How to Renew Expired Green Card 2024:Requirements & Details

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If your 10-year green card has expired or is nearing expiration, it’s crucial to take action. Seeking assistance for a new or renewed green card? Consider services like RapidVisa and Boundless. Below, we’ll guide you through the renewal process in four essential steps.

How To Renew Your Green Card

Fill Out the Renewal Application:
- Online Option: Visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to access the I-90 form. This is the primary form for renewing or replacing your green card.
- Mail Option: If you prefer a physical application, download the I-90 form from the USCIS website, fill it out, and send it to the designated USCIS address as mentioned on the form.
Compile Necessary Documents:
- Ensure you have a clear copy of both sides of your current (or expired) green card.
- Provide any additional documents that USCIS specifies in the I-90 instructions, such as evidence of your identity or name changes.
Settle Government Fees:
- The USCIS typically requires a fee to process the green card renewal. Visit the USCIS Fee Schedule to determine the current fee for the I-90 form.
- Ensure you make the payment through an accepted method, such as a check, money order, or credit card, as specified by USCIS.
Submit and Await Confirmation:
- Once you’ve completed the application, double-check for accuracy and completeness.
- Send your application package, including the filled-out I-90 form, supporting documents, and fee payment, to the USCIS address provided in the instructions.
- After submission, USCIS will notify you about the receipt of your application. Follow any additional instructions or requests they may have until you receive your renewed green card.

Important Note: Even if your green card expires, you generally maintain your status as a permanent resident unless specific conditions apply, such as extended absences or committing certain crimes. Renewing your green card is crucial to ensure uninterrupted rights to live, work, and travel in the U.S.

Always consult the official USCIS website or seek legal advice when renewing your green card to stay updated on requirements, processes, and any changes in regulations.

Green Card: Renewal Processing Time

You should plan on waiting 1.5 to 12 months after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives your renewal form before it is processed. On the USCIS website, you can check the most recent processing time.

If you need your new green card sooner

To confirm your status as a holder of a green card, USCIS may issue an “Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications” (ADIT) stamp if:

You have an urgent need to prove you’re a lawful permanent resident — for example if you’re applying for a new job — while you wait for your new green card.
You applied for naturalization at least 6 months before your green card expires, in which case you would not need to file Form I-90.
If you need an ADIT stamp, seek help from the USCIS Contact Center, or contact your nearest USCIS field office.

How Much Is the Green Card Renewal Fee?

1. Cost Breakdown:

Total Renewal Fee: When you decide to renew your green card, you’ll be looking at a total fee of $540.
- Filing Fee: This primary component amounts to $455, which is essentially the processing fee for your renewal application.
- Biometrics Fee: Apart from the filing fee, there’s an additional biometrics fee of $85. This covers the costs associated with collecting your fingerprints, capturing your photograph, and recording your signature.

2. Fee Waiver Eligibility:

Understanding Fee Waiver: If you find yourself in financial constraints or meet specific eligibility criteria, you might qualify for a fee waiver. By obtaining this waiver, you’ll be exempt from paying both the filing and biometrics fees, ensuring that financial barriers don’t hinder your renewal process.

3. Payment Methods Based on Application Method:

Online Submission:
- Electronic Payment via Pay.gov: Once you’ve meticulously filled out and submitted Form I-90 on the official USCIS website, the platform will redirect you to pay.gov. Here’s where you can conveniently and securely make an electronic payment using a credit card. Ensure you have your card details ready and check for any transaction fees or limits associated with your card.

Mail-in Application:
- Money Order: If you opt for a money order, it must be payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Ensure you get it from a reputable source, and keep a copy for your records.
- Personal Check or Cashier’s Check: Another acceptable method is using a personal check or cashier’s check. Again, make it payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” and ensure that your account has sufficient funds to cover the amount.
- Credit Card Payment: For those preferring credit card payments, you’ll utilize Form G-1450, also known as the “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.” Fill out the necessary details, including your card information, and ensure you sign where required. Double-check the amount you’re authorizing to ensure accuracy. Remember, the payment destination is the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” and abbreviations should be avoided.

When To Renew Your Green Card

When their 10-year green card is about to expire or has already expired, permanent residents should typically apply for renewal as soon as possible. (However, avoid applying too soon; if you do, USCIS may reject your application and retain your payment.)

If you’re outside the United States

Your green card expires in six months, but you’ll return to the country before that time within a year of leaving: As soon as you arrive back in the US, submit your green card renewal application.

