When Should I Renew My Green Card?

By: Jarbath Peña Law Group

If you’re living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, your green card serves as proof of your right to remain here. Nonetheless, it’s completely natural to feel anxious about maintaining your status, particularly in today’s unpredictable environment. At Jarbath Peña Law Group, we appreciate how deeply these concerns affect you and your family. Our team has guided countless clients through the green card process with compassion and strong advocacy, and we can do the same for you. We’re here to help you understand exactly when to renew and how to best safeguard your lawful presence in the U.S.

Types of Green Cards

To determine your next steps, it’s important to know which category your green card falls into, as it can be conditional or permanent. Below is a breakdown to help clarify.

Conditional Green Cards 

Conditional green cards have a 2-year validity. The USCIS issues these green cards to individuals granted permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen or through an eligible investor program. Because the status is based on conditions, you must take action to remove those conditions before your card expires.

Permanent Green Cards

This is the standard green card most lawful permanent residents hold. It is valid for 10 years and requires renewal before expiration, unless you pursue U.S. citizenship.

Knowing which of these applies to your situation helps ensure you take timely and correct action according to your immigration status.

Removing Conditions on Your Temporary Green Card

If your green card is the 2-year conditional type, you must proceed differently from those renewing a 10-year card. First, you’ll want to file your Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence well before your card expires. In fact, you should file this petition in the 90-day window leading up to your card’s expiration date. Filing this petition is how you can move from conditional status to a 10-year permanent card. 

In marriage-based cases, filing jointly with your spouse involves submitting evidence showing your marriage was entered in good faith. Such evidence can include showing joint finances, shared residence, and photos taken over time. Even if your circumstances (like separation or divorce) require a waiver, you can still file this petition. However, such circumstances can make it a bit more complex and require additional documentation.

Because missing this deadline could result in loss of status and removal proceedings, it’s crucial to prepare carefully well before the 90-day window begins.

Renewing a 10-Year Green Card

If your card is valid for the standard 10 years, you must file an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card within the six months (180 days) before your card expires. Filing too early is not permitted, and letting your card lapse may interfere with daily life. If your card needs replacement for reasons like being lost, stolen, damaged, or outdated due to a name change, you would file the same application.

This renewal process helps ensure that you maintain unbroken proof of your legal status, which protects your ability to live and work in the U.S. without interruption.

How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?

USCIS processing times can stretch to several months. While your application is pending, the receipt notice that USCIS sends automatically extends your green card’s validity for 24 months beyond its expiration.

Therefore, even if your physical card has expired, the receipt notice coupled with the expired card still counts as valid proof of your lawful permanent resident status during the processing period.

What If My Green Card Expires Before the Replacement Arrives?

Even when your card expires, your status remains valid. However, having an expired card can make it difficult to prove your residency when required for things such as work, driver’s license renewals, or international travel.

Fortunately, the USCIS receipt notice extending validity provides temporary proof. But if your card has already expired and you have yet to apply for renewal, it’s wise to take action immediately to avoid unnecessary complications.

What Happens If I Do Not Renew My Green Card?

Accepting prolonged inactivity isn’t advisable. While you remain a lawful permanent resident, an expired or unrenewed green card can lead to significant challenges. For example, a suspended green card can complicate employment verification, result in added scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry, and make it harder to renew your state identification.

Staying current helps avoid these types of obstacles. Staying compliant is the best way to attempt to protect yourself and ensure you can continue living in the U.S. without unnecessary legal or practical challenges.

Preparing for Your Renewal

Advance preparation is key to a smooth renewal process. We recommend that you prepare by doing the following:

• Keep a clear record of your card’s expiration date, and plan to act about a year before it lapses.

• Gather necessary documentation such as your current card, evidence of identity, and proof related to your filing type.

• Prepare your application well in advance, and look for confirmation that USCIS has received it.

• Retain copies of everything you submit, especially the USCIS receipt notice.

• If you’re unsure about the process—especially for situations involving waivers or complex personal circumstances—working with an immigration attorney can help ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Being proactive helps avoid last-minute stress and minimizes the chances of errors or missed deadlines.

Let Our Lawyers Help

Renewing your green card may feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and good planning, you can navigate it with confidence. At Jarbath Peña Law Group, we believe every immigrant deserves stability and the ability to build a future in the U.S. without fear.

Cofounded by Melisa Peña, Esq., a Peruvian-American attorney who has walked this path herself, our firm is deeply committed to serving immigrant communities. Melisa’s own journey to citizenship and her dedication to helping others shine through in her compassionate, caring, and attentive representation. Whether you’re dealing with a conditional card, preparing for renewal, or hoping to understand how immigration rules affect your future, we’re here to walk that path with you—every step of the way.

Call us today at (305) 615-1005 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Let us help ensure your green card renewal goes smoothly and your status remains protected.