New USCIS Rules for Green Card Holders Effective May 2025

Effective 2025, Green Card renewals require the Form I-90 edition 01/20/25, and medical form I-693 must be current. A 1% tax on physical remittances applies from year-end. USCIS increases residency scrutiny for renewals. These changes demand strict compliance to protect permanent resident status and avoid rejections.

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Key takeaways

From May 29, 2025, Green Card renewals require the Form I-90 edition dated 01/20/25, rejecting older versions.
Starting December 31, 2025, a 1% federal tax applies to physical money transfers sent abroad by immigrants.
USCIS increased residency scrutiny during Green Card renewal, requiring proof of continuous U.S. residence.

Recent changes from U.S. immigration authorities bring important updates for Green Card Holders, also known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs). These updates affect how you renew your Green Card, the medical forms you need for status adjustments, and even how you send money abroad. Understanding these changes is key to staying in compliance, avoiding delays, and protecting your status in the United States 🇺🇸. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s new, who is affected, when the changes take effect, and what actions you need to take.

Summary of Key Changes

New USCIS Rules for Green Card Holders Effective May 2025
New USCIS Rules for Green Card Holders Effective May 2025
  • New Form I-90 Edition Required for Green Card Renewal
  • Updated Rules for Medical Exam Form I-693
  • 1% Remittance Tax on Physical Money Transfers
  • Increased Scrutiny on Residency During Renewal
  • Practical Steps for Compliance

Let’s look at each change in detail, explain what it means for Green Card Holders, and outline the steps you should take to avoid problems.


New Form I-90 Edition Required for Green Card Renewal

What Changed:
Starting May 29, 2025, all Green Card Holders who need to renew or replace their Permanent Resident Card must use the Form I-90 edition dated 01/20/25. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer accept older versions, including the one dated 04/01/24.

Who Is Affected:
Every Green Card Holder who needs to renew or replace their card after this date.

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Eligibility Requirements
Requirements you must meet

1
Must use Form I-90 edition dated 01/20/25 for renewal
Required for all Green Card Holders renewing or replacing their card after May 29, 2025.

2
I-693 must be signed by a civil surgeon after November 1, 2023
Required for Green Card Holders applying for adjustment of status.

3
I-693 must be submitted with I-485 filed on or after June 11, 2025
Required for Green Card Holders adjusting their status.

4
Must provide proof of continuous residency during renewal
Required for all Green Card Holders applying for renewal or replacement.

5
Must pay the fee of $540 for Form I-90
Required for processing the application.

Effective Date:
May 29, 2025

Required Actions:

  • Download the Correct Form: Only use the Form I-90 (01/20/25 edition) from the official USCIS website.
  • Check Every Page: Make sure every page in your application packet is from the 01/20/25 edition. The edition date and page numbers must be clear and visible on every page.
  • Do Not Mix Editions: Mixing pages from different editions will cause your application to be rejected.
  • Submit Supporting Documents: Include a copy of your current or expired Green Card and two recent passport-style photos.
  • Pay the Fee: The current fee is $540, which covers both the application and biometric services.

Implications for Pending Applications:

  • If you submit an old version of Form I-90 after May 29, 2025, USCIS will reject your application without giving you a chance to fix it.
  • If your Green Card is about to expire, filing the correct Form I-90 will automatically extend your card’s validity for 36 months (up from the previous 24 months) while your application is processed.

Why This Matters:
Using the wrong form or mixing editions can lead to delays, denials, and even loss of status. Immigration attorneys stress that USCIS is enforcing this rule strictly, with no exceptions or second chances.

💡 Tip
Always use the latest Form I-90 edition dated 01/20/25 for renewals after May 29, 2025. Double-check that every page is from this edition to avoid automatic rejection.

Updated Rules for Medical Exam Form I-693

What Changed:
USCIS now requires that the Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) must be:

  • Signed by a civil surgeon after November 1, 2023
  • Submitted with a pending Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) filed on or after June 11, 2025

If your I-693 is linked to an I-485 application that is withdrawn or denied, the medical form becomes void and cannot be used again.

