Filing N-400 without renewing Green Card.

[Blu]

Hi Everyone,

I have a question that I hope someone can help me out with. My sister's Green Card expired in July. Things have been so crazy for her, that she didn't get around to renewing it sooner. She's finally about to renew it, but she wanted to find out if it's possible for her to file an Application for Naturalization (N-400) without having to renew her green card? Or will she have to renew the green card first, then file N-400? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Take care.

 

[sg_orl]

She will need to renew the green card first, and then she will be able to file N-400 form. If she was eligible, and had filed N-400 form, 6 months or more prior to the expiration of her green card, then she didn't have to renew the green card, but even in those circumstance, it's advisable to renew the green card.

Do the online filing of I-90 form to renew the green card, and after the fingerpriniting for green card renewal, they will validate the card for one year. Renewed green card usually arrives in 2-3 months. But as soon as she has the proof of the submission of renewal of the green card application, and the validated 1 yr renewal on the old green card, she can file the N-400 as long as she meets all the other requirements.

 

[rkatteri]

I have the same issue...

Just to clarify:

When I go for the fingerprinting for my green card renewal, they will extend the period of my green card for 1 year, right? And I can show that extended temporary green card when I go for the citizenship interview?

Thanks
Sekhar Atteri

 

[sg_orl]

Just to clarify:

When I go for the fingerprinting for my green card renewal, they will extend the period of my green card for 1 year, right? And I can show that extended temporary green card when I go for the citizenship interview?

Thanks
Sekhar Atteri

That's right. When you go for the fingerprinting for my green card renewal, they will affix a sticker at the back of your old green card and punch a small hole on the month, which will signify 12 additional months of temporary validity. You can take that to the interview if you don't get the renewed green card by then. It generally take about 3 to 4 months to get the renewed/new green card. If you get the renewed/new green card before the interview, then carry both to the interview.