Green Card Renewal Processing Time: Standard and Expedited Processing

Once you become a United States lawful permanent resident, you are issued a green card. Your green card (also called a lawful permanent resident card), is proof of your status as a lawful permanent resident.

A green card is a highly important document and failure to maintain a valid green card can result in a misdemeanor, government fines, and potentially even jail time. Typically, a green card is issued for a 10-year period and then expires. Before your green card expires, you are eligible to apply for a green card renewal.

In this guide, I’ll discuss the green card renewal processing time. I will also discuss expedited processing of a green card renewal application.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly at Michael@AshooriLaw.com. I’d be happy to assist you.

Overview:

1. Green Card Renewal Processing Time (Step-by-Step)

2. USCIS Link to Check Current Processing Times

3. Expedited Processing: Speeding up the Process

4. Conclusion

1. Green Card Renewal Processing Time (Step-by-Step)

Issuance of Receipt Notice by USCIS (1 to 3 Weeks from Filing Date)

In order to apply for a green card renewal, you must first submit a Form I-90 with USCIS. The I-90 is the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Once USCIS receives and accepts your I-90, USCIS will issue you a receipt notice. The receipt notice is the verification that USCIS has received your application. The receipt notice also contains a unique receipt number that you can use to track your case through the online USCIS Case Status resource.

Biometrics Appointment Notice (4 to 6 Weeks from Filing Date)

A few weeks after you receive your receipt notice from USCIS, you will then receive a biometrics appointment notice. In order to renew your green card, you must attend a biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment is where your digital fingerprints are taken. Your biometrics appointment notice will specify the date, time and location of the biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment notice will also identify what you need to bring with you to the biometrics appointment. This notice also provides you with instructions on how to reschedule your biometrics appointment if you need to do so.

Actual Biometrics Appointment Date (6 to 8 Weeks from Filing Date)

Your actual biometrics appointment will be scheduled to take place roughly 2 weeks after the biometrics notice is issued. At the biometrics appointment, you will have your digital fingerprints taken. You will need to take a valid I.D. as well as the actual biometrics notice, with you to the biometrics appointment.

Issuance of the New Green Card (6 to 10 Months from Filing Date)

Following the biometrics appointment, USCIS will continue to process your green card renewal application. Your new green card should be issued within a few months, bringing the total processing time to anywhere from 6 to 10 months.

2. USCIS Link to Check Current Processing Times

USCIS provides an online tool where you can check current processing times for all different types of cases. You can access this resource here. In the space for Form, select “I-90.” For the field office or service center, select “Potomac Service Center.”

3. Expedited Processing: Speeding up the Process

In certain situations, USCIS offers expedited processing of a green card renewal application. USCIS has the authority to decide whether or not to expedite a case. If a case is approved for expedited processing, standard processing times do not apply, the case can be processed much faster. Here is a link to the USCIS expedite criteria.

Here are some reasons USCIS may grant expedited processing of a case:

• Humanitarian Reasons

• Compelling USCIS Interest

• Severe Financial Loss to Company or Person

• USCIS Error

• Emergency Situation

4. Conclusion

Upon becoming a U.S. permanent resident, you are issued a green card. A green card is typically issued for a 10-year period and then expires. Before your green card expires, you should apply for a green card renewal by filing a Form I-90 with USCIS. The green card renewal processing time is about 6 to 10 months total, from the date of filing the I-90. In certain cases, USCIS may expedite this process.

If you have any questions, or if you need assistance with your green card renewal, please feel free to email me directly at Michael@AshooriLaw.com. I would be happy to help you.

Resources:

• Green Card Renewal: How to Renew Your Green Card

• USCIS Processing Times

• USCIS Expedite Criteria