If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in California and your green card is set to expire, it is important to understand the renewal process and take the necessary steps to renew your green card before the expiration date arrives. While many may feel overwhelmed by the California green card renewal process, knowing key eligibility requirements and steps can help point you in the right direction, setting you up for success from the beginning.
Whether you are renewing your green card for the first time or have gone through the process before, here is what you need to know to successfully renew your green card and maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident in California.
Green Card Statistics: How Many People Are Renewing and Living as LPRs?
To put things in context, it’s crucial to understand the broader picture of lawful permanent residency in the United States. In 2022 alone, approximately 1.02 million green card applications were approved by the US government. This is a 37.6% increase from the previous year. This growth demonstrates not only the ongoing demand for permanent residency but also the government’s efforts to process backlogs that accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of January 2023, there were roughly 12.7 million lawful permanent residents living in the United States. This illustrates the high frequency of renewing a green card. The process impacts millions of individuals and families who work hard to maintain their lawful status. By staying on top of your renewal, you can make sure that your legal status is protected and avoid any disruptions in your life, such as employment or travel.
The Length of Green Card Renewal Process in CA
You should file your green card renewal application within six months of the expiration date of your current green card. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will take approximately eight to 12 months to issue you your new green card, so it is important to initiate the renewal process as soon as possible.
Unpacking the CA Green Card Renewal Process Step-by-Step
The California Green Card Renewal Process involves several steps you should be aware of to ensure you renew your green card successfully.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Gather all the necessary documents required for the renewal application. These documents include the renewal application form (Form I-90), a copy of your current green card, and any other supporting documentation as needed.
Step 2: Complete the Application
You should complete the green card renewal application (Form I-90). The application requires information about your personal details, immigration history, and criminal history if any. You should also complete the form for E-Notification of application acceptance (Form G-1145).
Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in 2025 is currently $455. Depending on your situation, you may have an additional biometric fee of $85 to pay. To pay the I-90 filing fee for your California green card renewal application, you have a few options:
- Pay online. To do so, you must create an account on the USCIS website and follow the instructions provided.
- Pay by mail. If you prefer to pay by mail, you can send a check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” along with your application.
It is important to note that USCIS may reject your application if you do not pay the correct filing fee or if your payment is not processed successfully. Therefore, it is recommended that you double-check the fee amount and payment instructions before submitting your application.
Step 4: Submit the Documents
After completing the application, you must submit it to USCIS, along with the required filing fees and any supporting documents. You can file your application either online or by mail.
Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This appointment is required to verify your identity and conduct a background check.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Once USCIS has received your application and completed the necessary background checks, you will receive a decision on your green card renewal application. If your application is approved, USCIS will issue you a new green card with an updated expiration date.
Step 6: Take Action on Denied Applications
If your green card renewal application is denied, USCIS will provide a reason for the denial. You may be able to appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider your case.
By following these steps, you can successfully renew your green card and maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident in California.
Common Reasons for Renewal or Replacement
Individuals may choose to renew or replace their green card for various reasons. At U.S. Law Center, we commonly see the following reasons for renewal or replacement:
- A green card will expire within six months or has expired.
- The card has been stolen, lost, or damaged.
- The cardholder has had a legal name change.
- The card does not have the correct information on it.
- The cardholder automatically became a lawful permanent resident and never actually received the physical card.
Which Form to Use
Lawful permanent residents need to file Form I-19 to get their green card renewed or replaced. Conditional permanent residents should either use Form I-751 or Form I-829, depending on whether their green card is based on marriage or investor status. These forms can either be submitted to USCIS by mail or through an online account.
Don’t Forget to Notify USCIS of Any Address Changes
If you are waiting for your green card renewal replacement and have moved, it’s crucial to quickly address this with USCIS as soon as possible. Therefore, you can be assured that you are receiving all crucial updates about your application and avoiding any further delays. You can either notify USCIS of your address change through your USCIS online account or by using the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool.
If you fail to keep your address updated, this could result in delayed processing of your application or missing important notices.
U.S. Law Center – Supporting Green Card Holders Across California
At U.S. Law Center, our empathetic and experienced team understands that a green card is not just a legal document, but a symbol of your life and future here in the United States. Based in Southern California, we are led by attorney Sanjay Sobti, a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), polyglot, and individual with decades of experience supporting individuals with their immigration legal matters.
Our firm has successfully supported thousands of clients with renewing, replacing, or resolving any issues they may have with their green cards. Let us support you in ensuring your lawful permanent residency stays protected.
FAQs About California Green Card Renewal Process
Why Do People Get Green Card Renewals Rejected in CA?
The reasons why a green card renewal application may be rejected in California are similar to those that can cause rejections in other states. Here are some of the most common reasons:
It is important to carefully review all application requirements and ensure the application is complete and accurate before submitting it to USCIS to avoid any potential rejection.
How Do I Know if My Green Card Renewal Has Been Approved?
You can check the status of your green card renewal application to see if it has been approved by following these steps:
- Go to the USCIS Case Status Online page.
- Enter your 13-character receipt number in the space provided. You can find this number on the Notice of Action (Form I-797) that you received after filing your application.
- Click on the “Check Status” button. The next page will show you the current status of your application.
Alternatively, you can sign up for E-Notifications using Form G-1145.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Green Card in CA?
As of March 2024, the filing fee to renew a green card in California is $540. This fee includes both the application fee and the biometrics fee. However, USCIS fees are subject to change, so it is always a good idea to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date fee information before submitting your application. In addition to the USCIS filing fee, you may also need to pay attorney’s fees if you choose to hire an immigration lawyer to assist you with the green card renewal process.
Can I Renew My Green Card if I Got a Misdemeanor in CA?
In most cases, a misdemeanor conviction should not prevent you from renewing your green card in California. However, if the misdemeanor was related to certain crimes, such as fraud, drug trafficking, or a crime of moral turpitude, it could affect your ability to renew your green card.
Get the Support You Need With Your Immigration-Related Case
If you need assistance with your green card application or renewal, count on U.S. Law Center. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyers is committed to helping you navigate the challenging immigration process and achieving your objectives.
Contact us today by filling out our online form to schedule a consultation and let us guide you through the process of obtaining or renewing your green card.
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