Permanent residents use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to replace or renew a green card. By law, permanent residents age 18 and older must have a valid, unexpired green card (or equivalent identification) at all times.
If you are a permanent resident and your 10-year green card is expired or will expire within the next 6 months, you may renew the card by filing Form I-90. Most people submit Form I-90 to renew their green card, but other common reasons to replace a green card include:
You may always download a copy of the Form I-90 PDF from the USCIS website. Occasionally, USCIS publishes new editions of the I-90 application. Make sure you are using an edition which USCIS will accept. Although you may use black ink to fill in your Form I-90 by hand, it’s preferable to file a typed application. This helps prevent mistakes and may improve intake speed.
USCIS offers an online filing option for the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. But there are tradeoffs when you do USCIS online filing. You can submit your application quickly. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you get quick processing. If you are interested a quick approval, focus on submitting a well-prepared application package. It’s the difference between saving a couple of days with online filing versus saving several weeks with smooth processing. What’s more, USCIS is not your advocate. They are not looking out for your best interests. If you include information that damages your immigration future, USCIS isn’t going to correct you.
For people who want to make sure they are preparing the application correctly, CitizenPath offers an affordable service created by immigration attorneys. CitizenPath’s Green Card Renewal/Replacement Package will make the application easy and give you alerts if there’s a problem. You’ll also receive detailed filing instructions so you know exactly which supporting documents to submit with your application. CitizenPath even provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application.
For green card renewal, file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, 5 to 6 months prior to the expiration of your current green card. If you file it more than 6 months prior to the expiration date, USCIS will likely reject your I-90 application. If you renew within the 5-to-6-month time frame, you’ll have plenty of time to get a temporary extension.
For green card replacement, file the application as soon as possible.
Green card renewal applicants will automatically get an extension. You will receive an I-797 receipt notice after filing Form I-90. The receipt notice will now say, “This notice provides evidence of your lawful permanent resident status for 24 months from the expiration date on your Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card). You remain authorized to work and travel. This notice, presented with your expired Permanent Resident Card, is evidence of your status and work authorization.”
If you've lost your card or it expired more than two years ago, USCIS does not issue a temporary card. However, you can request an I-551 stamp in your valid, unexpired passport. The stamp is the equivalent of a green card. You may use it for work or travel as well.
A conditional resident may use Form I-90 to replace a card, but they should not use it to renew a card. USCIS will not renew a 2-year green card. Instead, the conditional resident must file a petition to remove conditions during the 90 days before the card expires.
To remain a permanent resident and receive a 10-year green card:
If your two-year conditional green card has already expired, you may be removable (deportable). Please contact an immigration attorney that can advise you on your situation.