Your green card has expired, and you did not submit an application for renewal before departing the country: Before submitting a renewal application, get in touch with the closest USCIS field office abroad, US consulate, or US port of entry (POE) and let them know your situation. (IMPORTANT: By October 2019, all foreign USCIS field offices will close.)

Remember when your green card expires so you can make arrangements in advance to fulfill renewal requirements, especially if you intend to travel abroad. Your ability to conduct other life activities, such as finding a new job, or re-entering the United States may be hindered if your green card has expired. And if you receive a misdemeanor for not carrying a valid green card with you—which is required by law at all times—that could cause issues for you when you apply for citizenship in the United States.

In the below link, you can download Form I-90

i-90 Download

How To Renew Your Green Card

You must first complete Form I-90 (officially known as the “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card”) in order to renew your green card. Do not be misled by the form’s name; both green card renewals and replacements use the same application.

Whether you submit your renewal application to USCIS online or by mail will determine the subsequent steps:

Online	By Mail
1. Create a USCIS online account.	1. Complete a paper Form I-90.
2. Complete Form I-90.	2. Make a photocopy of the required evidence, such as your expired or soon-to-expire green card.
3. Upload required evidence, such as a copy of your expired or soon-to-expire green card.	3. Review and sign your application.
4. Review and digitally sign your application.	4. Include your payment for the government fees (if required).
5. Pay the government fees (if required).	5. Mail your application to USCIS, and wait for your new green card.
6. Submit your application, and wait for your new green card.

Instructions for Additional Circumstances

If you’re applying for a fee waiver: You must file by mail (see above).

If your card expires while you’re traveling outside the United States: Contact the nearest U.S. consulate, international USCIS field office, or U.S. port of entry, and explain your situation before filing Form I-90. (IMPORTANT: All international USCIS field offices will shut down by October 2019).

If you have a 2-year conditional green card: You must adhere to a different procedure. For more information, see our comprehensive guide for those with conditional green cards.

Documents Required for Green Card Renewal

As proof that you are eligible for renewal, you typically only need to present a copy of your green card, which has expired or is about to expire.

What To Expect After Applying for Renewal

When USCIS accepts your renewal application, they will send you a letter to let you know. You can use the 13-character “receipt number” found in the letter, which is made up of 3 letters and 10 numbers, to find out the status of your renewal application (see below).

The USCIS will send you a receipt notice extending the validity of your green card for 24 months after the expiration date on your green card if your green card renewal application was submitted on or after September 26, 2024.

The USCIS will send you a new receipt notice that extends the validity of the green card for 24 months after the expiration date on your green card if you have a pending I-90 form that you submitted before September 26, 2024.

The same notification will be posted by USCIS in your USCIS online account as well. If you don’t already have one, USCIS will make one for you and provide access information in the letter you received in the mail.

Receive a “biometrics” notification

You should also anticipate receiving notification of a scheduled date for your biometrics appointment within 1-2 weeks of USCIS receiving your application (basically, an appointment to take your fingerprints, photo, and signature). To complete your green card renewal, you might also need to provide more details or supporting documentation. If so, make sure to reply by the notice’s deadline.

How to check your green card renewal status

On the USCIS “Check Status” page, enter your receipt number to keep tabs on the status of your renewal application. You can look through your entire application history from the Check Status page.

Fill out Form G-1145 (officially known as the “e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance”) and submit it with your green card renewal application if you want USCIS to send you a text message or email when your form is accepted.

Green Card Application Denied: What To Do?

As long as you abide by the rules and the law, there shouldn’t be any issues, but there are some circumstances where the U.S. government might reject a green card renewal application, such as if you were convicted of a crime, failed to pay your taxes, lied on your application, or submitted the incorrect form.

You will be sent a letter outlining the reasons why your renewal application was rejected. If you believe that the government erred, you can do the following:

1-Send a motion to USCIS asking that they reevaluate their choice. To demonstrate how the decision to deny your application was based on faulty information or the application of the law, make sure to provide any additional factual information.

2-submit a motion asking USCIS to reevaluate their choice. A decision to reject your application was likely based on inaccurate information or an improper interpretation of the law, so be sure to explain any additional factual evidence that would demonstrate this.

It takes roughly 45 days to examine denial appeals. Your request may be granted by USCIS, or the matter may be forwarded to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) for additional review, which typically takes six months to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions: Green Card

1-During COVID, how can I renew my green card?

