Filing Fee, Processing Time, Instructions, Filing Address

For both permanent residents and conditional residents who possess a green card, the I-90 form is an important document required for maintaining legal status in the United States. In this guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, including best filing practices, how to answer the questions, and other expert tips!

According to USCIS, before filing Form I-90, you should use the Naturalization Eligibility Tool to see if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen.

If you are a conditional resident seeking to remove conditions on your green card, do not submit Form I-90. Conditional residents should submit one of the following:

Discuss with your immigration attorney which path is the most appropriate for your case.

As of January 2021, those who are applying to renew their Green Card will have an I-90 receipt notice (also known as  Form I-797) that says:

This notice provides evidence of your lawful permanent resident status for 12 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 do not have your Green Card or your card expired more than 12 months ago, you will need evidence of your lawful permanent resident status while waiting to receive a new Green Card, and we may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after you file this form. Additionally, if you applied for naturalization at least six months before your Green Card expired, you may be able to receive an ADIT stamp valid for up to 12 months instead of filing a Form I-90. If you need assistance, contact the USCIS Contact Center.

*Note that the receipt notice can be used with your expired Green Card as evidence of your lawful permanent resident status.

If your application to renew your Green Card has been accepted by USCIS and you haven’t received a biometrics appointment notice yet, USCIS will send you a new receipt notice. This receipt notice can be used along with your expired Green Card as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is relatively straightforward. If you can, it’s best to file online because that comes with many filing benefits, including:

• Case status alerts and secure messages
• You can see all case correspondence
• Check your case status and update your personal information
• Upload evidence

You can file online through this USCIS portal.

Part 1. Information About You

The first part of the application, on page 1, is basic information about you. It asks you for your alien registration number (A-number), USCIS online account number (if any), full name, any changes to your legal name, mailing address, physical address if different than your mailing address, gender, date of birth, place of birth, country of birth, mother’s name, father’s name and details pertaining to them.

Part 2. Application Type

Note: If your conditional permanent resident status is expiring within the next 90 days, do not file this application. 

In part two, line 1.a.-1.c. you will need to select what your status is:

The answer you select will determine if you proceed to section A or section B in part 2.

Section A is to be used only by a lawful permanent resident or permanent resident in commuter status. Section B is only to be used by a conditional permanent resident. This is a very important section because it pertains to the reason you are filing Form I-90.

Reasons include: 

• Previous card has been lost, stolen or destroyed
• Previous card was issued but never received
• Existing card has been mutilated
• Existing card has incorrect data because of DHS error
• Name or other biographic information has been legally changed since the issuance of your existing card
• Existing card has expired or will in six months
• You have turned 14 years old and are registering as required. Your existing card will expire AFTER your 16th birthday
• You have turned 14 years old and are registering as required. Your existing card will expire BEFORE your 16th birthday
• You are a permanent resident who is taking up commuter status
• You are a commuter who is taking up actual residence in the U.S.
• You have been automatically converted to lawful permanent resident status
• You have a prior edition of the Alien Registration Card or are applying to replace your current Permanent Resident Card for a reason not specified above.

Part 3. Processing Information

In part 3, line 1, fill in the location where you applied for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status. In line 2, fill n the location where your immigrant visa was issued or USCIS office where you were granted an adjustment of status. Complete number 3.a. and 3.a1 if you entered the United States with an immigrant visa. If you were granted an adjustment of status, go on to number 4. Lines 6-11, asks for details related to your race, ethnicity, height, weight, eye color and hair color.

Part 4. Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities and or Impairments

Those who are blind, have low vision or have another disability/impairment should fill out this section requesting their accommodation.

Part 5. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification and Signature

Read the penalties section of Form I-90 before signing this section. If you certify that you can read English, and have read and understood all the questions select box 1.a. If you used an interpreter named in part 6, select 1.b. and if you used a preparer named in part 7, select box 2.

Parts 6 – 8

The remaining sections should be completed if you used an interpreter or preparer to complete the form. It asks for details about their name, contact information, mailing address, etc. Part 8 is additional space for answering questions previously asked.

Due to the significance of completing this form accurately, we strongly recommend you have it done by a qualified immigration attorney to avoid any mistakes or delays in your case.

I-90 Processing Time 2023

Short answer: 8-12+ months, but this may vary.

Roughly 2-4 weeks after submitting Form I-90, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS confirming that they received it (Form I-797C, Notice of Action).

The receipt notice will have a 10-digit receipt number you can use to check your case status. If you did not use a qualified attorney and, as a result, you didn’t properly file it, then USCIS will send you a Notice of Action to reject the application. Avoidable mistakes are costly and add more processing time to your case. For that reason, make a wise choice and hire a professional.

For those that are required to also obtain a biometrics appointment, USCIS will mail you the appointment date with the location and time about 5-8 weeks after filing. Normally, this is a fast appointment where the immigration officials will collect your fingerprints along with a photo of you and your signature. Don’t forget to bring a form of I.D. with you (i.e., passport, driver’s license, military i.d., state-issued i.d. card). Do your best not to reschedule this appointment because that will add additional processing time.

About 8-12 months after filing, your application will be processed and if all goes well and USCIS approves your application then you will have a new green card mailed to your U.S. mailing address.

If you hold permanent resident status in commuter status, the USCIS will deliver your new green card to the port of entry you specified in your application.

History of Backlogs with Processing

There was a sharp increase in the number of backlogged I-90 cases in 2022 which carried over into the 2023 processing time. The chart below outlines the median I-90 processing times in months going back to 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What is the Filing Fee for I-90 Form?

As of May 2023, the filing fee is $455.

Where do I file Form I-90?

You have the option to file it online or by mail with a paper version. If you are doing it by mail use the following addresses:

U.S. Postal Service (USPS):

USCIS
Attn: I-90
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

*Applications and petitions that are not mailed to the appropriate filing location may experience processing delays.

I never received my green card, so I am refiling Form I-90. Do I have to pay the fee? 

You do not have to pay a filing fee if you are filing Form I-90 because you never received your Green Card, if the following is true:

• USCIS mailed the card more than 30 days ago;
• It was returned to us as undeliverable; and
• You have not moved from the address you provided us.

However, you must submit the following:

• A copy of the Form I-797, Notice of Action, for the form that USCIS approved to grant your Green Card; for example, Form I-485, Form I-751, Form I-829, or Form I-90;
• A copy of government-issued identification that contains your name, date of birth, photograph and signature.

The current green card I have has my name misspelled. Do I have to pay the fee? 

You do not have to pay the fee, but you must send USCIS:

• The original card that contains incorrect information; and
• Evidence documenting your correct name or biographical information.

How much does it cost to renew a green card in 2023?

The fee for Form I-90 is $455.

How do I pay my I-90 fee?

If filing by mail, you can pay by with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check, or pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Do I have to pay the biometric fee along with Form I-90?

The answer to that will depend on the reason for your application. See the chart below to know if the biometric service fee of $85 applies to you.

What is the wait time for green card renewal?

See the section about. It ranges anywhere up to a year. Discuss approximate processing times with your immigration attorney.

Does I-90 require an interview?

In some cases, you may need to have a biometric appointment.

Can I travel with pending I-90?

While their I-90 application is being processed, individuals applying for I-90 do not forfeit their legal status as permanent residents. However, if they depart from the United States with an expired green card, they may encounter issues with CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

How can I speed up my i90?

Discuss what options may be available with your immigration attorney.

Story originally seen here