A green card helps to validate the status of a permanent resident. Immigrants who have lived in the country for multiple years and who meet certain statutory requirements are eligible to adjust their status and become permanent residents. They can ask the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to issue them a green card.
Typically, green cards are valid for 10 years, but they may occasionally require replacement. Immigrants who rely on accurate documentation to validate their status need to ensure that they replace their green cards as necessary to avoid legal complications.
When should immigrants ask the USCIS to replace their green cards?
When their cards expire
Typically, green card replacement occurs toward the end of a green card’s validity. Non-conditional green cards are valid for 10 years. Immigrants can begin the process of renewing and replacing their green cards six months before their current documents expire.
Unexpired but accurate green cards may also require placement. If a permanent resident loses their green card or someone else steals it, they need to report the matter to the USCIS and request a replacement. Additionally, if the card sustained damage that left it difficult to read or the card ended up destroyed, requesting a replacement is likely necessary.
After a change in circumstances
Immigrants may move to new homes, start new careers or even change their marital status after securing their green card. Major changes may necessitate requesting a replacement green card from the USCIS.
Those changes include:
- becoming a full-time resident after commuting internationally as a permanent resident
- becoming a commuter after living in the United States
- turning 14 as a permanent resident, unless the current green card expired before the holder turns 16
- acquiring a new name or other changes to biographic information
- discovering inaccurate information on the green card
Finally, permanent residents who never received their green cards should contact the USCIS to request a replacement.
Permanent residents hoping to protect their status and avoid unnecessary immigration complications often require the support of an immigration attorney when adjusting their status, updating their green cards or replacing them. Working with a legal professional can help permanent residents to better ensure that they replace their green cards as necessary to avoid any future complications.