Green Card is the most important identity document that every foreign national who is granted permanent resident status in America of the country, must hold. As it is not so easy to obtain Green Cards, permanent resident card holders must keep these cards safe. Similarly, they must not forget to renew their cards every ten years.
You need to file an application to replace your Green Card, if you lose it. That is because, you are likely to get into trouble if you do not hold a proof of your lawful status. If you misplace your Green Card while abroad, you may not be granted permission to re-enter the United States. Though you are a permanent resident, US employers may not hire you, if your permanent resident card is invalid or if your card is lost. Similarly, you may be denied various other federal benefits, if you do not hold a Green Card.
Hence it is mandatory to hold a Green Card that is valid and the first thing that you need to do after losing your Green Card is to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, for Green Card replacement. You need to attach a copy of your existing Green Card along with this USCIS form and you must pay the required filing fees.
It is not mandatory to file the paper version of the form and you can file an application for Green Card replacement, online. This will save your time as you need not obtain a form and complete it by hand and you can just complete this form online and submit it. This e-filing option will also help you to avoid mistakes. Moreover, a receipt notice will be generated as soon as you electronically file Form I-90.
You can pay the filing fees online through your credit or debit card and you can easily e-file your Green Card replacement application from your home or from a library. However, you need to remember that you must mail the supporting documents to the right USCIS office and the address will be printed on the receipt notice that you received after filing your form. You need to pay $450, while filing the form and this includes the biometric services fee. Green Card replacement process is not complex. You just need to complete the form online and mail the supporting documents. USCIS will approve your application and issue a new Green Card, if you are eligible.
