For permanent citizens of the US, it is crucial to know how to substitute misplaced or stolen green cards. If you lose this card, you may have trouble finding employment opportunities, applying for a loan, renewing your driving license, and also entering the country after touring abroad. However, there has been a streamlining of the green card replacement process, which is now largely online. 

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses online platforms for certain tasks, such as checking case statuses and submitting certain forms electronically; the replacement of a green card still requires a physical application via mail. However, the broader question of whether green card replacement could be fully digitized is more complex. Online systems have the potential to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve user experience. Implementing an entirely online replacement process would necessitate significant changes in USCIS infrastructure, including robust identity verification mechanisms and secure digital platforms.

What is a Green Card? And What are the Steps Involved In Replacing The Green Card?

A green card - commonly known as a Permanent Resident (PR) Card - is evidence of the qualification of an individual to live, work, and perform activities in the US lawfully. Also, the green card holders are called Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). 

The processing time for a green card application varies significantly among different immigration types and for people with different backgrounds and home countries. Although USCIS makes the final decision on green card applications, permanent residency may occasionally be granted by the Board of Immigration Appeals or an immigration court. Typically, there are three steps involved for applicants: 

• Submitting an Application 

• Having it Granted

• Applying for a Green Card. 

Need for Green Card Replacement

• Lost or Stolen: If you accidentally misplace your green card or are robbed, it is necessary to replace it to preserve your legal position and ability to confirm your legal residence in the US.

• Damage or Deterioration: Green cards might get spoiled or worn out with time due to frequent use. If the card's condition concerns its readability or righteousness, substituting it is advisable.

• Outdated Information: If any of the details on your green card become outdated (such as name changes or legal statuses), you will be required to correct and replace your card.

Requirements

• Eligibility Category

To be eligible for a green card, you must meet one of the criteria below:

• Employment-based (supported by an employer in the United States)

• Humanitarian (including victims of abuse, asylees, and refugees)

• Family-based (funded by a relative holding a green card or a citizen of the US)

• Visa lottery for diversity

• Sponsor of the Application

The majority of people seeking green cards require a sponsor to submit an immigration petition on their behalf, including:

• The Alien Relative Application Form I-130: Used for family-based green card appeal

• The Immigrant Application for Alien Worker Form I-140: Required for employment-based green card requests.

In addition to fulfilling specific benchmarks, the supporter must demonstrate a relationship that is eligible and permitted for the green card application process.

• Availability of Visas 

In case the green card application has an annual cap, the candidate needs to hold off on applying till their category has a visa number released. The visa bulletin broadcasted by the State Department maintains records on the availability of visas.

• Submission of an Application

The candidate must file the appropriate green card application form: 

• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence (PR) or Adjust Status) if applying from within the US;

• Application for Consular Processing if applying from outside the US.

Additionally needed are biometrics, fees, and supporting documentation.

• Face-to-face Interviews

The bulk of people applying for green cards have to attend an in-person interview with USCIS or a US embassy. During the procedure, the interview is an essential step.

Classic Way to Replacement of Green Card

Mailing an application is another option for people who would rather take a more conventional method or who have certain circumstances that call for a paper application. It may occasionally be necessary for applicants to send their application and file a paper copy of the I-90. It is crucial to ascertain which filing technique, as detailed in the Form I-90 guidance, is suitable for each individual's circumstances.

Contemporary Online Green Card Replacement Services

Filing Form I-90 online offers several advantages, including the ability to apply using a computer, phone, or tablet, seeing when the application is received by USCIS, receiving online updates on the case, and communicating directly with USCIS. This method is particularly convenient for those who are comfortable with technology and prefer the speed and efficiency of an online application process.

Benefits of Having a Green Card

• Establishing a Business 

Green card holders can establish a business in the US. As a green card owner, they can launch their enterprise, offering a promising route to financial stability and contribution to the American economy. Starting a business in the US can provide several expansion opportunities, leading to enhanced success and prosperity.

• Access to Federal Benefits

Many government concessions are available to holders of green cards just like they are to locals of the US. Access to state benefits such as social security, medicare, food assistance programs, etc. are a part of this. Also, green card holders can apply for licenses and loans from the federal state, making it more comfortable for them to bear the payments of their higher education. Green card holders may also be qualified for resident or in-state tuition at certain institutions and colleges.

• Freedom to Travel

Green card holders can smoothly travel to and from the US without the requirement to file a visa application each time they wish to travel. Thus, it helps individuals visit overseas families or make quick trips outside the US for business or recreational objectives. Also, this reduces the uncertainty and paperwork associated with visa processing. 

• Family Sponsorship

Holders of green cards can finance their relatives for green cards. An individual’s partner, kids, parents, and siblings can all be funded for green cards. Thus, enabling them to become permanent citizens of the US while living and working there. Also, families of US citizens have a preference when applying for green cards, although green card holders' families can also benefit from this program.

• Job Opportunities

Career prospects for holders of green cards are greater than those for holders of work visas. As a permanent citizen, you can apply for government posts and security clearance positions that are not available to non-permanent residents. Jobs in law enforcement and national security, etc. fall under this category. Green card holders can choose from a wider range of jobs, which can result in greater pay, benefits, and work security because they are not restricted to particular sectors of the economy or businesses.

• Flexibility of Living and Working

Holders of green cards can live and work anywhere in the US with impunity. They can move anywhere in the nation without being restricted to a particular state or location. Without having to worry about visa limits, this independence enables them to seek professional opportunities in any state or location.

• Pathway to US Citizenship

One of the most effective pathways to achieving US citizenship is having a green card. Green card holders qualify to become residents of the US, after acquiring their status for at least five years. They get all the benefits and privileges associated with becoming a national of the US, along with the ability to cast a vote in the federal elections.

• Political Participation 

Those who possess green cards are eligible to engage in American politics. They can vote in certain state and local elections, giving them the ability to change laws that affect their community, even though they are not allowed to vote in federal elections. In US elections, they can also volunteer or make financial contributions to political candidates.

Handling Green Card Application with Smart Online Tools 

When applying for green card replacement online, you must provide several documents to the authorities to prove your identity and residence. USCIS has strict file size limitations for online submissions. Thus, it might be difficult for several people to cope with this issue. 

However, you can easily compress PDFs with several tools. Choosing I Love PDF 2 can help you assist in managing and formatting the required documents electronically, ensuring that they meet the required criteria of USCIS before you submit them. 

ILovePDF 2 is an invaluable resource as it is a platform where you can easily upload your files from local or cloud storage and compress them without any extra effort or wastage of time. Additionally, it will help you keep your information safe that is confidential or sensitive. 

Therefore, you can easily use the compressing tool of I LovePDF 2 and meet the specific criteria of USCIS while submitting your green card replacement application online.

The Bottom Line 

In summary, while the concept of replacing a green card online is appealing, the actual process involves a combination of online and offline steps. Online tools can certainly streamline certain aspects, such as document preparation and management, which are essential components of the replacement process. However, applicants should be aware of the specific requirements and limitations outlined by USCIS for each scenario, ensuring compliance and a successful outcome in obtaining a new Permanent Resident Card.

Replacing a green card remains a primarily offline process that involves submitting physical paperwork to USCIS. While online tools and platforms offer valuable features for document management, they do not directly replace the official procedures for green card replacement. However, these tools can complement the process by aiding in document preparation and organization.