The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued an important warning to all permanent residents in the country regarding the validity of their Green Cards. This announcement reminds Green Card holders of the importance of checking the expiration date of their card to avoid legal issues or difficulties when traveling or working in the United States.

Green Cards or Permanent Resident Cards, are generally valid for 10 years. However, many permanent residents fail to realize that their cards are about to expire, which can lead to unnecessary complications. USCIS recommends that residents check the expiration date of their card and, if it’s nearing expiration, begin the renewal process well in advance to avoid interruptions in their immigration status.

It's important to note that the renewal process can take several months, so USCIS suggests filing Form I-90 as soon as possible, preferably six months before the card expires. If a resident continues to use an expired Green Card, they may face problems when trying to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad, or when conducting official tasks such as renewing a driver’s license or obtaining employment.

Another relevant aspect is that some permanent residents have Green Cards without an expiration date, which creates confusion about their status. Although these older cards technically do not expire, USCIS recommends renewing them to obtain an updated version with improved security features that facilitate verification of their validity.

For permanent residents who do not update their cards in time, the consequences could be serious. In addition to the aforementioned issues, the lack of a valid Green Card could result in delays in obtaining public benefits and affect their immigration status if they decide to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Keeping a valid Green Card is essential to avoid inconveniences. Permanent residents must be aware of their card’s expiration date and ensure they begin the renewal process in a timely manner to guarantee their legal continuity in the country.

Not sure if your Green Card is still valid? Schedule a consultation with me to review your immigration status together and avoid future problems.

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