For both permanent residents and conditional residents, maintaining a valid Green Card is essential to preserve legal status in the United States. Form I-90, officially titled Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the document you’ll need when renewing or replacing your Green Card. In this comprehensive guide, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link explain how to properly complete and file Form I-90, including step-by-step instructions, filing options, and expert insights to help you avoid common mistakes.
Before Filing Form I-90
Before you file, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends using its Naturalization Eligibility Tool to determine whether you may qualify for U.S. citizenship.
If you are a conditional resident, you should not file Form I-90 to remove conditions from your Green Card. Instead, you must submit one of the following forms:
- Form I-751 – Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (for Green Cards obtained through marriage).
- Form I-829 – Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (for Green Cards obtained through investment).
If you are unsure which path is appropriate, consult an immigration attorney at Green Card Link for personalized legal guidance.
Receipt Notices and Work Authorization
As of January 2021, applicants renewing their Green Cards receive a Form I-797 receipt notice confirming continued lawful permanent resident status. The notice states:
“This notice provides evidence of your lawful permanent resident status for 12 months from the expiration date on your Green Card (Form I-551). You remain authorized to work and travel. Present this notice along with your expired Green Card as proof of your status.”
If your Green Card has been lost or expired for more than 12 months, USCIS may issue you an ADIT (Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications) stamp after filing Form I-90 to verify your legal status while your renewal is pending.
Additionally, if you applied for naturalization at least six months before your Green Card expired, you may qualify for an ADIT stamp valid for up to 12 months—without needing to file Form I-90. For assistance, contact USCIS or speak with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link.
If your Form I-90 has been accepted but you haven’t yet received your biometrics appointment notice, USCIS will issue an updated receipt notice. This document, together with your expired Green Card, serves as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
How to File Form I-90: Step-by-Step Process
Form I-90 is generally straightforward, but accuracy is crucial. Whenever possible, it’s recommended to file online through the official USCIS portal. Filing online allows you to:
- Receive real-time case status updates and alerts.
- Send and receive secure messages from USCIS.
- Upload supporting documents directly.
- View all correspondence in one place.
- Easily update your personal information.
Part 1 – Information About You
This section collects your personal and identification details, including your:
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- USCIS Online Account Number (if applicable)
- Full legal name and any name changes
- Mailing and physical addresses
- Birth details, gender, and parental information
Part 2 – Application Type
If your conditional permanent resident status will expire within 90 days, do not file Form I-90.
Here, you’ll identify your immigration status by selecting one of the following:
- Lawful Permanent Resident
- Permanent Resident in Commuter Status
- Conditional Permanent Resident
Your selection determines whether you complete Section A (lawful/permanent residents) or Section B (conditional residents).
Common reasons for filing include:
- Lost, stolen, or destroyed Green Card
- Green Card issued but never received
- Card damaged or mutilated
- Incorrect data due to a DHS error
- Name or biographic change
- Expired or soon-to-expire card
- Turning 14 years old and required to register
- Change from commuter to U.S. resident status (or vice versa)
- Replacement of older versions of the Alien Registration Card
Part 3 – Processing Information
You’ll need to provide details such as:
- Where you applied for your immigrant visa or adjustment of status
- The U.S. consulate or USCIS office that granted your visa or status
- Entry information, if applicable
- Physical characteristics (race, height, weight, eye/hair color)
Part 4 – Disability or Impairment Accommodations
If you have a disability or impairment (e.g., low vision, hearing difficulty, or mobility limitations), use this section to request reasonable accommodations.
Part 5 – Applicant’s Statement and Signature
Carefully read the penalties section before signing.
- Check Box 1.a. if you can read and understand English.
- Check Box 1.b. if an interpreter assisted you.
- Check Box 2 if a preparer helped complete your form.
Parts 6–8 – Interpreter, Preparer, and Additional Information
These sections must be completed if you used an interpreter or preparer. Include their contact details, mailing address, and certification. Use Part 8 for any extra explanations or clarifications.
I-90 Processing Time: 2025 Update
Short Answer: The average I-90 processing time currently ranges between 8 and 12 months — though this can vary depending on your case and location.
