Renew an expiring green card by filing Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with USCIS when your card is expired or will expire within six months. File online through a USCIS account for $415 or by mail for $465, and your work authorization extends automatically while you wait for the replacement. Filing Form I-90 is straightforward and does not interrupt your employment or legal status. The process includes a biometrics appointment and processing time that varies by location, but you maintain your position and work rights throughout.
Table of Contents
- When to File Your Renewal
- Filing Online or by Mail
- Your Work Authorization Extends While You Wait
- Complete Your Biometrics Appointment
- Your New Card Arrives by Mail
- Frequently Asked Questions
When to File Your Renewal
File Form I-90 as soon as your green card expires or when it will expire within the next six months. There is no penalty for filing early. Plan to file well in advance if you have international travel scheduled, because while your receipt notice extends your status for three years, USCIS recommends obtaining your new physical green card before international travel, since presenting an expired card at a border may create complications even with the receipt. Waiting until the card is already expired is legal but delays your ability to travel confidently and lengthens the time you carry an invalid card.
Filing Online or by Mail
you can file form I-90 online, which costs $415 and allows you to pay electronically and monitor your case status in real time, or file by mail for $465. The online option is faster and less expensive.
Either method requires you to submit your current green card, passport-style photos, and supporting documents per USCIS guidelines. When you submit the form, USCIS will send you a receipt notice confirming that your application is pending and your extension is in effect.
Your Work Authorization Extends While You Wait
Filing Form I-90 automatically extends your green card's validity for 36 months from its expiration date, effective as of September 10, 2024. This extension protects your work authorization and permanent resident status during the entire processing period. You can use your expired green card together with your Form I-90 receipt notice as proof of employment authorization on Form I-9, so your employer does not need to change your work status or remove you from payroll. Show both documents together—the expired card and the receipt—to satisfy I-9 verification.
Complete Your Biometrics Appointment
After you file, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment within approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. You must attend and complete your biometrics within 90 days of your appointment date. If you miss this deadline without documented good cause, USCIS may deny your application for abandonment. Bring your receipt notice, a valid state ID or passport, and your green card to the appointment. The process takes fingerprints and photographs to verify your identity and check for criminal history.
Your New Card Arrives by Mail
Once USCIS approves your Form I-90, your new green card will be mailed to you. Processing times vary significantly by location and can be checked on the USCIS processing times website before you file. Your new card will carry a new expiration date, typically 10 years from the issue date. Keep your receipt notice and expired card in a safe place until the replacement arrives. The combination proves your status if you need to show evidence while waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss my biometrics appointment?
You have 90 days from your scheduled date to complete biometrics. Missing this deadline without good cause may result in denial of your application for abandonment.
Can I work while my green card is expired after I file Form I-90?
Yes. Your work authorization extends for 36 months from your original card's expiration date once you file. Provide both your expired card and receipt notice to your employer.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary by location. Check the USCIS processing times website for your specific area.