If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States, it is important to replace your green card when it expires or gets lost, stolen or destroyed.
The process is simple and requires filing a form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, along with supporting documentation and fees. It typically takes 4 – 9 months to receive your replacement green card, though processing times vary.
The Application Process
The green card is an important document that shows you are a permanent resident of the United States. If you lose or misplace your green card, it’s crucial to replace it as soon as possible.
Replacing a lost or stolen green card isn’t an easy process, but it’s necessary for many people. The application process for replacing a green card can take up to 10 months or longer, depending on the individual situation and information provided.
USCIS often denies applications to replace green cards for a number of reasons, including when the applicant intentionally provides false or misleading information in order to receive a replacement. If you think your application may be denied, speak to an immigration attorney as early as possible.
Once you submit your Form I-90 to USCIS, you should receive a notice within 1-2 weeks letting you know when and where you can have your biometrics taken. This usually occurs at a USCIS office.
Read more: Understanding the IR6 green card category
Fees
Green cards serve as proof of your permanent resident status and are essential for many reasons, including getting loans, re-entering the country, or renewing your driver’s license. If your card is lost or stolen, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
The fees associated with replacing a green card are $455, plus $85 for biometric services. These fees are regularly changing, so it’s important to check the USCIS website for current information.
In general, there are two ways to request a green card replacement: self-petitioning or hiring an immigration law firm. Using a professional legal service can ensure that your application is filed correctly the first time.
The filing fee is $455, plus $85 for biometrics if fingerprinting is required. However, you can request a fee waiver. This is particularly helpful for applicants who never received their green cards in the mail, or whose cards were printed incorrectly by the USCIS.
Documentation
Your green card is an essential document for living and working in the United States as well as re-entering the country after traveling abroad, getting a loan, and renewing your driver’s license. Keeping it safe is important, so when your card is lost or stolen you must apply for replacement immediately.
Replacing your green card is also needed if it contains an error or incorrect information on the front, such as an outdated issue date or name. This is usually an administrative mistake that will be corrected by USCIS.
To replace a green card due to a change of name, you will need a court order or marriage certificate that proves the name has been legally changed. You may also need to provide a form of identification such as your passport, drivers license, or military ID.
When replacing your green card, you will be given a biometrics appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate. This is where your fingerprints, signature, and photo will be taken. After this, you will receive your new green card. The process can take anywhere between 4 to 12 months, depending on individual cases.
Biometrics
Biometrics are unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and iris scans, that can be used to verify and authenticate an individual. Unlike other forms of identification, such as a password or pin number, biometric data cannot be changed.
This means that if a criminal successfully hacks into a system and steals an individual’s biometric information, they can use it to fraudulently access a bank account or other important accounts. For businesses, this poses a serious threat and requires strict security.
Fortunately, biometrics are becoming more secure. Some companies are using technology that hides people’s biometric data in what’s called a token, which can only be unscrambled by a certain key.
Although there are a few ethical concerns about biometrics, they can help to prevent identity theft and fraud by providing security when logging in to digital services. They are also a good way to ensure that only you can access your digital assets, such as your email or social media.
