Green Card Renewal
Permanent resident status must be renewed periodically, similar to a driver’s license. A permanent resident whose 10-year green card should renew the green card before it expires, and no earlier than up to six (6) months of its expiration date.
You may also want to renew your green card if it’s been lost or stolen.
You may lose your permanent resident status (green card) if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law, as described in Sections 237 or 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). If you commit such an act, you may be brought before an immigration court to determine your right to remain a permanent resident.
Abandoning Permanent Resident Status:
You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:
- Move to another country intending to live there permanently
- Remain outside of the United States for more than one (1) year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However, in determining whether your status has been abandoned, any length of absence from the United States may be considered, even if less than 1 year.
- Remain outside of the United States for more than two (2) years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However, in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the United States may be considered, even if less than one (1) year.
- Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the United States for any period.
- Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns.
Re-entry Permit Application
Green card holders can travel outside the United States and reenter the country, but there are some limitations. If green card holders are planning to leave the United States for one (1) year or more, it is absolutely a good idea to file for a reentry permit.