How Long Does My Green Card Last?

Once your green card has been processed, it doesn’t mean that all your concerns are over. A green card is proof that you are authorized to work and live in the U.S. However, green cards do expire. Temporary conditional green cards last for two (2) years, and most permanent green cards expire every ten (10) years. If you hold onto an expired green card, you can face some pretty serious consequences. You may be unable to apply for a new job, unable to obtain a home loan, or re-enter the U.S. It is important that you contact an immigration lawyer affiliated with Hall Law Office PA if you are dealing with an expired green card.

What is a Green Card?

A green card is simply known as a Lawful Permanent Resident Card. By obtaining a green card, you will be granted unrestricted work and residence authorization while in the United States. Once you have obtained your green card, you will be able to freely choose your place of residence and work. You can also enter the leave the country with no problems. You can contact our South Florida immigration attorneys if you need assistance in applying for your green card.

How Long Does a Green Card Last?

You must always have a valid and current green card if you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States. If you don’t have a valid card, we highly recommend you file for a renewal.

Green cards expire and most of them are typically valid for only 10 years. However, there are a few exceptions. Many people recommend that you apply for your green card to be renewed at least 6 months prior to the expiration date. You will have to fill out the Form I-90.

The green card’s expiration date is located on the front of your card aside from your name, date of birth, gender, etc. While many green cards are valid for 10 years, there are some versions of the green card that don’t have this 10-year validity period. These include:

• Older versions of Green Cards- There are certain versions of the green card that are no longer valid. You must carry a Form-I551 as proof of your permanent residency status if this applies to you.
• Non-Expiring Green Cards- A few people possess green cards that don’t expire at all and were issued between 1977 and 1989. These cards do not include expiration dates and remain valid.
• Conditional Green Cards- If you have a marriage-based green card and are still within the first two years of your marriage, or if you were given the green through investment, you only have a conditional green card.

Again, for more information, it is always best to consult with a green card attorney.

Who are Green Cards for?

Green cards are for people that need the authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. To apply for a green card, you must be eligible for one of the following categories:

• Green Card through Family
• Green Card through Employment
• Green Card as a Special Immigrant
• Green Card through Asylee or Refugee Status
• Green Card for Human Trafficking and Crime Victims
• Green Card for Victims of Abuse
• Green Card through Registry
• Green Card through Other Categories

If you fall under one of these categories, you should contact one of our attorneys.

Can a Green Card be Renewed?

Yes, a green card can be renewed. You should only renew your green card if you have been issued a card that is valid for 10 years and has expired or will expire within the next 6 months.

However, if you have a green card that is only valid for 2 years, you are considered a conditional resident. This means that you must file a petition to remove any conditions of your residence prior to the expiration date of your green card. This petition may be filed 90 days prior to the date your conditional card expires.

Additionally, if your petition is approved, you will be mailed a new green card that is valid for 10 years.

Also, if your card does not have an expiration date on the front, then you have an old version. Many older green cards are no longer valid. Even if you do not have an expiration date, it is highly recommended that you apply to have it renewed.

One of our immigration lawyers can assist you with any type of green card. Contact us today to get the process started.