I have been a permanent resident for 10 years, and I am in the process to filing out the application for citizenship. What should I do if my green card expired 2 months ago? Should I apply first for a green card renewal?
Thanks for your answers, no racists answers needed....
2006-12-23 10:21:29 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
You have received a number of thoughtful answers, but most of them are wrong. Although it is true that you won't lose your status just because your green card is expired, to apply for naturalization you must have a current, valid card. According to the official Naturalization Handbook, page 13, FAQs:
"24. Do I need to get a new Permanent Resident Card ...if I am applying for naturalization?
"... If you apply for naturalization within six months of the expiration date on your Permanent Resident Card, or don’t apply for naturalization until your card has already expired, you must renew your card."
2006-12-23 22:33:01 · answer #1 · answered by dognhorsemom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know for sure that an expired card does not change your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident. Also, it costs (I think) $130 to file an I-90. The naturalization process can take an exasperating amount of time, also. This answer is going to bum you out. Sorry. Even though you are still a Lawful Permanent Resident, and continue to be so whether or not your card is expired, it is nevertheless a misdemeanor for an LPR not to have a current card. So yes, you have to at least APPLY, before you can submit your N-400. Here's where you need some legal advice, from an immigration lawyer, and not from the internet: Can you file the N-400 at the same time you file the I-90? There's some info on the link below. Hope it helps. And best of luck to you.
2006-12-23 10:34:15 · answer #2 · answered by chivarayada1111 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you don't really go out of status on a green card if you remain in the country, but you should have a an expired green card at all times, and the citizenship application can take year, so you might as well apply for it, but you don't really need it for the application. I suggestion you get a new on, it can't hurt you, and since you will not be a citzen for about a year or so anyhow, you will need a new one in the mean time in case of anything......
There is a possibility they may ask you why you let your green card expire, so it's best to have another one also.....
" The Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, is issued to all Permanent Residents as evidence of alien registration and their permanent status in the US. The card must be in your possession at all times. This requirement means that you are not only required to have a currently valid Form I-551 at all times, but also that you must carry your currently valid Form I-551 on your person at all times. The Permanent Resident Card currently is issued with a 10-year validity. You status as a Permanent Resident does not expire with the 10-year validity. Only the card expires. The card is only valid up to the expiration date and must be renewed before it expires."
2006-12-23 15:40:08 · answer #3 · answered by crazydeb16 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have been in the US for 10 years, and you wish to be a citizen, it would be wise to call the INS and ask them what the appropriate action for you to take would be (It was silly, though, to let your green card expire).
To reside legally in the US you have to have a valid visa or citizenship. After 10 years with a green card, they are probably not going to chase you around the block over having let your green card elapse if you are a resident in good standing. That is not the biggest problem they have at this moment.
However, as someone who has dealt with them recently on green card renewal and citizenship issues, I can say that our own experience has been nothing but positive. If you are legal and contributing to the welfare of the country, they have no interest in giving you a hard time. Just explain the issue, say you are sorry and silly about not having acted before the card expired and I am sure you will have the same positive experience we have had.
2006-12-23 11:24:47 · answer #4 · answered by acablue 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
An expired green card, together with proof of filing for naturalization, should be enough to prove that you are lawfully present in the US. But, you can not travel with an expired green card. Also, your employer may ask for evidence of your permanent residency .
If you need evidence of permanent resident status for travel or employment purposes, you can complete and file Form I-90 with the uscis.gov. $330.00.On receipt of the filing fee receipt, you can schedule an appointment with your local USCIS office and arrange to have a permanent resident stamp placed in your passport while you are waiting for the citizenship.
2006-12-23 12:56:21 · answer #5 · answered by Ms.Kiss 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are not required to renewal your green card before applying for U.S. citizenship. You can go to USCIS and get your passport stamped while you are applying for citizenship. Please note, that the citizenship process is lengthy and will take about 1 year to complete. If you are denied for any reason then you will have to get your green card renewed anyway. My advice is to renew your green card (which you can do online) and is very easy, and then get ready for the filing of your citizenship. Remember before you can file for citizenship you need your tax transcripts, selective service registration confirmation or status letter, and many other documents that may take weeks to get.
Crystal Ibarra
www.crystalibarra.com
2006-12-23 11:52:56 · answer #6 · answered by Crystal I 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Renew your green card first. They may ask you for your green card and may notice that it is expired and require you to renew it. So its better for you just to renew so they wont have anything to hold on.
2006-12-23 11:43:18 · answer #7 · answered by m_es_84 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should contact the Immigration Service now and get that fixed - otherwise your citizenship application will run into trouble.
2006-12-23 12:40:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have to. I think you have to be 'in status'. I don't know what issues may come up, otherwise, however. Like can you renew after the fact? I'm sure some do, but I don't know details.
Check the immigration web page.
And as a curiosity, how could any answer be racist when we havent a clue what your race is?
2006-12-23 10:26:58 · answer #9 · answered by DAR 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