Key Takeaways
• File Form I-90 online by July 2025 to renew or replace your Green Card with a 36-month validity extension.
• Average USCIS processing time for Form I-90 is 4.3 months in 2025, with some cases taking eight months.
• Respond quickly to Requests for Evidence and attend scheduled biometrics appointments to avoid application delays.
Renewing or replacing your Green Card is a process that many lawful permanent residents in the United States 🇺🇸 will face at some point. Whether your Green Card is about to expire, has been lost or stolen, or needs to be updated due to a name change, it’s important to know exactly what to expect and how to move through each step. As of July 2025, there are several new updates and important details you should know before you begin. This guide will walk you through the entire journey, step by step, so you can feel confident and prepared.
Understanding When You Need to Renew or Replace Your Green Card
The first thing to do is figure out if you need to renew or replace your Green Card. You should renew your Green Card if it’s about to expire or has already expired. If your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if you need to update information like your name, you’ll need to replace it. Remember, if you are a conditional permanent resident (for example, you received your Green Card through marriage or investment and it’s valid for only two years), you must use different forms—either Form I-751 or Form I-829—to remove conditions or replace your card. For most permanent residents, however, the main form you’ll use is Form I-90.
Step 1: Prepare to File Form I-90
Form I-90, officially called the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the main form for renewing or replacing your Green Card. You can file Form I-90 either online or by mail. Filing online is strongly recommended for most people because it’s faster, often a bit cheaper, and more convenient. When you file online, you can keep your current Green Card until the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asks you to send it in later. If you file by mail, you may need to send your card with your application, which could leave you without proof of your status for a while.
Step 2: Check the Latest USCIS Filing Fees
Before you file, you’ll need to pay a fee. The amount depends on why you’re renewing or replacing your Green Card. For example, if your card was lost or stolen, the fee might be different than if you’re just renewing an expired card. To find the exact amount, use the USCIS fee calculator on the official website. Filing online can sometimes save you a little money compared to mailing a paper application. Make sure you have the right fee ready before you start.
Step 3: File Form I-90
Once you’re ready, submit your completed Form I-90. If you’re filing online, you’ll do this through your USCIS online account. If you’re mailing your application, send it to the correct USCIS lockbox address listed on the official instructions. Be sure to include all required documents, such as a copy of your current or expired Green Card, proof of name change (if needed), and your payment. After you file, USCIS will send you a receipt notice confirming they received your application. This notice is very important, so keep it safe.
Step 4: Receive and Use the Extended Green Card Validity Receipt Notice
A big change in 2025 is that when you file Form I-90, USCIS will automatically extend the validity of your Green Card by 36 months (three years) from the expiration date on your current card. This means that even if your card expires while you’re waiting for a new one, you can use the receipt notice from USCIS as proof that you are still a lawful permanent resident. This receipt also lets you keep working and traveling (within the United States 🇺🇸) while your application is being processed. Before September 2024, the extension was only 24 months, but it was increased to help people deal with longer wait times.
Step 5: Monitor USCIS Processing Times and Your Case Status
Processing times for Green Card renewals and replacements have grown much longer in recent years. As of mid-2025, the average wait time for Form I-90 is about 4.3 months, but some cases can take up to 8 months or more, depending on how busy your local USCIS office is and other factors. This is a big jump from before the pandemic, when most cases were finished in less than a month. You can check the status of your case at any time using the USCIS case status tool and see average processing times on the USCIS processing times page. It’s a good idea to check these regularly so you know what to expect.
Step 6: Respond Promptly to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
Sometimes, USCIS will send you a letter called a Request for Evidence (RFE). This means they need more information or documents before they can finish your case. In 2025, more people are getting RFEs than before, so don’t be surprised if you get one. If you do, read it carefully and send everything they ask for as soon as possible. Delays in responding can make your wait even longer. If you’re not sure what to send, you can ask an immigration attorney for help.
Step 7: Attend a biometrics appointment if Required
USCIS may ask you to come in for a biometrics appointment. This is where they take your fingerprints and a photo. Not everyone will need to do this, but if you get an appointment notice, you must go at the scheduled time and place. Missing your appointment can cause serious delays or even lead to your application being denied. If you can’t make it, contact USCIS right away to reschedule.
Step 8: Receive Your New Green Card
Once USCIS approves your application, they will mail your new Green Card to the address you provided. Make sure your address is always up to date with USCIS while your application is pending. If you move, update your address right away using your USCIS online account or the Enterprise Change of Address tool. If your Green Card is lost while you’re waiting for the new one, you can request an ADIT stamp at a local USCIS field office. This stamp in your passport serves as temporary proof of your status.
