Form I-90: A Complete Guide to Green Card Renewal

For permanent residents of the United States, Green Card renewal and replacement are important actions. Maintaining legal residency status depends critically on Form I-90, the official document needed to renew or replace a Green Card. This guide will lead you through filling out Form I-90, explaining the fees, the timeline, and other significant concerns, and assuring you have all the information required to apply without complications.

Maintaining current Green Cards helps U.S. permanent residents stay free from problems with work, travel, or legal status. Knowing how to correctly file Form I-90 helps stop legal disputes, denials, or delays.

What is Form I-90?

Form I-90, officially known as the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is important documentation for either renewing or replacing your Green Card. Those who live permanently and have lost, damaged, or expired cards must complete this form. It also applies if your Green Card needs to be updated due to a personal information change—such as a legal name change, or if the card was issued with incorrect data.

Green cards are usually valid for 10 years; after that, They must be renewed using Form I-90. Starting the renewal process at least six months before the card expires will help prevent legal residence status breaches. Replacing a lost, stolen, or crushed card also requires Form I-90 filing.

Why is Filing Form I-90 Important?

U.S. permanent residents must keep a current Green Card. Your Green Card is for a range of legal and daily activities and confirms your lawful permanent resident status. Ensuring that your Green Card is current is essential whether you need assistance from the government, re-entry into the United States after travel abroad, or work verification.

Your Green Card expires even if your permanent residence status does not. If your Green Card is damaged or expired, you could have great trouble proving your status, which could cause problems with federal agencies and companies or when travelling overseas. Accurate and timely filing of Form I-90 always guarantees proper documentation of your lawful residence status.

How to File Form I-90 Online

Considering its efficiency and ease, filing Form I-90 online is highly advised. By allowing applicants to quickly submit their applications on an online platform, the USCIS helps to lower the risk of frequent errors and minimize the delays related to mailing applications. Here is a thorough, precise guide on submitting your I-90 online application.

1. Create a USCIS Account: Go to the official USCIS website to open a safe online account. In addition to letting you apply, this account will enable you to monitor the status of your Form I-90 and get real-time information.
2. Finish the Application: Complete all necessary forms, including personal information, reasons for filing—such as replacing a lost or expired card—and any supporting documentation. Upload your present passport, Green Card, or other relevant documents.
3. Pay the Filing Fee: The entire I-90 form fee is $540, which includes $85 for biometrics and $455 for the application fee. By completing Form I-912 with your application, you can be qualified for a fee waiver if you are having financial problems.
4. Submit and Track: Once your application is finished and paid for, submit it through your USCIS account under Track and Submit. You will receive a receipt notice, and you can check your I-90 application status online.

Form I-90 Filing via Mail

Although the most effective way is to submit online, some people still want to submit their applications by mail. If you choose this approach, be sure your application reaches the relevant I-90 mailing address. Your location determines the mailing address; sending it to the incorrect address may cause delays. Using a tracking service can help you ensure your application gets to its intended location without problems.

Green Card Processing and Renewal Timeline

Once you have submitted your Form I-90, Green Card renewal usually takes 7 to 12 months to process. The volume of applications USCIS is handling, as well as any problems with your particular case, will affect this timeline. You will get a receipt notice during this period that spans the validity of your Green Card while your renewal application is under processing.

A biometrics session is also booked for you where your identification will be verified by gathering your fingerprints, photo, and signature. Ignoring this appointment can cause your application to be delayed, so it is essential to show up on the given date or reschedule quickly if necessary. Usually taking a few more months, the I-90 processing period follows biometrics after completion.

Form I-90’s Biometric Appointment

One important phase of the Form I-90 process is a biometrics appointment. Usually, within 30 to 60 days of your application being submitted, USCIS will notify you of an appointment. During the biometrics visit, USCIS will keep track of your fingerprints, pictures, and signatures to guarantee that your identity matches the information on file.

Most candidates submitting Form I-90 must pay the biometrics charge, $85. To this appointment, you should bring the required identification—your passport, driver’s license, or your Green Card. Your application will proceed via the review process once biometrics have finished.

Form I-90 Fees and Payment

Form I-90 costs $455; an extra $85 biometric charge increases the total to $540. USCIS provides a fee waiver possibility for candidates with financial difficulties. Along with your application, you can request a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. To show you qualify for the waiver, be ready to offer documents of public benefits or tax returns proving your income.

How to Track Your Form I-90 Application Status

Track your application status with the USCIS case tracker after submitting Form I-90. You will obtain a receipt number upon receipt of your application that you may track the progress of your case using. USCIS will also notify you via your online account of major events, such as your biometrics appointment and the date your Green Card is available for delivery.

To find any further information or documentary requests and to get updates on your case, you can also log in using your USCIS account. Maintaining excellent oversight over your I-90 application status can help you prevent delays and handle any problems quickly.

Conditional Permanent Residents and Form I-90

Form I-90 is not the correct form for removing conditions from residency for persons possessing conditional permanent resident status—that is, those who obtained residence through marriage. Conditional residents must complete Form I-751 to remove the conditions on their residency status; they are given a two-year-valid Green Card.

Knowing the meaning of permanent resident’s meaning in I-90 helps you file the proper form and prevents processing delays. Filing Form I-90 as a conditional resident will not renew your status and can cause major issues in your residency.

Typical Mistakes to Avoid While Filing Form I-90

Errors during the Form I-90 process could cause delays or even denial of your application. Stay clear of these typical mistakes to guarantee the seamless processing of your application:

1. Incorrect Fees: Verify that you paid an appropriate I-90 form fee of $540. Incomplete or incorrect payments will result in rejection.
2. Incomplete Form: Before you apply, double-check all necessary fields on the form. Missing signatures or information can seriously cause significant delays.
3. Wrong Mailing Address: If you are submitting by mail, confirm the proper I-90 mailing address for your area. Filing to the incorrect address can cause months-long delays in the procedure.
4. Missing Documents: Be sure to include all required supporting documentation—such as your current Green Card, evidence of a name change, or identification.
5. Biometrics Appointment: Missing your biometrics appointment can delay your renewal for several months. If you miss it, make sure you reschedule right away.

Careful completion of the form and avoidance of these typical errors will help to guarantee a speedier and more seamless process.

In Summary

Maintaining your legal residence in the United States depends on filing Form I-90 for either replacement or renewal of your Green Card. Following the right processes guarantees your form is complete and helps you prevent delays and issues by paying the required costs.

Our staff of experienced immigration lawyers at Passage Law is ready to help you with the Form I-90 procedure. We are here to offer professional advice whether you need assistance tracking your application, completing the form, or understanding the criteria. Get in touch immediately to ensure your Green Card replacement or renewal process runs without problems.