USCIS to Redesign Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents

As part of their "Next Generation Secure Identification Document Project," USCIS announced on April 19, 2017 the redesign of both Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) (AILA Doc. No. 17041932) USCIS will begin issuing the redesigned cards on May 1, 2017. USCIS will continue to use the existing cards until they are depleted. The existing and the redesigned cards will be valid until the expiration date.

The redesigned cards will use "enhanced graphics and fraud-resistant security features." The cards will be more secure than the existing cards.

What are the changes of the redesign?

• The cards will show a photo of the individual on both sides.
• Green Cards will have a Statue of Liberty image and will be mostly green.
• EAD cards will have a bald eagle image and will be mostly red.
• The cards will include embedded holographic images.
• The cards will no longer include a signature.
• Green Cards will no longer have an optical stripe on the back.

Read the full press release from USCIS here.

Find more information about the Green Card process here.

Read more about requesting an EAD here.