Renewing Green Card Question

[Trymester3 6]

Hello,

My wife has a Permanent Resident/Green Card that is due to expires in February 2017. I know I could've looked this information up online, but I feel that you guys are more up-to-date with information. Can you please tell me what is the process for renewal? She is Japanese and is not interested in becoming a US Citizen now (don't think she qualifies either). She'd rather keep her green card status. We live in New York City. Is this easier to do via mail or in-person. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Cheezees 1,514]

You really do need to read through the information found at USCIS.gov/forms. You can also check the guides at the top of every VJ page. Good luck!

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Your past thread history showed you filed for your wife AOS in 2014.

So she should have 2 years conditional green card.

Hence, your wife should be filing for Removing conditions on residency, Not renewing green card (I-90)

Here is the VJ's guide.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/751guide

[Trymester3 6]

Her current card is only for 2 years, and it says "Permanent Resident" on the top

[Shauneg 762]

Her current card is only for 2 years, and it says "Permanent Resident" on the top

Merrytooth's comment stands...

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Her current card is only for 2 years, and it says "Permanent Resident" on the top

Please explain "Conditional Permanent Residency"?

Answer: A two year Conditional Residency is granted to those who apply for Adjustment of Status based on marriage to a US Citizen. This two year period helps to deter visa fraud and marriages of convenience. During the "conditional" period, you still have all the rights of a Permanent Resident. Your status as a permanent resident expires at the end of this two year period unless you file for lifting of the conditional status.

So you need to file I-751 ROC form.

The ROC application can be filed 90 days before the expiration of the 2 year green card.

You have to show proof of bona fide marriage spanning over the 2 year period.

The cost is $590 including the biometrics fee.

[Trymester3 6]

Whoa, I thought that was a typo. How and Why is it so expensive?

I'll probably end up paying it anyway, but as a hypothetical, what happens if I don't file and just let her current card expire? What position would she be in? What would she be considered?

[Trymester3 6]

Thank you vey much. I will read the link you provided.

[Ortolan 381]

Even though she isn't interested right now in becoming a citizen, this is an integral part of the process of having a "Permanent Green Card" (which is really only a 10-year green card). You're required to prove, since you and she had been married for less than 2 years when you filed for her in the beginning (hence the CR-1 status) that your marriage is indeed a legitimate one, that you have mingled finances, and other things (health insurance, purchased things together, you're on the same house/apartment lease, you have a living will, credit cards together, etc.). This is the kind of evidence you have to submit for Removal of Conditions on your CR-1, so that she can remain in the country legally and receive a 10-year green card.

After she gets this 10-year card, after 10-years she can renew it in perpetuity; there's no requirement that you must become a U.S. citizen at all. You'd file to renew that 10-year card, 90 days before the date the 10-year card expires, by filing an I-90 form and paying the fee, every 10 years.