A Green Card affords many rights and privileges to residents. As a result, it is important that you keep your information accurate and current.
You may need to replace your Green Card at some point, so you should be aware of the replacement process and what it entails. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
How often to replace your Green Card
The frequency depends on your status. If you are a conditional permanent resident, cards require replacement when lost or stolen, or when they contain inaccurate information. For instance, you would need to change yours if you were recently married and your name had changed.
As for lawful permanent residents, there are a number of situations that call for a new card. These cards come with an expiration date, and you must update yours within six months of that date. You will also need a new card if your commuter status has changed, which means that you may travel into and out of the U.S. frequently.
How to apply for a new card
Both conditional permanent and lawful permanent residents must submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS may also ask you to attend a biometrics appointment, which collects physical and biological characteristics for purposes of identification.
You will receive your new Green Card from the USCIS in the mail. You cannot appeal a denied application, but you can file a motion to reopen or consider the case. In this event, the office will review the previous decision to determine whether it applied the law correctly and whether the decision is in line with any evidence presented.