Covid-related constraints shouldn’t prevent you from submitting because you can file Form I-90 either by mail or online. So there’s a chance you could have to go to an interview. Field offices are currently operational, and federal regulations are in place to support the maintenance of a secure workplace. For instance, physical distance is carefully enforced, and everyone within a federal facility is required to wear a mask.
Do not enter a USCIS field office if you have gone through any of the following:
-You’ve been diagnosed with Covid-19, or have any related symptoms, such as a cough, fever, or difficulty breathing
-You’ve been near anyone with Covid-19 within 2 weeks of your appointment (this doesn’t apply to vaccinated applicants)
-You’ve returned from a trip abroad within 10 days of your appointment
-You’ve received instructions to self-quarantine
Be mindful that you shouldn’t come more than 15 minutes early for your appointment, and USCIS advises you to bring your black-ink pen to lessen the risk of transmission. You can contact the USCIS contact center at 1-800-375-5283 if you’re unable to attend for any of the aforementioned reasons, or for any other reason for that matter.

2- Does a green card renewal require an interview?

In general, after submitting the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, you are not required to attend an interview. However, USCIS may ask you to come in for a personal interview. During this interview, they may also conduct a background check and request biometric information, such as your fingerprints and a photo.
After filing Form, I-751, or the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, if you are a Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR) who is approaching the 2-year limit, you will almost certainly need to appear in person for an interview. This is a result of a policy modification that became effective in December 2018. To learn more, read our article on the subject.
It should be noted that Form I-751 is not a form for renewing a green card in the strictest sense. Its name implies that its purpose is to modify your green card’s conditions. Your I-751 will be approved, and you’ll get a card good for ten years.

3- How often should I renew my green card?

If your 10-year permanent resident card has already expired or will do so in the following six months, you should renew it as soon as possible using Form I-90. By looking at the front of your ID, where it says “Card Expires,” you can determine when your card expires.
Your green card will expire after two years if you hold a CPR, and you must submit Form I-751 no earlier than 90 days before it does. You can check for the “CR1” designation on your permanent resident card to see if you are a CPR if you are unsure.

4-Will they do a criminal history check when I file for renewal? If so, will a misdemeanor affect my case?

You might be required to go to a biometrics appointment before USCIS runs a background check on you. If you have a criminal history, it will likely come up during this process. Even if you have a misdemeanor on your record, you are not automatically ineligible for renewal. The Immigration and Nationality Act lists three crime-related reasons that could prevent you from getting your updated permanent resident card:
-Specific criminal conviction: If you break laws relating to controlled substances in the United States or abroad, or if you commit a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT), which dates back to the 1957 case “In the Matter of K,” you may be denied.
-Multiple criminal convictions: You might be rejected if you are found guilty of two or more crimes that carry sentences of five years or more in prison.
-Controlled substance trafficking: Your case might be rejected if it is established that you participated in illegal drug trafficking, whether as a direct perpetrator or an accomplice. Even if you are the “spouse, son, or daughter” of a known trafficker, this is still true.
Be aware that there may be some exceptions. For instance, you might still be qualified to receive a renewed green card if you committed a CIMT before the age of 18 and the offense took place five years before the date of your visa application. You might want to contact a lawyer if you’re unsure whether you’ll pass the legal test for admissibility.

5- How do you waive the green card renewal fee?

You must submit Form I-912, also known as a Request for Fee Waiver, to have the Form I-90 fee waived. You must be able to demonstrate that your financial situation prevents you from making this payment to be granted the fee waiver. There are three distinct ways to prove this, per the directions for completing Form I-912. Only one of the following must be proven:
-You receive a “means-tested benefit”: You have been granted this public benefit based on your income. SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families are a few examples of benefits that are means-tested. You need to show proof that you receive this benefit.
–Your household income is equal to or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines: Generally speaking, the current maximum is $31,040 for a household of five people.
-You’re experiencing financial hardship: You might qualify for the waiver if you can demonstrate that your current financial situation prevents you from paying the fee. Though other factors might also apply, you might be going through hardship if you have high medical costs, are unemployed, or are currently homeless. Even if you earn more than the federal poverty level, you can still use this line of thinking.
Depending on the specifics of your renewal, you might be able to save close to $500 if you can successfully demonstrate that you are unable to pay the fee using one of these three categories.