5 Easy Steps for Replacing Your Green Card
The green card is a crucial piece of identification that permits immigrants to stay and work within the United States permanently and legally. Typically, it’s valid for up to ten years, but by the end of the tenth year, the green cards need to be renewed.
Nevertheless, renewal is not the only reason to file for Form I-90, which is an application to replace resident card. Damages, loss, incorrect information, details changes, and taking commuter status are some factors that call for card replacement. From filing for card replacement to receiving the brand-new card, here are five simple steps on how to replace your green card.
Step 1: Apply for the permanent resident card replacement
Generally, permanent residents will use the Form 1-90 to replace a resident card. Considering that the new card will only arrive after several months, residents need to submit their application as early as possible.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS stated that green card holders could start their card replacement or renewal process as early as six months before the card’s expiration date.
There are two ways to file for Form I-90. Card owners can access the form directly through the USCIS official website. Aside from the form, they will also need to download the guidelines from the same page.
While it’s free to get the form from the USCIS website, there will be a filing fee upon the submission of the form. Residents can also prepare the form by themselves. However, there is a risk of committing mistakes or omissions, which can cause costly postponement.
Alternatively, they can choose to prepare the form via a green card replacement website, such as Immigration Path, for a hassle-free step-by-step application that will walk them through the entire process.
Step 2: Documents compilation
Card owners need to collect particular documents and make the payment for submission, along with the form.
The types of documents needed are in the 10-page instructions file that can be obtained from the same page as that of the form. Moreover, applicants can use a cover letter for the clarification of their request.
Step 3: Save the notice
Approximately two weeks after the submission of Form I-90, the USCIS will mail the applicants with another form called Form I-797C, which is a “Notice of Action.” This critical notice proves that the organization has accepted the form application, and the applicants have begun the process.
Likewise, the notice is vital as it includes a receipt number that applicants can use to track the case status of their green card renewal application on the USCIS site.
Step 4: Attend the biometric appointment
Around three to five weeks after the form submission, USCIS will mail the applicants about their biometrics appointment. This appointment is typically at the Application Support Center located near the applicants.
During the appointment, applicants need to bring along the appointment letter as well as other items that may be required, as listed in the letter, such as some photo IDs. Further, the appointment involves photo-taking and fingerprinting for the card.
Step 5: Receive the new card
If there is no error or complication throughout the entire process, applicants may receive their new card through the mail after approximately three to five months.
Losing the hard-earned green card can be a horrifying experience. Carrying an expired green card also causes the holder to be guilty of a misdemeanor, resulting in a fine or even imprisonment. Fortunately, they always have the option to replace or renew their cards without grievances.
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