Green Cards

Once you obtain lawful permanent residency, it is important to keep your green card current and understand how to protect your status in the United States.

Green Card Renewal

Your permanent resident card is valid for 10 years. Approximately 6 months before it expires, you should apply for renewal using Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card).

• You can file online, by mail, or in person
• The process generally takes 8 to 12 months
• You can continue to work with a replacement permit while your application is being processed

Conditional Residency

If you obtained your residency through your spouse and you had been married for less than 2 years when your case was approved, your residency is conditional and valid for only 2 years.

You must file to remove the condition within 90 days before it expires (Form I-751) by submitting documentation that the marriage is bona fide:

• Joint tax returns
• Joint bank accounts
• Family photographs
• Birth certificates of children born to the marriage

International Travel and Residency

Once you are a lawful permanent resident, you may travel outside the United States, but there are important considerations:

• Short trips (less than 1 year): Generally do not affect your status
• Extended absences: May jeopardize your residency if it appears you have abandoned your status
• If you need to travel for more than 1 year, apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131)

Permanent Residents Can Work

Once you receive your green card, you can work in any job without restrictions, obtain an unrestricted Social Security number, and apply for a driver’s license.