Green Card expiration doesn’t strip you of your permanent residency in the U.S. While it might pose inconveniences for travel or employment verification, your path to citizenship remains open. You can still apply for naturalization with an expired Green Card. Immigration law doesn’t require a current Green Card to establish eligibility for citizenship, ensuring that your journey towards becoming a U.S. citizen can continue uninterrupted.
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What Happens If My Card Expires Before I Apply for Naturalization?
Green Card expiration doesn’t mean you’re no longer a U.S. permanent resident, just that the physical proof is invalid. This invalidation might hinder travel or employment verification, but you can still apply for citizenship even with an expired Green Card since immigration law doesn’t require a valid one for naturalization eligibility.
Should I Renew My Green Card Before Applying for Citizenship?
We understand that renewing an expired Green Card may not be required when applying for citizenship, but having a valid card can definitely come in handy. For example, it can be useful for international travel or proving your eligibility to work. However, if your main goal is naturalization, you can still move forward with the application without renewing it.
What If My Green Card Is Lost or Stolen?
Losing or having your Green Card stolen can be a stressful experience. USCIS suggests using Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to get a new one. While not having a valid Green Card won’t necessarily lead to rejection of your naturalization application, it’s best to have proof of your LPR status. Once you submit Form I-90, you’ll get a Notice of Action that you can submit along with your naturalization application to demonstrate that you’ve started the replacement process.
Can I Still Work and Travel with an Expired Green Card?
We understand that having an expired Green Card can create challenges when proving your eligibility to work or re-enter the U.S. after traveling. It’s important to have alternative forms of identification and any relevant immigration documents on hand to help verify your status. When traveling, you may want to think about obtaining a I-551 stamp or carrying proof that you’ve applied for naturalization.
How Does Expiration Affect My Naturalization Interview?
It’s completely normal for USCIS to ask about your expired Card during your naturalization interview. Just make sure to clarify that you are still a lawful permanent resident, have kept your status up to date and you meet the other naturalization requirements. If you can, bring along the expired green card and any other documentation like the I-90 receipt if you have applied for a green card renewal.
Rest assured, although an expired card may pose some difficulties, it does not block your path to U.S. citizenship. By equipping yourself with accurate information and proper guidance, you can confidently navigate through the naturalization process. It is important to remember that seeking advice from a knowledgeable immigration attorney can offer you personalized support that caters to your specific circumstances. For more information, click here.
