What Happens After Filing Form I-90?

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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You've just submitted your Form I-90, but you are curious what happens after submitting your form I-90. There are just a few more steps before actually receiving your new green card. Depending on the current USCIS wait times, you can expect to receive your new green card about 6-12 months after submitting your I-90. This guide outlines the post-application process, making it smooth and stress-free.

1. Receipt of Application

The first thing that will happen after submitting your I-90 is you will receive a Receipt of Application from the USCIS aka Form I-797C, Notice of Action usually takes up to 3 weeks to arrive. This means the USCIS has received your application. If the USCIS needs more information or your application has a mistake, the I-797 may have additional instructions. Follow the instructions in these letters carefully.

2. Appointment Notice

The appointment notice informs you when and where to go for your Biometrics appointment. The purpose of the Biometrics appointment is simply for the USCIS to confirm your identity and run a standard background and security check. Save the appointment notice because you will need to bring it with you along with a valid photo identification. This could be a green card, drivers license, passport or a national photo identification issued by your country. It could also be a military photo identification or other state-issued photo id card.

*Note: Its also good idea to bring a copy of your application, because they cannot provide you with one at the regional USCIS office.

3. The Biometrics Appointment

As mentioned above, the date, time and location of the Biometrics appointment will be mailed to you in the Appointment Notice. Show up to scan your fingers, sign an attestation and have a photo taken. It takes most people only 15-30 minutes.

Digital Signature

• Be ready to sign an attestation that reaffirms that on the application you provide correct information (at the time of filing). The only exceptions apply to those with certain physical impairments or mental disabilities. Otherwise you must sign. You can read more about this process here.
• If you would like, you may bring an attorney, interpreter, family or friend to stay with you throughout the process. However, even if your attorney prepared your paperwork, they are not required to attend your biometrics appointment.

Rescheduling

If you need to reschedule follow the directions in your Appointment Notice as soon as possible. If the biometric information is not fulfilled soon enough your application will be at risk of denial. After you've made a reschedule request, the regional USCIS office will assign you another date within 30 days of your reschedule request.

4. The Finish Line

Generally, the whole process takes about 6 months. If you are getting nervous you can always check the status of your application here using your application receipt number.

When your application is accepted your green card will be mailed to the U.S. address you gave the USCIS in your application. You'll also get a letter if your application was denied explaining the reason for its denial. There are two ways to get another chance if your application is denied.

• Motion to Reopen - if you have new evidence that you want the USCIS to consider with your application.
• Motion to Reconsider - this motion is if your application's denial was incongruent to law or immigration policy. This must be established based around the information that you have already submitted.

Note: You cannot file an appeal regarding your I-90 application. Meaning that there is not a way to request a higher authority to review the decision. It will be the same office that reopens or reconsiders your application.

Other Resources

• USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC): 1-800-375-5283. Have specific information about your application ready, including your receipt number, Alien Registration Number, name and date of birth.
• Find accredited legal help here.
• Locate an USCIS office here.
• For more information about the green card renewal process, click here.

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