U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to roll out redesigned Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) starting from January 30, 2023. These updated designs are equipped with state-of-the-art security features to bolster national security and enhance customer service.
The improvements include enhanced artwork, tactile printing seamlessly integrated with the design, advanced optically variable ink, highly secure holographic images on both the front and back of the cards, a layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back's photo box, and repositioned data fields compared to previous versions.
M. Jaddou stressed that these changes reflect USCIS's dedication to preempting potential threats related to document tampering, counterfeiting, and fraudulent activities. Consistently updating secure documents, informed by evolving security threats and the agency's innovation, safeguards the integrity of USCIS-issued secure documents.
Notably, the introduction of these new designs doesn't invalidate currently issued cards. Existing cards remain valid until their expiration date, as indicated on a Form I-797, Notice of Action, or in a Federal Register notice, or through automatic extensions like those for Green Cards or EADs.
While some Green Cards and EADs issued after January 30, 2023, may continue to display the previous design due to existing cardstock supplies, both versions are acceptable for purposes such as Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, E-Verify, and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).
For older Green Cards without an expiration date, USCIS encourages holders to consider applying for a replacement card to prevent potential fraud or tampering in the event the card is lost or stolen. USCIS initiated the current card design in May 2017, and these updates are part of the ongoing Secure Identification Platform (SIP) Project, aimed at enhancing document security every three to five years.
Leave a comment!