Understanding Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

Form I-90 is used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to renew or replace their Green Card. This form is essential if your Green Card has expired, is about to expire, or has been lost, stolen, or damaged. Having a valid Green Card is critical for legal proof of your status in the U.S. for work, re-entry after travel, and access to benefits.


Who Should File Form I-90?

You should file Form I-90 if you are:

  • A lawful permanent resident with a Green Card that is expired or will expire within six months.
  • A lawful permanent resident who needs to replace a Green Card that has been lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information.

Conditional permanent residents (those with a 2-year Green Card) must file Form I-751 to remove conditions, not Form I-90.

USCIS Extends Green Card Validity to 36 Months for Form I-90 Applicants

As of September 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who submit Form I-90, the Application to Replace a Permanent Resident Card. This extension applies to lawful permanent residents who correctly file Form I-90 to renew an expired or soon-to-expire Green Card. Prior to this change, receipt notices for Form I-90 granted only a 24-month extension of Green Card validity.

Key Supporting Documents

When submitting Form I-90, you will need:

  • A copy of your current Green Card (if available).
  • Passport-style photographs, as specified by USCIS.
  • Evidence of any legal name change (if applicable), such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If any documents are in a language other than English, they must be submitted with certified translations. Certling can provide certified translations to ensure your documents meet USCIS standards.

Processing Time and Fees

The filing fee for Form I-90 is $540, which includes the $455 application fee and an $85 biometric services fee (from time of writing). Processing times can range from 7 to 12 months depending on USCIS workload. During the process, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.

For more detailed instructions, visit the USCIS page on Form I-90.