Green Card holders with expired
Green Cards are considered "out of status" and may be denied entry into the United States. As it is the evidence of your status as a lawful permanent resident, it is very essential to keep your proof of permanent residence current and valid.
You should renew your green card if you are a permanent resident who was issued a Form I-551 valid for ten years, and that card is either expired or will expire within the next six months. You may renew your expired permanent resident card by filing a Form I-90. The specific requirements and procedures for applying to renew an expiring permanent resident card are set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] at 8 CFR 264.5.
What to do if you are outside the United States?
- If you are outside of the United States and your green card is about to expire within six months, you should file for the green card renewal as soon as you return to the United States (you must come back to the United States with in one year of your departure and before the card expires).
- If you are outside of the United States at the time of green card's expiration, and have not applied for the renewal, then you should contact the nearest U.S. Consulate, USCIS office, or Port of Entry before filing the form for renewal.
