How to Download Green Card Documents and Prepare for Your Interview
Download Green Card: How to Get a Copy of Your Permanent Resident Card Online
If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States, you probably have a green card. A green card is an official document that proves your status as an LPR and allows you to live and work in the U.S. legally. But what if you lose your green card, or it gets damaged, expired, or stolen? How can you get a new one or a copy of it? In this article, we will explain what a green card is, why you need it, and how to download green card online.
download green card
What is a Green Card and Why Do You Need It?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a plastic card that has your photo, name, date of birth, country of birth, and other information. It also has a unique number called an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) that identifies you in the immigration system. A green card is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to people who have been granted lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
Having a green card means that you have the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently, as long as you do not commit any crimes or violate any immigration laws. It also means that you can travel in and out of the U.S. without needing a visa, as long as you do not stay outside the U.S. for more than one year at a time. A green card also makes you eligible for certain benefits and services, such as Social Security, Medicare, and public education.
Benefits of Having a Green Card
Some of the benefits of having a green card are:
You can work for any employer in the U.S., except for some government jobs that require U.S. citizenship.
You can start your own business or invest in a U.S. company.
You can sponsor your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old for green cards.
You can apply for U.S. citizenship after living in the U.S. for five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).
You can travel freely within the U.S. and abroad, as long as you maintain your permanent residence in the U.S.
You can enjoy the protection of U.S. laws and the U.S. Constitution.
You can access public benefits and services, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, public education, and financial aid for college.
Responsibilities of Having a Green Card
Some of the responsibilities of having a green card are:
You must obey all federal, state, and local laws and pay taxes.
You must report any changes in your address to USCIS within 10 days of moving.
You must renew your green card every 10 years or replace it if it gets lost, damaged, expired, or stolen.
You must register with the Selective Service System if you are a male between 18 and 26 years old.
You must support the democratic form of government and not try to overthrow it.
You must not vote in federal elections or claim to be a U.S. citizen unless you become one.
How to Keep Your Green Card Valid
Your green card is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance, unless it is a conditional green card that is valid for two years. You must renew your green card before it expires, or you may lose your permanent resident status and face deportation. You can check the expiration date on the front of your green card. You should apply for a renewal at least six months before your green card expires, to avoid any delays or complications.
If you have a conditional green card, you must remove the conditions on your permanent residence before it expires. You can do this by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, if you obtained your green card through investment in a U.S. business. You must file these forms within 90 days before your conditional green card expires, or you may lose your permanent resident status and face deportation.
How to Download Green Card Online
If you need to get a copy of your green card online, you can do so by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with USCIS. You can file this form online or by mail, but filing online is faster and easier. You may need to download green card online if:
When Do You Need to Download Green Card?
Your green card is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
Your green card is expired or will expire within six months.
Your green card has incorrect information or you have changed your name or other biographic information.
You have become a commuter who regularly travels between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico.
You have reached your 14th birthday and need to register your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
You have automatically become a U.S. citizen and need to update your status.
What are the Requirements to Download Green Card?
To download green card online, you need to meet the following requirements:
Form I-90
You need to fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, online or by mail. This form asks for your personal information, such as your name, address, A-Number, date of birth, country of birth, and reason for applying. You also need to sign and date the form electronically or by hand.
How to download green card application form
Download green card renewal form online
Download green card replacement form I-90
Download green card lottery application form
Download green card through marriage application
Download green card photo tool
Download green card interview questions and answers
Download green card medical exam form I-693
Download green card affidavit of support form I-864
Download green card employment verification form I-9
Download green card sponsorship letter sample
Download green card name change form I-90
Download green card extension letter sample
Download green card travel document form I-131
Download green card work permit form I-765
Download green card biometrics appointment notice
Download green card status check app
Download green card fee waiver form I-912
Download green card through investment application
Download green card through asylum application
Download green card through family application
Download green card through employment application
Download green card through diversity visa program
Download green card through special immigrant program
Download green card through registry application
Download green card through cancellation of removal application
Download green card through adjustment of status application
Download green card through consular processing application
Download green card through humanitarian programs application
Download green card through military service application
Download green card for child born abroad application
Download green card for adopted child application
Download green card for widow(er) of U.S. citizen application
Download green card for battered spouse or child application
Download green card for U visa holder application
Download green card for T visa holder application
Download green card for VAWA self-petitioner application
Download green card for Cuban native or citizen application
Download green card for Haitian refugee application
Download green card for Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) beneficiary application
Download green card for American Indian born in Canada application
Download green card for person born in the United States to a foreign diplomat application
Download green card for Lautenberg parolee application
Download green card for Indochinese parolee adjustment of status program
Download green card for Afghan or Iraqi translator or interpreter application
Download green card for Afghan or Iraqi who worked with the U.S. government application
Download green card for international broadcaster application
Download green card for NATO employee or family member application
Supporting Documents
You need to provide copies of supporting documents that prove your identity and eligibility for a replacement green card. These documents may include:
A copy of your current green card (if available) or other government-issued photo ID.
A copy of your birth certificate or passport.
A copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other document that shows your name change (if applicable).
A copy of your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship (if applicable).
Any other documents that USCIS may request.
Filing Fee
You need to pay a filing fee of $455 and a biometric services fee of $85 when you file Form I-90 online or by mail. The total fee is $540. You can pay the fee online with a credit card, debit card, or bank account, or by mail with a check or money order. You may request a fee waiver if you cannot afford the fee and meet certain criteria. How to File Form I-90 Online
Filing Form I-90 online is the fastest and easiest way to download green card online. You can file Form I-90 online by following these steps:
Create a USCIS Online Account
You need to create a USCIS online account to file Form I-90 online. A USCIS online account allows you to submit your application, upload evidence, pay the