Hi, I have green card which is expiring in March 2012. I am currently in US and am going to India in 1 week for family emergency. I may have to stay in India for a year. I am wondering if I can renew the green card from India at US consulate or do I have to return to the US within 6 months or so to get the green card renewed? If I cannot return in 6 months, will I have problem returning back in 1 year with an expired green card? Thanks.
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Can I renew green card from India?
- Thread starter incrval
- Start date
If you think you could be gone a full year it is advisable to file an I-131 for a re-entry permit (REP) now. You have to be in the U.S. to file it and when USCIS accepts it. You would be required to come back and be fingerprinted for it but it can be delivered abroad. FP appt's usually happen in as little as 3 weeks, are you sure you cannot wait? The REP is valid for 2 years and protects your LPR status all that time. The REP does not protect naturalization eligibility. You cannot file an I-90 this early, except for a lost green card (which would be designated as such in DHS records making it unusable by anyone who "finds it".)
Jackolantern
Registered Users (C)
Staying outside the US for 1 year means you'll need a reentry permit regardless of green card expiration.
Note that you can return to the US with a valid reentry permit even if your green card is expired. So your priority should be to get a reentry permit which would serve the dual purpose of allowing you to stay outside the US for a year and de facto extending your green card for 2 years.
Note that you can return to the US with a valid reentry permit even if your green card is expired. So your priority should be to get a reentry permit which would serve the dual purpose of allowing you to stay outside the US for a year and de facto extending your green card for 2 years.
jessicapotter
Registered Users (C)
Apply for a re-entry permit ( Form I-131) and get it approved before you leave for India. You need to be in the US to renew your green card. So get your I-131 so that you need not worry about your re-entry to the US even if your green card expires. Back in the Us, you can renew your GC.