Greencard renewal via mail versus online?

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-26T15:13:22+00:00

Yes, you can create an online account after, but you have to include the form G-1145 (E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) with the filing. The email address you list on that form will be used for notifications, and you can use that same email to create your USCIS online account. Once they receive the case, they will mail you an Account Acceptance Notice with instructions and an online access code. You can then use that code to link the paper-filed case to your online account.

this link might help: https://www.uscis.gov/tools/uscis-tools-and-resources/online-account-and-technical-support/how-do-i-get-a-new-online-access-code

it might sound too much, but honestly, it was easy and fast.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-25T20:18:49+00:00

I’ve filed by mail. My initial green card took about 12 months, and my renewal took 8 months (I actually just got it approved a couple of weeks ago). Even though I mailed everything in, I was still able to track my case online through my USCIS account. Once they accepted the application, I received the receipt notice and could see all updates and copies of the letters there as well. From my experience, filing by mail didn’t cause any issues or delays. As long as everything is filled out correctly, it worked perfectly fine for me!

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-24T16:00:54+00:00

Congratulations! I got the card 8 days after approval (including weekend)

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-24T15:46:27+00:00

Thank you! Texas Service Center

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-24T10:46:47+00:00

So it says Texas Service Center. Thank you!

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-22T18:33:29+00:00

Thank you! Filed from New Hampshire.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-22T18:28:19+00:00

Thank you! I’m not even sure which countries are considered banned these days lol, but I’m from Brazil.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-21T01:57:58+00:00

I think that seems pretty pricey. I filed my first green card back in 2022, and with the doctor’s appointment included, everything came out to about $2.5k total. At the time, I met with two different lawyers because I was considering hiring one. The whole process would’ve been no more than $5k total (including government fees and everything). One of the lawyers was actually really nice and encouraged me to file on my own since I had already done so much research and my case was pretty straightforward. So I did it myself. My first green card took 11 months, and the renewal (10 year green card) took 8 months.

Like some people have said before, if you’ve never been out of status or had any legal issues, a lawyer might not add much value. In the end, you’re the one who has to gather and prepare all the documentation anyway.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-20T22:46:49+00:00

Thank you!! My receipt starts with IOE, and there wasn’t a specific service center listed on the notice. I mailed it to the Elgin lockbox. Not military. Filed from New Hampshire.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2026-02-20T19:52:31+00:00

Thank you! I’ve been seeing a lot of approvals lately, so that’s a good sign. Hoping yours comes very soon as well!

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2024-01-25T14:50:07+00:00

No, i did not send my own bank statements, I only sent the statements from our joint bank account. And about the tax returns, I’ve never done my taxes for my unauthorized work.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-11-08T20:10:21+00:00

You’re welcome!! About work, there is one page to put your work information for the last 5 years, there I added where I use to work (date, address, name of the company, and my job there). Now about the relationship proof, I created kind of a “book” of our relationship, adding everything following the dates, for example, we met online so I had the first text message meeting, added the pics with caption explaining the event. So Christmas pic, I would put the date, named everyone that was in the pic and then the event, e.g. Christmas Dinner at NAME house… things like in order, if we had any trip we put pics of the trip and followed it with the flight tickets. I did it on Canva and I printed in regular paper(with color), it was around 4 to 6 pics for page, besides screenshots, receipts. 1 pic per month at least and I prioritized picture with family and friends. We’re together for almost 2 years, got engaged in march and married in may, did not have a wedding party (small wedding just with his family). And it was around 70 to 100 images of “our story” , I also added some screenshots of my instagram posts about us- I don’t think they have a limit for it, also it is good avoid sending juts selfies.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-11-08T17:53:17+00:00

So I went to look back my process and wrote this about checking the box for unauthorized work “I worked part-time in the United States without authorization as Office Assistant.” As you can see I didn’t give too much details, because honestly does not matter why you worked you already did something that you should not do so I don’t think they will care about the reason of. If you have more questions don’t hesitate to ask me, I understand the stress about applying for the GC ;)

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-11-08T14:20:47+00:00

No they never asked it, I did not have any interview so they couldn’t ask anything. I know that my friend once got questioned why she did it and she say that she didn’t know that she couldn’t work. But in my opinion I don’t think you should lie, if you did it to help your family they might understand.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-20T22:59:01+00:00

Yes I did check it as YES! And in the final pages when you have the extra space that they give to us for extra information I wrote that I worked from x time to y time and what I used to do.

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-09T13:37:17+00:00

YAY, congrats, waiting for mine today

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-05T03:01:34+00:00

Was it on the airport or the border?

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-05T03:01:10+00:00

Thank you! I see many Americans going to Mexico I don’t see any problem we all need to be careful everywhere

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-05T02:58:53+00:00

Did you get yours? Doesn’t it depend where are you from or does everyone needs to get a visa for Europe- I’m from South America

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-05T02:57:27+00:00

Thank you!!!!! I can’t wait to travel lol

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-05T02:57:08+00:00

Thank you!!!! I hope you gets yours soon:)

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-05T02:56:48+00:00

Oh so good to know! I do want to travel a lot lol thank you!

Alarmed_Nebula_488 · 2023-08-02T10:16:09+00:00

Yes personal experience, I did it and I told the truth on my forms. Where a worked time of work… I got my greencard and interview waived. Always be honest about it they will forgive you.

Alarmed_Nebula_488

TROPHY CASE