USCIS Redesigns and Issues New Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents

In order to combat document counterfeiting and immigration fraud, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it has redesigned the Permanent Resident Card (also known as the Green Card) and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

The change is part of the New Generation of Secure Identification Documents project.

The new cards have better graphics and fraud-resistant security features, making them highly secure and much more tamper-resistant than those currently in use.

USCIS will begin issuing the new redesigned cards as of May 1, 2017.

Features of the new cards:

* Show the photo of the beneficiary on both sides

* They show a unique main image and color palette:

- The Green Cards will have an image of the Statue of Liberty and the color green will predominate.

- The EADs will have an eagle and the color red will predominate.

* They will have integrated holographic images.

* They will no longer have the signature of the person.

In addition, Green Cards will no longer have an optical stripe on the back.

How to know if your Card is valid

Some Green Cards and EADs issued after May 1, 2017 may still have the current design, because USCIS will continue to use the inventory of cards it has until it is depleted. All Green Cards and EADs will continue to be valid until the date indicated on the card.

Some EADs of individuals under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program and other designated categories have been extended past the validity period indicated on the card because USCIS is behind in processing and issuing new cards.

Old and new versions of the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, E-Verify and the System for Alien Verification of Benefits (SAVE) cards will continue to be accepted.

Some older Green Cards do not have expiration dates and will continue to be valid. USCIS recommends that individuals who have Green Cards without expiration dates should apply for a replacement card that has an expiration date to reduce the risk of fraud or tampering if the card is lost or stolen.