Help Permanent Resident Card Form I-551: Fill & Download for Free

My first comment on this must be that you need to speak to an attorney about this as soon as reasonably possible, in order to get advice that applies specifically to your situation.That said, here is some general, nonspecific advice, based on my experience helping people with minimal documentation obtain identification documents:You said somewhere that you have your “work permit”; is this an EAD (form I-766) or green card (form I-551)? Either of these documents should be sufficient to secure employment and to open a bank account; both of these documents are List A documents for I-9 purposes (provided the I-766 has a photograph, not all do), and either of these documents should be also sufficient to obtain a state-issued identification card provided you have some proof of your residential address (although this depends fairly critically on the state law that controls issuing a state ID in the state where you live).If you do not have your I-551 (“green card”), and all you have is the I-766, you will need to get the I-551 replaced. Failing to do so is a federal criminal offense; this is not merely a suggestion, but an actual legal requirement that you must comply with. You should be able to use the I-766 to prove your identity for the purpose of filing the I-90 to obtain a replacement green card. Once you’ve done this, the receipt USCIS will send you for the I-90, in conjunction with any federally or state issued identification card, will serve as a substitute for the I-551 until your replacement I-551 arrives. Be aware that the fee for a replacement I-551 is $450 and there are no provisions for waiving or reducing this fee based on economic hardship.As a lawful permanent resident, you do not technically need your passport unless you intend to travel abroad. Your I-551 (which you are required to carry at all times now that you’re 18) is all you need to reenter the United States or to clear an internal border control checkpoint. An I-551 is, for most domestic purposes, a complete substitute for a passport: it proves your identity, your right to be present, and your right to work, all in one document. The only thing it does not prove that one routinely needs to prove is your residential address, which is why you also need to carry a state-issued ID of some sort. (It doesn’t prove your Social Security Number, but you’re virtually never required to actually prove the number itself, just that you have a right to one; once you prove your right to one, your affirmation of what the number actually is is legally sufficient.)Nor will you likely need your birth certificate for any particular purpose other than when you go to file for naturalization. You should speak to the consular officials of your country of citizenship for assistance in obtaining replacement or substitutes for these documents, but this is not critical to maintaining lawful presence or in documenting your identity, right to be present, or right to work. I haven’t used my birth certificate for any purpose in over fifteen years.An I-551 (“green card”) looks like this:An I-766 (EAD) looks like this:

We have a long tradition of non-citizens serving in our military. During the Civil War perhaps as much as 25% of the Union army was made up of foreign born. In addition nearly 200,000 soldiers were black or native Indians.Here are the requirements for a non-citizen to join the US Army:Uncle Sam wants you -- as long as you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident of the U.S. Non-citizens can join the U.S. Army as an enlisted soldier, providing they meet specific legal immigration requirements. Non-citizens are not eligible to become commissioned officers in the U.S. military, and they may also be barred from certain Military Occupational Specialties, or job categories; particularly those requiring security clearances.1. Be a permanent legal resident living in the U.S. with permission to work in the country. Neither tourist nor student visas are sufficient for enlistment in the U.S. military, and undocumented immigrants are not eligible to join the U.S. military. Non-citizens must also meet the same standards of physical fitness and education as U.S. citizens seeking to enlist.2. Have a valid Permanent Residence Card -- form I-551 (popularly known as a Green Card) -- to prove your legal resident status. If you don't have a current I-551, you have to show proof that you have applied for renewed status, such as an original receipt from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showing you have paid for the renewal application -- form I–90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card).3. Apply to join the enlisted ranks of the U.S. Army. You will not be permitted to begin formal military training until your legal permanent resident status is established. Your Permanent Residence Card must be valid for the duration of your enlistment.4. Apply for U.S. citizenship if you want to be eligible to reenlist beyond your initial service commitment or to become a commissioned Army officer. Although the normal path to citizenship requires a legal resident to maintain that status for at least five years while living and working in the U.S., the military offers an accelerated program that takes about 10 months. How to Join the U.S. Army If You Are Not a U.S. CitizenThe U.S. Military Helps Naturalize Non-CitizensCan Foreigners Serve in the United States Military?Military to allow undocumented immigrants to serveImmigrants in the U.S. military: 8 rules on non-citizen serviceWho Fought?Immigrants in the U.S. Army During World War IFact Sheet: Immigrants and the Military - America's VoiceThe National WWII Museum

As a US Permanent Resident, you have most of the rights of a United States Citizen, but there are some exceptions. Here are all the perks that you enjoy being a green card holder:RightsTo live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable (deportable) under the immigration law (section 237, Immigration and Nationality Act).To be employed in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing.To be protected by all of the laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions.To vote in local elections where United States Citizenship is not required.ExceptionsSome jobs will be limited to United States Citizens because of security concerns.You may not vote in elections limited to United States Citizens.International TravelA Permanent Resident of the United States (a green card holder) can travel freely outside of the US. A passport from the country of citizenship is normally all that is needed. To reenter the US a Permanent Resident normally needs to present the green card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) for readmission. A re-entry permit is needed for re-entry for trips greater than one year but less than two years in duration.Green Card ExpirationThe Permanent Resident Card currently is issued with 10-year validity. You status as a Permanent Resident does not expire with the 10-year validity. Only the card expires. The card is only valid up to the expiration date and must be renewed before it expires.There is also a conditional permanent resident card, which expires in 2 years and the holder will be deported if action is not taken. If you received your green card by marriage which was issued to you when your marriage was less than 2 years old then you most likely have a conditional permanent resident card. Find out more about Conditional Permanent Residence.Sponsoring RelativesA Permanent Resident can petition for some relatives to join him or her in the United States as immigrants. Those relatives are your spouse and children, regardless of age.If you had a spouse and children when you became a Permanent Resident, they may be eligible for permanent residence through you without filing separate petitions. This depends on how you qualified for your permanent residence. You should ask an immigration officer, attorney, or voluntary help organization for advice about this.