After your green card is issued, immigration laws require that you carry it with you at all times. You should also make copies in the event the card is lost. The copy will help when applying for a replacement card from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Information on requesting a replacement green card, and other important information, can be found in the articles under "Keeping and Enjoying Your Permanent Residence."
What to Do If Your Green Card Does Not Arrive When Expected
After you are granted U.S. resident status, you could find yourself waiting many weeks or months to receive your green card. Until it arrives, the immigration authorities will place a temporary stamp (an "I-551 stamp") in your passport, which serves as temporary evidence of your permanent resident status. This stamp can be shown to employers or used to travel in and out of the United States. If the date stamp on the passport has expired before the actual green card arrives, you will need to visit your local USCIS office to get a current stamp. If you do not receive your card within a reasonable time, you should make an appointment with INFOPASS and visit USCIS to check its status.
Before your green card arrives, you will receive a letter from USCIS for ADIT processing. You will need to take the letter and your passport to a local USCIS office to provide the information that will be used on your green card. For details, see "What Types of Documentation Are Needed for ADIT Processing?"
Expired Green Cards
Some valid Green Cards have no date on them (most do), but are valid for ten years from the date issued. Before the expiration date comes around, you are expected to renew your green card. If you forget, you will not lose your permanent resident status, but it’s important that you act quickly. If your card has no date, you can assume it is expired and apply for a new one.
The ten-year validity of a green card does not apply to conditional permanent residents. If your residence is conditional, not only will your green card be valid for only two years, but your permanent resident status will expire along with the card. To prevent your status from expiring, your will need to file the appropriate paperwork with USCIS, as described under "Conditional Residence for Recent Marriages."
USCIS began issuing the new, colored card on May 11, 2010. In addition to actually being green in color, it is also redesigned to deter immigration fraud. USCIS incorporated state-of-the-art technology into the new card, which prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and allows for quick and accurate authentication. The cards now replace the old green cards in circulation upon renewal or if you apply for a replacement card.
Getting Legal Help
If you or a member of your family is unclear concerning the requirements of proof of permanent residency in the United States, or whether your current green card is valid, it may be helpful to discuss the situation with an immigration attorney.
