The
"Green Card" is the common name for the form I-551. It
is also called Alien Registration Card, Immigrant Card,
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Card, and similar names.
It identifies a person as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
of the United States with the right to reside and work
in the
U.S.
indefinitely. In general, the Department of Homeland
Security – Citizenship and Immigration Services
(DHS-CIS) handles most of the paperwork related to the
LPR card.
Q1. Why would I need to replace or renew my LPR
card?
A1. Perhaps the most common reasons are replacing a
lost, damaged, or stolen card or renewing an expiring
card. Other reasons include a child reaching 14 years of
age; change of legal name; or "temporary" marriage-based
cards that need to be made permanent.
[Note
that losing your card is not the same as losing your LPR
status. If you have lost LPR status by leaving the U.S.
for longer than a year, entering the
U.S.
in a temporary visa status, violating the law, or any
similar action, then this FAQ is not for you. You cannot
regain lost status by simply applying for a new card.
You need to talk with an experienced immigration
attorney.]
Q2. If LPR status is "indefinite" how can there be
a temporary card or one that expires?
A2. The status, itself, does not expire, but the card
does. Cards are generally issued with a validity period
of ten years, like
U.S.
citizens’ passports, and must be updated with new
personal information and photos.
There
are two primary exceptions to the 10-year validity rule.
Children who reach the age of 14 must have new cards
issued, and cards based on marriage are generally valid
conditionally for only two years.
Q3. My friend got an LPR card by marrying a
U.S.
citizen, but the card was only valid for two years. Why?
A3. LPR status based on marriage to a
U.S.
citizen is "conditional" pending reliable evidence of
the validity of the marriage. The two must remain
married for two years, and "hold themselves out to the
community" as a married couple. In general family and
friends should know about the marriage, and believe that
it is a bona fide or "good faith" marriage, and not a
marriage of convenience just to get the LPR card. There
are a few exceptions to the "two-year" rule, which you
may wish to discuss with an experienced immigration
attorney. There is a process for removing the
conditional status, making the status permanent, and
issuing a standard 10-year LPR card.
Q4. How do I replace or renew my card?
A4. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has
extensive information on its web site at
http://uscis.gov/graphics/faqsgen.htm#greencard
Note
these links of special interest
Renewal:
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/renew.htm
Replacement:
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/replace.htm
Removing the "marriage condition":
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/remcond.htm
General
immigration forms:
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/index.htm
Form
I-90:
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-90.htm
Q5. That is a lot of reading. Could you give me
the basics?
A5. It is important that you read the DHS material,
understand your responsibilities in the process, and
follow the instructions. We are listing the following
key elements to help you organize your reading and
thoughts, and prepare to speak with your immigration
lawyer if you choose to consult one.
|
1. |
You must complete the application form and collect all
required supporting documents, such as new photos,
and in the case of marriage, evidence of a bona fide
marriage. |
|
2. |
You must go in person to the Department of Homeland Security
- Citizenship and Immigration Services
(DHS-CIS) office to file. Note that you can obtain a
paper form on-line or at the local office or by calling
the toll free number. You can also file electronically
and pay with a credit card. |
|
3. |
You must pay the appropriate fee. |
|
4. |
You should take your passport or other forms of photo
identification with you any time you go to a DHS
office. |
|
5. |
You may go to the DHS-CIS office and ask that office to give
temporary evidence of your LPR status so
that you can travel while you are waiting for the new
card. Usually the DHS-CIS office will put a stamp in
your passport confirming your LPR status and indicating
that a card renewal is in process. |
Q6. How do I show that I am an LPR while the
application for the new card is pending? What if I don’t
have a passport?
A6. If you take your passport with you, the DHS-CIS
officer can put a stamp in your passport that acts as a
temporary LPR card. You can use the stamp to travel
outside the
U.S.
and return, to show employers for job changes, or to
present as confirmation of your LPR status for other
reasons. If you do not have a passport, be sure to ask
for some other form of temporary evidence of LPR status,
which the DHS-CIS office should be able to provide.
Q7. Is this complicated? Do I need a lawyer?
A7. Applying for a lost
or expiring LPR card is usually a simple matter of
filling out the form, providing supporting documents,
and making the trip to the local DHS-CIS office. Many
people do this on their own. However, if you have
questions about whether you are eligible, how to apply,
or whether you might experience difficulties because of
any personal special circumstances or the basis on which
your LPR card was obtained, it is a good idea to talk
with an experienced immigration lawyer
