Can I Apply for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card. There is an Answer but Let’s Start at the Beginning.
Before you can become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must become a legal permanent resident. This involves obtaining a permanent residence card, more commonly known as a green card. While your status as a permanent resident never expires, the card confirming that you are a permanent resident of the United States does. A non-conditional green card is valid for ten years before it needs to be renewed, but again, your status as a permanent resident does not change just because your green card document has expired.
Thousands of applicants for naturalization often wonder if they can apply for citizenship with an expired their green card has already expired or will expire in the near future or should they renew their green card first. It is a important question mainly because you want to avoid paying a lot of money in filing and legal fees.
Yes, You Can Apply for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card.
It is important to remember that the green card document is only proof of your status as a legal permanent resident. The answer, therefore, is yes. You can apply for citizenship with an expired green card or if your green will expire in the near future. USCIS’s policy states that at the time of filing an application for naturalization your green card should be valid for at least 6 more months. It is not a law, however. USCIS recommends so because the agency wants ensure that you maintain a valid, unexpired green card until your naturalization process is completed.
However, it is important to remember that you may want to renew your green card for employment purposes (for example you are about to get a new job) or if you are planning on travelling internationally (you must have a valid green card).
Summary.
If saving money is your priority, you can apply for citizenship with an expired green card. If, however, money is no object, you may want to file an application to renew your green card first, and subsequently file an application for naturalization.
