Green Card Renewals, Replacements and Removal of Conditions

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Removing conditions can be a relatively straightforward process, especially if you and your spouse provide enough bonafide evidence to convince the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that your marriage is legitimate.

However, if you were divorced during the conditional period, the process can become more complicated.

What is the Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence?

When a U.S. citizen and a foreign national get married, the USCIS grants a conditional 2-year green card. The 2-year conditional period is designed to allow the USCIS to make sure the marriage is legitimate. The conditional green card process can be avoided if the couple files for the green card 2 year or more after their date of marriage.

After two years, you will need to petition to the USCIS to prove that your marriage is legitimate and entered in “good faith”. Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence is the form you will file to remove your conditions and apply for a 10-year green card.

You can submit the form 90 days prior to your green card expiration date. If you fail to remove conditions before the expiration date, you will lose your lawful permanent residence status, and the process for removal will commence. If your 2-year green card has expired and you haven’t filed to remove your conditions, you should call an immigration attorney immediately. Here you can find a list of high-quality attorneys in your area.

You are generally eligible to remove your conditions if:

• You are still married to the same U.S. citizen.
• You entered into your current or previous marriage “in good faith” but you or your child were battered or abused by the U.S. Citizen that you married.
• You entered into your marriage “in good faith” but the marriage ended through divorce or annulment.
• You entered into your previous marriage “in good faith” but you were widow.

1. Don't Forget the Waiver

The portion of Form I-751 that is applicable to marriage status is under Part 3: Basis for Petition and is known as “Joint Filing”. This section of the form requires that you identify whether or not your spouse will be participating with you in filing this petition for condition removal. Further down, in section 7, signatures are required from both parties.

In part 3, underneath the section on Joint Filing, there is a section to request a waiver to avoid Joint Filing. The only reason that Joint Filing may need to be waived is if the relationship in your marriage is damaged or presence of your spouse deems Joint Filling impossible.

Conditions that may require the waiver:

• Your spouse is deceased.
• The marriage was terminated.
• You were subject to cruelty in your marriage.
• Removal from the United States back to your home country would create significant hardship.

If these conditions apply to you, check the appropriate box in the section under part 3. Be aware that if you check the box indicating that you and your spouse were divorced before your two year anniversary, you will receive an RFE (request for evidence) which must include you final divorce decree.

2. If Your Divorce is Not Finalized

So what happens if you don’t have a final divorce decree? This may be the case if you and your spouse have separated, but have not started or completed the divorce process prior to the 90-day deadline. Additionally, this may be the case if you are still married but your spouse refuses to file the I-751 form with you.

There are three courses of action that you may take in this situation:

1. You may choose to remain married through the separation, and file for the waiver under battery. This option is only available to you if these conditions apply to your individual situation.
2. You may send in evidence that the divorce process has begun. This process may be a risky one if the divorce is not finalized in time to respond to the RFE (which requires a finalized divorce decree). There may be unfortunate consequences if this is the case.
3. If you had applied prior to your 2-year anniversary, failure to respond to the RFE will result in the commencement of removal proceedings.
4. If you had already begun removal proceedings due to expiration of your conditional card,failure to produce a final decree may result in the judge not giving you a second chance. You may be removed from the United States. Wait until your conditional green card has expired, and then appeal once the removal proceedings have begun.

If you are caught in any of these situations, you should contact an immigration attorney.

3. Gather The Evidence

As you may have noticed from the previous qualifications mentioned in this article, one possibly confusing phrase that is used, is “in good faith”. This phrase refers to the original intent behind your marriage. Now, you may be asking how the government could reasonably measure something as subjective as intent.

There is an order of information you may be required to produce to prove that your marriage was of “good faith”. This is especially true if your marriage has ended, because it calls the original intent of your marriage into question. To make sure that you and your spouse were not taking advantage of the system, anything that proves the genuine nature of your marriage will be accepted.

