Welcome To The United States A Guide For - USCIS.gov

Permanent residents are issued a valid Permanent Resident
Card (Form I-551) as proof of their legal status in
the United States. Some people call this a “Green Card.”
If you are a permanent resident who is 18 years or
older, you must carry proof of your immigration status.
You must show it to an immigration officer if asked for
it.Your card is valid for 10 years and must be renewed
before it expires.You should file Form I-90 to replace or
renew your Permanent Resident Card.You can get this
form at http://www.uscis.gov or by calling the USCIS
Forms Line. There is a fee to file Form I-90.
OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
9
Your Permanent Resident
Card shows that you are
allowed to live and work in
the United States.You also
can use your Permanent
Resident Card to re-enter
the United States. If you are
outside the U.S. for more than 12 months, you will need
to show additional documentation to re-enter the U.S. as a
permanent resident. See page 10 for more information on
the documents required to re-enter the U.S. if you are out
of the country for more than 12 months.
Keep important documents you brought from your home country in a safe place. These
documents include your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate,
diplomas showing that you have graduated from high school or college, and certificates
that show you have special training or skills.