Voice of Business Blog

On January 20, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new designs for Green Cards (officially known as Permanent Resident Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS began issuing these redesigned cards on January 30, 2023, with the goal of improving the security of, and minimizing the fraud associated with, these cards.

The new designs will include:

· Updated technology with improved detailed artwork;

· Tactile printing integrated with the artwork;

· Enhanced optically variable ink;

· Secure holographic images (on the front and back of the card);

· A layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box; and

· Relocated data fields, as opposed to previous card designs.

However, and important for employers to be aware of, these new designs do not invalidate an individual’s currently issued card. Cards are valid until they expire or its otherwise noted (cards may be automatically extended as indicated on Form I-797, Notice of Action, or in a Federal Register notice). Additionally, Green Cards issued between 1979 and August 1989 do not have expiration dates and remain valid. Lastly, some Green Cards and EADs issued after January 30, 2023, may still have the preexisting designs and format. This is because USCIS will continue using existing cardstock until its current supplies are gone (both versions of the cards are acceptable for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification; E-Verify; and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)).