A Green Card is issued to permanent residents of the US who have legal permission to work and stay in the United States. A green card holder needs to be over 18 and you will have to keep the card on your person at all times. Green cards are typically valid for 10 years unless there is some special condition attached then it will be valid for 2 years. If you plan on staying in the country then you need to make sure that the card is renewed before it expires.
Why a Green Card
If you want to able to work and reside in the United States then a green card is a must, you will need to complete the Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification. With a green card not only are you legally able to work you will also be able to get a Driver’s License issued by the state you live in. When you are issued a green card you can travel outside the country and it will allow you to re-enter the United States as long as you don’t stay away for longer than a year.
Renewing Your Green Card
You will need to start the renewal process at least six months before the expiration date and you will need to get the process started right away. You should work with an immigration attorney to make sure that all the paperwork is done on time and accurately.
If you happen to be outside of the country when your green card is ready to expire then you need to get the process started right away as soon as you return. If you are still outside the country when the card expires and you haven’t started the application then when you return you need to get to the US Consulate office right away to start the paperwork. Here is some help on renewing your green card.
Application Status
You can check the status of your application online by visiting the USCIS website or you can call them directly during business hours. You will have to identify yourself so have on hand your receipt number and any other pertinent details relating to the application. Green cards and any other immigration paperwork can be complicated and mistakes are costly. You can even face deportation if you don’t fill out the paperwork correctly or on time. This is why an immigration lawyer is invaluable, contact one to help with your case.
