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USCIS Form I-90 - Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
Form I-90, also called “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card,” is provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for Green Card holders to replace their expiring or lost Green Cards. Learn how it’s done.
- Who needs to file Form I-90?
- Required documents for an I-90 application
- How to fill out Form I-90
- How much is the USCIS Form I-90 fee?
- When do I have to apply for my Green Card replacement?
- Processing and wait time for Form I-90
- What happens after filing I-90?
- Does I-90 require an interview?
- Can my Green Card replacement be denied?
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Who needs to file Form I-90?
Eight out of ten different reasons to renew a Green Card require Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). These are:
- Your Green Card of 10 years validity is about to expire
- Your Green Card of 10 years validity has expired
- You lost your Green Card
- You changed your gender and/or name
- You never received your Green Card (though it was issued by the Department of Homeland Security, DOS)
- Your current Green Card has errors that the DOS made
- You have an old version of a Green Card with no expiration date
- You are turning 14 years, and your current Green Card will expire before your 16th birthday
The two cases left are related to marriage or investments and involve other USCIS forms to remove the permanent residence conditions (Form I-751 and Form I-829).
Required documents for an I-90 application
When filing for a Green Card replacement, you need to provide the following documents along with your I-90 petition:
- Your current Green Card (if possible)
- Your passport or equivalent
- Evidence and supporting documentation, e. g., a birth certificate
- Other documents, depending on your case
- Copies of all documents requested
Make sure to provide translations of the requested documents in case they are written in a foreign language.
How to fill out Form I-90
During your I-90 application process to replace your Green Card, you will go through the following steps:
- Create a USCIS online account.
- Download the latest available version of I-90 on the USCIS website.
- Read the latest available instructions to learn about required evidence in your case, exceptions and waivers, and the guidelines for payments.
- Complete Form I-90. If you have nothing to state in one of the fields, fill in “N/A” for text fields or “0” for number fields.
- Double-check your data and signature and submit the form.
- Pay your fees.
- Provide additional information (if required).
- Go to your biometric services appointment (if required).
- Show up for an interview (if required).
You can keep yourself informed about your case status using your USCIS online account.
Completing I-90 by hand
When completing I-90 manually, use black ink and write neatly, readable, and within the given space. Don’t highlight or paint over your writing because USCIS is using scanners. Write your name, date of birth, and Alien Registration Number (also called A-Number or “USCIS #”) on all pages and submit the forms to:
U.S. Postal Service: USCIS, Attn: I-90, P.O. Box 21262, Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262
FedEx, UPS, and DHL: USCIS, Attn: I-90 (Box 21262), 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850
You will receive a confirmation as soon as USCIS has started the process.
How much is the USCIS Form I-90 fee?
The standard fees for your I-90 petition vary depending on your case. Here’s an overview of the different circumstances and expected costs:
| Type of renewal | Filling Fee | Biometrics |
|---|---|---|
| Standard replacement of a Green Card | Paper Filing: $ 465 Online Filing: $ 415 |
$ 30 |
| Green Card renewal within 30 days of turning 14 years when your current card will expire before your 16th birthday | no fee | $ 30 |
| Filing when your Green Card was issued but you never received it | no fee | not needed |
| Filing when your current card has errors made by the Department of Homeland Security | no fee | not needed |
When do I have to apply for my Green Card replacement?
According to the USCIS instructions for the I-90 process, you should apply within the following timelines:
| Reason for Green Card replacement | Time to apply |
|---|---|
| Standard replacement of a Green Card (lost or stolen) | Immediately |
| Green Card is about to expire | Earliest six months before the expiration date |
| A child turning 14 when their current Green Card will expire before their 16th birthday | Within 30 days after a child reaches 14 years of age |
| Green Card was issued, but you never received it | Immediately |
| Green Card has errors made by the Department of Homeland Security | Immediately |
You may apply for a replacement of your Green Card six months before expiration.
Processing and wait time for Form I-90
The time frame for I-90 applications varies, depending on your case, from six to ten months. Check the current case processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
Note
Due to longer processing times at USCIS Service Centers, your physical Green Card is automatically valid for 24 months beyond the expiration date if you have submitted your I-90 form on time. Therefore, always carry the old (possibly already expired) Green Card and your I-90 receipt from the USCIS (also known as Form I-797) with you.
What happens after filing I-90?
After filing Form I-90, USCIS will send you a “Form I-797 Notice of Action” as a receipt. This letter proves your Lawful Permanent Resident status until your new Green Card is issued. Therefore, carry I-797 with you at all times as if it were your Green Card.
Does I-90 require an interview?
USCIS might invite you to an additional interview or biometrics appointment after filing the I-90 petition. This appointment can involve a background and security check, including your criminal history.
Can my Green Card replacement be denied?
USCIS can deny your I-90 petition for several reasons. If this is the case, they will inform you with a decision letter. Possible reasons for an I-90 denial are:
- You committed a crime.
- You lied in your I-90 petition.
- You failed to complete I-90 according to the instructions.
- A judge decided that you should be deported.
- You used the wrong form (e.g., I-751 or I-829 instead of I-90).
- You applied too early.
- You stayed outside of the USA for too long (more than a year).
- You have not paid your taxes.
If your I-90 was denied and things get complicated, it might help to consult an attorney to avoid your removal from the USA.