Step 9: What to Do If You Need Help or Have Questions
If you have questions at any point, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center for help. They can answer questions about your case, help you schedule an appointment for an ADIT stamp, or guide you if you’re having trouble with your online account. For more complicated issues, or if you’re worried about delays, it’s a good idea to talk to an immigration attorney. They can give you advice based on your specific situation.
What to Expect from USCIS and How to Manage Delays
USCIS is currently dealing with a historic backlog of over 11 million pending cases across all types of immigration applications. This means that almost everyone, including people renewing or replacing their Green Card, is facing longer wait times. The 36-month extension on receipt notices is meant to help, but it’s still important to plan ahead. Don’t wait until your Green Card expires to file—start the process as soon as you can, ideally six months before your card’s expiration date.
Benefits of Filing Form I-90 Online
Filing Form I-90 online comes with several advantages:
- Faster processing: Online applications are processed more quickly than paper ones.
- Lower fees: You may pay a little less if you file online.
- Keep your card longer: You don’t have to send in your current Green Card right away.
- Easier updates: You can check your case status, upload documents, and update your address all in one place.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, applicants who file online report fewer problems with lost documents and are able to respond to RFEs more quickly, which can help avoid extra delays.
Key Tips for a Smooth Green Card Renewal or Replacement
- File early: Don’t wait until your Green Card expires. Start the process at least six months in advance.
- Keep your receipt notice: This is your proof of status while you wait for your new card.
- Check your case status regularly: Use your USCIS online account to stay updated.
- Respond quickly to RFEs: Send any requested documents as soon as possible.
- Attend all appointments: Don’t miss your biometrics appointment if you’re scheduled for one.
- Update your address: If you move, tell USCIS right away so you don’t miss important mail.
- Ask for help if needed: Contact USCIS or an immigration attorney if you have questions or concerns.
Estimated Timeframes for Each Step
Here’s a general idea of how long each part of the process might take in 2025:
- Filing Form I-90: 1–2 hours (online) or a few days (by mail)
- Receipt notice from USCIS: 1–3 weeks after filing
- Biometrics appointment (if needed): 2–8 weeks after filing
- RFE response (if issued): 1–2 months to receive and respond
- Total processing time: 4–8 months on average, but some cases may take longer
Remember, these are just estimates. Your case may move faster or slower depending on many factors, including USCIS workload and whether you respond quickly to any requests.
What Happens If Your Green Card Expires While Waiting?
If your Green Card expires while your Form I-90 is pending, don’t worry. The 36-month extension on your receipt notice means you can still prove your status, work, and travel (within the United States 🇺🇸). If you need to travel internationally, check with USCIS or an immigration attorney before leaving, as re-entry rules can be strict.
Special Situations: Lost or Stolen Green Card While Waiting
If you lose your Green Card while your renewal or replacement is being processed, you can request an ADIT stamp at a local USCIS field office. This stamp in your passport serves as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status. To get an ADIT stamp, you’ll need to make an appointment through the USCIS Contact Center.
Staying Informed About Policy Changes
USCIS rules and policies can change, sometimes with little notice. It’s important to check the USCIS Green Card page for the latest updates. Stakeholders and immigration attorneys are pushing for more funding and staff at USCIS to help reduce backlogs, but for now, expect longer wait times to continue through 2025.
Practical Guidance for Different Groups
- Immigrants: File early, keep your documents safe, and check your status often.
- Employers: Remind employees to renew their Green Cards early and accept the receipt notice as proof of status for up to 36 months.
- Families: Help relatives gather documents and respond to USCIS requests quickly.
- Students: Make sure your Green Card is valid if you need it for school or financial aid.
Actionable Takeaways
- Start early: Begin your Green Card renewal or replacement process at least six months before your card expires.
- Use official resources: File Form I-90 online for the fastest and most secure experience.
- Keep your receipt notice: This is your legal proof of status while waiting.
- Stay informed: Check the USCIS Green Card page for updates.
- Ask for help: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, contact USCIS or an immigration attorney.
Renewing or replacing your Green Card can feel overwhelming, especially with longer wait times and new rules. By following these steps, staying organized, and using official resources, you can move through the process with confidence. Remember, the most important thing is to act early and keep track of your application every step of the way.
Learn Today
Green Card → Official document proving lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
Form I-90 → USCIS application used to renew or replace a permanent resident Green Card.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, government agency handling immigration processes.
Receipt Notice → Official confirmation from USCIS that your Form I-90 application was received and is processing.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → USCIS letter requesting additional documents to process your Green Card application.
This Article in a Nutshell
Renew your Green Card confidently with Form I-90, benefiting from 36-month validity extensions and faster online filing in 2025. USCIS processing times have increased, so early filing and prompt RFE responses are crucial to avoid delays, ensuring continuous proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
— By VisaVerge.com
