Applying For U.S. Citizenship With An Expired Green Card: What You Need To Know

Applying for U.S. citizenship is a major milestone, however what if your green card expired before you could start?

Many lawful permanent residents assume they must renew their green card before applying for naturalization. Others worry they’ve waited too long or that their expired card disqualifies them. The truth is more flexible than you might think.

In this post, we’ll walk through what happens when you apply for U.S. citizenship with an expired green card, what risks are involved, and how Brudner Law helps Orange County move forward with clarity and confidence.

Can You Apply for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card?

Yes—you can apply for naturalization even if your green card has expired.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not require a valid green card to file or process Form N-400 (the application for naturalization). As long as you are still a lawful permanent resident and meet the eligibility criteria, you are allowed to apply.

That said, an expired green card can make parts of the process more complicated. Without a valid card, you may have trouble:

• Verifying your employment (especially if completing an I-9 form for a new job)
• Reentering the U.S. if you travel abroad
• Providing acceptable identification during your naturalization interview

So while it’s legally allowed to apply, there may be good reasons to renew your green card first or at least renew it while your N-400 is being processed.

Learn more about U.S. naturalization services at Brudner Law.

Why You Might Still Want to Renew First

If your green card expired recently, or you’re planning to travel, renew it as soon as possible. Here’s why:

• Daily needs still require it: An active green card is often needed for driver’s license renewals, background checks, or work-related verifications.
• You can renew and apply simultaneously: You don’t have to choose one or the other. Many permanent residents file their N-400 and Form I-90 (green card renewal) at the same time.
• Delays are possible at the interview: If your ID isn’t accepted due to the expired card, your interview could be continued or postponed.

Review USCIS guidance on green card renewals to stay updated with any recent changes to the process. 

What Happens During the N-400 Process?

Once you submit your application, the naturalization process generally follows this timeline:

• Biometrics appointment: You’ll attend fingerprinting for a background check.
• USCIS interview: You’ll answer questions about your application, take a civics test, and demonstrate English language skills.
• USCIS decision: Your application will be approved, denied, or continued (if additional documents or clarification are needed).

Your expired green card does not automatically disqualify you from naturalization. However, missing or incomplete documentation—such as inability to prove lawful permanent residence—can slow things down.

Learn what to expect at your N-400 naturalization interview in our blog post.

What If Your Green Card Expired a Long Time Ago?

Even if your card expired years ago, you're still a lawful permanent resident unless your status was formally revoked or abandoned.

That said, USCIS may request additional evidence if:

• You’ve been outside the U.S. for more than a year without a reentry permit
• There are questions about whether you’ve continuously resided in the country
• You have no valid ID to prove your lawful status

In these situations, it’s important to consult an immigration attorney before applying. You may still be eligible but only if you can provide strong evidence of your continued U.S. residence.

Want to renew your green card first? See Boundless’ guide on renewing or replacing an expired green card.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

The naturalization process is complex enough without worrying about an expired card. At Brudner Law, we help you:

• Decide whether to renew or apply first—or both depending on your specific needs
• Ensure all your documents are complete and acceptable, including substitutes for expired cards if necessary
• Advocate on your behalf during interviews or if your case is flagged due to green card issues

We’ve worked with clients in every stage of the naturalization process and understand how USCIS evaluates cases with expired documentation.

Get started with Brudner Law in Orange County today.

FAQs: Applying for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card

Can I still work if my green card has expired?

You may run into trouble with employment eligibility verification (Form I-9). Many employers require a valid green card to hire or reverify your status.

Do I need to carry a valid green card with me at all times?

Yes. Federal law requires permanent residents to carry proof of their status. An expired card can complicate this.

Will USCIS reject my N-400 if my card is expired?

No. Your application can still be accepted but you may need to bring other evidence to your interview, and there may be processing delays.

You Don’t Have To Wait

An expired green card may be inconvenient, but it doesn’t stop you from applying for U.S. citizenship. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’re still on the path to naturalization.

Whether you need help deciding between renewal and application, or you want to avoid avoidable delays, Brudner Law is here to help you make a confident, informed next step.

Still unsure about what to do with your expired green card? Contact Brudner Law. We’ll help you navigate the process with clarity and care so you can move toward citizenship without setbacks.