Key Takeaways
• Starting May 29, 2025, USCIS accepts only the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-90 for Green Card renewals.
• All pages of Form I-90 must be from the same edition, or the application will be rejected.
• USCIS extends Green Card validity by 36 months during renewal upon proper Form I-90 filing.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is rolling out new, stricter requirements for Green Card renewal, starting May 29, 2025. These changes will directly affect lawful permanent residents across the United States 🇺🇸 who need to renew or replace their Green Cards. The main focus is on the updated Form I-90, which is the application used to replace or renew a Permanent Resident Card. With the deadline just one day away, it’s important for Green Card holders to understand what’s changing, why it matters, and how to avoid costly mistakes that could delay or even derail their renewal process.
What’s Changing and When?
Who: All lawful permanent residents in the United States 🇺🇸 who need to renew or replace their Green Card
What: New requirements for Green Card renewal, including a new edition of Form I-90 and stricter rules for submitting the form
When: Changes take effect May 29, 2025
Where: Nationwide, across all USCIS offices and for all applicants
Why: To reduce errors, speed up processing, and ensure all applications use the most current forms
How: By requiring the latest form edition and matching pages, and by updating supporting procedures
These changes are part of a larger effort by USCIS to tighten immigration procedures and improve the accuracy and efficiency of their services. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the new rules reflect a broader trend of stricter oversight and more detailed requirements for all types of immigration applications.
The New Form I-90 Requirement
Starting May 29, 2025, USCIS will only accept the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-90. Any applications submitted using the previous 04/01/24 edition will be automatically rejected. This is a major change, as many applicants in the past have used outdated forms without realizing it, leading to delays and denials.
Key Points:
– Only the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-90 will be accepted after May 29, 2025
– All pages of the form must be from the same edition
– Applications with mixed editions will be rejected automatically
USCIS has made it clear that even a small mistake, like mixing pages from different editions, will result in the entire application being sent back. This new rule is meant to reduce confusion and help USCIS process applications more quickly and accurately.
Why Is This Change Important?
For many Green Card holders, renewing their card is a routine but essential part of maintaining their legal status in the United States 🇺🇸. A valid Green Card is needed for:
– Proving the right to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸
– Traveling internationally and re-entering the country
– Applying for jobs, benefits, and other services
If a renewal application is rejected because of an outdated or mismatched form, the applicant could lose their proof of status, face work interruptions, or even risk being out of status if their card expires. That’s why it’s so important to follow the new rules closely.
Who Needs to Replace or Renew Their Green Card?
Not every Green Card holder needs to renew at the same time, but there are several situations where replacement is required. According to USCIS, you must file Form I-90 if:
- Your Green Card has expired or will expire within the next six months
- Your card was lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed
- You received your card before age 14 and have now turned 14 (unless it expires before your 16th birthday)
- You are changing from commuter status to actual U.S. residence, or vice versa
- Your status was automatically converted to permanent resident
- You have an old version of the alien registration card that is no longer valid
- Your card contains incorrect information
- You have legally changed your name or other biographic information
- You never received your previously issued card
It’s important to act quickly if any of these situations apply to you. Delaying your application could lead to problems with work, travel, or proving your legal status.
Extended Validity for Renewal Applicants
One positive change that took effect on September 10, 2024, is the extension of the Green Card validity period during the renewal process. Now, when you properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card, USCIS automatically extends your Green Card’s validity by 36 months (three years) from the expiration date on your current card.
How does this work?
– After you file Form I-90, you’ll receive a receipt notice from USCIS.
– When you show this receipt notice together with your expired Green Card, it serves as proof of your continued lawful permanent resident status and work authorization for 36 months.
– This is especially helpful if your renewal takes longer than expected, as you’ll still have proof of your status while waiting for your new card.
This change helps protect applicants from losing their legal status or work rights due to processing delays.
How to File Form I-90 Correctly
With the new rules, it’s more important than ever to file your Green Card renewal application correctly. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Download the Correct Form
Always download Form I-90 directly from the official USCIS website. Avoid using forms from third-party websites, as they may be outdated or incorrect.
2. Check the Edition Date
Look at the bottom of each page of the form. The edition date should read 01/20/25 on every page. If any page has a different date, your application will be rejected.
3. Complete All Pages
Fill out every required section of the form. Double-check your answers for accuracy and completeness.
4. Gather Supporting Documents
You’ll usually need to include:
– A copy of your current Green Card (front and back)
– A copy of your passport or other government-issued ID (if required)
– Any legal documents showing a name change or other biographic changes
5. File Online or By Mail
You can file Form I-90 online through your USCIS account or by mail. Filing online is often faster and lets you track your application status.
6. Keep Your Receipt Notice
After you file, keep your Form I-90 receipt notice in a safe place. This document is your proof of legal status and work authorization while your renewal is being processed.
