Within the United States, the average how long does it take to renew green card? is about 18 months. If you are eligible for an expedited process, it can take as little as eight weeks to renew your green card.
The exact amount of time will depend on your particular situation and whether or not you gained permanent residency status. If you already have a valid green card, it will be valid for ten years. If you have an old green card that needs to be renewed, it is important to complete the process prior to its expiration date. While there is no penalty for not renewing it on time, your status will be extended and the card will remain valid until such a time as the renewal process is completed.
If you do not intend to leave the United States during your renewal period, you can complete this in person at a local USCIS office. If you are planning on leaving the U.S. or if you intend to extend your stay abroad, it is recommended that you apply for an immigrant visa instead.
You may want to renew your green card by mail, but if you want to expedite the process, this may not be the best option. If you do choose to apply on paper, you will need to await a decision regarding your request. If it is approved, then USCIS will send you a letter with instructions for completing the renewal process.
Green card renewal application documentation must accompany this request. It is important that all supporting documentation be included regardless of whether or not it was submitted during previous requests for renewing a green card.
You may have an option to renew your green card in the United States if you do not have a foreign address or if you are living abroad temporarily. This can be done as long as you also provide the address of where you will be staying for at least 180 days.
It is possible to request expedited processing for your green card renewal if it is being processed within the United States or from within the United States but by mail. This can speed up the process by up to several months and cost extra, though.
You will need to indicate on your application (Form I-90) which of these three circumstances apply to your case:
- Lawful Permanent Resident living in U.S. for more than one year
- Lawful Permanent Resident living in U.S. for less than a year
- Lawful Permanent Resident living abroad
The cost of filing will also depend on your situation and whether or not you are eligible for an expedited process. If you are living in the United States, it will cost $215 when filing by mail and $330 if you file in person at a USCIS office. If you are living abroad, the filing fee is $600 to file by mail and $700 to file in person at a USCIS office. The application must be mailed to USCIS with the first payment made.
The only other option for filing your green card renewal is to submit the application to USCIS by fax, which will cost $45 if it is for a person living in the United States and $115 for those living abroad. Form I-90 must be submitted at this time as well. This can take up to six weeks, depending on your particular case.
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