Form I-551
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
The official document issued to lawful permanent residents as proof of their authorization to live and work permanently in the United States.
Filing Fee
Included with the underlying immigration application (I-485, immigrant visa, etc.)
Processing Time
Issued upon approval of permanent residency; physical card mailed within 2 to 3 weeks
Who Files
N/A - The I-551 is issued by USCIS upon approval of an immigrant visa or adjustment of status application.
What is Form I-551?
Form I-551, commonly known as the Green Card, is the official identity document proving that the holder is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It serves as proof of immigration status, work authorization, and identity. The card is valid for 10 years for permanent residents and 2 years for conditional residents. It must be renewed before expiration using Form I-90.
Key Points
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat is the difference between a 2-year and 10-year Green Card?
A 2-year conditional Green Card is issued to those who obtained permanent residency through marriage (if married less than 2 years at the time) or through the EB-5 investor program. Conditional residents must file I-751 (marriage) or I-829 (EB-5) to remove conditions and receive a 10-year Green Card. A 10-year card is the standard permanent resident card.
QWhat should I do if my Green Card is lost or stolen?
File Form I-90 to replace the lost or stolen Green Card. If you need immediate proof of status, you can visit a local USCIS office to request an I-551 stamp in your passport, which serves as temporary proof of permanent resident status. File a police report if the card was stolen.
QCan my Green Card be revoked?
Yes, a Green Card can be revoked if you commit certain crimes, abandon your permanent resident status by living outside the U.S. for an extended period, commit fraud, or fail to remove conditions on a conditional Green Card. Extended absences of more than 1 year without a reentry permit can be considered abandonment.
Practical Tips
Related Forms
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Filed by individuals already in the U.S. to adjust their status to permanent resident (Green Card).
Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
Used to renew or replace an expiring, expired, or damaged Green Card.
Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
Filed by conditional permanent residents who obtained their Green Card through marriage to remove the two-year conditions on their residency.
Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
Filed by EB-5 investors to remove the conditions on their conditional Green Card by demonstrating the investment was sustained and jobs were created.
Application for Naturalization
Filed by lawful permanent residents to apply for United States citizenship through the naturalization process.
Related Visa Types
U.S. Permanent Resident Card
Permanent residency in the United States, granting the right to live and work permanently.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Green Card through investment of $800,000 or $1,050,000 in a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates jobs.
EB-1 Extraordinary Ability / Employment First Preference Visa
Employment-based first preference immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational managers and executives.
EB-2 Advanced Degree / National Interest Waiver Visa
Employment-based second preference immigrant visa for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including the National Interest Waiver (NIW) pathway.
EB-3 Skilled Workers / Professionals Visa
Employment-based third preference immigrant visa for skilled workers with at least two years of experience, professionals with bachelor's degrees, and other workers.
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