Can I Start Green Card Renewal While Outside the United States?

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Key Takeaways

• USCIS allows green card renewal from abroad starting June 2025 using Form I-90 with a U.S. mailing address.
• Applicants must attend biometrics appointments in the U.S.; delays can occur if outside the country.
• Total renewal fee is $540; biometrics and card delivery require careful planning and monitoring.

If you are a green card holder living or traveling outside the United States 🇺🇸, you might wonder if you can start the green card renewal process from abroad. The answer is yes, but there are important steps and challenges to consider. This guide will walk you through the entire process, explain what to expect, and help you avoid common mistakes. By following these instructions, you can renew your green card smoothly—even if you are not currently in the United States 🇺🇸.

Can I Start Green Card Renewal While Outside the United States?

Introduction: Why Green Card Renewal Matters—Even When Abroad

A green card (officially called a Permanent Resident Card) proves your lawful permanent resident status in the United States 🇺🇸. It is usually valid for 10 years. If your green card is expired or will expire within six months, you need to renew it using Form I-90. Keeping your green card up to date is important for travel, work, and proving your legal status.

Many green card holders find themselves outside the United States 🇺🇸 when their card is about to expire. As of June 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows you to start the green card renewal process from abroad. However, you must follow certain steps and be aware of possible delays and extra requirements.

Step 1: Check If You Are Eligible to Renew Your Green Card

Before you begin, make sure you meet the basic requirements for green card renewal:

Your green card is expired or will expire within six months.
You are a lawful permanent resident (not a conditional resident).
You have not abandoned your U.S. residency. Long absences from the United States 🇺🇸 can raise questions about your intent to live in the country. This is separate from the renewal process, but it can affect your status.

Important: If you are a conditional resident (your card is valid for only two years), you must use a different form (Form I-751 or Form I-829), not Form I-90.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

To renew your green card, you will need to provide certain documents. Collect these before you start:

A copy of your current green card (front and back).
A valid passport (if available), especially if you are outside the United States 🇺🇸.
Any legal documents showing name changes (if your name is now different from your green card).
A U.S. address where your new green card can be mailed.

Tip: If you do not have a U.S. address, ask a trusted family member or friend if you can use theirs. You cannot have your new green card sent to a foreign address.

Step 3: Complete Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)

The main form for green card renewal is Form I-90. You can fill it out in two ways:

Option 1: Online Submission

Create a USCIS online account at USCIS Online Account.
Complete Form I-90 by answering all questions.
Upload digital copies of your required documents.
Digitally sign and submit the form.

Option 2: Paper Submission

Download the latest Form I-90 from the official USCIS website.
Fill out the form by hand or on your computer.
Attach photocopies of your required documents.
Mail the completed form and documents to the correct USCIS lockbox address (listed on the form instructions).

Note: Whether you file online or by mail, all applications are processed by USCIS offices inside the United States 🇺🇸. International USCIS field offices no longer process green card renewals.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees

As of 2024, the total fee for green card renewal is $540. This includes:

$455 for the Form I-90 filing fee
$85 for the biometrics (fingerprinting) fee

How to Pay:

Online applicants pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer through the USCIS online system.
Paper applicants can pay by check, money order, or credit card (using Form G-1450).

Always check the official USCIS fee schedule for the most up-to-date fees before submitting your application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Online: Submit your application and supporting documents through your USCIS online account.
By Mail: Send your completed Form I-90, supporting documents, and payment to the address listed in the Form I-90 instructions.

After submission, you will receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C) by email (online) or mail (paper). Keep this notice—it is proof that your application is being processed.

Step 6: Biometrics Appointment—What to Do If You Are Abroad

USCIS usually requires green card renewal applicants to attend a biometrics appointment. This means you must go to a USCIS Application Support Center in the United States 🇺🇸 to have your fingerprints, photo, and signature taken.

If You Are Outside the United States 🇺🇸:

USCIS will send you a biometrics appointment notice with the date, time, and location.
You cannot complete biometrics at a U.S. embassy or consulate. These offices do not handle green card renewals or biometrics.
If you cannot attend the appointment, you must contact USCIS to explain your situation and request a reschedule. There is no guarantee that USCIS will approve your request or allow you to do biometrics abroad.

Possible Outcomes:

USCIS may reschedule your appointment for a later date when you are back in the United States 🇺🇸.
Your application may be delayed until you can attend a biometrics appointment in the United States 🇺🇸.

Tip: If you know you will be outside the United States 🇺🇸 for a long time, consider returning to the country to complete your biometrics as soon as possible.

Step 7: Arrange for Card Delivery to a U.S. Address

USCIS will only mail your new green card to a U.S. address. If you do not have a U.S. address:

Ask a trusted friend or family member if you can use their address.
Consider using a mail forwarding service (make sure it is reliable and legal).
Do not use a foreign address—USCIS will not send your green card outside the United States 🇺🇸.

