Green Card Renewal & Replacement (I-90)

Protect your right to work and travel. Correctly file Form I-90 to secure a 36-month status extension and replace your expired or lost green card

Securing Your Status: Green Card Renewal & Replacement

Your green card is proof that you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States. U.S. law requires permanent residents who are 18 or older to carry a valid green card at all times. If your card is expired, lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to act. An expired card does not end your permanent resident status, but it creates real problems in daily life.

Renewing or replacing a green card is done by filing Form I-90 with USCIS. The process sounds simple, but errors or missing documents can delay the filing by months. USCIS fees are also non-refundable, so a rejected application costs you time and money. Working with an immigration attorney helps you get the filing right the first time.

When You Need to Renew or Replace Your Green Card

There are several reasons you may need to file Form I-90. These include:

Your 10-year green card is expiring within the next six months
Your green card has already expired
Your card was lost, stolen, or damaged
USCIS never delivered your card after it was approved
Your name or other personal information has changed
The information printed on your card is incorrect
You have an older card format (such as Form AR-3, AR-103, or I-151) that is no longer accepted as valid proof of status
You received your green card before age 14 and are now turning 14

Important note for conditional residents: If you have a 2-year conditional green card, you do not file Form I-90 to renew it. You need to file Form I-751 (if your status is based on marriage) or Form I-829 (if it is based on investment). These are separate processes with different rules and deadlines. If you are not sure which applies to you, Justin can review your card and advise you at your consultation.

How the I-90 Process Works

Filing Form I-90 involves more than just completing a form. Here is what the process looks like:

1

Confirm your situation

Justin reviews your green card and immigration history to confirm the correct filing category and any factors that could affect your application.

2

Complete Form I-90

The form can be filed online through your USCIS account or by mail. Justin prepares the form and reviews it for accuracy before submission.

3

Pay the filing fee

The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-90 is $415 (plus an $85 biometric services fee if required). USCIS fees can change, so confirm the current amount at uscis.gov before filing.

4

Attend a biometrics appointment

USCIS will mail you an appointment notice for fingerprinting. Most applicants are required to attend.

5

Wait for processing

USCIS currently processes most I-90 applications within 6 to 12 months, though times vary by service center and case volume.

6

Receive your new green card

USCIS mails your renewed or replacement card to your address on file once the application is approved.

Removing Conditions on Residency

Mandatory Filing Window

You must submit your petition within the 90-day period immediately before your two-year conditional green card reaches its expiration date.

Automatic Status Extension

A validly submitted application generates a receipt notice that officially extends your legal permanent resident status for 48 months.

Marriage Legitimacy Proof

Marriage-based residents file Form I-751 and must provide exhaustive evidence to demonstrate their marital union is authentic and ongoing.

Status Termination Risk

Failure to meet the deadline can result in the automatic loss of residency and the commencement of formal removal proceedings.

Note for 2026: Because of significant processing backlogs, the 48-month extension notice serves as your essential proof of status for employment and international travel. Justin ensures your documentation is perfectly organized to prevent “Requests for Evidence” (RFEs) that could further delay your 10-year card.

Traveling While Your Renewal Is Pending

If your green card has expired or will expire before you return from a trip abroad, you need to plan carefully. Expired green card holders can re-enter the U.S. using two documents together: the expired green card and the original I-90 receipt notice from USCIS. This combination serves as valid evidence of your status for up to 36 months from the card’s expiration date.

If you need proof of your status before your new card arrives, you can request an ADIT stamp at a USCIS field office. This stamp serves as temporary evidence of your lawful permanent resident status for one year and can be used for international travel or to prove work authorization to an employer. Justin can walk you through the scheduling process if your situation is time-sensitive.

Your Attorney

Working Directly With Justin

Justin Kadich handles every case at American Dream Immigration personally. When you contact the firm, you speak with Justin. He reviews your documents, prepares your filing, and keeps you updated throughout the process. For green card renewal and replacement cases, this direct approach matters. Some situations look straightforward but have issues that are easy to miss, such as inconsistencies between your name on your green card and your passport, complications from a prior criminal matter, or long periods spent outside the U.S. These factors can affect your renewal and in some cases can trigger additional review. Justin identifies these issues before you file so that your application is complete and accurate from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I apply to renew my green card?

You should file Form I-90 no earlier than six months before your card’s expiration date. Filing too early can result in a rejection without a refund. Filing at the six-month mark is the right window. Do not wait until the card has already expired.

Can I still work if my green card has expired?

Yes. Your employer can use the expired card plus the I-90 receipt notice together to satisfy I-9 work authorization requirements. The receipt notice extends your evidence of LPR status for up to 24 months while your renewal is pending. Justin can provide you with documentation to help explain this to your employer if needed.

What if I need proof of status right away after losing my card?

File Form I-90 first. Then contact the USCIS Contact Center to request an ADIT stamp appointment at your local USCIS field office. The ADIT stamp will serve as temporary proof of your status until your replacement card arrives.

Does my green card expiring mean my permanent resident status expires too?

No. Your status as a lawful permanent resident does not expire when your card does. The card is just a document. Your status remains valid as long as you have not done anything to lose it. That said, carrying an expired card creates practical problems with employment, travel, and government services, so it is important to renew promptly.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form I-90?

You are not required to use a lawyer for an I-90 filing. However, mistakes on the application can lead to delays or rejections. USCIS fees are not refunded if your application is rejected. If there are any complications in your case, such as a name discrepancy, a prior criminal matter, or extended absences from the U.S., working with an attorney helps you avoid a filing that could cause problems down the line.

Get Your Green Card Filing Done Right

An expired or missing green card affects your ability to work, travel, and access services. The sooner you act, the better. Justin Kadich helps lawful permanent residents in Arlington, VA and the surrounding area file Form I-90 accurately and efficiently. Book a consultation with Justin to review your green card situation and confirm what needs to be filed. You will get clear answers and a direct plan, handled personally from the first call to the final approval.