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Renewals and Extensions

Many immigration benefits granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are temporary and require regular renewal or extension to maintain lawful status. Timely and accurate filings are critical to avoid gaps that can affect employment, travel, or permanent residency applications.

This section outlines common categories where renewals or extensions may be required, including:

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  • O-1 visas for individuals of extraordinary ability
     

  • Green card renewals and removal of conditions (I-90, I-751)
     

  • Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or work permits
     

  • Advance Parole travel documents
     

  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
     

  • Other time-limited authorizations
     

Each type of renewal has specific timelines, evidence requirements, and procedures. Understanding these requirements and planning ahead can help minimize disruptions. We provide general information and guidance for each category in the sections below.

O-1 Visa Renewals & Extensions

The O-1 visa is typically granted for an initial period of up to three years. If your work in the U.S. is ongoing or new engagements have emerged, you may be eligible for a renewal or extension of your O-1 status.

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What is the difference between an O-1 Renewal and an O-1 Extension?

 

An O-1 renewal is a request to continue working in O-1 status for 3 more years, to work on new projects. This requires new job offers.

 

An O-1 extension is a request to continue working for 1 year on the same project(s) that were mentioned in your last O-1 filing. No new job offers are required.

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When should I start my 3 year O-1 renewal process?

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Ideally 12-15 months before your current O-1 expires. Starting well in advance will ensure that you can continue working when your current O-1 expires without having to pay USCIS’ premium processing fee.

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As of this writing in summer 2025, USCIS may take 6 months or more to process O-1 petitions, so the earlier you can start, the better.

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What do I need to renew my O-1?

  • A job offer (or offers) to continue working your area of extraordinary ability from the time your current O-1 expires and running for 3 more years.

  • A petitioner. You can work with the same petition who petitioned your last O-1, or you can with a new petitioner.

  • Evidence that you have continued to work in your field since your last O-1 was filed, such as information about new projects, new press coverage of you and your work, new awards, nominations, or contracts for highly paid work.

When should I start my 1 year O-1 extension process?

When a 1 year extension is filed, it authorizes you to continue working according to the terms of your O-1 for up to 240 days after your O-1 expiration date as long as the case is pending. Therefore, it’s fine to start the extension process closer to your expiration date. Starting a one year extension 4-6 months in advance of your expiration date will allow sufficient time to get the extension on file. 

What about my family?

O-3 dependents (spouse and children under 21) must also apply for extension of their O-3 status if they wish to remain in the U.S.

Green Card Renewals (I‑90 / I‑751)

U.S. lawful permanent residents are typically issued green cards valid for 10 years. In certain cases—such as marriage-based residency—the initial card is valid for only 2 years and requires a petition to remove conditions.

Types of Green Card Renewals:

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  • Form I-90 – Used to renew or replace a 10-year green card due to expiration, loss, damage, or incorrect information.

  • Form I-751 – Required to remove conditions on a 2-year green card issued through a marriage-based green card process.

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I-90: 10-Year Green Card Renewal

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  • File up to 6 months before the card’s expiration date

  • No need to re-establish eligibility; this is primarily an administrative update

  • May be filed online or by mail

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I-751: Removal of Conditions

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  • Must be filed within the 90-day window before the card’s expiration

  • Requires documentation of a good faith marriage, such as:

    • Joint leases or mortgages

    • Joint financial accounts

    • Photographs and travel records

    • Children’s birth certificates

  • May be filed jointly or with a waiver (for divorce, abuse, or hardship)

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Failure to file on time can lead to termination of permanent resident status and initiation of removal proceedings. It’s essential to track expiration dates and understand which form applies to your situation.

Work Permit Renewals (EAD)

A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also commonly referred to as a work permit, is required for many noncitizens to legally work in the United States. If your EAD is expiring and you remain eligible for work authorization, it is important to file a timely renewal to avoid any employment interruptions.

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USCIS allows filing for renewal 180 days before your current EAD expires.

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Key Information:

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  • Form I-765 is used to apply for a renewal of your work permit.
     

  • In most categories, if a renewal is filed on time, the EAD is automatically extended for up to 540 days while the new card is being processed.
     

