Green Card Renewals, Replacements and Removal of Conditions

To renew a Green Card, applicants must file Form I-90 and include the necessary filing fee. While the filing fee  can vary depending on the particular circumstances of the filing, the filing fee is typically $465 for paper filings and $415 for online filings. For more information on filing fee exceptions, see the USCIS Fee Calculator.

How to Pay the Form I-90 filing fee

In the United States, you may pay the filing fee to USCIS using a check or money order drawn from a U.S. financial institution and payable in U.S. funds. You can also pay online or with Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions..  For more information on paying USCIS filing fees, check out this article. 

How to Waive the Fees

If you are unable to pay the fees, you may request to waive them by filing  Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. When filing Form I-912, you must provide documentation showing that you qualify based on one of the following criteria:

• You, your spouse, or the head of household living with you, are currently receiving a means-tested benefit (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, SSI).
• Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• You are currently experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee, including unexpected medical bills or emergencies.

Note: If you are waiving the fee, you are not eligible to submit Form I-90 online. You must mail in a paper document.

Getting Help with your Green Card Renewal

Although renewing your Green Card on your own is the least expensive option, getting it done right the first time can save a lot of time, stress, and money in the long run. Small mistakes on your application can lead to delays or even having to reapply—which means paying the $465 fee again and waiting much longer to receive your new Green Card.

If you’d like some extra help to make sure your application is complete and correct the first time, here are two great options:

Option 1: Work with an immigration attorney 

Find licensed immigration attorneys near you.

Option 2: Renew your Green Card with SimpleCitizen

Start your renewal application here.

Whichever path you choose, the goal is the same: get your Green Card renewed quickly, easily, and with confidence.

Renewing a Green Card with SimpleCitizen

SimpleCitizen’s  time-saving software makes completing a green card renewal application easy! All you need to do is add your information and documents, then our software assembles the forms. Your entire application is then reviewed by a member of our independent network of immigration attorneys. Afterward, we will guide you step-by-step through understanding the attorney’s recommendations. When finished, we can even print, assemble and mail your immigration application in a beautiful box right to your door so that you can submit it to the government!

Click here to get started on your renewal application today.

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First of all, don’t panic. You can notify the police department in the jurisdiction where you lost your card to obtain a police report. If that doesn’t turn up anything, you simply have to renew your green card to get a new one. On the bright side, if you’re a permanent resident, your new green card will last for another 10 years, so you won’t have to renew it again for a long time. (If you have conditional permanent resident status, your green card is only valid for 2 years.) However, the process will take approximately 5 months, so there will be a period where you do not have a green card. Be aware that 5 months is an approximation, some cases will take more time to be resolve and some will take less.

How to Replace a Missing Green Card

Follow the steps below to apply for your replacement green card:

1. Fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

You may file Form I-90 online or by mail. Carefully fill out the form with all the appropriate information. If you are worried about filling out the form out correctly or want the help of an immigration attorney, you can use SimpleCitizen to prepare your renewal application here. Either way, watch out for these three common mistakes:

• Not submitting all required evidence (copies or uploads of official documents)
• Not paying the fees (Filing fee of $465 for paper filings and $415 for online filings, with some exceptions).
• Not signing your application (or not e-signing it if you file online)

If any of these steps are skipped when submitting your application, your case will likely be rejected or denied. If you are financially unable to pay the fees, you may be eligible for a waiver. You may request to waiver them by filing Form I-912. Once USCIS receives your application, they will send a receipt notice of your Form I-90 by mail at the address you provided on your application. It will also be posted to your USCIS Online Account. You should expect to receive the receipt approximately 2-3 weeks after filing. Once you've received the receipt, you can track the status of your application here.

2. Biometrics Appointment

About 3-5 weeks after filing Form I-90, you should receive a Form I-797C Notice with your biometrics appointment date and time. There will also be other instructions about the appointment. For example, you’ll be required to bring a photo ID, such as a passport or a driver’s license. Pay attention to the information, and do not miss your appointment if possible. You will not receive a green card without going to an appointment. At your biometric services appointment, which will be approximately 30 minutes long, the staff will take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. For more about what happens at the biometrics appointment here.

3. Request for Additional Evidence (Only in Some Cases)

Sometimes USCIS will request additional information through a Form I-797E. If you receive this, simply mail the required evidence or upload it to your USCIS Online Account within the time period provided. In some cases, USCIS may request an interview with you as well.

4. Receive Your New Green Card

The USCIS will mail you another Form I-797 notifying you of their decision on your case. You’ll know whether you case was approved or denied. There will also be a copy of this notice in your USCIS Online Account. If your case was approved, you should receive your replacement green card soon after.

