DECISION

Renewal vs modification — do not file the wrong procedure

Use this when your facts changed and you need to decide whether ordinary renewal still fits.

When is this not a simple renewal?

When the legal route behind the card changed: studies ended, work basis changed, a non-work route now needs work, family facts changed, or arraigo needs a standard route.

What should I decide first?

Classify the current authorization and the new fact before choosing forms, fees or appointment channels.

Conclusion

Do not treat every expiring card as a renewal. If the route facts changed, first compare renewal against modification.

Changed facts that force a pause

Student stay ending or moving toward work.
Employee to self-employed or self-employed to employee.
Non-lucrative or family route now needing work rights.
Family reunifier, relationship, income or housing changing.
Arraigo reaching the point where a standard route may be needed.

Decision rule

If the evidence still proves the same route, renewal may fit. If the evidence now proves a different legal route, compare modification before filing.

What to do

Classify changed facts before filing.

Bring

Current authorization
Changed fact
Route evidence
Modification guide or route sheet
Deadline status

Steps

Identify the current authorization from the resolution or card.
Name the changed fact: work, study, family, absence or route switch.
Check whether the same renewal route can still be proven.
If not, compare the modification route before paying fees or booking appointments.

Basis

Renewal preserves a route when its requirements remain proven. Modification is considered when the authorization basis changes.

Verified: 2026-10-10Next review: 2027-01-08