What Happens if My Green Card Expires While I Wait for Citizenship?

Many people ask, what happens if my green card expires while I wait for citizenship? If your Green Card expires while you’re waiting for your naturalization (citizenship) to be approved, you’ll still have a 24-month extension of your Green Card status. This means you can use your expired Green Card, along with your USCIS Form N-400 receipt notice, for purposes like work or travel within the 24-month period. If your Green Card has been expired for more than 24 months, you’ll need to file Form I-90 to renew it.

It’s important to understand the implications and take appropriate action. While an expired green card is not cause for deportation, you might run into problems with travel, employment, and other essentials.

Watch: Fastest Green Card – Top 4 ways to US residency

Understanding Your Status as a Green Card Holder

Your green card (Form I-551) is proof of your lawful permanent resident status. It usually expires every 10 years, although the status it represents does not expire. In other words, even if your physical green card expires, your legal permanent residency does not end but having a valid, unexpired card is still important.

What Happens if My Green Card Expires While I Wait for Citizenship And How it Affects your Citizenship?

Under U.S. immigration law, a valid green card is needed for application for citizenship through naturalization. The applicant will need to be a green card holder for at least five years in order to apply for citizenship in this way, except if the applicant is a green card holder via marriage-based, which the requirement is three years.

If your green card expires while you’re waiting for your citizenship application (Form N-400) to process:

Your Legal Status

You are still a lawful permanent resident and still maintain your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status . Your immigration status doesn’t automatically change because of an expired card. Once you file Form N-400, the receipt notice for it along with your expired green card will be valid evidence of your unexpired lawful permanent resident status.

Travel Restrictions

An expired green card might cause difficulties when traveling internationally or re-entering the United States. If you need to travel outside the U.S., it’s advisable to file Form I-90 as its application receipt can be used for reentry along with your expired green card.
You may face practical problems. An expired green card can make it difficult to:

Citizenship Application

The expiration of your green card generally doesn’t affect your eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship (naturalization). However, ensure that you meet all the requirements for naturalization, including continuous residency and good moral character, during the application process.

A recent USCIS update announced that the validity of green cards will automatically be extended by 24 months for those who apply for naturalization through Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, on or after December 12, 2022.

Employment Authorization

Even if your green card expires, you’re still legally authorized to work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. However, an expired green card cannot be used to prove your work eligibility to employers. This can make it difficult to start a new job, as employers are required by law to verify valid, unexpired documents during hiring. Keeping valid documentation ensures you avoid delays or missed job opportunities while your naturalization is in progress.

Renewing a Driver’s License or Accessing State Benefits with an Expired Green Card

While your permanent resident status remains valid, an expired green card can prevent you from renewing your driver’s license or applying for state benefits. Most DMVs and public agencies require current proof of legal status, and an expired card may not be accepted. To avoid delays or denials, keeping your documentation current ensures uninterrupted access to driving privileges and essential benefits.

Proving Your Identity or Status with an Expired Green Card

Your green card isn’t just proof of your immigration status it also functions as a federally recognized form of ID. When it expires, you may run into problems verifying your identity or legal status in everyday situations. Even though your permanent resident status doesn’t expire, an expired green card can make it difficult to prove your identity or legal status. This can affect banking, travel, housing, and other daily activities where valid ID is required. To avoid issues, renew your green card and use the I-90 receipt notice or request an I-551 stamp as temporary. proof

Renewal Process for Applications

You should apply to renew your green card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, if your green card has been expired for longer than 24 months, or if you applied for naturalization prior to December 12, 2022. Even though you’ve applied for citizenship, the naturalization process can take several months or more than a year. If your green card is about to expire or has already expired, it’s usually a good idea to renew it by filing Form I-90.
In addition, you will need to file this form if you have lost your green card prior to applying for naturalization, or if it has been destroyed in some way, regardless of the N-400 filing date.

If you’re not sure if you need to replace your green card, consult with the USCIS guidelines.

Who is Eligible to Use Form I-90?

It is very important to note that Form I-90 only applies to 10-year green cards. If you are a conditional permanent resident, you will need to file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. If this is filed on or after January 25, 2023, your green card will automatically be extended by 48 months.

The Form I-751 receipt provides proof of permanent resident status along with your expired green card.

Final Thoughts On What Happens if My Green Card Expires While I Wait for Citizenship?

Applying for U.S. citizenship is an exciting but also a long process. While your green card status remains valid, keeping your physical card up to date ensures you avoid unnecessary troubles with employers, travel, or government agencies. If your green card is close to expiring and your naturalization process still has months to go, filing for a renewal is usually the safest choice. It is only a way to protect your ability to live and work freely in the U.S. until that citizenship certificate is finally in your hands.

Talk to us At Law Office Of John Nwosu

Whether you are seeking assistance with visa applications, green cards, citizenship, or any other immigration matter, we are here to help you every step of the way. Our mission is not just to provide legal services but to empower our clients with the knowledge and resources they need to achieve their immigration goals. With proper legal counsel, persistent preparation, and meticulous attention to detail, your success can become reality too.