1. New design of Green card and Employment Authorization Documents

To reduce the risk of fraud and counterfeiting, USCIS will change the designs of green cards and EADs every three to five years. To implement this policy, the US Government has started to issue a new card model on January 30th, 2023 for US permanent residents. 

The new card model is applied modern technology, bringing security and national security. Specifically, the design changes:

• Images are printed clearly, improved more

• Highly secure holographic images on the front and back of the cards;

• Enhanced optically variable ink

• A layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box

• Data fields displayed in different places than on previous versions.

According to the Director of USCIS, the redesign of green cards and EADs demonstrates USCIS's commitment to preventing forgery, counterfeiting, and fraud of documents. This will limit and prevent the latest sophisticated techniques of bad guys when making US immigration documents.

2. Old Green card and EADs still valid

Although the Green Card and EADs has released a new design, the card model issued in May, 2017 is still valid until its expiration date (unless otherwise noted, such as through an extension of time). automatic expiration of the Green Card or EAD as outlined on Form I-797, Notice of Action, or in the Federal Registration notice).

USCI will still use up all existing card models, so some green cards and EADs issued after January 30th, 2023 may still be the old design. Cards issued in May 2017 remain valid until their expiration date (unless otherwise noted, such as through automatic renewal of the Green Card or EAD as outlined on Form I-797, Notice Notice of Action or in the Federal Register notice).

However, the government still encourages permanent residents with old green cards without an expiration date to apply for a new card to keep their personal information safe. 

3. How to apply for a new card?

In the following cases, you can apply for a new Green Card and EADs with the new design released at the end of January 2023:

• Green card is about to expire or has expired

• Green card is lost, stolen, damaged or mutilated

• If you received a green card before the age of 14, you need to apply for a new green card because the card will expire at the age of 16

• Old version green card holders

• The information on the card is incorrect; Green card holder has changed name or personal information

• Green card holders whose cards do not have an expiration date are usually cards issued between 1979 and 1989

• Haven't received a green card (in this case you will be free to apply)

To get a new card reissued, simply fill out an online I-90 form through the USCIS website. Through this portal, permanent residents can pay fees, check application status, receive application status notifications and respond to requests for Supplement of Evidence (RFE), etc. 

In addition, a lawyer or representative of a permanent resident can monitor the status of the case on their behalf through the portal. After completing the Form I-90, in addition to needing to submit some additional supporting documents and processing fees, the permanent resident should submit an additional Form G-1145 (Electronic Notice of Acceptance). .

Alternatively, you can send your resume to:

United States Postal Service (USPS): USCIS P.O. Box 21262 Phoenix, AZ 85036

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attention: I-90 1820 E. Skyharbor, Circle S, Floor 1 Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034

For any questions about immigration and study abroad programs, you can contact iCanfield for detailed advice. 

Source:  https://www.uscis.gov/