Key Takeaways
• File Form I-90 online or by mail to renew your 10-year green card for $540, including biometric fees.
• Attend a mandatory biometrics appointment with fingerprinting, photo, and signature after application submission.
• Start renewal six months before expiration and keep your USCIS address updated to avoid delays.
Renewing your green card (officially called a Permanent Resident Card) is an important step for anyone who wants to keep their legal status in the United States 🇺🇸 up to date. The process centers around filing Form I-90, which is the official application to replace or renew your green card. This guide will walk you through every step, explain what you need, and help you avoid common mistakes. By following these instructions, you can make sure your green card renewal goes as smoothly as possible.
Why You Need to Renew Your Green Card
A green card is proof that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States 🇺🇸. Most green cards are valid for 10 years. If your card is about to expire or has already expired, you must renew it to keep your status current and avoid problems with work, travel, or proving your right to live in the United States 🇺🇸.
Important: If you have a conditional green card (valid for 2 years), you must use a different process (Form I-751 or Form I-829) to remove the conditions. This guide is for regular 10-year green card holders only.
Step 1: Complete Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)
Estimated time: 30–60 minutes
Form I-90 is the official application for green card renewal. You can file it either online or by mail.
1.1 Choose How to File
- Online:
- Create a USCIS online account.
- Fill out Form I-90 electronically.
- Upload your documents.
- Sign and pay the fee online.
- By Mail:
- Download Form I-90 from the official USCIS website.
- Print and fill it out by hand.
- Sign the form.
- Gather your documents and payment.
Tip: USCIS recommends online filing for faster processing and fewer mistakes.
1.2 Double-Check Your Information
- Make sure your name, date of birth, and A-number (Alien Registration Number) are correct.
- Use the same information as on your current green card.
- If you have changed your name, include legal documents showing the change (like a marriage certificate or court order).
Common Pitfall: Mistakes or missing information can delay your application. Review everything before submitting.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Estimated time: 15–30 minutes
You must include certain documents with your Form I-90. Missing documents are a common reason for delays.
2.1 What You Need
- A copy of your current or expired green card.
- Two passport-style photos taken within the last six months (recommended, especially if your appearance has changed).
- Proof of legal name change (if your name is different from your current green card).
- Other identity documents if requested (like a driver’s license or passport).
- Fee waiver request (if you qualify and are applying by mail).
Tip: Scan or take clear photos of your documents if filing online.
Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee
Estimated time: 5–10 minutes
The fee for green card renewal is $540. This includes a $455 application fee and an $85 biometric services fee.
3.1 How to Pay
- Online: Pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer.
- By Mail: Pay by check or money order (made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”).
Important:
– Always check the USCIS Fee Calculator for the latest fee amount before you pay.
– If you cannot afford the fee, you may request a fee waiver. You must file by mail and include Form I-912 with proof of your income or financial hardship.
Common Pitfall: Paying the wrong amount or using the wrong payment method can cause your application to be rejected.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Estimated time: 10–20 minutes
After you have filled out Form I-90 and gathered your documents, you are ready to submit your application.
4.1 How to Submit
- Online:
- Log in to your USCIS account.
- Upload your documents.
- Review and submit your application.
- Pay the fee online.
- By Mail:
- Place your completed Form I-90, copies of your documents, photos, and payment in an envelope.
- Mail it to the address listed in the Form I-90 instructions.
What Happens Next:
– USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C) by mail or email. This notice proves you have applied and can be used as temporary proof of your status if your green card expires while your renewal is being processed.
Tip: Keep your receipt notice safe. You may need it to show employers or border officials.
Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
Estimated time: 1–2 hours (including travel and waiting)
USCIS requires all applicants to attend a biometrics appointment. This is where they take your fingerprints, photo, and signature to check your identity and run background checks.
5.1 What to Expect
- You will receive an appointment notice with the date, time, and location.
- Bring your appointment notice and a photo ID (like your driver’s license or passport).
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- The appointment usually takes about 30 minutes.
Common Pitfall: Missing your appointment can delay your renewal. If you cannot attend, follow the instructions on your notice to reschedule as soon as possible.
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Receive Your New Green Card
Estimated time: 6–12 months (processing times can vary)
After your biometrics appointment, USCIS will process your application. They may ask for more information or documents if needed.
6.1 What Happens During Processing
- USCIS reviews your application and background check results.
- In rare cases, they may ask you to come in for an interview or provide more documents.
- Once approved, USCIS will mail your new green card to the address you provided.
