Form I-90: Green Card Replacement

If your green card is expiring, lost, stolen, or damaged, it’s time to file Form I-90 to replace your green card. The process is mostly just procedural, but even so, making mistakes or filling out the wrong form can cause unnecessary delays and complications.

Learn about the green card replacement processing time, fees, and timelines, and find out when it’s best to consult an attorney. Ready to discuss your case with the team at Lira Bravo Law? Call us at 214-390-6294 now.

Renew or Replace Your Green Card
with Confidence

What is Form I-90?

Most permanent residents who need to renew or replace a green card use Form I-90. This form includes information about you, your Alien Registration number, how you obtained your green card, application type, and other relevant information. USCIS recently changed the renewal period for green cards, so green cards are automatically extended for 36 months for lawful residents who file Form I-90 properly.

The form does require some information from your initial green card application, such as where you originally submitted your application, where it was approved, and your final destination when you enter the United States. The form also requires you to indicate why you are applying, with reasons like:

Card was lost, stolen, or destroyed
Card was issued but never received
Card was mutilated
Card has incorrect data
Name or other information has changed
Card has expired or will expire within 90 days

When You Should Not File Form I-90

Form I-90 is the appropriate form for most permanent residents in most situations, but it isn’t always the right one. You may need another form if:

You are a conditional permanent resident (this requires Form I-751 or Form I-829)
You abandoned permanent resident status
You’re applying for permanent resident status
You’re in removal proceedings and are trying to resolve status issues

Filling out the wrong form can cause complications and delays. If you’re facing issues with your status, submitting the wrong form costs you time, and sometimes money, that could have been spent filling out the right forms and navigating the next step in the process.

How the Green Card Replacement Process Works

To replace green card, the process begins when you submit Form I-90 to USCIS. If they approve your application without any other evidence needed, they will mail your new green card to you. If you need proof of your legal status in the interim, you can use your expired green card with your Form I-90 receipt. You may need to pay a green card replacement fee of $415 to $465, depending on the reason for your application and whether you apply online or in person.

In some cases, USCIS may determine that you need a biometrics appointment. USCIS will send you a biometrics appointment notice with the time and place of your appointment. After your biometrics appointment, USCIS will send your green card if your application is approved.

USCIS may also deny your application, and if they do, they will send you a letter explaining the reason for their denial. You cannot appeal a denial, you can only submit a motion to reopen or reconsider to the office that decided against you or reapply again.

Green Card Replacement Processing Time

The green card replacement processing time for Form I-90 typically ranges from 4 to 12 months, though some cases may take up to 20 months depending on USCIS workload and individual circumstances. While USCIS reports an average processing time of around 4 months for many applications, real-world timelines often vary, with recent delays commonly extending to 8 to 12 months or longer.

Need Help Renewing Your Green Card?

Common Issues and Delays With I-90 Applications

Although Form I-90 is fairly straightforward and procedural in nature, there are issues that can result in denial or leave you without a green card for an extended period of time. Common problems include:

Choosing the wrong filing category
Sending in incomplete or inconsistent information (including information different from what you indicated on your initial green card application)
Not including required documentation
Issues with immigration status or criminal charges that cause USCIS to deny or look deeper into your application
Extended USCIS processing times
Not signing the application. If you do not sign the application, USCIS will deny it outright
Not submitting the filing fee

Why You Should Choose Lira Bravo Law

If you are unsure how to renew, replace a lost green card or want to avoid delays, an immigration attorney can help ensure your Form I-90 is filed correctly. Maintaining proof of your legal status is essential, particularly if you are planning on traveling or applying for jobs. The team at Lira Bravo Law can help you prepare for the renewal process, particularly if you have any concerns regarding your eligibility for renewal.

For example, if you have pending criminal charges, extensive travel outside the United States, or existing immigration violations that you think may affect your eligibility, we can help you identify concerns and address them before filing. Our goal is to help you renew or replace your card as quickly and easily as possible, so you always have proof of legal status.

When it’s time to renew or replace a green card, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation now by contacting us online or calling us at 214-390-6294.