If You Need Proof of Residence Within the Next 5 Months

You may need proof of residence during the 5-month wait for your green card. If so, make an appointment with the local USCIS field office through InfoPass. At the appointment, request a “temporary proof of permanent resident” stamp or I-551 stamp in your passport. In general, the stamp will be valid for one year. If you don’t have a passport, you can try requesting one through the local consulate. (For example, if you are from Brazil, contact the Brazilian consulate in the U.S.) The I-551 stamp is valid proof of residence for traveling abroad. It is also an acceptable “List A” document for employment purposes. Most states also require proof of permanent residence to obtain or renew a driver’s license, and these states will usually accept the I-551 stamp as proof.It’s important to know that you will need file your green card renewal application before your InfoPass appointment. At the appointment, you’ll need to show your Form I-797, Notice of Action for your temporary stamp. This is the receipt USCIS sends once they receive your Form I-90. As noted in the section above, you’ll generally get this form 2-3 weeks after your file Form I-90 by mail and in your online USCIS account.

If You Lose Your Green Card Outside the United States

It’s nerve-racking to lose your green card in general, but it feels much worse when you lose it while traveling abroad. There is a relatively simple process for you to obtain proper documentation to board your plane, train, etc. back to the United States, so don’t worry too much. You just need to obtain a travel document (also known as carrier documentation.) To obtain the documentation, file Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Note that the filing fee for this form is $575. Also, if you’ve been abroad for over a year, there may be additional complications.Once you return to the United States, you will need to apply to replace your lost green card by filing Form I-90. Follow the steps in the “How to Renew a Green Card” section above.
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‍Helpful Links:
A Guide to Renewing Your Green Card
I lost my Green Card! How to Replace it

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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The USCIS provides “conditional permanent resident status” and a two-year green card to immigrants married to a Legal Permanent Resident or United States Citizen. Those who wish to attain their status as a Lawful Permanent Resident must file the Form I-751 - Removal of Conditions Application. Now, what happens after you submit your Form I-751?

Receipt of Application

Within three weeks from submitting your I-751, you will receive a receipt by mail. This receipt will confirm the USCIS has received your form and has begun normal processing. This receipt is called Form I-797 - Notice of Action. It also serves as an extension to your conditional residence for a year while your I-751 is being processed. It will come with a ten-digit number that you can use to check the status of your application. Both the I-797 and expired green card are necessary to prove conditional residency status. You should also get an extension stamp or an I-551 stamp in your passport. You can get these from your regional USCIS office. To read more about that, check out this article. Should USCIS reject your application or need more information, they will send a Notice of Action or Request for Evidence.

Biometrics Appointment

>> What Happens at the Biometrics Appointment?

Within four weeks of filing, you will receive a notice detailing a biometrics appointment. The notice will include the  USCIS office where you will appear, the time of appointment, and the date. At your biometrics, you will record your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. (Keep in mind that although you may travel after having submitted your forms and are waiting for USCIS response, it is crucial you attend your biometrics appointment) The appointments are approximately 30 minutes, and your notice will provide details on what you will need to bring. Learn more about the biometrics appointment.

Within 5 months of your biometrics appointment, you won’t receive any further notices unless the information provided previously was unsatisfactory or needs to be re-recorded or re-submitted for any other reason.

Appointment Notice for Interview

>> How To Pass A Marriage Green Card Interview

Within 6 months, some applicants will receive an interview requirement notice. If you submit your own I-751 form, it will take 6-8 months to process; however, if your spouse submits the waiver application, it can take up to 12 months. A waiver application undergoes a more stringent screening process and often requires an interview. If the waiver application is accepted as legitimate, they will not feel a confirming interview is necessary. This is why providing valid proof of relationship (e.g. a marriage license) is important when submitting your I-751. Should you be asked to attend an interview, preparation counsel from an attorney prior to the interview is recommended. If you have used Simple Citizen and would like to schedule a call with our legal team, reach out to us at [email protected].

Petition to Remove Conditions granted and green card issued

Within 8 months, your application should be fully processed, and your Petition to Remove Conditions granted and green card issued. Keep in mind that the time frame is different for each form, and the entire process may take up to a year. (Remember, you can check your application’s status here.) If your mailing address changes after you’ve submitted your I-751, you should call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to change your record. If you feel like your form request has extended beyond the regular processing time, visit this USCIS website.

Last Updated: January 2023

A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an important document that lets you live and work in the United States even if you're not a citizen. If you are an immigrant with a green card, you may need to renew it at some point. There are two types of green cards: conditional and permanent green cards. The process for renewing a green card varies depending on the type of green card you have. This article will quickly overview both options to help you understand how and when you need to renew your green card.

10-Year Green Card (permanent)

A 10-year green card is the most common type and is issued to people who have been permitted to live in the United States permanently through different ways like through work, family, or special circumstances. This type of green card is valid for 10 years. The 10-year green card is renewed by using Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.How to Renew a 10-year Green Card

Conditional Green Card

On the other hand, a conditional green card is a type of green card explicitly given to people who are married to US citizens who were married for less than two years at the time of green card approval. This type of green card is only valid for two years, but don't worry; you'll have the chance to make it permanent! This involves filling out Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, together with your US citizen spouse, who sponsored you for the conditional green card. Except for a few specific circumstances, it must be filed within 90 days before the conditional green card expires.How to Apply to Remove the Green Card Conditions

Help! I lost my Green Card! As a permanent resident of the United States, your green card is an essential that you must carry with you everywhere. After all, this is evidence of your status as a permanent resident as well as proof that you’re living and working in the United States legally.