The criteria for information that can be provided all show proof that you and your partner attempted to build a life of substance together. This shows commitment and good intention. The following will contribute to your case that your marriage was “in good faith” (in order from most to least helpful):

• You and your spouse not only have children, but have children together:
  • Provide birth certificates to prove that the two of you had biological children together
  • Provide adoption records to prove that you adopted a child together if biological children were not possible or preferred
• You share resources:
  • Things you can provide to prove the existence of a shared financial or other resource system:
    • Proof of shared bank accounts or funds
    • Proof of shared maintenance on a home
    • Proof of tax returns
    • Credit card or loan statements
    • Leases, mortgages, or deeds
    • Common club membership
    • Common religious organization
    • Common associations
    • Common teams
    • Anything that has your shared names on it

If you are currently living apart, because of the importance of this type of proof in showing you have built a life together, you will provide a detailed explanation for why you are living apart.

• You have shared insurance and estate:
  • Provide proof of shared home insurance
  • Provide proof of shared auto insurance
  • Provide wills or trusts
  • Provide proof of funeral plans
    • This may include set-aside finances or planned locations for burial
• You have shared vacations:
  • Provide travel documents (plane tickets, event tickets, etc.)
  • Provide itineraries for past vacations

If you can provide proof that your spouse went to visit your family outside of the United States, that is a great indicator of a marriage “in good faith”.

• You have photographs or gifts:
  • Provide wedding or other event pictures
  • Provide receipts for gifts
  • Provide cards that accompanied any gifts
• You have a shared name:
  • Provide proof of shared surname
• You have affidavits, letters, and correspondence:
  • Provide letters
  • Provide Facebook messages
  • Etc.

Gather whatever you think you may need well in advance.

Do not procrastinate this step until the end so that you may ensure that you can provide the best information to give you the best chance at getting your waiver approved.

Extra tip:

Once again, any evidence that you think would show the original success and intention of the marriage should be included. Provide anything that you have access to because it is better to have too much evidence that you had a good marriage rather than risk not providing enough. Specifically, be sure to provide as many types of evidence as possible rather than just large amounts of one type of evidence.

Example: Providing 1,000 pictures of the two of you is not nearly as effective as providing a few event photos along with statements of financial cooperation and travel documents.

Be sure that if you provide a lot of information, you are aiming for a wide range of quality inclusions rather than just large quantity of one inclusion.

4. Paying Attention to Timeline

With something as time-sensitive as a conditional green card, deadlines can make or break you.

If 2-year green card is 90 days from expiring, you can file Form I-751. If you have submitted the I-751 on time but are expecting an RFE, be prepared to provide the necessary information in a timely manner.

5. Divorce by Extreme Hardship

As part of request for evidence, you will likely want to include a written explanation of why your relationship ended. This will allow the government to see exactly who is at fault and it may help your case significantly.

In this process you may claim no fault divorce or that the divorce was your spouse’s fault.

In no fault divorce, you may want to explain exactly what split the two of your apart. It could be a mutual disagreement on finances, the choice to have children, etc. In this case, be prepared to prove that the marriage was “in good faith”.

If the fault all belongs to your spouse, you will want to provide any evidence that was used in your divorce case to prove this. This situation could apply if you were abandoned or anything else done to split the marriage. Once again, any information you could possible provide as long as it is true and quality will only help you case.

This second option (spouse’s fault divorce) can also qualify you to petition for a waiver under extreme hardship. This is one of the options on the I-751 under the waiver section.

You may also check the box if any of these apply to you:

• You have lived in the United States for so long that you have lost all ties to your home country.
• You can’t get a divorce due to religious or cultural tradition.
• You would experience persecution or alienation in your country.
• You have a medical condition that can’t be treated properly in the conditions of your home country.
• You would have difficulty finding a job in your home country.
• Your United States relatives would experience great financial loss without your income.
• You do not speak the language of your home country.
• You are the primary caregiver of children born in the United States (citizens) and they would have to come with you to your home country.

Again, be prepared to provide appropriate and thorough evidence if you claim any of these situations.  

Recap:

• Know the I-751 process.
• Make informed decisions so you fill out the petition to fit your individual needs.
• Gather all of your evidence well in advance so you can thoroughly support your claims.
• Pay attention to deadlines so you stay on top of the approval process.
• Know your situation so you know if extreme hardship can apply to you.

For more help with filing the I-751 and other immigration questions, visit www.simplecitizen.com and chat with one of our immigration experts!

