Green Card Updates

The objective of this page is to provide an overview about green card updates including name/address change; conditions for updating green cards; and application process

Green Card Changes and Updates:

A green card gives you the status of permanent resident and the legal right to work anywhere in the United States. With a green card, you are permitted to leave and re-enter the U.S. at any time.

It is very important to keep the permanent resident card up-to-date as it allows you to continue to live and work in the U.S. and eventually become a US citizen. Whether you received employment based green card, family based green card, asylum based, refugee based, or diversity visa lottery based green card, the information included in it must be accurate and complete.

Conditions to apply for Green Card Updates:

The USCIS requires the people who reside in the U.S. as permanent residents to update their green card if it contains outdated information. Green card updates are necessarily important if one or more of the following applies to you:

• Name Change: A permanent resident card holder can request for an updated green card, if the green card holder wants to change his/her name due to the marriage legal name change, divorce or some other reasons.
• Address Change: A green card holder can apply for green card updates when he/she wants to change his/her address.
• Incorrect or Outdated Information: Some times green card may be issued with incorrect or incomplete information. You can apply for green card updates, if your green card contains incorrect or outdated information.
• Changes in other biographic data such as photograph, fingerprint and signature.

Application process for green card updates:

To get your green card updated, you must apply and then go in person to the nearest USCIS office. Normally, it takes the authorities about 5 months to issue the new permanent card.

In order to apply for green card updates, you have to file the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (See Green Card Replacement to know more about how to replace a green card). To update name/address on your green card you have to submit certain supporting documents to prove that the new data is correct. The document requirements for updating the name in your green card include a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order as the evidence of the legal name change. It should be submitted at the time of your in person appearance at the your nearest USCIS office.

In case of address change, you must provide the USCIS with a written notice of address change within 10 days after remaining in the United States for 30 days or more. Those who do not comply with the change of address requirement will be considered out of permanent resident status. And also those who are considered out of status may lead to arrest, fines, and/or removal from the United States. To apply for address change, use the Form AR-11 (Alien's Change of Address Card).

In order to update a green card due to changes in other biographic information, the applicant must bring copies of relevant documentation to prove that the new data is correct. If your card was issued with erroneous data due to the USCIS administrative error, you have to submit any documents that support that requested correction. Besides, the applicant has to submit the original green card containing incorrect information at the USCIS office. Along with Form I-90 and supporting documentations, you have to pay a small amount of application fee.

Please contact us to know more about green card updates. Our services are provided by phone, fax, email, and regular mail. Email us, if you have questions to ask regarding green card updates.