What is USCIS Form I-90 & It’s Uses?
Form I-90, also known as the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is an official document issued by the USCIS. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the renewal or replacement of a green card. This form serves multiple functions, including renewing an expired or soon-to-expire green card and obtaining a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged one. This article provides vital details about Form I-90, covering eligibility criteria, filing instructions, submission locations, and subsequent steps in the process.
Who Needs to File Form I-90?
Form I-90 is exclusively used and filed by the permanent residents of the United States for different reasons. The reasons are:
- Your 10-year validity green card is about to expire or expired
- You lost your green card, or stolen, or mutilated (damaged), or destroyed
- Your name or personal information has changed after receiving the green card
- You have an older version of a green card without expiration date
- You never received a green card after issued by the Department of Homeland Security
- The received green card has errors made by the Department of Homeland Security
- Received a 10-year green card before age 14, and it will not expire before you turn 16
- You are in commuter status but travel to US to work
- You are in commuter status previously but now live in the US
- Your immigration status automatically converted to green card (on special cases)
Who is not Required to Use Form I-90?
One who holds the conditional green card which has valid for 2-years should not use the form i-90. Once your card is about to expire you need to replace with permanent green card by removing the conditions on the green card. Conditional green card cannot be renewed. You can file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence or Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status based on your current situation.
How To Complete Form I-90 Application?
It is crucial to complete Form I-90 thoroughly and accurately to avoid delays and rejections. In case a question does not apply to you, write “N/A” (meaning “not applicable”) in the provided space. If your answer to a question is zero (0), indicate it as “none.” If you choose to submit Form I-90 by mail, ensure that your answers are typed or written in black ink.
ImmigrationDirect offers a user-friendly website that helps you efficiently and accurately prepare your I-90 application. Our online service provides clear, step-by-step instructions for completing the form, allowing you to complete the application in just a few minutes. Additionally, we provide a money-back guarantee, assuring you that your application will be approved by USCIS. Whether you choose to file the form online or by mail, please follow the instructions provided below.
- Part 1: Information About You
- Part 2: Application Type
- Part 3: Processing Information
- Part 4: Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments
- Parts 5–7: Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
- Part 8: Additional Information
Recommended Article: We have a comprehensive guide on Form I-90 instructions for you to fill out without any mistakes. Check and follow accordingly.
After completing the form double-check all the answers you provided are correct and related to the questions. If you are required to provide additional information you can use an additional sheet and attach it along with the I-90 application.
Supporting Documents Required for Form I-90
The supporting documents to be submitted with Form I-90 vary depending on the specific reason for your request to obtain a new green card. The below chart provides you the clear understanding about the submission supporting documents to be submitted along with I-90 Form.
| Reason / Category | Supporting Documents Required | Sample Documents |
| 1. You have an expired green card or will expire soon 2. You hold an old version of a green card 3. You received your green card with errors made by DHS 4. You have a 10-year green card that you obtained before turning 14, and it will remain valid until you reach the age of 16 | Green Card | An old/outdated green card 1. Form AR-3 2. Form AR-103 3. Form I-151 |
| Your green card is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed | 1. Green card, or 2. Government-issued ID with your name, birthdate, photo, and signature | Government-issued IDs 1. Passport 2. Driver’s license 3. Military ID |
| You never received a green card after issued by the USCIS | 1. Government-issued ID with your name, birthdate, photo, and signature, and 2. Recent Form I-797, Notice of Action or 3. Your passport page with an I-551 stamp | Government-issued IDs 1. Passport 2. Driver’s license 3. Military ID |
| You have changed your name and other information legally | 1. Green Card and 2. Updated legal document(s) that shows your new or correct name or personal information | Legal documents 1. Marriage certificate 2. Divorce papers 3. Birth certificate 4. Adoption papers 5. Passport 6. Other court documents |
| Commuter status (lives in Canada or Mexico but travel to the U.S. for work) | 1. Green card and 2. Employment proof of past 6 months | Evidence of employment 1. Pay stubs 2. Employment Verification Letter |
| Commuter status (previously lived in Canada or Mexico but now live in the U.S.) | 1. Green card and 2. Proof of U.S. residence | Proof of U.S. residence 2. Lease agreement 2. Property deed 3. Six months residence utility bills (attach your marriage certificate if the bill is in your spouse name or your birth certificate if the bill is in your parent’s name) |
| Automatically status changed to green card holder (Special Agricultural Workers) | 1. Government-issued ID with your name, birthdate, photo, and signature, and 2. Evidence of temporary-resident status | Government-issued IDs 1. Passport 2. Driver’s license 3. Military ID Temporary-resident status: 1. Form I-797, Notice of Action 2. Form I-700, Application for Status as a Special Agricultural Worker |
| Any other reasons than above | Green Card | N/A |
How To File Form I-90?
