If you’ve ever lost your permanent resident card (aka green card), you know it can be a scary experience. The same goes if it was stolen or even damaged. It is an important piece of identification that provides proof of your lawful permanent residence in the United States. The good news is that you cannot lose permanent resident status because you lost your card. However, it can be a major inconvenience. Here’s how to replace a permanent resident card:
Step 1: Preparing to Replace a PERMANENT RESIDENT Card
There are numerous legitimate reasons one might need to replace a green card. Anyone renewing or replacing a permanent resident card will use Use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It will take a few months to receive your new card, so file Form I-90 as soon as possible. Some reasons that you might use Form I-90 include:
- Your card was lost, stolen or destroyed
- Your card was issued but never received
- Your card was mutilated
- Your card has incorrect data
- Your name or other biographic information has been legally changed
- You have reached your 14th birthday and are registering as required
- Your card is expiring within 6 months or has already expired
You can use Form I-90 to renew a permanent resident card too.
Step 2: Prepare Form I-90 to Replace A PERMANENT RESIDENT Card
There are two ways that you can prepare Form I-90.
Traditionally, people download the I-90 form from the USCIS website. You will also need to download the 10-page instructions from the same page. You can fill out the form on the computer or by hand with a black pen. Need help? Good luck. USCIS customer service doesn’t help at all.
CitizenPath.com is a new way to prepare USCIS immigration forms. They provide very simple instructions and give you lots of help through the difficult questions. Need help? CitizenPath will be there for you by phone or email. Their service even gives you an alert if there is a problem with your Form I-90 application. CitizenPath also provides you a set of simple filing instructions (not 10 page like USCIS). They even let you try out their service without signing up. You don’t have to give up your name or credit card. To print your documents, you do have to pay, but it is a very low fee. I recommend that you at least try it out. Try it for free.
Step 3: Gather Documents and Mail with I-90
You will also need to send the USCIS filing fee and a few documents with your Form I-90. If you downloaded the form from USCIS, be sure to download the instructions as well. The instructions will detail the documents that should accompany your permanent resident card replacement. If you use CitizenPath, the filing instructions will provide a simple check list of documents for you to include. Regardless of which method you use, you will need to send in a $450 USCIS filing fee (in most cases).
Tip: Mail your I-90 application via certified mail and save your receipt.
Step 4: Save Your Records
Wait for a notification of receipt from the USCIS. File this in your records as proof you began the process. USCIS will mail you Form I-797C, Notice of Action. Save this important document. It is the notice you should use as evidence that you filed this application.
Tip: If you file G-1145 at the same time as Form I-90, USCIS will give you status updates via email or text. When you prepare your I-90 through CitizenPath, they provide a free G-1145.
Step 5: GO TO THE Biometrics Appointment
Bring your appointment letter with you in addition to some form of photo identification. The biometrics appointment consists of fingerprinting and taking your photo for your green card.
Tip: If you intend to travel outside of the country, tell USCIS. Without a valid permanent resident card, you’ll need proof of your permanent resident status to re-enter the country. They can stamp your passport to indicate that you are a permanent resident.
Step 6: Receive your PERMANENT RESIDENT Card
Unless you have developed a criminal record or other immigration complications since receiving your initial permanent resident card, your new card should arrive in the mail. If you do anticipate problems replacing your permanent resident card, please contact an immigration attorney before filing.
Start Form I-90 now or see the CitizenPath Green Cards section for more information.
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