Tip: You can check your case status anytime using your USCIS online account or the USCIS Case Status tool.
Common Pitfall: Not updating your address with USCIS can cause your new card or important notices to be lost. Always keep your address current.
Special Situations and Additional Notes
1. Conditional Green Card Holders
If you have a 2-year conditional green card, you must use Form I-751 (for marriage-based cards) or Form I-829 (for investor cards) to remove conditions. Do not use Form I-90.
2. Card Expired While Traveling Abroad
If your green card expires while you are outside the United States 🇺🇸, contact the nearest U.S. consulate or port of entry for help. Since international USCIS offices closed in 2019, you cannot renew your card at a USCIS office abroad.
3. Change of Address
You must tell USCIS if you move. Use your USCIS online account or the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool to update your address. This helps you get all notices and your new card without delay.
4. Fee Waivers
If you cannot pay the $540 fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. You must file by mail and include Form I-912 with proof of your income or financial hardship.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
- Submitting the wrong form: Only use Form I-90 for regular 10-year green card renewal.
- Missing documents: Always include a copy of your current or expired green card.
- Incorrect payment: Double-check the fee and payment method.
- Not updating your address: This can cause you to miss important notices.
- Missing biometrics appointment: Always attend or reschedule if needed.
- Waiting too long to apply: File for renewal 6 months before your card expires to avoid gaps in your status.
Checklist Summary: Green Card Renewal
Before you start, use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need:
- Form I-90 (completed and signed)
- Copy of current or expired green card
- Two passport-style photos (recommended)
- Proof of legal name change (if needed)
- Fee payment ($540) or fee waiver request (if eligible)
- Supporting identity documents (if requested)
- USCIS online account (for online filing and tracking)
- Receipt notice (keep for your records)
- Attend biometrics appointment
- Update your address if you move
Time Estimates for Each Step
- Completing Form I-90: 30–60 minutes
- Gathering documents: 15–30 minutes
- Paying the fee: 5–10 minutes
- Submitting application: 10–20 minutes
- Biometrics appointment: 1–2 hours
- Processing time: 6–12 months
Latest Updates and What to Expect
As of June 2025, there have been no major changes to the green card renewal process or fees. USCIS continues to encourage online filing for faster service. The $540 fee remains the same, and biometrics appointments are still required. International USCIS offices remain closed, so applicants abroad must work with U.S. consulates.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, filing online is the fastest and most reliable way to renew your green card. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify, and keeping your address current is key to avoiding problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I renew my green card?
A: You should apply for renewal 6 months before your card expires.
Q: Can I work or travel while my renewal is pending?
A: Yes, your receipt notice (Form I-797C) serves as proof of your status until you get your new card.
Q: What if my green card is lost or stolen?
A: Use Form I-90 to apply for a replacement. The process is the same as renewal.
Q: How do I check my case status?
A: Use your USCIS online account or the Case Status tool.
Official Resources
- USCIS Form I-90 page: Official form, instructions, and filing options.
- USCIS Fee Calculator: Check the latest fees.
- USCIS Online Account: File online and track your case.
- USCIS Contact Center: Get help with your application.
- U.S. Consulates: For help if you are abroad.
Takeaways and Next Steps
- Start early: Apply for green card renewal 6 months before your card expires.
- Use the official Form I-90 for all 10-year green card renewals.
- File online for the fastest and most reliable service.
- Keep your documents and address up to date to avoid delays.
- Attend your biometrics appointment as scheduled.
- Check your case status regularly and respond quickly to any USCIS requests.
By following these steps and using the official resources, you can renew your green card with confidence and avoid common problems. If you have special circumstances or questions, contact USCIS or a trusted immigration attorney for help.
Learn Today
Form I-90 → The official USCIS application to renew or replace a 10-year green card.
Green Card → Permanent Resident Card proving lawful permanent residency in the United States for 10 years.
Biometrics Appointment → USCIS-required appointment to collect fingerprints, photo, and signature for identity verification and background checks.
Fee Waiver → USCIS provision allowing eligible applicants to avoid paying renewal fees by submitting Form I-912.
Alien Registration Number → An identification number (A-number) assigned to non-citizens for USCIS processing purposes.
This Article in a Nutshell
Renewing your green card is essential for maintaining legal U.S. residency. File Form I-90 online or by mail, pay $540, attend biometrics, and track your case online. Starting early avoids status gaps, and keeping your address current ensures smooth processing. Use official USCIS resources for guidance.
— By VisaVerge.com