After You Submit Form I-90
About 2–4 weeks after filing Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card), you should receive a receipt notice from USCIS, officially known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action. This receipt confirms that USCIS has received your application and includes a 10-digit receipt number that allows you to check your case status online.
If your application was filed incorrectly or contained errors — often the case when not handled by a qualified professional — USCIS may reject it and issue a Notice of Action explaining the reason. These errors are costly and can cause serious processing delays. To avoid setbacks, it’s always best to work with experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, who ensure your submission is properly prepared and compliant with all USCIS requirements.
Biometrics Appointment
If you are required to provide biometrics, USCIS will send you an appointment notice about 5–8 weeks after filing. This notice will include the location, date, and time of your appointment. During this quick visit, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photo, and signature for identity verification. Remember to bring valid photo identification (such as your passport, driver’s license, military ID, or state ID card).
Try not to reschedule this appointment, as doing so will add more time to your overall processing.
Receiving Your New Green Card
On average, 8–12 months after submission, USCIS will process and decide your case. If approved, your new green card will be mailed directly to your U.S. mailing address.
If you hold commuter status as a lawful permanent resident, your green card will be sent to the port of entry you designated on your application.
I-90 Processing Backlogs and Delays
In 2022, USCIS experienced a major increase in backlogged I-90 cases, leading to longer wait times throughout 2023 and 2024. These delays have gradually improved but still vary depending on your service center and the complexity of your case.
The historical chart below shows median I-90 processing times from 2018 onward, reflecting these nationwide fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-90
1. What Is the Filing Fee for Form I-90?
As of May 2025, the USCIS filing fee for Form I-90 remains $455.
2. Where Do I File Form I-90?
You can file online or by mail.
If filing by mail:
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-90
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262
For FedEx, UPS, or DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
⚠️ Tip: Applications not sent to the correct filing address may experience processing delays.
3. I Never Received My Green Card. Do I Still Have to Pay the Fee?
If you never received your Green Card, you may not need to pay the filing fee, provided that:
- USCIS mailed your card over 30 days ago;
- It was returned to USCIS as undeliverable; and
- You have not changed your address since filing.
To qualify for a fee waiver, you must submit:
- A copy of the Form I-797 Notice of Action related to the approved application (e.g., Form I-485, I-751, I-829, or I-90); and
- A copy of government-issued ID showing your name, date of birth, photo, and signature.
4. My Green Card Has a Typo. Do I Have to Pay the Fee?
If your card contains a USCIS error (such as a misspelled name), you are not required to pay the filing fee. However, you must provide:
- The original card with the incorrect information; and
- Proof of your correct name or biographical data.
5. How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Green Card in 2025?
The renewal fee for Form I-90 is $455, plus a biometric fee of $85, if applicable.
6. How Do I Pay the I-90 Fee?
If filing by mail, you can pay by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card (using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions).
All checks should be made payable to:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
7. Do I Need to Pay the Biometric Fee?
The biometric service fee depends on the reason for your application. Consult your immigration attorney at Green Card Link to determine whether the $85 biometric fee applies in your situation.
8. What Is the Current Wait Time for Green Card Renewal?
Typical I-90 renewal times range from 8 to 12 months, depending on USCIS workload and your case category. To get the most accurate estimate, discuss your case with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link, who can track your specific service center’s performance.
9. Does Form I-90 Require an Interview?
In most cases, USCIS does not require an interview for Form I-90 applicants. However, you may still need to attend a biometric appointment if USCIS requests it.
10. Can I Travel While My I-90 Is Pending?
While your Form I-90 is pending, your lawful permanent resident status remains valid. However, traveling with an expired green card may cause complications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Speak with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link before making international travel plans.
11. How Can I Speed Up My I-90 Processing?
In limited situations, you may request expedited processing if you meet specific USCIS criteria such as severe financial loss or urgent humanitarian need. Discuss your options directly with experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, who can help you determine eligibility and submit a proper expedite request.
Key Takeaways
- Average I-90 processing time: 8–12 months
- Avoid delays: File correctly with the help of immigration attorneys at Green Card Link
- Check status: Use your I-797C receipt number on the USCIS website
- Don’t skip biometrics: Missing or rescheduling adds delays
- Consult professionals: Personalized legal guidance ensures faster, smoother results