The process of becoming a citizen of the United States of America can be confusing and time consuming. If you have a Permanent Resident Alien card, then you are on the road toward citizenship. But they do come with expiration dates. What should you do if your is about to expire or has and you wish to remain in the country? A lot of people who are pursuing citizenship and Green Card renewals are also confused about whether rules might have changed with the new presidential administration. There are a few things you should know to make the process a little faster and to ensure your entire family understands where you stand in the process.
If your Green Card renewal was denied, you no longer are eligible to work or live in the United States. You should contact your immigration attorney and file a motion to reopen your application and offer additional information that may help the panel approve your card. You may have to start the immigration process over by applying for a new Green Card using a different eligible status.
A Green Card is also known as a Permanent Resident Alien Card or an approved I-551 form. It shows that both your identity and eligibility to work in the United States has been approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
There are a few different versions of Green Cards. Some are only good for two years, and these cannot be renewed. Others are good for up to 10 years, and those are often issued to individuals who are likely to be able to achieve citizenship through traditional channels.
If you have a 10-, five- or three-year Green Card and it expired, you need to apply for a renewal as soon as possible. You need to fill out the I-90 form. There is a filing fee which can be as high as $500. You can apply for renewal in advance of its expiration, if it is expiring within six months.
While waiting for years for your application for naturalization to go through, you can forget that the action is pending with the USCIS. If your Green Card is expiring, it's wise to check the status of your application to ensure that it hasn't been denied and you missed the notification. If it has been denied, you won't be able to renew your Green Card unless you file a motion to reopen your case.
If you prefer to speak to a person while turning in your I-90, you can make an appointment to turn in the form at the USCIS office. It can extend the amount of time it takes to process your renewal application and slows down the process for everyone. If you need a translator, make sure to request one when you make the appointment.
In order to become a citizen, you have to file a M-480 and the N-400. This only an application, and it must be reviewed and approved. It is not automatic that you have lived in America for 10 years and receive citizenship, many factors are taken into account. The process is lengthy and can take up to two years. You should renew your Green Card while your N-400 is being considered to maintain your legal status.
Yes. There is an online form available at the USCIS website and asks for your alien registration number, address, name, and a few other details. You will have to pay the filing fee in order to submit it. You can have an interpreter assist you but they have to enter their information on the form as well. You are encouraged to use the online form as it helps to streamline the process.