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Renew Your Green Card in Houston
Renewing a green card in Houston, Texas, refers to extending the validity of a permanent resident card (green card) for lawful permanent residents who wish to continue residing in the United States. The renewal should ideally be done before the green card expires, and it is essential to start the process well in advance to avoid any potential delays or issues.
The process usually involves submitting a Form I-90, paying a fee, and possibly undergoing an in-person interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is essential to carefully follow the instructions provided by USCIS and provide accurate information to avoid delays or denials in the process.
If you wish to bring a spouse to USA or need assistance with adjustment of status, we can help. Our experienced and motivated immigration lawyer will guide you through the complexities of immigration law to help you achieve your immigration goals. You can also peruse our adjustment of status checklist to help you get a broad idea of the process.
Documents Required for Green Card Renewal
The following documents are required to renew a green card:
- Form I-90: Completed and signed Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
- Green card: Your expired or expiring green card.
- Fees: Payment of the appropriate fee associated with the renewal of the green card. It is usually $455. In addition to this, an $85 biometric fee also may be applicable. You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you meet certain criteria.
In some cases where your green card has either been stolen, lost, or destroyed or if you were a “commuter” (meaning you live in Canada/Mexico but travel to the USA for work), you may be required to submit the following additional documents:
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport or other government-issued identification documents, such as a passport.
- Evidence of Continuous Residency: Documentation that shows you have been continuously residing in the United States since obtaining your green card, such as rent receipts, utility bills, or tax returns.
It is critical to note that the requirements for renewing a green card can vary based on individual circumstances, so it is a good idea to consult the USCIS website or a qualified immigration attorney, such as Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, for more information.
How Can I Renew My Green Card in Houston?
Eligibility Criteria
You must have lawful permanent resident status in the United States and have a green card that is about to expire or has already expired.
If you have a criminal history, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a police clearance certificate, depending on the circumstances.
Procedure
To renew a green card in Houston, Texas, follow these steps:
- Gather the required documents.
- Complete and sign Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Form I-90 can be filed either online or by mail.
- Submit the completed form, required documents, and photographs to USCIS.Pay the
- appropriate fees. It is vital to note that the fee may change, and it is always best to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
- Wait for USCIS to process your application and notify you of the next steps. In some cases, you may have to attend an in-person interview.
- Receive your renewed green card in the mail.
It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided by USCIS and provide accurate information to avoid any delays or denials in the process.
Can I Renew My Green Card Online?
You can renew your green cards online after creating a USCIS online account. However, not all green card holders can renew their cards online, and some may need to apply through other means, such as by mail. To determine if you can renew your green card online, you may contact the USCIS or consult an immigration attorney for further information.
The process to file online is as follows:
- Create a USCIS online account.
- Fill out Form I-90 and digitally sign the application.
- Upload required evidence.
- Pay the fees electronically.
- Submit the application and wait for the results.
You may use the USCIS account for other purposes, such as:
- Receiving case status updates and seeing your complete case history.
- Respond to requests for evidence through the online portal.
Is an Interview Required to Renew a Green Card?
In some cases, USCIS may require an in-person interview as part of the green card renewal process. The need for an interview depends on individual circumstances and the discretion of the USCIS.
Can I Renew an Expired Green Card?
You can renew a green card that has expired as long as you are still considered a lawful permanent resident. However, it’s essential to renew it as soon as possible. An expired green card can cause problems in certain situations, such as traveling outside the U.S. or applying for benefits.
To renew an expired green card, you must follow the same process as you would for a green card that is yet to expire, including filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
You may have to attend an interview and provide additional documentation.
How Long Does It Take to Renew Green Card?
The processing time for renewing a green card can vary depending on the circumstances of each case and the workload of USCIS.
The average processing time is approximately 1.5 to 12 months. However, it is always best to check the USCIS website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date processing times.
How Can an Immigration Attorney Help You?
Immigration can be a complex task to tackle by yourself. The requirements are stringent, and even minor mistakes can delay your application significantly. Green card applications, adjustment of status, and all immigration processes may require the guidance and assistance of an immigration attorney. An attorney can make your life easier and prevent costly mistakes.
You can also check out our handy green cards FAQs for a quick refresher on the subject. Should you have any questions relating to immigration, contact Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, to schedule an initial free consultation today!
