You may have worked so hard to obtain a permanent resident card, otherwise known as a green card, once and for all. So it is understandable if you get panicky when it is out of your sight or completely misplaced. You may worry that this may jeopardize your stay in the United States altogether. Well, if this is your current predicament, please continue reading to learn how to replace your green card and how an experienced green card lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, at Sesini Law Group, S.C., can help you fix this situation.
Why would I need to replace my green card?
Obviously, you would need to replace your green card if it gets damaged, lost, or stolen. But there are other circumstances where you would need to, or it is at least recommended that you replace it. They read as follows:
- Your green card was issued to you before you turned the age of 14, and it is set to expire on your 16th birthday.
- Your green card was issued to you with incorrect information (i.e., incorrect spelling of your name, wrong date of birth, etc).
- Your green card is the outdated version (i.e., Form AR-3, Form AR-103, Form I-151).
- Your green card has no expiration date and you are no longer recognizable in your photo.
- You have legally changed your first and/or last name since your green card has been issued to you.
- You have a commuter green card but want a regular one to live permanently in the United States, or vice versa.
How can I replace my green card in a timely manner?
No matter the reason for needing to replace your green card, you will generally be expected to follow a standard procedure. That is, you must fill out and file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. With this, you may need to supply supporting documents that show why you need to replace your green card. Nonetheless, it typically requires a photocopy of your original green card and other government-issued IDs. Also, you may expect a $415 filing fee when applying online and a $465 filing fee when filing by paper.
It is worth mentioning that Form I-90 can only be filed if you are already within the United States. In other words, if your green card got damaged, lost, or stolen while you were traveling abroad, you may need to apply for a boarding foil using Form I-131A, Application for a Travel Document. This document tells transportation carriers that you are allowed to travel to the U.S. This comes with a heightened $575 filing fee. But hopefully, after this, you can safely return to the country and proceed with Form I-90 from here.
There is much to consider before applying to replace your permanent resident card. To help you make the right considerations, please consult with a skilled family immigration lawyer in Milwaukee, WI. Our team at Sesini Law Group, S.C. will guide you toward the best decision.