Basic Instructions For Renewing Green Card
Renewing green card documents is an important task to before it expires. Because of possible backlog issues, it is best to file your renewal no later than six months before expiration. By law, it is required that permanent residents carry proof of their status. Although you will not lose your permanent resident status if it expires there are complications you could face.
Complications you could expect to encounter could include seeking employment. A valid green card will state if the person is eligible to work in the country or not. If your card is expired, the employer would not be able to hire you until the green card is renewed. Another problem could be obtaining health & medical benefits. The biggest problem could be if you were to leave the country with an expired card, reentry could be delayed or worse, denied.
There are an number of U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices in each US State and its territories. First step is to locate your nearest office. Next you will need to make an appointment to verify all documents and identification with a USCIS employee. Before you go for your appointment be sure you have all the proper documents filled out legibly as well as have two copies of a current passport photo. One of these photos will be sent with your request form, the other will be used for your temporary card until your real card arrives in the mail.
Once at the appointment you will have fingerprints redone. The front of your card will bear your index fingerprint. You will be asked a few verifying questions. You will be given your temporary card and sent on your way. Your official card should arrive in the mail as early as six months up to about twelve months. The temporary card is valid for up to a year after you filed for your renewal.
Renewing green card your status is not a difficult task. Be sure you are honest and prepared when you go in for your scheduled appointment. Having everything ready will help with a smooth process completing your renewal forms in a timely matter.