoid complications in travel, work, benefits, and overall legal status.

You must be mindful of these differences to remain in the U.S. lawfully and prevent disruptions. Our immigration attorneys can further educate you on the two options and ensure that your renewal application is submitted on time.

How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?

The renewal time frame for a green card is around 8–14 months on average. However, the exact time can depend on several factors, such as:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) workload.
• The accuracy and completeness of your application.
• The location of the USCIS office handling your case.

Unforeseen delays or additional document requests can extend this timeline. Our skilled immigration attorneys will work diligently to see that your application progresses smoothly and without unnecessary hold-ups.

The Renewal Process

Renewing your Permanent Resident Card is a pivotal step in maintaining uninterrupted residency in the U.S. The process involves several key stages:

Completing the Renewal Application

The journey to renewal begins with Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form serves as your official request for a new green card. Our immigration lawyers can help you complete this form thoroughly and accurately to minimize errors and delays.

Compiling Key Documentation

Next, you must gather the necessary documents. These will include proof of your identity and current lawful permanent resident status, along with other required supporting materials. We can assist you in putting together a comprehensive and well-organized set of documents to strengthen your renewal application.

Attending a Biometrics Appointment

Upon submitting your application, you may be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. During this examination, your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be collected for identity verification and security purposes. Our legal team will help verify that all required information is recorded promptly and accurately.

Preparing for a Potential Interview

While not all renewals require an interview, some may. If yours does, our lawyers can help you get ready, offering guidance on expected questions and ensuring that you're able to answer them confidently.

Undergoing Application Processing

Once you've completed the preceding steps, USCIS officials will review your application and supporting documents. Our lawyers will stay in close contact with them and other authorities to monitor the progress of your case and address any issues that may arise during the evaluation.

Awaiting Approval and Delivery

Once your application is approved, you'll receive your renewed green card. This document will cement your permanent residency status and afford you all the rights and privileges that come with it.

The renewal process can be complex, but with a trusted green card attorney by your side, you can be confident that all aspects of your application will be managed meticulously, increasing the likelihood of a successful renewal.

Don’t Let an Expired Green Card Jeopardize Your Residency

Ready to secure your legal permanent resident status? Talk to an immigration lawyer at SimVisa today for one-on-one guidance and legal aid.

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