If you cannot arrange for someone to receive your card, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for advice. They may be able to help you with a temporary travel document (like a boarding foil or returning resident visa), but they cannot deliver your new green card.

Step 8: Monitor Your Case Status

After you submit your application, you can check your case status online:

Go to the USCIS Case Status page.
Enter your receipt number (found on your Form I-797C notice).

You will see updates about your application, biometrics appointment, and card production.

Step 9: What to Do If You Need to Return to the United States 🇺🇸 Before Your New Card Arrives

If your green card is expired and you need to travel back to the United States 🇺🇸 before your new card arrives:

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Request a transportation letter (boarding foil) or a returning resident visa (SB-1). These documents can help you board a flight and re-enter the United States 🇺🇸.
Bring proof of your pending green card renewal application (your Form I-797C receipt notice).

Remember: These travel documents are not the same as a green card renewal. They are temporary solutions to help you return to the United States 🇺🇸.

Estimated Timeline for Green Card Renewal from Abroad

Form I-90 processing time: 8–12 months (can vary)
Biometrics appointment: Usually scheduled within 4–8 weeks after USCIS receives your application (may be delayed if you are abroad)
Card production and delivery: 2–4 weeks after approval

Delays are common if you are outside the United States 🇺🇸, especially if you cannot attend your biometrics appointment right away.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Not Providing a U.S. Address
– USCIS will not mail your new green card to a foreign address. Always provide a reliable U.S. address.

2. Missing the Biometrics Appointment
– If you cannot attend, contact USCIS immediately to reschedule. Delays can cause your application to be denied or abandoned.

3. Staying Outside the United States 🇺🇸 Too Long
– Long absences can make USCIS question your intent to live in the United States 🇺🇸. This can lead to problems with your permanent resident status.

4. Using Outdated Forms or Fees
– Always download the latest Form I-90 and check the current fee on the USCIS website.

5. Not Keeping Copies of Your Application and Receipts
– Always keep digital and paper copies of everything you submit and receive from USCIS.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Problems Arise

Did not receive biometrics notice: Check your USCIS online account or contact the USCIS Contact Center.
Application delayed: Delays are common for applicants outside the United States 🇺🇸. Stay in touch with USCIS and be patient.
Card lost in mail: If your card is lost after being mailed to your U.S. address, file a report with USCIS and request a replacement.
Need urgent travel: Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a boarding foil or returning resident visa.

Checklist Summary: Green Card Renewal from Abroad

Before You Start:
– [ ] Green card is expired or will expire within six months
– [ ] You are a lawful permanent resident (not a conditional resident)
– [ ] You have a U.S. address for card delivery

Documents to Gather:
– [ ] Copy of current green card
– [ ] Passport (if available)
– [ ] Legal name change documents (if needed)

Application Steps:
– [ ] Complete Form I-90 (download here)
– [ ] Pay the $540 fee (check for updates)
– [ ] Submit application online or by mail
– [ ] Receive Form I-797C receipt notice

After Submission:
– [ ] Attend biometrics appointment (in the United States 🇺🇸)
– [ ] Monitor case status online
– [ ] Arrange for card delivery to a U.S. address
– [ ] Contact U.S. embassy/consulate if urgent travel is needed

Additional Resources

As reported by VisaVerge.com, while the process for green card renewal from abroad remains mostly unchanged, applicants should plan ahead for possible delays and logistical challenges, especially with biometrics and card delivery.

Final Takeaways

You can renew your green card from outside the United States 🇺🇸 by filing Form I-90 online or by mail.
USCIS requires a U.S. address for card delivery and a biometrics appointment in the United States 🇺🇸.
Delays are common for applicants abroad, so plan ahead and keep in touch with USCIS.
If you need to return to the United States 🇺🇸 before your new card arrives, contact a U.S. embassy or consulate for help.

By following these steps and staying organized, you can complete the green card renewal process—even while outside the United States 🇺🇸. Always use official government resources and keep copies of all your documents for your records.

Learn Today

Green Card → A Permanent Resident Card proving lawful residency in the U.S., usually valid for 10 years.
Form I-90 → The official USCIS application form to renew or replace a green card.
Biometrics Appointment → A mandatory appointment in the U.S. for fingerprinting, photographs, and signature capture.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration benefits including green card renewals.
Returning Resident Visa → A visa for permanent residents abroad needing permission to return when their green card is expired.

This Article in a Nutshell

Green card holders abroad can renew their status by filing Form I-90 with USCIS online or by mail. Biometrics must be completed in the U.S., causing possible delays. Providing a U.S. mailing address is mandatory, and fees total $540. Planning ahead ensures a smooth renewal process from outside the country.
— By VisaVerge.com