US Green Card: How to renew or replace the permanent resident card?

Green card holders have a legal right to stay in America. A Green card is a valid identification document that proves you are eligible to live and work in the United States. A Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551) is proof of your permanent resident status in the United States.

It is critical to keep your card up to date. Without a valid card, it may be difficult to verify that you are a permanent resident, which may limit your ability to travel or demonstrate your status to work in the United States.

Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. But if you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years.

To apply to renew or replace your card, use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

When to renew a Green Card

You should renew your Permanent Resident Card if you were issued a card valid for 10 years that has either expired or will expire within the next 6 months. If your Permanent Resident Card is valid for only 2 years, you are a conditional resident. You will need to file a petition to remove the conditions of your residence before the card expires. You may file this petition 90 days before your conditional green card expires.

If your petition is approved, you will be sent a new Permanent Resident Card valid for 10 years. You do not need to file Form I-90.

If your card does not have an expiration date on the front, then you have a very old version. Most old versions are no longer valid. Even if your card does not have an expiration date on it, you should apply to renew it.

When to replace a Permanent Resident Card?

You should apply to replace your Permanent Resident Card if any information on your card needs to be changed, or if your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged. Also, if you became a permanent resident before you turned 14 years old, you are required to replace your card when you become 14 years old.

How to remove conditions on my 2-year conditional Permanent Resident Card?

Do not use Form I-90 if you are a conditional resident and your status is expiring. If you are a permanent resident who was granted conditional permanent resident status, you are required to file a petition to remove those conditions within 90 days of your card expiring.

If your conditional status was based on a marriage, file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. If your conditional status was based on being an investor or entrepreneur, file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.

If you do not file the petition to remove the conditions before your card expires, you may lose your permanent resident status.