What to Know About Green Card Compliance When Your Child Turns 14
The recent rollout of the Alien Registration requirement and Form G-325R by USCIS has brought renewed attention to green card compliance requirements for children who have turned 14. While the new registration form does not apply to most green card holders, it has highlighted an important but often overlooked obligation: the requirement for fingerprinting and green card replacement once a child reaches their 14th birthday.
Under 8 CFR 264.1(g), lawful permanent residents must register and be fingerprinted within 30 days of their 14th birthday, unless they were already fingerprinted in connection with a prior immigration process.
Additionally, 8 CFR 264.5(b)(8) requires that Form I-90 be filed to replace the green card upon turning 14, unless the existing card will expire before the child’s 16th birthday. Even if the current card was issued only a few years earlier, most green card holders are still required to file Form I-90 to remain compliant.
What If Your Child Already Turned 14?
If your child has already passed their 14th birthday and these steps were not completed, it may still be possible to take corrective action. Form I-90 can still be filed late to request a replacement green card. USCIS may accept the filing without penalty if there was no intent to avoid the requirement. It is important to take action to avoid complications with future travel or proof of status.
Need Help Filing Form I-90?
We regularly assist families with preparing and submitting Form I-90 to ensure timely compliance with green card requirements at age 14. If your child is due for a new card, our team can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Schedule a free case evaluation using the link below to speak with our team.
Heckler Law Group is ready to guide your company through the detailed nature of U.S. immigration to ensure a smooth process. Get started by requesting a free case evaluation, and our team will contact you promptly.
This post is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this post without seeking the advice of a licensed immigration attorney.