On January 30, 2023, USCIS announced new designs for Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Form I‑551 or “Green Cards”), and Form I‑766, Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to reduce counterfeiting, altering or tampering. USCIS began issuing the redesigned cards on January 30, 2023.
The introduction of new card designs does not mean that previously issued cards are invalid. Cards remain valid until their expiration date unless otherwise noted, such as through an automatic extension of the validity period of the Green Card or EAD as indicated on a Form I‑797, Notice of Action or in a Federal Register notice.
Next Steps for Employers
Employers should be aware of the redesign when verifying Green Cards and EADs. Of note, some Green Cards and EADs issued after January 30, 2023, may still display the existing design format because USCIS will continue using existing cardstock until its current supplies are gone, but both versions of the cards are acceptable for Form I‑9 verification and E‑Verify. As a reminder, some older Green Cards (issued between 1979 and August 1989) do not have an expiration date, and these too remain valid.
Employers should refer to the Form I‑9 Acceptable Documents page or Section 12.1 of the Handbook for Employers (M‑274) to see examples of the new card, Green Card and EAD designs.
