Most banks will refuse to let you borrow without a valid green card. There is a solution!
Your green card is your proof of residency within the United States. When it expires that evidence of residency expires with it although you’re status is the country does not change. Even if your card expires you can still live and work in the United States. There are drawbacks to having an expired green card. One of those drawbacks is the fact most home lenders will not approve your application without a valid one. The process to renew the card can take months. While the home buying process relies heavily on deadlines and timing. Here are some steps to help you.
- Apply to renew your green card: You will use Form I-90. Instead of waiting months to get your new card, there is a way to prove your residency to a lender. FileRight.com helps guide you through the process to avoid mistakes or omissions on Form I-90 that could delay the process and cost you more.
- Once the application is in you’ll receive a receipt notice from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. This form is known as I-797. This form is proof that you’ve successfully filed to renew your green card.
- Schedule an appointment to meet with an immigration officer at your local USCIS office. You can do that here.
- Attend your appointment. You’ll need your green card, a valid passport, and your appointment notice. Once there you can ask the officer for an I-551 stamp for your passport. That stamp proves your residency in the United States.
Once those steps are complete you should be able to continue with your home purchase.
The most crucial part of the process is being able to complete the Form I-90 correctly without any mistakes or omissions. FileRight.com walks you through the process and simplifies complicated government language. Starting the process is easy.
Just take our free eligibility quiz.
