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Is there a Better Way to Renew a Green Card?

The green card renewal process is typically routine but that does not mean it’s easy. The process has become increasingly lengthy and fraught with confusing paperwork, so it’s important to know the best way to renew a green card.

Permanent residents must renew their green cards every 10 years. Although a decade seems like a long time, it creeps up fast. You have likely been spending time building a career in the United States or even establishing a business. As local immigration lawyers, we know first-hand the pressures and challenges of forging a new life in an unfamiliar country. Partner Radlyn Mendoza is the daughter of hardworking Filipino immigrants who came to Virginia Beach and set up a grocery store.

You should not assume renewing your green card will be a formality. Pay attention to the fine print and call on a lawyer if you are unsure about the process. 

Your green card provides your right to permanent residency in the United States. If it expires, you may face issues working or traveling. Under U.S. law, permanent residents must carry their cards with them all the time. You can face a host of problems including securing a job, a mortgage, or a driver’s license.

If you set up an online account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you can file I-90 virtually and receive electronic case status alerts and secure messages. You can check the status of your case online. You can also file for your green card renewal by paper by sending your completed Form I-90, the filing fee, and documentation to the Arizona address provided on USCIS’s website.

You should also use Form I-90 if your current green card was stolen, lost, or damaged, or contains incorrect information. Make sure you select the correct reason for renewal out of 17 options on the form.

Renewal is usually an automatic process unless you have been convicted of a deportable crime in the decade since you received your last green card. Consult an immigration lawyer if you gained a criminal record since your last green card application.

Be sure to have the correct supporting documents. For green card renewal, you only have to provide a copy of your existing green card. You must also pay the requested filing fees – $540 which includes a $455 filing fee and $85 for biometrics.

Once you have filed for your green card renewal, you will face an (often lengthy) wait for a biometrics appointment. An official will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature. Ensure you keep this appointment to minimize additional delays.

When Should I File Form I-90 to Renew My Green Card?

Don’t wait until your green card’s expiration date to renew. You should file Form I-90 for green card renewal six months before the expiry date on your card.

Can You Renew Your Green Card While Outside the US?

Green card holders who are overseas should file I-90 as soon as they return to the United States. If your green card is due to expire while you are abroad, talk to officials at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before you return to the United States. Be cautious about travel if your green card is set to expire.

Differences with a Two-Year Green Card

Form I-90 is not the best way to renew a two-year green card. Your application will be rejected. Although some holders of marriage-based conditional green cards get confused, It is not possible to renew a conditional green card. Instead, you must apply for the conditions on permanent residence to be removed. Submit the USCIS application I-751 to remove your conditions on residence. You must apply for the replacement of a conditional green card if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed. You will need a new conditional green card if it contains incorrect information or if you legally changed your name or other biographic information. You cannot submit Form I-90 and must instead file form I-751 or Form I-829 if you are an investor.

It is vital to file with your spouse within 90 days of the expiry of your two-year green card. Failure to file may result in USCIS terminating your status and issuing a notice for you to appear in court. 

Once the conditions are removed, your conditional green card becomes a 10-year green card, giving you greater peace of mind and an avenue to U.S citizenship.

Although renewal of a green card should be a smooth process, applicants can and do make costly mistakes. The attorneys at Gardner & Mendoza can help you avoid pitfalls. Call us at (757) 464-9224.

Back to Green Card Renewal >

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Testimonials

Well, hard to believe… job done! I’m frank to admit I had no idea that it would be so involved compared to 10 years ago when I did the renewal myself. Happily I was fortunate enough to find the best people to help get it done this time. When I was a working stiff it was mostly as a field guy in sales & marketing. High tech communication in those days was a pay phone in customers’ lobbies, so someone back in the office skilled in dealing w/problems was absolutely essential when I couldn’t be contacted. Most of those who supported me that way were good at what they did, some were outstanding. None were better than you!! This tedious & sometimes worrisome process would have been unbearable without your keeping it, & me, on track. So we want to extend our thanks to you and Radlyn. Hoping for Gardner & Mendoza to continue the good work for many years to come. - Anonymous
Gardner and Mendoza Law Firm is a great law firm no matter what kind of situation you may be in! For example I had court today, John Gardner, my attorney represented me today and got the charged dismissed totally the first time we both appeared in front of the judge in Virginia Beach Traffic Court. He uses every bit of knowledge he can to help you get the best results!! He also works very well with Latinos! They have a Spanish speaking person in their office at all times!! - Sebastian
My husband and I had a great experience with Mrs. Mendoza. She provided excellent information and a sense of urgency with every step of our immigration process. Her team was always supportive in getting us the information we needed throughout the whole process. This legal firm also treats their clients with the highest levels of respect. In all of Virginia I would say that the Gardener & Mendoza team is the best recommendation for same sex immigration cases and for immigration cases in general. It was a pleasure to work with them. - Anonymous
I Highly Recommend Radlyn Mendoza, An Excellent Immigration Lawyer. My wife and I were very worried about my wife’s immigration and legal status. We were quite impressed with Attorney Mendoza during our initial consultation. She proved to be a smart, knowledgeable, and very capable immigration attorney. She and her staff were very helpful and responsive to all of our requests. Kudos to her and staff, especially Leesa, for successfully handling our case. Thanks for a job well done. - Thomas and Cheong W.
My daughter received a reckless driving ticket going 60 in a 35 mph zone, so understandably, I was very concerned. In court, Mr. Gardner was able to get the reckless driving charge and ticket completely dismissed due to his knowledge of what the police officer had to present in court. Mr. Gardner was a familiar face to the judge and the clerks in the Virginia Beach courthouse. When we contacted John Gardner’s office at Gardner & Mendoza, he and his staff made us feel comfortable by explaining the whole process to us. His track record and the reviews online helped make the decision to choose Mr. Gardner over other attorneys easy. I highly recommend Mr. Gardner. He gave us peace of mind and won the case too! - Michelle

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Gardner & Mendoza, P.C.
909 First Colonial Rd., Suite 100
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
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Our main law office is conveniently located in the Hilltop section of Virginia Beach, near Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Oceana Naval Base. See law office locations.

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