Perhaps you have heard about getting a "green card." Maybe someone has suggested that you register for the Green Card Lottery? What in the world is that? What other ways are there to apply for a green card? Why do you need one? Before you pack your discount luggage getting a Green card is one of the most fundamental questions in regard to immigration to the United States.

Green Card - What is It?

What is a green card? It is a photo identification card with built-in anti-counterfeiting devices that is carried by individuals who are not U.S. citizens but who have permission to live and work permanently in the country. (The card got its name because it was indeed green until 1977.) A green card is technically called the United States Permanent Resident Card (or Form I-551) and is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It must be carried at all times and presented any time a government official asks to see it. Before September 11, 2001, this law was hardly ever enforced, but now green cards are checked much more regularly.

How to Maintain Green Card Status

Once you have your green card, you will need to take some steps to keep it. The USCIS puts ten-year expiration on the green cards. This is to ensure that they are not counterfeited or tampered with. If the green card expires, the immigrant may not be able to find work, or re-enter the United States when traveling abroad.

Renewing the green card is easy. All the applicant has to do is complete the Form I-90 within six months of the card's expiration. This form is entitled "Application to Replace a Permanent Resident Card." This form can be obtained by calling 1-800-870-3676, or by submitting an on-line request for the form at: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/exec/forms/index.asp .

The expired green card does not change immigration status, and when the immigrant applies for renewal, they are immediately issued a temporary form to use as proof of status.

In order to apply in person for renewal, the immigrant must bring a completed I-90 form, $110 for a filing fee, two photographs that match the requirements, and the expiring card to their local immigration office. Also, if the immigrant needs a temporary card, he or she should take their passport to the office to be stamped.

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Continue to : Procedures to Apply for a Green Card

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