The Top 12 Green Card FAQs on Reddit

Every day, thousands turn to Reddit to ask questions about green cards, but finding reliable answers can be a challenge. Whether you’re applying for a green card, already a permanent resident, or sponsoring a family member, navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration is no small task.

That’s where we come in.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 12 most frequently asked green card questions on Reddit, along with clear answers you can trust.

Click on any of the questions below to jump to their answers:

1. How long will it take to receive a green card after my priority date becomes current?
2. What steps should Diversity Visa applicants take to avoid scams?
3. How can I reschedule my green card interview?
4. Is a green card considered a REAL ID?
5. Can green card holders with prior misdemeanors travel internationally?
6. Is it possible to get a green card if I’ve used a fake SSN in the past?
7. Do I need to renew or update my Social Security card after receiving a green card?
8. What is Form I-407, and why am I hearing so much about it now?
9. I’m an asylee who just received my green card. Why is my green card backdated by one year?
10. Can I reapply for a green card if my previous application was denied?
11. How do I cancel my green card application?
12. What happens to my legal status if my green card expires?

Disclaimer: The information on this page is not legal advice. Click here to learn more about Boundless Immigration’s lawyer-guided services.

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#1: How long will it take to receive a green card after my priority date becomes current?

Once your priority date becomes current on the Visa Bulletin, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process and approve your green card application. This timeline can vary depending on factors such as application type, case complexity, USCIS workload, and whether additional documentation or interviews are required. After approval, green cards are typically mailed within 30-60 days. Keeping track of processing times on the USCIS website and responding quickly to requests for evidence (RFEs) can help speed up the process.

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#2: What steps should Diversity Visa applicants take to avoid scams?

Diversity Visa (DV) applicants should only apply through the official U.S. Department of State website and be wary of scams requesting payment for guaranteed selection or processing. The DV Lottery is free and entirely random; any email, phone call, or message claiming otherwise is fraudulent. Protect your confirmation number and use it only for the official status check. If selected, follow the instructions on the State Department’s website. Consider consulting a licensed immigration attorney if you’re unsure about any steps or suspicious offers.

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#3: How can I reschedule my green card interview?

If you need to change your green card interview date, follow the instructions on your appointment notice. You may:

• Reschedule on USCIS’s website
• If you’re within the U.S., call USCIS at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833)
• If you’re outside the U.S., call USCIS at 212-620-3418 

There is no penalty for rescheduling your appointment.

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#4: Is a green card considered a REAL ID?

Yes, a valid green card is considered a REAL ID. It is one of the accepted documents proving legal presence in the United States and qualifies holders for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card.

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#5: Can green card holders with prior misdemeanors travel internationally?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor, how long ago it occurred, and how strict or lenient the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers you encounter are. While green card holders can generally travel abroad without issues, those with certain criminal records such as drug- or fraud-related offenses may face problems when reentering the U.S. CBP can place returning residents in removal proceedings if they deem a past conviction makes them inadmissible. Before traveling, it’s wise to speak with an immigration lawyer to assess any risks tied to your record.

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#6: Is it possible to get a green card if I’ve used a fake SSN in the past?

Having a history of using a fake Social Security Number (SSN) could complicate your green card application. Using a fake SSN is a federal crime that can have serious immigration consequences, including removal, inadmissibility, and being barred from obtaining legal status in the U.S. However, you may be able to file a Waiver of Inadmissibility depending on your circumstances, so it’s a good idea to consult an experienced immigration attorney to explore your options.

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#7: Do I need to renew or update my Social Security card after receiving a green card?

While it is not mandatory to update your Social Security card after receiving a green card, it is recommended to ensure your records reflect your updated immigration status. To update your card, visit a Social Security Administration office with your green card and other identification documents. The process does not change your Social Security Number. Your new card will no longer say “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION” or “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.”

This update helps when applying for jobs, benefits, or credit, and ensures your records match across federal systems.

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#8: What is Form I-407, and why am I hearing so much about it now?

Form I-407 (Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status) is used by green card holders to voluntarily give up their lawful permanent resident status. It’s typically filed when someone decides to live abroad permanently or no longer wishes to maintain ties with the U.S.

Recently, there’s been more chatter about this form as some immigrants weigh their options amid stricter immigration enforcement. Some green card holders have reported being pressured by immigration officials to sign the form while traveling internationally. Filing Form I-407 can permanently forfeit your green card, so consider consulting a legal expert before you fill it out.

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#9: I’m an asylee who just received my green card. Why is my green card backdated by one year?

When an asylee is granted lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, their green card is typically backdated one year from the approval date. This is because U.S. immigration law allows asylees to apply for a green card one year after being granted asylum, and USCIS automatically adjusts the date to reflect this.

The benefit of this backdating is that it allows asylees to apply for U.S. citizenship sooner. Instead of waiting the usual five years for naturalization, asylees can apply four years from the date printed on their green card (since they already accumulated one year as an asylee).

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#10: Can I reapply for a green card if my previous application was denied?

Yes, you can reapply for a green card after a denial, but the best approach depends on the reason your application was rejected. If the denial was due to missing documents or minor mistakes, you may be able to correct the issue and file a new application. If it was based on eligibility issues — such as unlawful presence, criminal history, or immigration fraud — you may need to file a waiver or explore other legal options. If you believe USCIS made an error that led to your denial, you may have the option to appeal the decision or request a motion to reopen or reconsider. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help determine the best path forward for your situation.

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#11: How do I cancel my green card application?

To cancel a pending green card application, you must submit a signed written request to the agency processing your case  — either USCIS or the National Visa Center (NVC). Your letter should include:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your case or receipt number (listed on your Form I-130 or Form I-485 receipt notice)
• A clear statement requesting the withdrawal of your application
• If an attorney is making the request on your behalf, they must submit Form G-28

For USCIS cases, send the letter to the service center or field office listed on your receipt notice. For NVC cases, use the NVC Public Inquiry Form. 

Always keep a copy of your request, and use a tracked mailing method for proof of delivery. After submission, you should receive a confirmation of withdrawal from the agency.

Withdrawing a green card application is permanent. Before taking action, consider speaking with an immigration attorney, who can help you weigh your options.

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#12: What happens to my legal status if my green card expires?

If you have a conditional green card, you cannot renew it. To retain your legal status, you must apply for Removal of Conditions to obtain a 10-year green card and become an LPR.

If you’re already an LPR with a 10-year green card, having an expired green card alone doesn’t affect your status or the likelihood that your renewal application will be denied. An expired green card simply means you need a valid, up-to-date card to prove that you can legally live and work in the U.S. as well as re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad. Submitting a renewal application as soon as possible can help minimize potential issues.

Once Form I-90 is filed, you should receive a receipt notice that extends your green card validity by 36 months from the expiration date printed on your expired green card. When presented together, this notice along with the expired card serves as proof of residency during the renewal process.

Given recent reports of immigration raids, it’s a good idea for all immigrants to keep their immigration documents current and know their rights.

As a reminder, LPRs who are 18 years or older are required by law to carry their green card with them at all times.