Led by principal attorney Elizabeth Echavarria, our San Antonio immigration lawyers provide legal services for a wide range of immigration matters, from family-based immigration and K-1 Visa filings to deportation proceedings and consular processing. We assist clients across Latin America, including military family members, those with extraordinary ability, and real persons facing complex process challenges in immigration courts or before San Antonio Immigration judges. Our experienced San Antonio Green Card law team ensures adherence to immigration law in every aspect of immigration.
Green cards—also known as permanent residence cards—serve as proof of your legal immigration status in the United States, allowing you to live and work as a permanent resident. Typically, a standard green card is valid for 10 years before it must be renewed for an extension. Another type of visa—the conditional residency card—lasts for only 2 years and requires a petition to remove conditions within 90 days before it expires. This article focuses on renewing the 10-year green card; please note that the application process for the 2-year card is different and may include additional legal issues and fees.
Why Renewal Matters
If you intend to remain a permanent resident, renewing your 10-year green card on time is crucial. In family-based immigration cases, such as when sponsoring a spouse or unmarried children, maintaining valid proof of permanent residence is essential to avoid complications with visa applications, travel, employment, and other immigration proceedings. Even though an expired green card will not automatically subject you to deportation proceedings, it can lead to other significant legal matters and challenges.
Domestic Violence convictions, criminal history, or previous immigration violations can also impact your moral character assessment, which may influence your immigration process. It is important to seek guidance from an experienced family immigration lawyer to ensure adherence to immigration law.
Timing for Filing Your Renewal
Your green card is valid for 10 years. In general, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends applying for renewal when your card is within 6 months of expiration. Filing too early can result in receiving a duplicate card with the same expiration date. Filing too late can leave you without valid proof of immigration status for months, affecting your ability to work, travel, or renew a driver’s license. Whether you are serving in a military family or traveling abroad for business, timeliness helps you avoid complications with immigration judges or immigration courts.
Forms and Procedure
The principal attorney at The Echavarria Law Firm, Elizabeth Echavarria, leads a team of immigration lawyers and family immigration attorneys in San Antonio who handle a wide range of immigration matters, including green card lawyer services and deportation defense lawyer representation. Our legal services cover every aspect of immigration, from family-based immigrant visa applications to K-1 Visa and nonimmigrant visas for those who want to bring fiancés or loved ones to the United States.
To renew your 10-year green card, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This can be done either:
- Online: Create an account on the USCIS website, complete Form I-90, upload supporting documents, and pay the filing fee of $455 plus the $85 biometrics fee. You can track your case status, submit additional evidence, and maintain direct contact with USCIS through your online portal.
- By Mail: Download and print Form I-90, fill it out by hand, and mail it—along with the necessary fees (check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and supporting documents—to the appropriate filing office. Even if you submit by mail, USCIS will create an online account for you and provide login instructions in your receipt notice.
Consequences of an Expired Green Card
Letting your green card expire can create serious immigration matters, such as:
- Difficulty re-entering the United States if you travel abroad.
- Inability to prove your status to employers, leading to lost employment opportunities.
- Trouble renewing your driver’s license or applying for other benefits.
- Potential delays in any legal process related to your status, including adjustment of status, consular processing, or refugee status applications.
- Risk of detention at checkpoints for lack of valid documentation.
How an Immigration Attorney Can Help
Renewing your green card may seem straightforward, but it can quickly become a complex process, especially if you have a criminal history, are seeking a waiver for previous immigration violations, or need a deportation defense lawyer. Our office in San Antonio supports individuals from Latin America and beyond, guiding them through every aspect of immigration. We represent real persons with extraordinary ability cases, handle family-based immigrant visa and nonimmigrant visas, assist with oath of allegiance ceremonies, and address primary responsibilities tied to ensuring our clients maintain compliance with immigration law.
The Echavarria Law Firm’s principal attorney and immigration speaker, Elizabeth Echavarria, takes pride in providing legal services to clients, whether they are pursuing family-based immigration, applying for a K-1 Visa, or looking to resolve deportation proceedings. As an experienced family immigration lawyer, she offers guidance on immigration history, moral character requirements, and the range of immigration law possibilities—ensuring the best outcome for you, your spouse, or your unmarried children. Our role includes safeguarding your rights in immigration courts and helping you through every stage of the immigration process.
Save Time and Energy with Professional Help
At The Echavarria Law Firm, we simplify the renewal application by clearly explaining Form I-90 and gathering the necessary evidence on your behalf. We also handle legal issues that might arise from adjustment of status, consular processing, or if you come from a military family with special considerations. By entrusting your case to our family immigration lawyer team, you reduce the risk of errors, delays, or other challenges related to the immigration proceedings.
Call us today at (210) 320-5633 to request your free initial consultation. Whether you need assistance with your green card renewal, guidance on family-based immigrant Visa categories, or support with other immigration matters, our goal is to ensure your adherence to immigration law so you can continue living and working in the United States without interruption.
Additional Resources
For more information on filing motions, see Motions to Reopen or Reconsider. Our Board-Certified Texas immigration lawyer and dedicated team stand ready to help you navigate the complex process of renewing your green card or any other type of visa.
