green card expiring in 4 months, applying for citizenship, need to renew gc? Also travelling in Mar.

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peacefulmom

New Member
Hi, My 10-yr green card is expiring in 4 months (mid April). I am applying for citizenship in Phoenix now. Here are my questions:

- Do I need to renew my gc now or I can wait and see then apply for renewal in the last minute? Am I required to show that I have more than 6 months on gc left to apply for citizenship?
- What step do I need to get to to be ok and not have to renew my gc? I think I saw a post that said after fingerprint it's ok.
- I plan to travel for 10 days in late Feb/early March. Will I be able to re-enter with the green card expiring in April? Or do I need additional proof of filing for citizenship?

Thanks!
 
No need to have 6 months on GC to apply for USC and wait to renew, it is taking between 3-4 months for USC if everything goes smoothly.
You can travel even on the last day of GC and it will still be ok, but literally don't do that, remember the card expires your status doesn't.
To not having to renew your card apply immediately.
 
According to USCIS, if you have less than 6 months left on your GC when you apply for naturalization you must apply for new card.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/M-476.pdf


However, considering the exorbitant fees for the GC renewal, it doesn't make much sense to have to renew your card with less than 6 months of validity before you apply for naturalization. USCIS can't deny your naturalization for having an expired GC.
If you plan to travel in Feb, you'll still be able to reenter the US since your card only expires in April. Even if you try to enter with a recently expired card, the worst that can happen is that you get sent in for secondary inspection.
 
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