N-400 application and permanent resident card expiration

D

Dan Peters

New Member
I was told that I need to have my N-400 filed at least 6 months before my permanent resident card expires. Unfortunately, it's looking like my application won't arrive until a day or two after the 6 month cut-off date. Is there any leniency in that date or is it a hard and fast rule? Do I really need to renew my permanent resident card for $450 just because I missed the 6 month mark by a few days?

I will not be traveling outside the U.S. this year.
 
It is only a hard and fast rule in the sense that you must apply before the 6 month cutoff if you want to be entitled to a free I-551 stamp in the event that your N-400 is still pending when your green card has expired or is almost expired.

However, if you apply slightly after the 6 month cutoff, it is still possible (but not guaranteed) that they would give you a free I-551 stamp at their discretion. And it is also likely that you will complete the naturalization process before your green card expires, given that you will have more than 5 months remaining when the N-400 application arrives at USCIS.

If you work for a living, make sure you have a Social Security card without the employment restriction wording on it, so you can you use that card* in case you need to change jobs after your green card expires and before you become a US citizen. Once you have that, given that you're not travelling outside the US this year the only thing you really have to worry about is if your green card expires before the naturalization interview, or if you live near one of those border checkpoints where they frequently stop people to check their status.


*the unrestricted SS card must be combined with another ID on list B of the I-9; it is not sufficient by itself. And the name on it needs to match the name on your ID.
 
What document does USCIS send as a receipt if you file N-400 before 6 months of GC expiration, which can to be used to get the I-551 stamp? Also do they send this receipt to all or only if the applicant's GC is approaching expiration?
 
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Thanks Cafeconleche! is that I797C Notice of action? I believe it does not have any immigration status or benefits associated with it. Is that notice+a valid but expiring soon GC enough to get the I-551 stamp?
 
Yes, it's the notice of action. I will be proof that you had applied for citizenship, and if they don't really check that you were within the 6 months, they can give you a stamp.
 
Thanks Cafeconleche! As I said I had applied 7 months before the GC expiration. So should be good to get the stamp in that case right? How soon/late I can go for the stamp? I dont want to wait till my GC expiration .
 
I don't know when you can go. It's possible they won't stamp it with 5 months remaining while you wait for your N400. I have no idea.
 
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