What to Do After a Permanent Resident Card Expires

A permanent resident card is sometimes called a green card. It is obtained by people accepted for permanent residency in the United States. They must carry the card with them, as you would your passport in a foreign country. As with your passport, if the green card expires, you are technically not in the country legally.

Renewal

If you hold a permanent resident card you are required to renew it if it is expired or will expire in six months.

Form

To renew your form I-551, 10-year permanent residency card, even if it is expired, you must complete form I-90. Call 800-870-3676 to receive a form by mail, or download it from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Misconceptions

Renewal of a permanent residency card is not automatic. It can be denied. If it is, you will be notified by mail of the decision. You can't directly appeal a denial.

Motion to Reopen

You can file a motion to reopen if your renewal was denied, but to reopen your case you must have new facts and documentary evidence to support them.

Motion to Reconsider

To file a motion to reconsider, you must show that the law was applied incorrectly in the initial case and prove that the necessary evidence was in the file at the time the decision was made.

References

• Form I-90
• Renewing permanent residency cards FAQ's
• How to appeal