When you obtain a temporary green card, you have the same rights as a U.S. citizen. However, this is not the same as being a permanent resident.
Your temporary green card, also called a conditional green card, is issued for two years. During this time, you can live and work in the United States, but only for a certain period of time.
After that, you must update your immigration status to obtain a permanent resident green card. This type of card is issued for 10 years.
The significance of the 90-day window
A conditional green card can typically not be renewed. You must file a petition for a permanent green card within 90 days before your conditional green card expires. Since you cannot renew your conditional green card, if your status is not adjusted within the 90-day period, your green card expires and you face deportation.
Timing is extremely important when adjusting your status. You must file a petition to remove the conditions on your temporary green card within the 90-day window.
You cannot file too early or too late or your petition will be returned. You should know exactly when the 90-day window begins and file as soon as you can after that.
What if an adjustment petition is denied?
One of the benefits of filing as early into the 90-day window as you can is you will have extra time if your petition is denied. There are some common reasons a petition is denied that you may be able to fix, but you want to have enough time to do so.
For example, your petition could be denied because you did not provide all the required information or documentation. You will receive a denial letter explaining the reason for the denial.
Providing the missing information or documentation can ultimately result in an approval of your petition. However, you want to make sure this is completed before your conditional green card expires. In addition to facing deportation proceedings, you could be barred from the United States for several years.
