A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is issued to all permanent residents as proof that they are authorized to live and work in the United States. If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid Green Card in your possession at all times.
This page gives you a brief summary of the top actions a permanent resident may need to do after receiving a Green Card.
Find on this page:
- Renewing Your 10-Year Green Card
- Removing Conditions on Your 2-Year Green Card
- Replacing Your Card
- Reminders about Green Card Benefits
Renewing Your 10-Year Green Card
You should renew your Green Card if you are a permanent resident and your card is valid for 10 years and is either expired or will expire within the next 6 months. You may begin the renewal process by:
- Filing online Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
- Filing paper Form I-90 by mail.
See more information on renewing your Green Card.
Note: Do NOT file Form I-90 if you have a 2-Year Green Card.
Removing Conditions on Your 2-Year Green Card
Conditional permanent residents must file a petition to remove conditions during the 90 days before the card expires.
A 2-Year card cannot be renewed. The conditions must be removed or you will lose your permanent resident status.
A conditional permanent resident receives a Green Card valid for 2 years. To remain a permanent resident:
- A family-based conditional permanent resident must file a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, during the 90 days before the card expires.
- An investor/entrepreneur-based conditional permanent resident must file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, during the 90 days before the card expires.
See more information on removing conditions on your Green Card.
Replacing Your Card
You should file Form I-90 to replace your Green Card if it has been lost, stolen or mutilated. You may request to replace your Green Card for certain other limited reasons. (For example: Your card was issued before you were 14 and you have reached your 14th birthday, unless your card expires before your 16th birthday.)
See more information on replacing your lost, stolen or mutilated Green Card.
Reminders about Green Card Benefits
You can use your Green Card to:
- Prove employment eligibility in the United States when completing the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
- Apply for a Social Security Card and a state issued driver’s license.
A Green Card is valid for readmission to the United States after a trip abroad if you do not leave for longer than 1 year. If your trip will last longer than 1 year, a reentry permit is needed.
Read Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants. This guide contains practical information to help immigrants settle into everyday life in the United States, as well as basic civics information that introduces new immigrants to the U.S. system of government. The guide is available in English and 10 other languages.