7. Update Your Address
If you move while your application is pending, update your address with USCIS within 10 days. You can do this through your USCIS online account or by submitting Form AR-11.
What If You Don’t Have Your Green Card?
If your Green Card is lost or stolen and you need proof of your status while waiting for a replacement, you can request an ADIT stamp (Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications stamp). This stamp is placed in your passport and serves as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
To get an ADIT stamp:
– File Form I-90 as soon as possible
– Call the USCIS Contact Center to request an appointment at your local USCIS Field Office
– Bring your receipt notice and any other requested documents to your appointment
Important Exceptions: Conditional Residents
Not all Green Card holders use Form I-90. If you are a conditional resident (for example, you received your Green Card through marriage or investment and it’s valid for only two years), you cannot use Form I-90 to remove the conditions on your status.
Instead, you must file:
– Form I-751 if you received your Green Card through marriage
– Form I-829 if you received your Green Card through investment
Filing the wrong form can lead to delays or even loss of status, so make sure you use the correct application for your situation.
Other Recent Changes Affecting Green Card Holders
The new Form I-90 rules are part of a larger set of changes to U.S. immigration policy in 2025. Other recent updates include:
- Mandatory social media disclosure: Applicants must now provide information about their social media accounts as part of the Green Card process.
- Stricter evidence for marriage-based Green Cards: Couples must provide more detailed proof of their relationship.
- USCIS online account requirement: Non-citizens age 14 and older must register and create a USCIS online account.
- Address update requirement: Green Card holders must update their address with USCIS within 10 days of moving.
These changes show that USCIS is paying closer attention to details and expects applicants to do the same.
Why Is USCIS Making These Changes?
USCIS says the new rules are designed to:
– Reduce errors and confusion by making sure everyone uses the same, most up-to-date forms
– Speed up processing by cutting down on incomplete or incorrect applications
– Protect applicants by giving them a longer period of proof of status during renewal
However, these changes also mean that applicants need to be more careful than ever. Even a small mistake, like using the wrong form edition or forgetting to update your address, can lead to delays or rejection.
What Should Green Card Holders Do Now?
With the new requirements taking effect tomorrow, here’s what you should do if you need to renew or replace your Green Card:
- Download the latest Form I-90 (01/20/25 edition) from the USCIS website
- Check that all pages of your form have the same edition date
- File online if possible, for faster processing and easier tracking
- Keep your receipt notice safe—it extends your Green Card validity for 36 months
- Update your address with USCIS right away if you move
- Consult an immigration attorney if you have questions or special circumstances
Practical Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Double-check everything: Before submitting your application, review every page for accuracy and matching edition dates.
- Use the official website: Only download forms and instructions from the USCIS official site.
- Keep copies: Make copies of everything you submit, including your completed form and supporting documents.
- Watch for updates: USCIS sometimes changes requirements with little notice. Check their website for the latest information.
- Be patient: Processing times can be long, but your receipt notice protects your status while you wait.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Green Card Holders
The new rules mean you must pay closer attention to details when renewing your card. Mistakes can lead to delays, loss of work authorization, or even problems with your legal status.
For Employers
Employers must be aware that a Green Card holder’s expired card, together with a valid Form I-90 receipt notice, is now acceptable proof of work authorization for up to 36 months. This helps prevent unnecessary job interruptions for employees waiting for their new cards.
For Immigration Attorneys
Lawyers should advise clients to use the correct form edition and ensure all supporting documents are included. They should also remind clients about the importance of updating addresses and keeping receipt notices safe.
For Families
Family members who rely on a Green Card holder’s status for their own immigration benefits should be aware of these changes and help ensure applications are filed correctly and on time.
Where to Find More Information
For the most up-to-date information on Green Card renewal and Form I-90, visit the official USCIS Green Card page.
Final Thoughts
The new USCIS requirements for Green Card renewal, starting May 29, 2025, are designed to make the process more secure and efficient. However, they also raise the stakes for applicants, who must now pay even closer attention to details like form edition dates and supporting documents. By following the steps outlined above and using only official resources, Green Card holders can avoid common pitfalls and keep their legal status secure. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a wider trend toward stricter immigration procedures, making it more important than ever to stay informed and prepared.
If you’re planning to renew your Green Card, act now—download the correct form, check every page, and file as soon as possible to protect your status and avoid unnecessary delays.
Learn Today
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency managing immigration applications and processes.
Form I-90 → The official application used to renew or replace a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Green Card → A document proving lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp → A temporary stamp in a passport proving lawful permanent resident status during Green Card replacement.
Conditional resident → A Green Card holder with temporary status, usually for two years, requiring a specific form to remove conditions.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS enforces stricter Green Card renewal rules starting May 29, 2025, requiring the new Form I-90 edition. Applicants must file correctly to avoid delays, with a 36-month validity extension offered during processing, improving status security for lawful permanent residents navigating stricter immigration procedures nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
