Keep your legal status current by renewing or replacing your Green Card
The Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) is the official document that lawful permanent residents must file with USCIS when they need to renew or replace their Green Card.
Having a valid and updated card not only proves your legal status in the United States, but it is also essential for working, traveling, and accessing various immigration and civil benefits.
Table of Contents
- What is Form I-90?
- When must Form I-90 be filed?
- Cases where you should not use Form I-90
- Requirements and necessary documents
- Step-by-step process to file the application
- Processing time and case tracking
- Common mistakes when completing Form I-90
- Professional advice with Legalízate Ya
- 📞 Contact us today
What is Form I-90?
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is used by lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to:
- Renew their residence card when it has expired or is about to expire.
- Replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
- Update incorrect or modified information, such as name, address, or date of birth.
- Receive a new card when a newer version or one with a new security design has been issued.
In short, Form I-90 is the fundamental procedure to maintain valid proof of your permanent residence in the United States.
When must Form I-90 be filed?
You must file Form I-90 with USCIS in the following cases:
- Your Green Card is expired or expires within the next six months.
- Your card was lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged.
- The card contains information errors (name, date of birth, sex, etc.).
- Your name or other personal data have legally changed (due to marriage, divorce, etc.).
- You never received the card approved by USCIS.
- You possess a previous residence card (with no expiration date) and wish to obtain a modern and updated version.
Cases where you should not use Form I-90
Form I-90 is not used for the following cases:
- If you are a conditional resident (through marriage or investment), you must use Form I-751 or Form I-829 to remove conditions.
- If you never received your initial approved residence card and your application is still pending.
- If your card was retained by the government or a consular agency.
In these cases, consult with an immigration attorney before filing any application with USCIS.
Requirements and necessary documents
When filing Form I-90, you must include:
- Completed and signed Form I-90.
- Copy of your current Green Card (if available).
- Photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.).
- Supporting legal documents, if you are correcting or updating personal information (e.g., marriage certificate, court order for name change, etc.).
- Payment of the corresponding fee, unless you qualify for a waiver.
All documents must be sent in a clear and legible format, preferably in certified or notarized copies.
Step-by-step process to file the application
- Determine your eligibility: check if your case corresponds to a Green Card renewal or replacement.
- Complete Form I-90: you can do this online through the USCIS portal or by physical mail.
- Pay the required fee: USCIS charges a filing fee and a biometrics fee.
- Attend your biometrics appointment: your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be taken.
- Wait for USCIS notification: you can receive updates online using your receipt number.
- Receive your new Green Card: the document will be sent by mail once the application is approved.
Processing time and case tracking
Processing times for Form I-90 can vary depending on the type of application, but generally range between 6 and 12 months.
You can check your case status at any time by accessing the USCIS portal with your receipt number (Form I-797C).
In urgent cases, it is possible to request an expedited replacement for humanitarian or employment reasons, with proper justification.
Common mistakes when completing Form I-90
- Filing the form too early (more than six months before expiration).
- Omitting signatures or mandatory personal data.
- Not including documents supporting information changes.
- Paying an incorrect fee or not attaching proof of payment.
- Not updating your address with USCIS before sending the application.
Avoiding these mistakes is fundamental to preventing unnecessary delays or application rejections.
Professional advice with Legalízate Ya
At Legalízate Ya, we understand the importance of keeping your immigration status in order and having a valid Green Card. Our team of immigration attorneys will assist you in correctly completing your Form I-90, ensuring that every detail is in order and avoiding errors that could affect your process.
We offer personalized attention, constant follow-up, and clear advice during all stages of the procedure.
📞 Contact us today
Do you need to renew or replace your Green Card?
Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule a consultation with our team.
Legalízate Ya — Your trust, our experience in immigration law.
