A permanent resident who was issued a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), valid for ten is required to renew their card within six months prior to expiration.

Persons within the U.S. who are in possession of an expired Permanent Resident Card and have not filed an application to renew should do so immediately.  There is no penalty for filing a renewal application late but it is critical that individuals always maintain valid documentation of their legal status in the U.S.

Persons outside the U.S. whose Permanent Resident Card will expire within six months (but who will return within one year of their departure from the U.S. and before the card expires), should file for their renewal card as soon as they return to the U.S.

Permanent residents who are outside of the U.S. at the time of the card’s expiration and have not applied for the renewal card prior to their departure should contact the nearest American Consulate, USCIS office or Port of Entry before attempting to renew their card.

More information is available at the USCIS website.

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