Who Is Affected:
Green Card Holders applying for adjustment of status (for example, those moving from a temporary visa to permanent residency).

Effective Date:
Applies to I-485 applications filed on or after June 11, 2025.

Required Actions:

  • Schedule Your Medical Exam Carefully: Only book your exam after November 1, 2023, if you plan to file Form I-485 after June 11, 2025.
  • Submit the I-693 with Your I-485: Make sure the signed I-693 is included with your adjustment application.
  • Do Not Reuse Old Forms: If your previous application was denied or withdrawn, you must get a new medical exam and form.

Implications for Pending Applications:

  • If you submit an I-693 signed before November 1, 2023, or tied to an old or denied application, USCIS will not accept it.
  • This rule helps ensure that all medical information is current and tied to an active application.
⚠️ Important
Submitting an outdated Form I-693 or one tied to a denied application will result in rejection. Ensure your medical exam is conducted after November 1, 2023, for valid submissions.

Why This Matters:
Failing to follow these rules can cause your adjustment application to be delayed or denied. It’s important to plan your medical exam and filing dates carefully.


1% Remittance Tax on Physical Money Transfers

What Changed:
Starting December 31, 2025, a new federal 1% remittance tax will apply to physical money transfers made by immigrants, including Green Card Holders. This tax covers:

  • Cash transfers
  • Money orders
  • Cashier’s checks
  • Similar physical payment methods

Who Is Affected:
Any Green Card Holder or immigrant who sends money abroad using physical methods.

Effective Date:
December 31, 2025

Required Actions:

  • Switch to Digital Transfers: Transfers made through bank accounts, U.S.-issued debit or credit cards, or electronic payment platforms (like wire transfers or online apps) are exempt from this tax.
  • Plan Ahead: If you regularly send money abroad using cash or money orders, consider moving to digital or bank-based methods before the end of 2025.

Implications for Pending Applications:

  • This tax does not affect your immigration status, but it can increase your costs if you continue using physical transfer methods.
  • The tax was originally proposed at 5%, then 3.5%, but was reduced to 1% to lessen the impact on immigrant communities.

Why This Matters:
A 1% tax may seem small, but it can add up over time. Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary costs.


Increased Scrutiny on Residency During Renewal

What Changed:
USCIS is now using Form I-90 filings as an opportunity to check if Green Card Holders have abandoned their U.S. residency. This means:

  • You may be asked for travel history and proof that you have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 continuously.
  • Some cases may lead to removal proceedings or questions about your status, even if your Green Card is still valid.

Who Is Affected:
All Green Card Holders applying for renewal or replacement.

Effective Date:
Ongoing, with increased focus in 2025.

Required Actions:

  • Keep Travel Records: Save copies of your travel documents and records showing your time in the United States 🇺🇸.
  • Be Ready to Prove Residency: If asked, provide evidence such as utility bills, lease agreements, or employment records.
🔔 Reminder
Plan to switch to digital money transfer methods before December 31, 2025, to avoid the new 1% remittance tax on physical transfers. This can save you money in the long run.

Implications for Pending Applications:

  • If you cannot prove continuous residency, your renewal may be delayed or denied.
  • This is part of a broader effort by USCIS to prevent fraud and ensure only eligible residents keep their status.

Why This Matters:
Being prepared with the right documents can help you avoid problems during the renewal process.


Practical Steps for Green Card Holders

To stay compliant and avoid delays, follow these steps:

1. Audit Your Paperwork
– Always use the latest edition of Form I-90.
– Double-check that every page matches the correct edition and is clear.

2. Track Your Medical Exam
– Schedule your civil surgeon exam after November 1, 2023, if you plan to file Form I-485 after June 11, 2025.
– Submit the I-693 with your adjustment application.

3. Plan Remittances Smartly
– Move to digital or bank-based money transfers before December 31, 2025, to avoid the new tax.

4. Monitor USCIS Communications
– Watch for any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) about your residency.
– Keep your address and contact information updated with USCIS.

