GREEN CARD Q & A

What you need to know about Green Cards.

By:Paul AndersonBlog: Immigration Issues

A Brief Introduction

Green Card is the official documentation of Permanent Resident status

Q1: Does it expire?

The "Permanent Resident status" itself does not expire, however Green Cards must be renewed every 10 years.

Q2: What if I didn’t renew my Green Card?

Neglecting to renew your Green Card may cause some problems when traveling internationally or to prove your eligibility for employment in the U.S.

Q3: When should I file Green Card Renewal ?

Within six months of the expiration date listed on your Green Card

It cannot be filed more than six months in advance

If your Green Card has already expired

If you have an older version of a Green Card without an expiration date

Q4: How to Re-new a Green Card?

Renew your green card using the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It is also used to replace a non-expired Green Card.

Q5: Is it (Form I-90) only used to renew expired Green Card?

The Form I-90 can also be used for the following:

Your card was lost or stolen

Your card was mutilated or destroyed

Your card has a mistake on it (like a spelling error)

Your card was never received

Your name has changed

If you became a Permanent Resident before you were 14 years old, you are required to replace your card after your 14th birthday

Q6: Can I use Form I-90 if I’m a Conditional Permanent Resident?

Form I-90 should NOT be used to renew a Conditional Permanent Resident status

If your conditional status was based on a marriage, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.

If your conditional status was based on being an investor, you must file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status

Q7: Any chances that Green Card Renewal be denied?

Applications for Green Card renewal may be denied for various reasons. Two of the most common reasons would be criminal activity and adjustment of immigrant category.

Q8: What is Green Card INA?

All modern U.S. immigration law is filed under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 264 of the INA is about Green Cards.

The INA states that"Every alien in the United States . . . shall be issued a certificate of alien

registration or an alien registration receipt card in such form and manner and at such time as shall be prescribed under regulations..."

This means that every U.S. immigrant shall be granted a Green Card.

The INA also reads:

"Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him . . .. Any alien who fails to comply with [these provisions] shall be guilty of a misdemeanor ...”

The INA also states:

"Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him . . .. Any alien who fails to comply with [these provisions] shall be guilty of a misdemeanor ...”

This means that if you are an immigrant, you must always carry your Green Card with you.

For other U.S. immigration related issues,visit : ImmigrationDirect.com

Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for more.