The certificate that acts as confirmation of authorized residency and employment eligibility, known as a “green card,” is subject to stringent regulations in the United States. The procedure can be laborious and hard, but with the correct knowledge and comprehension, it can be made much simpler.

You can save time and effort during the application process by being familiar with all of the requirements needed to replace a green card.

Overview of Green Card Replacement

You may need to replace your Green Card (Form I-551) if it has been damaged, expired, has been lost, or has been stolen. This identity card allows immigrants to live and work permanently in the United States. You must complete Form I-90 and submit it to US Citizenship and Immigration Services to do (USCIS).

When filing a replacement application, there are two main steps;

1. Submitting Form I-90, and
2. Submitting the associated supporting documentation.

After submitting the form and the necessary papers, you will be asked to attend an interview at your local USCIS office as part of the evaluation process. It usually takes 4-9 months for USCIS to issue a replacement green card.

Reasons for Replacing a Green Card

A green card is typically replaced due to the following reasons:

•  Misplaced
• Stolen
• Damaged
• Destroyed

The USCIS must receive Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and documentation of the person’s legal status as a permanent resident in the country. If accepted, people will receive a new green card, enabling them to stay and work legally in the United States.

In some cases, people may also need to replace a green card that has expired or update the information on an existing card. Also, to eliminate the restrictions on the status and earn a permanent green card, a person who received a conditional green card through marriage must submit Form I-90 before the second anniversary of their conditional residency.

While they wait for the procedure to be finished, people who are applying for replacement green cards can get temporary documentation of their legal residency. Until they receive their new cards in the mail, they can use this document to prove their legal status as needed.

Eligibility Requirements for Green Card Renewal

Permanent Residents must meet specific eligibility requirements for their application for a new Green Card to be approved. This entails presenting the necessary documentation, such as a valid photo ID issued by the government and evidence of their legitimate residency in the United States. The form I-90 is used to submit the application, which is accepted by the US. Immigration and citizenship services (USCIS).

USCIS advises submitting Form I-90 at least six months before your current Green Card expires to guarantee that it will be renewed or replaced promptly. Also, you must pay the required costs, which can be done through USCIS online or by mail using a check or money order.

After completing your renewal application, you can check the status of your application and get real-time updates on its advancement via the USCIS website. Even if you have filed your applications on schedule, USCIS may take longer to process them owing to COVID-19, so you should plan for some delays.

What Information is Needed for Renewing Your Green Card?

When you apply for a new Green Card, U.S. You must complete Form I-90 and submit it to Citizenship and Immigration Services along with all necessary supporting documentation. The proof of your current Green Card, passport, birth certificate, and other kinds of identity may be among these papers.

Also, you must present supporting documentation to prove your identification, such as a driver’s license or an ID card issued by a state or other form of government. Moreover, two new passport-style color pictures must be included with your application and accompanying documents if you are renewing by mail.

Subsequently, the Form I-90 filing fee is $455. You can pay this fee with a credit card, cheque, or money order made payable to the United States. Homeland Security Department. When submitting your application by mail or electronically through the USCIS website, you need also to enclose proof of payment.

How to Apply for a Replacement or Renewal of your Green Card?

You might be qualified to apply for a new Green Card or to have your current one renewed if you are a permanent resident of the United States. Form I-90, which is accessible online at www.uscis.gov or by mail by contacting your local USCIS office, can help with this effortlessly.

You must present documentation proving your lawful residency in the US after applying. This can be accomplished by offering copies of important records including birth certificates, passports, and other personal information.

For the USCIS to approve your request for a new or renewed Green Card, you will also need to provide additional papers, such as copies of any court records about your immigration status and any other information that may be needed.

When you have completed Form I-90 and all required paperwork, it is crucial to keep track of the status of your application and be informed of any alterations or updates from USCIS regarding it. Depending on the complexity of your circumstance, the process for acquiring a replacement Green Card may take several weeks; nevertheless, once accepted, you should receive your new card within 4-6 weeks.

Fees and Processing Times for Renewing a Green Card

Depending on the person’s situation, the process for replacing a Green Card can take anywhere from 1.5 to 12 months. A Green Card renewal typically takes 4 to 9 months, though this can vary widely by region and instance.

