Green Card Replacement
A Green Card, or permanent resident card, serves as proof of a person’s lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
Like other important documents, you could lose your Green Card, it might expire, or you might wear it out over time. Learn how to replace your Green Card if you’re a permanent resident with an expired Green Card or if your Green Card has been lost or stolen.
How to Replace a Green Card
A Green Card holder whose Green Card expires is lost or stolen needs to get a replacement card as soon as possible. The process begins with a formal application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A summary of the required steps is as follows:
1. Complete Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
The first step in replacing your Green Card is filling out Form I-90, which can be found on the USCIS website. This form collects important information about you and your current Green Card.
2. Gather Required Documents
Along with the completed form, you will need to provide certain documents as evidence of your identity and immigration status. These may include a copy of your expired or lost Green Card, a government-issued ID, and proof of any legal name changes.
3. Pay Filing Fee
There is a filing fee associated with applying for a Green Card replacement. The current fee for Form I-90 is $540, which includes an $85 biometric services fee. You can pay this fee online through the USCIS website or by mail with a check or money order.
4. Submit Form and Supporting Documents
Once you have completed the form and gathered all required documents, you can submit them to USCIS either electronically or by mail. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions for submission to avoid any delays in processing your application.
5. Attend Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a designated USCIS location. At this appointment, your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be taken for identity verification purposes.
6. Wait for Decision
It typically takes 7-12 months for USCIS to process Form I-90 applications. During this time, you can check the status of your application online using the USCIS website. Once a decision has been made on your application, you will receive a notice in the mail with further instructions.
7. Receive New Green Card
If your Form I-90 is approved, you will receive a new Green Card in the mail within 2 weeks. Make sure to review all information on the card for accuracy and report any errors to USCIS immediately.
8. Renew Again When Necessary
Green Cards are valid for 10 years and must be renewed before expiration. It is important to keep track of when your Green Card expires and begin the renewal process at least 6 months prior. Failure to renew on time could result in loss of permanent resident status.
Common Reasons to Replace a Green Card
You may need to proceed with the Green Card renewal process for several reasons such as follows.
- If, by any chance, your Green Card has been lost, stolen, or damaged to the extent that the information on it is not readable or legible. In this case, your card won’t be acceptable as a legal document, and you would need to get a new Green Card.
- Green Cards come with expiration dates. They need to be updated after the expiration date, which is usually after 10 years. If your Green Card has expired, it in necessary to submit a renewal application to maintain the proof of your permanent residency.
- If your name or any other details change, you must submit the renewal application to have your information updated.
- If your Green Card has incorrect information, such as an incorrect or misspelled name, incorrect date of birth, or any other mistake, you must replace your Green Card to ensure accurate documentation of your residency status.
An updated Green Card is necessary to maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. If you need legal help renewing your green card, talk to our green card renewal attorney for assistance.
Travel Consideration During Replacement Process
If your Green Card is under the replacement process and you need to travel across, you should be aware of the potential issues that may arise.
If you have to travel even though your Green Card expired, you just can’t take your I-90 form as proof with you. It will lead to complications when you have to re-enter the U.S. Instead, you should wait for your card or obtain a temporary I-551 stamp ‘temporary Green Card’ before you leave for international travel.
You should also carry copies of your Form I-90 receipt notice, expired Green Card (if possible and available), and any other supporting documents such as your driver’s license or alien registration card.
Plus, stay prepared for additional questioning at the border.
How Hard Is It To Get A Replacement Green Card?
Replacing your lost or stolen Green Card while in the U.S. is easy. You can file your application to replace your Green Card online through the USCIS website or the mail. You might have to pay only the biometrics fee.
The process could be more complicated if your card is lost or stolen when you are outside the U.S. You may need to lodge a report to the nearest police department and then reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for further instructions. Working with a Green Card lawyer in such an instance can make the process faster and less stressful.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Replacement Green Card?
The duration to replace your Green Card can only be determined by the USCIS. However, applicants are advised by the USCIS to check their status 72 hours after filing form I-90 via their website. Once your application is approved, the USCIS will send your new card to you by mail.
Note that errors in your application or an incomplete application could delay the Green Card replacement process. To avoid such hold-ups, it is essential that you complete the relevant forms accurately and fulfill all the requirements. If the process gets too complicated, you get help from Kansas City Immigration Lawyers.
How an Immigration Attorney Can Help
As with any other immigration process, replacing your Green Card involves paperwork that could prove tricky for many people. Getting an experienced immigration lawyer to help you can help to simplify the process and reduce the likelihood of errors in your application.
At KC Immigration Lawyers, we can provide further information about the Green Card replacement process specific to your unique case. If your I-90 application is denied, we can file an appeal on your behalf and represent you.
We have a track record of success with immigration cases, including DACA requests, spousal visa applications by our K1 visa lawyer, and acquiring US citizenship. Contact us today for your legal immigration needs; we’d love to help.