Your Green Card is more than just a piece of plastic; it is a powerful symbol of your life, hard work, and home in the United States. It is the key to employment, travel, and security for lawful permanent residents throughout Chicago. Seeing that card’s expiration date approaching, or realizing it has been lost or stolen, can cause anxiety.
Skilled immigration lawyers can provide insights into how to renew or replace your Green Card and what the process entails in 2025. The process is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail. Understanding the correct steps, forms, and timelines is essential to maintain valid proof of your permanent resident status without unnecessary delays or complications.
Does an Expired Green Card Mean You Lose Your Status?
A common and important question is whether an expired Green Card means the loss of lawful permanent residence status. Fortunately, the answer brings significant relief: no. An expired Green Card does not mean you have lost your lawful permanent resident status. Your status itself does not expire. The expiration date on your card is simply the expiration of the physical document that proves your status.
But this does not mean you can ignore it. An expired Green Card can create serious problems in your daily life. You need a valid, unexpired card to:
- Prove your eligibility to work in the United States.
- Re-enter the country after traveling abroad.
- Apply for a mortgage or other loans.
- Renew your driver’s license in Illinois.
Keeping your card current is essential for avoiding disruptions to your life and work.
When to Renew vs. When to Replace Your Green Card
The first step is to determine which process you need. While both use the same form, the reasons for filing are different.
Renewing Your 10-Year Green Card
Renewal is for lawful permanent residents who have a standard 10-year Green Card that is either expired or will expire within the next six months. This is the most common reason for filing. If you have an older version of the Green Card (like Form AR-3, AR-103, or I-151) with no expiration date, you are encouraged to replace it with a current card to prevent issues.
Replacing Your Green Card
Replacement is necessary when your unexpired card needs to be updated for other reasons. You must file for a replacement if your card was:
- Lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Issued with incorrect information (like a misspelled name or wrong date of birth).
- Never received from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You also must file for a replacement if you have legally changed your name or other biographic information since your last card was issued.
The Process: Filing Form I-90
The key to renewing and replacing your Green Card is Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This is the official USCIS application for this purpose. The process generally involves a few key steps:
- Complete Form I-90: You must fill out the form accurately and completely, either online or by mail.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Depending on your situation, you must provide a copy of your current Green Card (if available) or other identity documents.
- Pay the Filing Fees: The application requires a filing fee and a biometrics services fee. These fees are subject to change, so always check the official USCIS website for the current amounts.
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment: After filing, you will likely receive an appointment notice to visit a local Application Support Center, like the one in Chicago, to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
Once these steps are complete, USCIS will process your application. You will receive an official receipt notice, a temporary proof of your status while you wait for your new card.
A Critical Note for Conditional Residents
It’s crucial to note that the I-90 process is not for conditional permanent residents. If you have a 2-year conditional Green Card obtained through marriage or investment, you cannot use Form I-90 to renew it.
Instead, you must file a petition to remove the conditions on your residence within 90 days before your card expires. This involves filing Form I-751 (for marriage-based residents) or Form I-829 (for investor residents). Using the wrong form is a grave mistake that can jeopardize your status.
The Gilliam Law Advantage: Insights Beyond the Obvious
While Form I-90 may seem like a simple administrative task, USCIS scrutinizes every application. Any errors, omissions, or red flags, such as an undisclosed criminal history, can lead to significant delays or even risk your permanent resident status. This is where our firm’s unique perspective becomes invaluable.
Our legal team works under the leadership of a former judge, giving us special insight into how government adjudicators review and analyze a case file. We understand the level of detail they expect and can anticipate questions they might have about your application.
Through our expertise, we can help you prepare a thorough and precise application that avoids common pitfalls. When you work with the passionate immigration lawyers in Illinois at our firm, you get more than help with a form. We provide a strategic review designed to ensure a smooth and successful process.
We Are Here to Guide You
Your Green Card is vital; you must ensure it remains valid for your peace of mind. At Gilliam Law, we are passionate about helping our clients navigate every step of their immigration journey with confidence.
If you need to renew or replace your Green Card, you don’t have to handle the process alone. Call us today at 866-511-3422 for a consultation. Let our team of dedicated immigration lawyers in Illinois provide the approachable and knowledgeable guidance you deserve.
1904 W. 47TH St. 
866-511-3422