Top 5 Reasons Green Card Renewal Applications are Denied

Before you know it, 10 years have flown by and it’s time to submit your Green Card renewal application.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), green card holders can renew their 10-year Green Card within 6 months of its expiration date.

As you probably know, getting a Green Card is not easy.

Link: The Comprehensive Guide on How to Get a Green Card

Fortunately, the Green Card renewal process is often much simpler than the initial Green Card application. We know this because hundreds of immigrants have used SimpleCitizen to create and submit their own Green Card renewal applications. Preparing your application with the support of immigration professionals can help you avoid expensive and/or time-consuming mistakes, and can even help you avoid an application denial. 

While a Green Card Renewal denial is fairly rare, it does happen. If you choose to prepare your application on your own, please consider avoiding these 5 most common mistakes that can lead to a potential rejection or denial:

5. You were “Ordered Removed”

If you were ordered removed from the United States, your green card renewal is more likely to be denied. You are ordered removed if at least one of the following has happened to you:

• A judge ordered you deported or removed
• You signed a stipulated removal order
• You were at the border, and immigration officials completed Expedited Removal paperwork on you
  (Note: This is not simply being refused entry)

Also note that you are not considered “ordered removed” simply if your visa category is Z11, Z13, Z14, or Z15. These categories are based on a “suspension of deportation” or “suspension of removal” which is different from being ordered removed.

4. You’ve committed a crime

If you have committed a felony or misdemeanor, the best course of action is to seek advice from a licensed immigration attorney before filing to renew your green card. If you speak with an immigration attorney, you are much more likely to successfully obtain a renewed green card.

3. You submitted an incomplete application

Be careful to read all the instructions. These 4 parts of the green card renewal application are often missed:

• Remember to sign in all the right places.
• Be sure to attach all required evidence (requested photocopies of official documents).
• Make sure to pay the I-90 filing fee.
• Be sure to attend your scheduled biometrics appointment.

As long as you read and follow the instructions carefully, you shouldn’t have to worry.

A few weeks after submitting, you should receive an I-797 form from USCIS with information about your scheduled biometrics appointment. Failing to attend a scheduled biometrics appointment may result in the application being denied. 

2. You gave incorrect information

Make sure everything on your application is filled out as accurately as possible.

At your biometric services appointment, USCIS will ask you to re-affirm under penalty of perjury that the information you provided is complete and true. Your application  may be denied if USCIS finds any false information.

1. You submitted the wrong Green Card renewal form

There is a big difference between a regular Green Card, and a Green Card with conditions. Most notably, the length of validity each of the two cards has, as well as which form/application should be used for the card’s renewal. 

Here’s a brief summary: 

• Green Card (regular): Valid for 10 years;  must be renewed using Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residency  ‍
• Conditional Green Card: Valid for 2 years, must be renewed  using Form I-751, Application to Remove Conditions. Renewal approval results in a 10-year card being issued. A conditional permanent resident should only submit the I-90 if their 2-year green card is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Click here if you want to learn more about conditional permanent residents.

Other Common Worries

Many applicants worry about financial problems, including bad credit scores or unpaid taxes, but it is uncommon for USCIS to deny a renewal Green Card application because of these issues.

However, unpaid taxes may lead to other problems. You could be fined and prosecuted which can make it more difficult to become a U.S. citizen.

What can I do if my application is denied?

You are not allowed to appeal a negative decision, but you may submit a motion to reopen or reconsider your case. By filing the motion, you’re requesting that the USCIS office reevaluate their decision.

If you file a motion to reopen, you must state the new information you will provide and include appropriate evidence. If you file a motion to reconsider, you instead must show that USCIS’s decision to deny your application was an incorrect application of law or policy and that USCIS’s decision was incorrect based on the evidence you provided when you filed your application. For more information, see this page.

Note: If the USCIS denies your application because of an error by SimpleCitizen, subject to certain conditions, we will refund your government application fees and the SimpleCitizen purchase price 100%. Here’s our refund policy.

How to avoid these mistakes

If you have any questions, you can contact us here.

If you want to learn more about how to renew your green card, read this guide: A Guide to Renewing Your Green Card. If you’re ready to jump right in and apply, get started here!

After you’ve successfully renewed your Green Card, we would love to hear your story. Please leave a review here and tell us about your experience.

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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 support@simplecitizen.com.

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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