Overview

The goal of immigrants to the United States is to achieve permanent residency which qualifies the immigrants for US Citizenship.  That status—of permanent residency—is represented by the Permanent Resident Card (PRC), otherwise known as the Green Card.  The Green Card elevates the status of the immigrant to that of a lawful permanent resident, and grants him/her the authority to live and work permanently in United States.  Technically the Green Card or PRC is known as Form I-551.  PRC is the proof that the person is registered according to the provisions of the U.S.immigrations laws.

While many immigrants believe that once they have obtained a Green Card, they are on cruise control to citizenship, properly maintaining the Green Card is an important task.  If the Card is lost or lapsed, the person will have to face immense procedural hurdles to get the same back.  Hence, replacement and renewal of the Green Card is as important as obtaining the Card.

Renewing a Permanent Residence Card

According to the immigrations laws every permanent resident who was issued Form I-551 should renew one’s Card within ten years.  The validity of Form 1-551 is for 10 years; hence if it is not renewed at the end of the 10th year the card will either expire or will expire within the next 6 months.  The renewal of the Green card can be done by filing a Form 1-90.  When filling this form due diligence should be observed, otherwise slight mistake in the form can land the person in trouble.   Hence, to help the applicant detailed information is provided in the instructions for the Form I-90.

Replacing a Permanent Residence Card

Like renewing the Green Card, replacing one’s card is also important when: 
a. One’s previous card was lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed
b.  At the time of issuance of the card if the person was below 14 years, then at the time of reaching the 14th year
c.  The person never received the card though issued to the person by the USCIS
d.  The name or other details in the card has been legally changed;
e.  There is some error in the card
f.   The alien registration card is in the outdated version (USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103, or Form I-151)
g.   The status change is automatically done.

The replacement of the card can be done by filing a USCIS Form 1-90.  In the event that the Green Card is lost abroad, the person should inform the matter immediately to the nearest American Consulate USCIS Office or Port of Entry before filing a Form I-90.  Like filing the renewal form, great care should be taken while filing the replacement form.  Once the replacement Form 1-90 is approved, the replacement Permanent Residence Card, Form 1-551 will be issued to the applicant, with a validity of ten years.

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