Renewing a Two-Year Conditional Green Card?

Some individuals receive a conditional Green Card instead of a standard 10-year Green Card. A conditional Green Card is generally valid for 2 years.

If you apply for a Green Card based on your marriage and you are married for less than 2 years at the time USCIS issues the Green Card, you will receive a conditional Green Card. You must file a petition to remove the conditions on your Green Card at the end of the 2-year period.

Form I-751

If you have a conditional Green Card based on marriage and your Green Card is about to expire, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. You must also submit evidence that your marriage is real.

With limited exceptions, you must file the Form I-751 in the 90-day period before your Green Card expires. If you do not file on time, you generally will be sent a notice to appear in immigration court before a judge. The judge could decide to terminate your lawful permanent resident status, and you would need to leave the U.S.

If USCIS approves your Form I-751, then it will issue you a 10-year Green Card.

Renewing a Ten-Year Green Card?

A 10-year Green Card must be renewed when the physical card expires. Having a current Green Card is important for many reasons. It is proof of your lawful permanent resident status. You need it to work in the U.S. and apply for documents such as a driver's license and a Social Security number. If you are 18 years or older, you are also required to have your Green Card with you at all times.

To renew a 10-Year Green Card, you will need to file a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). This is also the form you can use to apply for a new Green Card if your card was lost, stolen, or damaged.

Does My Status Expire When My Green Card Expires?

It is important to understand the difference between your lawful permanent resident status and the physical Green Card itself. The card may expire and need to be renewed, but your lawful permanent resident status generally continues unless it is abandoned, revoked, or terminated through removal proceedings by an immigration judge.

Can a Green Card Holder Be Deported?

Yes. A Green Card holder can still be deported under certain circumstances. Lawful permanent resident status offers more benefits and protections than nonimmigrant status, such as someone here on a student visa or an H-1B visa. However, being a Green Card holder is not the same as being a U.S. citizen.

As a lawful permanent resident, you could lose your status and be ordered to leave the U.S. if you fail to maintain the conditions of your lawful permanent residence. Certain felony convictions, specific crimes, fraud, misrepresentation, and national security concerns can affect your ability to remain a Green Card holder. Being outside of the country for too long could also be seen as abandoning your status.

Can a Green Card Holder Become a U.S. Citizen?

Yes. Many lawful permanent residents eventually apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. In general, you must wait until you have been a Green Card holder for 5 years before you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after 3 years if they meet all legal requirements.

Naturalization is a separate process with its own eligibility rules such as continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character. The naturalization application process also includes English and U.S. civics tests.