Renewing Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Renewing Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Understanding Your Green Card

As a U.S. lawful permanent resident, you’ll receive a green card, also known as:

  • Lawful Permanent Resident Card
  • Form I-551
  • Alien Registration Receipt Card (ARC Card)

Importance of Your Green Card

Your green card serves as:

  • Proof of lawful permanent resident status
  • Evidence of permanent living and working authorization in the U.S.

Green Card Details

The card contains important information, including:

  • Photo
  • Name
  • USCIS number
  • Country of birth
  • Signature
  • Fingerprint
  • Date of birth
  • Sex
  • Category of U.S. admission
  • Other relevant information

Validity and Renewal

  • Typically valid for 10 years.
  • Expires after 10 years.
  • Must apply for renewal before expiration.
  • Also, apply for a replacement if lost, stolen, or damaged.

Key Reminders

  • Keep your green card up to date to maintain immigration status and employment eligibility.
  • Renew or replace your green card promptly to avoid complications.

Reasons to Update or Replace Your Green Card

Expiration or Loss

  • Green card expired or expiring within 6 months.
  • Lost, stolen, or destroyed green card.

Issuance Issues

  • Never received the green card issued by USCIS.
  • Partially damaged green card.

Information Errors or Changes

  • Incorrect information on green card due to USCIS error.
  • Name or information change since the last green card issuance.

Special Circumstances

  • Turning 14 years old (mandatory renewal for permanent resident children).
  • Taking up commuter status (living in Canada/Mexico, working in the U.S.).
  • Commuter moving back to the U.S. to establish residence.

Requirements to Renew Your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

  • Lawful Permanent Residency: You must be a U.S. lawful permanent resident to apply for green card renewal. (Note: Conditional permanent residents with 2-year green cards must file a separate petition to remove conditions.)
  • Application Submission: To renew your green card, you must:
    • File Form I-90
    • Submit required supporting documents
    • Pay applicable filing fees (detailed below)
  • Biometrics Appointment: In most cases, you’ll be required to attend a biometrics appointment, where your digital fingerprints will be taken.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at matif@atiflawfirm.com. We’re here to help!