This means that when your Green Card is missing, stolen, or lost; the first step is usually panic. But you shouldn’t panic. Instead, you should follow the series of steps necessary to replace your card as quickly as possible.

Not sure how to file for and receive your replacement green card? Not a problem because below you will find everything you need to understand and follow the replacement process to get your green card back.

The Green Card Replacement Process:

4 Steps You Need to Take

Before you begin the replacement process, it’s important to search everywhere imaginable for your green card. After all, the process is neither free nor quick. This means that if you could spend just an hour or two searching for it, you should.

If you can’t find it, it’s best to begin this process as quickly as possible. Doing so will ensure that you receive your new green card and are able to carry it once again for proof of your legal residency and work status.

Step 1: File a Police Report

Prior to actually beginning the replacement process, it’s important to report that you lost your green card. Doing so will ensure that no other individual will be able to use the card for illegal purposes and means you won’t be responsible for anyone who tries to.

You should visit your local police station, or call over the phone if you prefer, to file a police report with your local police department. Many police departments will require you to provide copies of the missing documents along with other supporting documents containing additional information of your green card.

Some choose to skip this step, but you shouldn’t. In fact, a police report is often required as you complete the process to replace your green card. As such, it’s vital to take just an hour to file your own police report.

Step 2: Collect Supporting Documentation

As you prepare to apply for your new green card, it’s important to collect supporting documentation. This documentation will be necessary at different points of the application process, so gathering it early will only make it simpler as you move forward.

A few examples of documentation you should put together include:

• A written account of how your green card was lost or stolen;
• Copies of your green card or copies of your driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate;
• Two passport-sized photos, each with your alien number written on the back;
• Copies of your approved application letter; and
• Copies of other forms of legal identification that you use.

By doing this early in the process, you won’t have to waste time later on compiling the documents you need. This can make the process much quicker (not to mention easier for you).

Step 3: Contact the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS Office Where You First Applied for Your Green Card

While it’s essential to notify your local police of your missing green card, it’s also important to notify the embassy, consulate, or USCIS office where you first applied for your green card and/or received your immigration visa.

Once you’ve contacted the office, you will need to provide specific information regarding where you applied or the approval of your Form I-90 application.

If you’re outside of the United States when you lose your green card, you should immediately contact the U.S. embassy, consulate, or USCIS office in your area. This will streamline the entire process and provide the same protective measures as notifying your local police if you’re in the U.S. when you lose your green card.

Step 4: Applying to Replace Your Permanent Resident Card

Once your police report is filed, you’ve prepared all necessary documents, and notified the embassy, consulate, or USCIS office you’re finally ready to take the most important step: Actually replacing your green card!

You will replace your green card with Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. As a legal permanent resident, there are only two parts of the form you must fill out, each with multiple sections:

Part 1:

Information About You – The first few sections require personal information such as your alien registration number, name, address, gender, date and place of birth, and information about your mother and father.

Part 2:

Type of Application – You will select why you’re applying and indicate that your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, issued but never received, or mutilated (i.e. partially destroyed).

For most applicants, the form costs $365 to file. This doesn’t include the necessary biometric service fee of $85 so you will pay $450 in total to replace your green card. The biometric service fee is required when you appear in person to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature to confirm your identity. During this interview, you may also be asked questions about your criminal records or other identification-related matters. The interview is scheduled once your application has been received at a designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) in your area.

Processing Your Application: What to Expect

Once you’ve submitted your application, the appropriate authorities will review your request. During this review process, you may be contacted to provide additional information – such as biometrics, an additional interview, or original documents of copies you’ve provided – for approval.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive your new green card in the mail. If for any reason your application is denied, you will receive the reason for denial in the mail.

Should your application be denied, you cannot take steps to appeal the decision. Your only option is to submit a motion to reopen the application to have your case reconsidered.

If you choose to submit a motion, you must do so and establish that the decision to deny your application was due to the incorrect application of law or immigration policy. Further, you must establish what new facts (i.e. information) you would provide if your case is reopened and what document-based evidence you can offer to support your motion.

Appeals and motions can be a confusing topic, especially because many individuals have never dealt with legal documents like these before. To learn more about both, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website for their “Questions and Answers” section on Appeals and Motions.

At SimpleCitizen, We Believe Immigration-Related Issues Should be Simple

The team at SimpleCitizen strongly believes that the immigration process should be simple for all individuals. As such, we hope that you’ve found this article helpful regarding what to do should you lose your green card or if it is stolen.

If you have any questions, please reach out to a member of our team for the assistance you need. We look forward to supporting you with the information and other resources you require for all of your immigration needs!

Want to Learn More?

Are you looking to learn more about your options or steps to take when you lose your green card? Check out the helpful links below to learn more:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Questions and Answers on Appeals and Motions

Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

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