Processing costs are incurred when renewing a Green Card. The type of renewal sought will determine the charge amount. Typically, a $435 application cost as well as an $85 biometrics fee must be included with the file.

Depending on the circumstance, physical Green Cards have a validity of 10 years from the date of issuance and must be renewed before expiration to preserve legal status in the United States. Processing dates for Green Card renewals and replacements vary, as do their validity periods.

After Submitting an Application: Waiting for Approval

You will have to wait for the decision after submitting your application for a replacement green card. The USCIS will get in touch with you following application processing to let you know how your request is progressing. It’s crucial to monitor the progress of your application and be ready to wait a while before hearing back because processing times might vary substantially.

The typical processing timeline for green card renewal applications is 7-9 months, however, there may be exceptions depending on your situation. For instance, if you are looking for a travel authorization or are filing from abroad, the process may take up to 9-12 months on average.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that, if your green card has already run out, you should begin the renewal process at least six months beforehand to avoid any issues or delays. To avoid any unneeded problems that can potentially affect the outcome, be sure to prepare ahead of time, take extra care when completing your application, and verify that all paperwork is filled out accurately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Replacing a Green Card

Filing to replace a Green Card is a meticulous process, and mistakes can lead to considerable delays in obtaining your new card. To make the process smoother, it’s important to be aware of common errors that could derail it.

• Do not leave the US Without Your Green Card

• The I-90 form states that if you are outside of the US for more than one year, you will need to apply for an immigrant visa. That means you should never leave the country without your Green Card; if you do, it could result in delays or other issues with obtaining your replacement card.

• Include Correct Filing Fees When Submitting Form I-90

• Another common mistake when filing Form I-90 is not including correct fees or providing payment that is not accepted by USCIS. You should read the form closely and ensure you include the correct fees and all necessary forms of payment when submitting your application.

• Ensure All Forms are Signed and All Document Translations are Included

• Another potential mistake is not signing or completing all forms required for replacing a Green Card or forgetting to include all necessary supporting documentation. It’s also important to make sure any documents that aren’t in English are accompanied by certified translations. Failure to do so can lead to costly delays in processing times for your replacement card.

What to do After Receiving the New Green Card?

A new or replacement green card will be provided and mailed to the qualified applicant once Form I-90 is authorized. A new green card may arrive in the mail in a period of seven to twelve months. To guarantee receipt of the replacement card, applicants must confirm that their current mailing address is accurate and up-to-date.

Applicants must double-check the validity of the new green card after getting it and ensure that all the details are accurate. Within thirty days of getting the card, applicants must contact USCIS to report any problems to have them resolved. This can be accomplished by filing a new Form I-90 along with a justification for the necessity to replace the card once more and supporting documentation.

Once every document has been examined and approved, USCIS will free of charge issue a replacement Green Card. One of the most crucial documents for someone lawfully residing in the United States is the Green Card, so it is crucial for people who are updating it to maintain it in a secure location.

The procedure is simple if you’re replacing a lost or stolen Green Card or changing your name or other biographical details. Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card Form I-90 must be filed with the US. Pay the necessary fee to Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will soon receive a new Green Card in the mail after your application is granted.

In some circumstances, you can also be asked to provide supporting paperwork, like a photo ID and, if necessary, documentation of a legal name change. Before completing your application, it’s also crucial to confirm that all of your information is accurate because USCIS may get in touch with you if there are any anomalies.

In the end, the entire procedure necessitates endurance and attention to detail. Your ability to continue living as a permanent resident of the United States will depend on how precisely and completely you fill out Form I-90 with all the necessary supporting documentation.

It is crucial for those who need to replace or renew their green cards to take the time to carefully grasp the process and the requirements set forth by USCIS so that the required paperwork can be completed and the recipient’s green cards may be obtained as soon as possible. Furthermore, those in need of more assistance can take advantage of the tools offered by immigration offices as well as the services of qualified experts that focus on guiding clients through the replacement of their green cards. Those who are forced to replace their green cards can make sure they get the paperwork they need to live and work in the US by being aware of the green card replacement procedure.