Do I need to renew my GC while waiting for Naturalization?

[Dave Pauwels]

Hi,
I have decided to apply for Naturalization, but my Green Card expires in April, 2014. If I start the process right now, do you think I'll need to renew my GC? I'd hate to pay the $450 to renew it, when the citizenship should be right around the corner. Would appreciate your advice.....
Thanks

 

[newacct]

I think you need to renew it if there's less than 6 months left on the card when you apply for naturalization.

 

[Jackolantern]

If it's still unexpired when you have the interview, they won't force you to renew it.

However, if it expires after the interview while you're waiting for the oath, you'll have to pay to renew it if you want to use it for work, travel, or other such situations before the oath where you need to prove your immigration status.

If you had applied for naturalization with more than 6 months remaining on the GC, you would have been entitled to free I-551 stamping if your GC expired while your naturalization process was incomplete.