Can I apply for citizenship with an expired green card?

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Can I apply for citizenship with an expired green card?

I didn’t know I have to renew my green card; it card expired 14 years ago. Can I apply for citizenship or must renew green card? I have a 10 years permanent green card. Some people tell me is OK to apply

citizenship with expired card. Should I renew it first?

Asked on February 23, 2018 under Immigration Law, California

Answers:

SB Member California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

 A green card is merely evidence of your status. You are still a permanent resident, even if your green card has expired. On that basis, many people have chosen to simply apply for U.S. citizenship after their green card has expired, or not bother to renew the green card if it expires while they're waiting for a USCIS decision on their citizenship application. USCIS policy goes back and forth on how accepting it is of this practice, but lack of a renewed green card should not, by itself, hold up your naturalization approval.


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