
Obtaining lawful permanent resident status, or a green card, is a dream for so many immigrants in the United States. Unfortunately, the legal obligations do not end once a green card is issued. All green cards have an expiration date. Even if your green card expires, you are still considered a lawful permanent resident, but you must renew your green card so you can continue to show that you can work and live legally within the country. It is crucial to understand the steps to take when renewing your green card so you can protect your status.
The green card design changes every so often, and all green cards will expire at some point. Again, while this does not affect your lawful permanent resident status, it is important to replace or renew your green card so you do not run into trouble with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or other authorities. You must replace or renew your green card in the following situations:
Failing to replace or renew your green card in these situations could cause unnecessary complications, so it is important to know how to do it.
It is typically best that immigrants work with an Illinois immigration lawyer when renewing their green card. In most cases, you will only need a copy of the green card that has expired or is set to expire. If your green card has been stolen, lost, or damaged, you may need additional supporting evidence, which could include:
The type of proof you may need to renew your green card will depend on your situation. An immigration lawyer can help with your renewal application and will advise on the supporting documents to submit along with it.
A green card will provide reassurance to immigrants that they can remain in the country, but it is important to know what is required of you even after obtaining one. If you need to renew or replace or your green card, our Illinois immigration lawyers at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, can help. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.