Can You Apply for US Citizenship With an Expired Green Card?

3.75 minute read

"Are you a lawful permanent resident in the United States who wants to transition to US citizenship? Maybe you meet the eligibility criteria to apply for US citizenship. But what to do if your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) has expired? Maybe you have heard that you can not apply for citizenship before renewing your Green Card but the cost of doing both is too much!"

Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on: Oct 1, 2021

Are you a lawful permanent resident in the United States who wants to transition to US citizenship? Maybe you meet the eligibility criteria to apply for US citizenship. But what to do if your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) has expired? Maybe you have heard that you can not apply for citizenship before renewing your Green Card but the cost of doing both is too much!

Cost is a major barrier for many immigrants in the US who want to apply for US citizenship. Currently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) charges a fee of $540 to renew a Green Card and $725 to apply for naturalization. Doing both will cost you $1265 in filing fees only!

However, what most people don’t know is that you do not need to renew your Green Card to apply for US citizenship.

How to Apply for US Citizenship with an Expired Green Card

Your Green Card expiring does not mean the loss of your status as a permanent resident. A Green Card is just physical proof of your permanent residence status.

Therefore, it is possible to apply for US citizenship with an expired Green Card since your permanent residence is still valid. Hundreds of applicants file the N-400, Application for Naturalization, every day with an expiring or expired Green Card.

What to Do If Your Green Card Is Lost or Stolen?

The USCIS takes stronger objection to applicants applying for naturalization with a lost or stolen Green Card. The naturalization process requires you to submit the Green Card at the Oath Ceremony to receive the Certificate of Naturalization. Having your Green Card lost, stolen or damaged can mean trouble.

The USCIS, therefore, recommends such applicants to replace their Green Card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. However, filing Form N-400 with a lost, stolen or damaged Green Card does not mean your application will be denied.

If you apply to replace your Green Card, then you will be required to wait for 10 to 12 months while your application is processed. However, you will receive a Form I-797C, Notice of Action, within 2 months of filing to replace your Green Card. This Notice of Action is a receipt letter that can be used to file for naturalization.

What Are the Rules for Conditional Green Cards?

A conditional Green Card is issued for 2 years, usually to the spouses of US citizens. The expiration date of a conditional Green Card does indeed mean the expiration date of your conditional residency. Therefore, you are required to file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions, 90 days before your conditional Green Card expires.

This petition must be jointly filed with your spouse. However, certain exemptions exist in case of death or divorce. If you have gained permanent residence through marriage to a US citizen, then you can apply for naturalization just after 3 years of residency. You will be required to file Form I-751 first.

What Are the Reasons to Renew Your Green Card?

Having an unexpired, valid Green Card is required by US immigration law. Therefore, it is always best to renew your Green Card. However, there are several other activities where you may be required to present proof of your immigration status:

Travel:

You require a valid Green Card to reenter the US after a trip abroad. An expired Green Card will not allow you to re-enter the country. The decision of letting you in the country depends on the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. It is best to have a valid Green Card to avoid paying the re-entry fee and renewal fee.

Home Loan:

Mortgage lenders require you to present an unexpired Green Card before they let you borrow money for a home. It is best to renew your Green Card on time if you intend to buy a property. Or buy the desired house before your Green Card expires.

Driver’s License:

Many states in the US require you to have a valid Green Card while applying for a driver’s license. Therefore, you must keep your Green Card renewed.

Employment:

If you are starting a new job, then the employer will require proof of your work authorization. A Green Card is the best proof of your immigration status. To gain employment, you will require a valid Green Card.

The best way to avoid all this hassle is to apply for US citizenship while your Green Card is still valid. This saves you thousands of dollars in maintaining your Green Card every few years.