Lawful permanent residents are permitted to live in the United States indefinitely.  However, this permission is subject to termination under certain circumstances.  For example, commission of a crime may subject the individual to removal from the United States and the loss of permanent resident status.  Additionally, if the permanent resident resides outside the United States continually for more than six months, abandonment of the permanent resident status may occur.  For these reasons, the green card expires every ten years, and the individual is required to submit an application to renew the card so that the above circumstances can be evaluated.  Today's blog post will address the process for renewing the green card.

WHEN CAN I APPLY TO RENEW MY GREEN CARD?

If your green card has expired, or will expire within the next six months, you are eligible to submit the application.

WHAT ARE THE FILING FEES FOR RENEWAL?

Currently, the filing fee for submitting the Application for Renewal is $365.00.  Additionally, most applicants are required to submit to fingerprinting so that the FBI can run a criminal background check.  The filing fee for the background check is currently $85.00.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

Once the application, supporting documents and proper filing fees have been submitted, the Applicant will receive a receipt notice acknowledging the submission of the application.  Within a few weeks, the Applicant will then receive a notice for an appointment at an Application Support Center so that the biometrics can be taken and submitted to the FBI.  Several months later, assuming the Applicant is eligible for renewal, the Applicant will receive a new lawful permanent resident card.  Applicants who are not eligible will receive a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service denying the application and explaining the legal reasons for the denial.

If your green card has expired or will expire soon, you should apply for renewal as soon as possible.  Christiansen Law Firm has assisted many immigrants with the renewal process.  Contact the offices of Christiansen Law Firm in Houston or San Antonio for additional information.