Common Categories for EAD Renewal:

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  • Adjustment of Status applicants (pending I-485)
     

  • TPS holders
     

  • Asylum applicants
     

  • DACA recipients
     

  • Certain spouses of visa holders (e.g., L‑2, H‑4 with EAD eligibility)
     

What’s Needed:

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  • Completed Form I‑765 with updated eligibility category
     

  • Filing fee or fee waiver request
     

  • Copy of current or most recent EAD card
     

  • Evidence of continued eligibility (e.g., I‑485 receipt notice)
     

It’s important to check your EAD category on the front of your current card, as renewal eligibility and automatic extension rules may vary.

Advance Parole Travel Documents

Advance Parole allows certain noncitizens to re-enter the United States after temporary travel abroad without abandoning a pending immigration application, such as Adjustment of Status (AOS). It serves as a travel authorization while an application is under review.

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Advance Parole travel documents can be renewed 120 days in advance of expiration. 

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Filing a request for a renewed advance parole travel document does NOT extend the validity of hte travel document. After your first Advance Parole travel document expires, you may NOT travel internationally until the new Advance Parole travel document is approved.

 

Who May Need Advance Parole:

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  • Individuals with a pending Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status)
     

  • Certain DACA recipients
     

  • TPS holders eligible for re-entry travel
     

  • Other applicants without lawful permanent resident status
     

Key Considerations:

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  • Form I-131 is used to apply for Advance Parole.
     

  • Travel without Advance Parole can be treated as abandonment of your pending I-485, resulting in denial of the green card application.
     

  • Typical validity period ranges from one to two years, depending on case type and processing time.
     

Application Requirements:

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  • Proof of pending I-485 or other qualifying status
     

  • Supporting documentation for the purpose of travel (e.g., family visit, employment, humanitarian reasons)
     

  • Two passport-style photos
     

  • Filing fee, if applicable
     

Advance Parole is discretionary and not guaranteed, even if filed correctly. Emergency advance parole may be requested in urgent situations through local USCIS field offices.

I‑751 Petitions to Remove Conditions

If you received a conditional green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it is valid for only two years. To maintain permanent resident status, you must file Form I‑751 to remove the conditions and receive a standard 10-year green card.

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Filing Types:

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  • Joint Petition: Filed with your spouse when the marriage is ongoing.
     

  • Waiver Petition: Filed without your spouse if the marriage ended in divorce, annulment, or if you experienced abuse or hardship.
     

Filing Window:

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  • Joint petitions for couples who are still married and living together must be filed during the 90-day period before the green card expires.
     

  • Waiver petitions for couples who are divorced may be filed either before or after the 90 day filing window, but it’s safest to file before your 2 year green card expires whenever possible.

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Failure to file on time may result in loss of status and initiation of removal proceedings against you.
 

All filings require Evidence of Good Faith Marriage:

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To demonstrate that the marriage was genuine, include:

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  • Joint tax returns
     

  • Shared leases or mortgages
     

  • Utility bills or bank accounts in both names
     

  • Photographs and travel records together
     

  • Birth certificates of children, if any
     

After Filing:

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  • USCIS will issue a 48-month extension notice while the petition is pending.

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  • Biometrics (fingerprinting) may be required.

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  • An interview may be scheduled depending on the strength of the evidence.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Renewals

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows eligible nationals from designated countries to live and work in the United States while conditions in their home country prevent safe return. TPS is granted for limited periods and must be re-registered during designated renewal windows to remain valid.

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Who Needs to Renew:

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  • Individuals currently holding TPS who wish to maintain status during the next designated period
     

  • TPS recipients who also have an associated EAD (work permit) must renew both to maintain employment authorization
     

Renewal Process:

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  • Re-registration period is announced by DHS for each country—typically a 60-day window
     

  • Form I‑821 is used for TPS re-registration
     

  • Form I‑765 must be submitted if you want to renew your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
     

  • Include any required filing fees or a fee waiver request
     

Required Documents:

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  • Copy of your current TPS approval notice
     

  • Evidence of identity and nationality (e.g., passport)
     

  • Proof of continued residence in the U.S. since the last TPS designation
     

Automatic Extensions:

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  • In many cases, DHS will automatically extend TPS and EAD validity while renewals are pending—these updates are published in the Federal Register
     

It’s important to monitor USCIS updates, as re-registration windows vary by country and failure to re-register on time can result in the loss of TPS and work authorization.

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