A U.S. Green Card is also known as a Permanent Resident Card. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that issues and renews green cards. Green cards expire ten years from the date they are issued.

To maintain proper Permanent Resident Card status, a form I-90 or Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, should be filed. You can also use this form to replace a lost, damaged or stolen card.

A Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence is also known as form I-751. This type of application should be filed instead if you received your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Only legal copies of these forms are accepted and can be ordered by calling USCIS. You can also download and print them directly from their website.

These applications to renew your Permanent Resident Card should be submitted six months in advance to the expiration date on your card. This will allow for enough processing time so that interruption in residence status doesn't occur. This could cause residency issues or employment problems.

By law, an employer must verify that his employees hold valid green cards or citizenship status. A letter will be sent notifying your employer of an interruption in status, possibly forcing the business to terminate your employment.

If your card happens to expire while you are out of the country, you should contact the nearest U.S. Port Office, Consulate Office, or USCIS. You must make contact with one of these offices before filing an application. Failing to do so could result in your application being denied.

A money order or cashier's check for $370.00 should also be included with the completed application. This fee covers a $290.00 application fee and a Biometrics fee of $80.00. Other fees could be assessed depending on various circumstances surrounding your application.

The I-90 should be mailed with the required documents to: USCIS, P.O. Box 21262, Phoenix, Arizona 85036.

For a form I-751, the application fee is $465.00 and the Biometrics fee is $80.00. This application should be mailed to the address listed on the inside of the instructions; locations vary by state of residency.

You will receive a denial letter if your application is rejected. This letter will explain the reason why your green card could not be granted.