Minneapolis Green Card Renewal Lawyer

Green Card Renewal Attorney In Minneapolis, MN

If your green card is expiring within the next six months, it’s time to start looking into renewing it. Unfortunately, if you fail to renew your green card, you might have a hard time proving your lawful permanent resident status, and this could make it incredibly difficult for you to secure employment. It could also make it challenging to re-enter the U.S. after any international travel. That’s why speaking with a Minneapolis green card renewal lawyer at Hong Immigration Law should be a priority.

How Long Does a Green Card Last?

In the U.S., most residents receive a green card that is valid for 10 years, but conditional residents only receive one for two years. As a resident of Minneapolis, it’s important to understand the validity of your green card so that you can remain a lawful permanent resident in the country. 

How Do You Renew Your Green Card?

In the U.S., more than a million green cards are issued each year, with 2024 seeing about 980,100 issued in the first three quarters. However, green card issuance rates have been far lower than in previous years. In 2023, there were 37.8 million lawful immigrants living in the United States altogether. 

There are many reasons for this, including the current political climate, but even something as simple as filing incorrectly can result in requests for evidence or, in rare cases, renewal being denied. With this in mind, here’s a look at how you can file for a green card renewal if you possess a 10-year card. 

The renewal process in Minnesota follows the federal U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) procedures.

1. Download or request a copy of the Form I-90 application and fill it out. After filling it out, you need to submit it online or by mail, following USCIS mailing instructions.
2. Gather and submit all necessary documentation that a Minneapolis green card renewal attorney can help you put together. If you decide to do it alone, you can learn what documentation is required online through the USCIS website.
3. Once the application and documentation are gathered and filed, you’ll pay a filing fee. It’s important that you keep evidence of payment of this fee.
4. You’ll have to attend a biometrics appointment on a date given to you. The location varies, but many residents of Minneapolis perform this duty at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
5. With everything submitted, you simply wait for USCIS to process your request, give you a response, and issue your new green card.

If the process seems even slightly daunting, our Minneapolis firm would be happy to assist. We can also help those who are conditional residents with a two-year card who cannot use Form I-90 but must instead file Form I-751 (family-based) or Form I-829 (investor-based). If you’re a conditional resident, you must file a petition to remove conditions within 90 days. 

How Can an Immigration Attorney Help You Renew Your Green Card?

Although you can renew your green card on your own, it likely wouldn’t hurt to hire a green card renewal lawyer. At Hong Immigration Law, we can:

• Talk to you about your current status and timing to make sure you’re filing for green card renewal within the correct window to avoid denial and delays.
• Handle the filing process on your behalf, helping you complete the required forms so that there are no mistakes made that could lead to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and hurt your renewal application. If evidence is needed, we can work with you to gather and submit it to USCIS to keep your application moving forward.
• Monitor your application status with USCIS and keep you informed of updates, notices, and processing times.

We can also work with you to develop a solid legal strategy for renewal if you have lost your green card, have had prior legal issues, or have changed your name.

FAQs

Can You Apply for U.S. Citizenship If Your Green Card Is About to Expire?

You can apply for U.S. citizenship if your green card is about to expire, as long as you’re still considered a lawful permanent resident. According to USCIS, to apply for citizenship, you need to file Form N-400 while you still have a valid green card and provide proof of your permanent resident status. At Hong Immigration Law, we can help you navigate the path to citizenship.

What Happens If You’ve Lost Your Green Card?

USCIS takes lost green cards seriously. If you have lost your current green card, you will need to fill out Form I-90 and check the box that indicates you have lost your green card. However, losing a green card before renewal shouldn’t negatively impact your permanent resident status, but a lawyer can offer advice.

How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?

It usually takes 6-12 months for a Form I-90 green card renewal to be processed, but this can vary. Fortunately, after you file, you’ll receive a Notice of Action receipt (Form I-797C) that will serve as temporary proof in Minneapolis and the United States. With this form, you can continue employment for up to 36 months beyond your green card’s expiration.

Can You Travel While Your Green Card Renewal Is Pending?

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can travel internationally while your green card renewal is being processed. However, the challenge is that you will still need to prove your permanent resident status upon your return to the U.S. This means you’ll need to have the receipt notice (Form I-797C) and potentially an ADIT (I-551) stamp before you travel, and an attorney can help you with the filings.

Hire a Green Card Renewal Lawyer

Our team at Hong Immigration Law can help you with most of your immigration needs, including green card renewal. We understand that the process can be challenging (and many of us have personal experience with immigration), exasperating, and scary for Minneapolis residents, which is why we take the time to walk you through it. We find that when our clients understand how things work, they can enjoy peace of mind while applications are pending.

If you would like to work with us, we encourage you to give us a call and set up a meeting with a Minneapolis green card renewal lawyer. We are fluent in English and Korean.