As a foreign resident who lives in the United States, your green card is very important to you. This document grants you the right to reside in this country. However, there may come a time when you have to petition the U.S. government for a replacement card.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website describes various situations that call for an immigrant to apply for a new green card.
Changes in your immigration status
A change from one immigration status to another will require you to get a new card. You may be a commuter who will become an actual resident of the U.S., or you might be a permanent resident that wants to be a commuter. Some residents such as special agricultural workers will automatically change to permanent resident status if the U.S. government requires it.
Changes in your personal information
Life circumstances may have altered some of your identifying information since you received your last card. You may have gotten a name change or other parts of your biographic information have changed. You might also replace your card if you find information on your current card is not correct.
The loss of your current card
Some foreign residents have their cards stolen, heavily damaged, or destroyed. Sometimes an immigrant just loses a card. However it happens, if you suffer the loss of your green card, you will have to replace it. Also, in the event the USCIS sends you a card but it does not arrive, you may apply for a new card.
The expiration of your current card
Keep an eye on how much time you have until your card expires. If it already has expired or is due to expire in six months, you will have to take steps to get a new green card.
There may be other situations that necessitate a new card, such as whether you have turned 14 years old and had a card issued before your 14th birthday, unless your present card will expire before you reach 16 years old. No matter the reason, you have a variety of ways to apply for a new card, such as by going online or using the mail.