Hey guys,

I was glad to see that there was a forum where immigrants can get together and talk about things. Sometimes i feel like i'm the only one with these type of problems but i guess not.

Anyway, I turn 18 on the 30th of July. I was born in the Philipines but immigrated to the U.S. when i was 4. When i arrived i got a Greencard that expired in 03. Since 03 my family hasn't renewed it and I'm starting to figure out why it's so important. I can't get a job without a renewed greencard, what i would like to hear is that I am considered a U.S. Citizen cause i've been here since i was 3. My stepdad is a born U.S. Citizen and so are both of my younger brothers. My mom renewed her Greencard around 5 months ago, and is still waiting for it in the mail.

Basically i just want to know what i should do to get my paperwork straightened out so i can get a job?

Thanks!

also..on my SSN card it says, "Valid for work only after INS authorization."..what does this mean?

You are a Legal Permanent Resident, your GC is evidence of that, get it renewed.

You can apply to become a US Citizen if you wish, you are a Phillipine Citizen.

Your GC status will allow you to obtain a SSN without the limitation. You will most likely need a new card to do this.

okay..so i know i have to get it renewed.. how much does this usually cost? also, when i renew my GC will i get a new SSN card without the "Valid for work only after INS authorization"?

one last question, would it make it more difficult to renew my GC AFTER my 18th bday? or should i get it taken care of before my 18th bday? I really appreciate the help.

Apply ASAP - Go to the USCIS website for forms and fees - you can download everything.

If your green card expired 3 years ago and you have not yet renewed it, then you have been in the country illegally for 3 years. Why didn't your parents renew their green card?

Sounds like you are in trouble.

Permanent residency does not expire. The date on the card does - Check CFR's which are the law. Not in the country illegally at all.

mkdeuce - apply ASAP. Check USCIS website.

Thank you dragonlady. Sugarpuff had me goin for a second.

I plan on applying on the 27th. Will i be able to just print and fill out the forms and turn them in in person?

Check the website and instructions that go with the forms. I believe that you will have to mail them. You can download the form from the USCIS website. You may also want to call customer service to see which fee you need to send. You can ask about personal filing at your district office as well. I was provided with a temp copy at my District office while I waited for the new card. Check to see if they will let you do that. The number is on the USCIS website.

Send your forms by priority post (with delivery confirmation)or FedEx. These are the quickest ways and you can track when the forms were received. I would try to send the forms sooner than the 27th. Keep copies of everything!!!

You can apply for school using your A# ( on you card). FAFSA contacts immigration to determine if you have permanent resident status and they go from there.


Was your card the 10 year card or the other one?

please post back and let us know what happens...

Can tell you now.

He gets his 10 year GC.

Goes to SS Office and gets his SSN sent to him without annotation.

Turning 18? Congratulation. Don't forget to invite me to your Debut party.

hi
Mcduece
congratulations on your 18 th birthday,
Dont waste time go online and apply for replace ment card, dont worry about fees, it will take months when u will get youe new green card. when you get new card then u go to social securuty card withot that ( valid with ins ...)but why you waited so long , you should get citizenship by filing N-600 if your parents are us citizen and children under 18 can citizenship by filing n 600 at any age before their 18 birthday i think.
i have lot of friends from phillipine.
where ru from in usa i mean which state.
if you have any question can contact me at ballebali@hotmail.com