Apply for, Renew, or Replace a Green Card
- Gives you official immigration status in the United States
- Entitles you to certain rights and responsibilities
- Is required if you wish to naturalize as a U.S. Citizen
If you have questions about applying for, renewing, or replacing a Green Card, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Apply for a Green Card
- Find out if you're eligible.
- If you are eligible, file Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, including all supporting documents and fees.
- USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you.
- Once issued, your green card will be valid for 10 years.
Renew or Replace a Green Card
Learn how to renew or replace your Green Card:
- Renew your Green Card if your current card expired or will expire in the next six months.
- Replace your Green Card for a number of reasons, including loss or theft.
Beware of Scams
If you are not familiar with the immigration, visa or green card process, scammers will try to take advantage of you by getting your personal information or your money. Learn about common immigration scams and identity fraud.
Authenticate Documents
You can present a legal document issued in the United States for use in another country. These documents can include court orders, contracts, vital records, and educational diplomas.
The process to get a document authenticated depends on the specific document, the state in which it was issued, and other factors. Check with your state’s Document Authentication Agency (DAA) and the Authentications and Apostilles page from the Department of State (DOS).
For more information, details on a procedure, or status, call the DOS Office of Authentications at 1-202-485-8000, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery Program
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, makes a limited number of immigrant visas available every year to people meeting certain eligibility requirements.
To participate in the lottery:
- Complete the electronic entry form at no charge only during each year's registration period from the U.S. Department of State.
- Keep your confirmation number in a safe place; you will need that number to check the status of your entry online. If you lose it, you can recover your confirmation number.
Call the Kentucky Consular Center at 1-606-526-7500 for help or review the DV Lottery Instructions. (PDF, Download Adobe Reader)
Registration Periods and DV Lottery Results
Results for the 2016 lottery are now available for you to check your status. Make sure you have your confirmation number to check your application status. Results for the 2017 lottery will be available starting at noon, May 3, 2016.
Fraud Warning
The Department of State is aware of an increase in fraudulent e-mails and letters sent to DV program applicants. The U.S. government is the exclusive operator of the DV Program. You may receive an e-mail reminding you to check the status of your entry, but the Department of State does not contact successful applicants by e-mail.
Sponsor a Foreign Spouse, Future Spouse, or Relative
Your status determines who you can bring (sponsor) to live and work in the United States.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor:
- Your foreign spouse or fiancé(e)
- Your foreign children
- Certain immediate relatives, such as parents or siblings
If you are a permanent resident, you can sponsor:
- Your foreign spouse
- Your unmarried children (regardless of age)
If you are a refugee or asylee within the past two years, you can petition for certain family members to obtain refugee or asylee status.
If you or a member of your family is in the U.S. military, you may petition for citizenship for family members.
Travel Documents for Foreign Residents Returning to the U.S.
If you have a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or are a foreign citizen living in the U.S., you may need additional documents to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad. Obtain these necessary documents from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your trip:
Permanent and Conditional Residents
- Absent for one year or longer:
- Apply for a re-entry permit using Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document.
- The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue for Permanent Residents; up to two years for Conditional Residents.
- Absent for less than one year:
- No additional document is required.
- Show your Green Card upon your return.
All Other Foreign Citizens Living in the U.S.
- Contact USCIS and your country's embassy or consulate for all document requirements.
Note: If you need a travel document, but left the United States without obtaining one, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for assistance:
- United States: Call 1-800-375-5283; for TTY dial 1-800-767-1833
- Abroad: Contact the nearest USCIS international office, or a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
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