Should You Renew Your Green Card or Apply Directly for U.S. Citizenship?
For years, long-time Green Card holders have faced a common dilemma:
Should I renew my 10-year Green Card first, or go straight to applying for U.S. citizenship (naturalization)?
There was no universal answer. Like many legal matters, the right choice often depended on individual circumstances.
Key Factors Clients Considered:
- Do you need an unexpired Green Card for ID purposes?
(e.g., for employment, taxes, banking, or real estate transactions) - Is your Green Card lost or stolen?
(requiring replacement to prove permanent resident status) - Is your foreign passport expired or about to expire?
(and is renewal possible if your home country’s citizenship has lapsed or been relinquished?)
Because of these variables, determining the best path—whether to renew the Green Card, file for citizenship, or both—typically required a detailed legal consultation.
✅ USCIS Policy Change: Simplified Green Card Extension for Naturalization Applicants
As of December 2022, USCIS issued a policy update (Policy Alert PA-2022-26) that makes things easier:
If you file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), your expiring 10-year Green Card is automatically extended for 24 months, starting from the date of your N-400 receipt.
Your I-797C Receipt Notice, when presented with your expired or expiring Green Card, serves as valid proof of ongoing lawful permanent resident status. You can use this for:
- Travel
- Employment verification (Form I-9)
- Any other official or legal purpose
This policy eliminates the need for many applicants to renew their Green Cards while their citizenship application is pending—saving time, money, and paperwork.
Have questions about your specific situation? A personalized consultation can help determine the right approach for your immigration goals.
Last Revision: March 2025.