You may have never thought the day would come, but at last, your green card’s expiration date has arrived. This can be quite nerve-racking for you, as this is the most essential proof of your lawful presence in the United States. Before you become completely overwhelmed, continue reading to learn what happens when your green card expires and how an experienced Baltimore County, Maryland green cards lawyer at Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC, can help you avoid any unnecessary consequences.
What does it mean when my green card expires?
Contrary to the worst-case scenario you jump to, your green card expiring does not necessarily mean that your lawful permanent residency has been lost. Simply put, your green card is the proof of your legal status, not the status itself. So, when this happens, all you need to do is initiate the green card renewal process by filing Form I-90 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Of note, we encourage you to submit this form as early as possible, at 180 days before your green card’s expiration date, as the processing time could take several months.
What problems can an expired green card cause?
Even though your immigration status may not be at stake, your expired green card can cause you serious practical and legal challenges. For example, your employer may be required to verify your eligibility to work for Form I-9, and they may not accept expired documentation. Also, if you travel abroad to visit a family member or for other purposes, airlines and border officials may exercise their legal right to deny boarding or entry if you only have an expired green card. Lastly, it may bar or severely restrict access to benefits you were once eligible for, such as mortgage loan approvals, driver’s license renewals, and public benefits renewals.
If you applied for a green card renewal but are still waiting to hear back, there is still a way to avoid these excessive inconveniences. That is, you may use your Form I-90 receipt notice (i.e., Notice of Action) in tandem with your expired green card. This may act as temporary proof for up to 36 months after its expiration date. Or, for a better means of physical proof, you may request an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (i.e., I-551 stamp) from the USCIS. This stamp may be placed in your foreign passport or on your Form I-94, and it may be valid for up to one year.
We sympathize with how frightening this uncertain time may be for you. For the comfort and relief you need, please seek the aid of a skilled Baltimore County, Maryland immigration lawyer from Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC. We will support you in any capacity you like.