Redesigned Green Card 23 Jun 2017

On April 19th, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced their redesign of the Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as part of the Next Generation Secure Identification Document Project. They began issuing new cards May 1, 2017.

The new designs – with enhanced graphics – demonstrate a proactive approach against the threat of document tampering, counterfeiting, and fraud. They are also part of an ongoing effort between USCIS, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement to enhance document security and deter counterfeiting and fraud.

The new Green Cards and EADs will:

Display the individual’s photos on both sides

Show a unique graphic image and color palette

Have embedded holographic images

No longer display the individual’s signature

Green Cards will no longer have an optical stripe on the back

How To Tell If A Card Is Valid

Some Green Cards and EADs issued after May 1, 2017, may still display the existing design format, as USCIS will continue using existing card stock until current supplies are depleted. Both the existing and the new Green Cards and EADs will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card.

Both the new and existing versions of the Green Card and EAD are acceptable for Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification and E-Verify. Older Green Cards do not have an expiration date and will remain valid.