Form I-90, officially known as the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is a document used by permanent residents to renew or replace their green card. If your green card has expired, is about to expire, or if it’s been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you must file Form I-90 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Important Update: Starting from September 10, 2024, USCIS will extend green card validity to 36 months for those filing Form I-90 for renewal. This is an increase from the previous 24 months. The receipt notice for your application can serve as proof of your status and work authorization, addressing longer processing times.
Need help renewing or replacing your green card?
Visit Law and Visas for assistance with the I-90 process, including details on costs, processing times, and required documents.
Who Needs to File Form I-90?
Not every permanent resident needs to file Form I-90. Below is a breakdown of who should and shouldn’t submit the form:
Who Should File Form I-90?
- Permanent residents with a 10-year green card that has expired or will expire in the next 6 months.
- Those whose green card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
- Individuals needing to correct errors on their green card.
Who Shouldn’t File Form I-90?
- If you have a conditional green card (valid for 2 years), you must go through a different process to replace it with a permanent 10-year green card. This is done by filing Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) for marriage-based green cards, or Form I-829 (Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status) for investor-based green cards.
Get help from Law and Visas:
For help with your Form I-90, Law and Visas and RapidVisa can guide you through the entire process.
How Do I File Form I-90?
You can file Form I-90 online or by mail depending on your situation:
Who Can File Online?
- If your green card is expired or will expire within 6 months.
- If it’s been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
- If your personal information has changed.
- If you have an outdated version of your green card.
- If you are a “commuter” living in Canada or Mexico but working in the U.S.
Who Must File by Mail?
- If you are requesting a fee waiver.
- If you received your green card but never received the physical card.
- If there were errors made by USCIS in issuing your green card.
How to Apply Online:
- Create or sign into your USCIS online account.
- Complete the online Form I-90.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Review your form, sign it electronically, and pay any fees.
- Submit your online form to USCIS.
How to Apply by Mail:
- Download the paper Form I-90.
- Complete the form, and pay the fees (by check, money order, or credit card).
- Mail the completed form and any supporting documents to USCIS.
Mailing Addresses for Form I-90:
- USPS Mail: USCIS
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036 - DHL/FedEx/UPS: USCIS
Attention: I-90
1820 E. Skyharbor, Circle S, Floor 1, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
How to Fill Out Form I-90
Here’s a breakdown of the key sections in Form I-90:
Part 1: Your Personal Information This section asks for basic personal details such as your name, birthdate, and gender. You’ll also need to provide your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and USCIS Online Account Number if applicable. If your name has changed, be sure to include supporting documents like a marriage certificate.
Part 2: Application Type Select whether you are applying as a permanent resident, commuter, or conditional resident. If you are a conditional resident (e.g., a marriage-based green card), you’ll need to file a different form.
Part 3: Processing Information This section asks about where you originally filed your green card application and where it was approved. If you’ve ever been to immigration court, provide detailed information here.
Part 4: Disability Accommodations If you require accommodations for a disability, you can request assistance here.
Parts 5-7: Applicant’s Statement, Contact Info, and Certification This section is where you confirm that the information you’ve provided is true. If you had help completing the form, such as from an interpreter, they must sign as well.
Part 8: Additional Information If you need extra space for any of your answers, use this section. Make sure to sign and date any additional pages.
Supporting Documents for Form I-90
Depending on why you’re renewing or replacing your green card, you’ll need to submit different supporting documents. Some common examples include:
- Expired or Expiring Green Card: Submit your old green card.
- Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card: Provide government-issued ID such as a passport or driver’s license.
- Name Change: Include documents like a marriage certificate or court orders.
- Commuter Residents: Provide evidence of employment or proof of U.S. residence.
Be sure to submit photocopies of your documents unless specifically instructed to send originals. Any documents not in English must include a certified translation.
After You File Form I-90
Once USCIS receives your Form I-90, they will send you updates. These will include:
- Confirmation of Receipt: A letter acknowledging USCIS has received your application.
- Biometrics Appointment: A notice for you to submit fingerprints, a photo, and a signature (if applicable).
- Request for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS needs more information, you’ll receive an RFE to submit additional documents.
- Decision Letter: Once USCIS processes your application, you’ll receive a letter with their decision. If approved, your new green card will be mailed to you.
Track Your I-90 Status
Use your 13-character receipt number to check the status of your application on the USCIS website.
Processing Time for Form I-90
The average processing time for Form I-90 is about 1.2 months, though delays are possible depending on your case.
Fees for Form I-90
The filing fee for Form I-90 is $465 if you submit the form by paper or $415 for online submissions. However, some individuals may qualify for a fee waiver, including those with financial hardship or certain green card-related issues.
How to Pay Fees:
- Online Applicants: Pay electronically through Pay.gov.
- Paper Applicants: Pay by check, money order, or credit card (Form G-1450 required).
Fee Waivers:
If you qualify, the fee may be waived. To apply, you must submit documentation about your financial situation.
For assistance with your I-90 application or questions about the process, visit Law and Visas for expert guidance. Whether you’re renewing or replacing your green card, we’re here to help you navigate the process with ease!
