Before 1989, once the green card was received, it remained legitimate indefinitely. However, the regulation has changed. If you have one of these cards, you must renew it before it expires. You also have to register for renewal even though you are an old green card holder since the old versions are no longer valid. In this case, the renewal process is quite simple if you know each of the steps.
Suppose your card has expired. You do not need to be panic. The first thing you do is to take action to renew it at the first possible opportunity when you find out that it has passed. Before proceeding with the process, it is always better to read more information regarding how to renew an expired green card. If needed, you can also hire an immigration lawyer for advice and help so that you can prepare any documents required in the renewal process.
Please do remember that if you have not renewed your expired card, you may have difficulty obtaining benefits, employment, and return to the United States from abroad. Suppose you have limited time to proceed, you can try to proceed with online green card renewal. Do not worry much. This online green card renewal is legal and provided by USCIS. Therefore, follow these steps to apply it correctly and legally so you will not have a problem when traveling abroad.
Verify Your Qualification
It is recommended that you check if you have eligibility information before sending the renewal application online. It is necessary to ensure that the online submission is the right choice for you. Make sure you have all the correct information available before you start submitting the documents electronically. Once you have verified your qualification and requirement, do not forget to have your payment method ready so that you can pay the registration fees when needed.
Get Photograph and Biometrics Appointment
If you decide to use e-filing, the application does not require your paper photographs. Besides, the process does not ask you to make self-schedule appointments in the Application Support Center to obtain biometric data. In fact, this online process would be more straightforward since you will get a mail notice from USCIS to schedule biometrics and photographs at the nearest support center.
In the biometrics appointment process, you have to carry the biometric appointment notice and your identification photograph. Besides, you can also take all the important proves to confirm your identity and status. From a marriage or birth certificate to a lost green card police report, such changed documents are essential to take with you in this process.
Check USCIS Website for Updates
If you are submitting your program via e-filing, make sure that your application has been submitted to USCIS. Suppose you receive a receipt number next to your application on the Internet confirmation page that is no longer in the list of saved programs on the My Types screen. In that case, it means that your application has been successfully archived. Your receipt number will probably be included in your I-797 form via post mail ten days after your online application.