INS Announces Procedures for Renewal of Expiring Green Cards
Posted Jun 24, 2000

In earlier issues of the MurthyBulletin, we mentioned that it has been about ten years since INS started issuing “Green Cards” with ten-year validity periods. Consequently, a large number of those cards have been due for renewal since 1999. As the INS promised, they have recently instituted procedures for applicants to conveniently apply for extensions of Green Cards.

The INS announcement, which includes helpful questions and answers, was issued on June 8, 2000. Effective June 20, applications for renewal of Green Cards (whether about to expire or already expired) are being accepted at Application Support Centers (ASCs). ASCs are the same offices that are now handling fingerprints; some are within INS offices, while others are separate facilities. Please note that a few ASCs are not participating in this program. For information on the participating ASC nearest you, call the INS toll free line at 800-375-5283.

Applications are submitted in-person, on a walk-in basis, except for New York City, where an appointment is required. (Applicants in that location can call the toll-free number above to schedule a time.) The applicant for a new Green Card should complete the Form I-90, pay the $110 filing fee and also bring the original Green Card, photocopies of the front and back of the card, two INS-type photos, and identification. If you, as the applicant, obtained the Green Card prior to age 14 and you are now over 14, you also need to be fingerprinted. There is a fingerprinting charge of $25, in addition to the filing fee above. (This requirement of obtaining a new card with a fingerprint upon turning 14 applies whether your card is expiring or not. If your card has no expiration date, then you pay only the $25 for fingerprinting.)

When you apply, INS will provide you with a “temporary proof of status” to show that you are a permanent resident. This proof can be used for employment, travel, etc. Please note that processing times for receiving your new card vary depending upon the location. According to the INS announcement, the national average processing time is five months.

Cards that were issued between 1979 and 1988, without expiration dates, do not need to be replaced at this time, except for those of people who turned 14 years of age since receiving the Green Card, as described above. The INS previously established procedures for replacement of cards issued 1978 or earlier.