5. Prepare for Possible Interviews
– Be ready to answer questions about your travel and time spent in the United States 🇺🇸.

6. Use Official Resources
– Always download forms and check instructions from the USCIS Green Card Renewal page.
– For questions, use the USCIS Contact Center or your online account.


Expert Perspectives and Analysis

Immigration Attorneys:
Legal experts warn that even small mistakes—like using the wrong Form I-90 edition or missing a page—can lead to automatic denials. There are no second chances, so careful attention to detail is essential.

Policy Analysts:
The new remittance tax is seen as a way to encourage immigrants to use modern, traceable financial services. While the 1% rate is lower than first proposed, it still affects those who rely on traditional cash methods.

USCIS Officials:
USCIS says the 36-month extension for Green Card validity is meant to help Green Card Holders who face long processing times. This extension gives you more time to prove your status while waiting for your new card.

VisaVerge.com reports that these changes reflect a broader push by U.S. authorities to tighten immigration controls, reduce fraud, and modernize how immigrants interact with the system.


Background and Historical Context

In the past, renewing a Green Card was a routine process. Now, with stricter rules and more attention to detail, it has become a key point for checking residency and compliance. The new Form I-90 edition rule and the focus on continuous residency show that USCIS is serious about making sure only eligible residents keep their status.

The changes to the I-693 medical form are designed to make sure that all medical information is current and tied to an active application. This helps prevent the use of outdated or invalid medical exams.

The remittance tax is a new step by the federal government to monitor and collect revenue from money sent abroad. By lowering the tax rate from the original proposal, lawmakers tried to balance government needs with the realities faced by immigrant families.


Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Green Card Holders should expect:

  • More Scrutiny: USCIS may continue to ask for more proof of residency and update forms more often.
  • Possible Fee Changes: As the agency modernizes, fees and requirements may change again.
  • More Digital Services: The push for digital money transfers and online applications is likely to grow.

Staying informed and prepared will help you avoid problems and keep your status secure.


Official Resources and Contacts

  • USCIS Green Card Renewal Information:
    USCIS Replace Your Green Card Page
  • Form I-90 (01/20/25 edition):
    Download Form I-90 and Instructions
  • USCIS Contact Center:
    For help with lost cards, appointments, or questions about your case.
  • USCIS Online Account:
    Use your account to track your case and update your address.
  • IRS and Treasury Department:
    For details on the new remittance tax and how it may affect you.

Key Takeaways for Green Card Holders

  • Always use the latest Form I-90 edition and check every page before submitting.
  • Schedule your medical exam at the right time and submit the correct I-693 form.
  • Move to digital or bank-based money transfers before the new tax starts.
  • Keep records of your time in the United States 🇺🇸 and be ready to prove continuous residency.
  • Stay updated with USCIS announcements and use official resources for all forms and instructions.

By following these steps and paying close attention to the new rules, Green Card Holders can avoid delays, denials, and extra costs. These changes may seem small, but they have a big impact on your ability to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect your status and your future.

Learn Today

Green Card Holder → A lawful permanent resident authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
Form I-90 → USCIS application used to renew or replace a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Form I-693 → Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record required for adjustment of status applications.
Remittance Tax → A 1% federal tax applied to physical money transfers sent abroad by immigrants starting in 2025.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency managing immigration and naturalization processes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Green Card Holders face key 2025 updates including a mandatory new Form I-90 edition, a 1% remittance tax, and stricter residency checks. These changes impact renewals, medical exam forms, and money transfers, demanding careful compliance to protect legal status and avoid costly delays or denials in the U.S. immigration system.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Sai Sankar is a law postgraduate with over 30 years of extensive experience in various domains of taxation, including direct and indirect taxes. With a rich background spanning consultancy, litigation, and policy interpretation, he brings depth and clarity to complex legal matters. Now a contributing writer for Visa Verge, Sai Sankar leverages his legal acumen to simplify immigration and tax-related issues for a global audience.
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