Green card expiring in less than three months

[amitkohli 0]

Hello,

Thanks in advance for your time. I am a citizen spouse (green card received after 6 years of marriage), green card expiring in less than three months. Needed to figure out my best option based on the time crunch - apply for citizenship or renew green card?

Regards,

Amit Kohli

[Janice&Ben 2]

I doubt that the N400 will be processed to completion in three months and your permanent residency status has to be current in order to qualify for citizenship. So, I believe you have to renew the green card first, and then file for citizenship either immediately after renewing the GC or within the next nine years. If I'm wrong, I stand to be corrected. Good Luck.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Actually, if you have permanent residency and not conditional residency, your green card may expire but your permanent residency doesn't. You are supposed to renew your proof soyou always have proof, but you don't need to renew your status. So, if your green card expires you will still be a permanent resident - you just won't have proof of it. Citizenship can move along pretty quickly - 3 months is possible although 4 to 5 months is more usual. It is the fastest part of the immigration process for many people. So, if you want to become a citizen, I would submit the N400 instead of the I-90. You would be turning in your green card at your oath ceremony anyway, and it may take several months to process the I-90. (I'll check the timelines for that). So, the choice is yours. If you want to become a citizen, go for it. If you're not sure, then submit the I-90 to renew your green card.