You can file your Form I-90 in two ways, either online using the USCIS web portal or offline by mail. Depending on your situation you can file online or offline.
Who Can File I-90 Online
You can file Form I-90 online if any of the following situations apply to you.
- You have an expired green card or will expire soon
- Your green card is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed
- USCIS converted your status to green card holder automatically (Special Agricultural Workers)
- You have changed in your name and other information on green card
- You hold an old version of a green card
- You are in commuter status and travel to the US for work from Canada or Mexico
- You are in commuter status previously but now live in the US
To apply for your I-90 application online you should do:
- Create an online account in USCIS web portal or sign in to existing account if any
- Start and complete filing form i-90
- Upload the required supporting documents
- Review your application and e-sign in the required places
- Pay the filing fee
- Submit the form online
Who Can File I-90 by Mail
You can file Form I-90 by mail if any of the following situations apply to you. For all the situations which is mentioned in online you can apply through offline by mail. But if you are in following circumstances you cannot apply through online.
- You never received a green card after issued by the USCIS
- You received your green card with errors made by DHS
- You required fee waiver for your application fee
- You have a 10-year green card that you obtained before turning 14, and it will remain valid until you reach the age of 16
To apply for your I-90 application by mail you should do:
- Download the Form I-90 from USCIS site
- Type or write in the form with appropriate answers
- Include the required supporting documents along with the application
- Mail your complete I-90 application package to the respective address
If you select the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) the address will be:
USCIS
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036
If you select DHL, FedEx, or UPS the address will be:
USCIS
Attn: I-90
1820 E. Skyharbor, Circle S,
Floor 1 Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Is It Possible to File Form I-90 from Outside the U.S.?
No! Filing Form I-90 from outside of the United States is not possible. If your green card has expired and you have been outside the United States for less than a year, you can apply for re-entry permit and return back to the United States. However, if you have been away from U.S. for over a year and residing outside the U.S., you may have lost your permanent resident status.
In such cases, if your extended stay abroad was due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, which can regain your permanent resident status. If your green card is lost you need to apply for temporary documentation to return to the United States. You can file Form I-131A or the Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation). To obtain more information about your specific situation, it is advisable to consult an immigration lawyer.
Form I-90 Filing Cost
Total cost for Form I-90 is $540. This fee includes form filing fee $455 and $85 biometrics fee. If you apply green card replacement for the following requirements, you no need to pay the mentioned fee.
- You never received your green card issued by USCIS
- DHS made errors on your green card
- You qualify for a fee waiver as a result of your current financial situation
If you have turned 14 within the last 30 days and your green card is scheduled to expire after you turn 16, you need to pay the $85 biometric fee and not the filing fee.
Depending on how you file Form I-90 you can make the payment for your application.
If you file through mail you can make the payment either by money order or cheque in the name “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” You have the option to make the payment through credit card by completing Form G-1450 or the “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.” You cannot make the payment by cash.
If you file through online you need to pay electronically to Pay.gov.
Form I-90 Processing Time
Currently, the average processing time for Form I-90 is around 1.5 months to a year for renewals and 5.5–13.5 months for replacements. However, the actual wait time may vary depending on factors such as the applicant’s situation, location, and USCIS’ workload. It is important to note that processing times can change, so it is recommended to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
What’s Next After Submission of Form I-90?
Now you have successfully submitted your Form I-90 to renew or replace your green card. Once your I-90 application has been sent to USCIS, you will be notified of the following updates.
- You will receive a receipt notice, and a confirmation letter from the USCIS stating that your I-90 application package has been received and accepted.
- After USCIS receives your application, you will receive a biometrics appointment letter within one to two weeks. In this letter, you can find information like the time and location for your biometrics appointment, during which USCIS will capture your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
- In some cases, you will receive Request for Evidence (RFE) letter from USCIS to submit the additional evidence or documentation to process your application (if required). You should respond immediately and submit the requested materials by the deadline specified in the letter if you receive RFE.
- A decision letter informing you of approval or denial of your I-90 application.
Now It’s Time To File Your Form I-90
Form I-90 is the most required and important form for United States permanent residents to renew or replace their green cards. This comprehensive guide helps you to understand the process and requirements for your I-90 application process. ImmigrationDirect provides you with customized and simple step-by-step instructions to you complete your I-90 application, to avoid errors and delays in processing time. We have assisted thousands of individuals to renew and replace their green cards and maintain their status to live in the U.S. Furthermore, we also support you with an immigration lawyer consultation to clear your doubts regarding your application.
