Green Card Renewal Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The documents that you submit with Form I-90 vary based on your answers in the Form I-90 application. Generally, most people will need to submit the USCIS filing fee and a copy of the expired or expiring green card.

CitizenPath provides a checklist of supporting documents for your situation.

The Form I-90 filing fee for green card renewal is $465 at the time of writing this guide. Check the current USCIS as they do change occasionally.

Yes, you can file one Form I-90 application to renew the card and replace it at the same time. If you card was lost or stolen, make sure you select this as the reason for submitting your application. USCIS will automatically renew it as part of the process.

Some older green cards do not have an expiration date. At this time USCIS does not require the renewal of these cards as long as “I-551” is printed in small typeface in the corner of the card. If your card has “I-151” printed on it, it’s no longer valid. But even a valid, older green card can still create problems if the card is damaged or the photo is out-of-date. Learn more about cards with no expiration date.

Yes, however, denials of Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) are relatively low compared to other USCIS applications. Renewing a green card after an arrest, particularly in the current political environment is one of the more common ways to have a green card renewal application denied.

CitizenPath helps screen you to ensure you have a strong application before you file. Additionally, about 11 percent of applicants experience delays related to filing errors, and some have additional delays due to Requests for Evidence. It's important to file your application properly. CitizenPath can help you correctly prepare your application in about 15 minutes.

Yes. You can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization even if your green card is expired or about to expire. However, it’s generally best to file your naturalization application at least six months before your card expires. When you apply this way, USCIS will issue an automatic extension of your green card while you wait for your citizenship case to be decided.

If your card is already expired, you may still apply for citizenship. But renewing your green card first is often the better choice because it ensures you always have valid proof of your immigration status. In fact, many people choose to do both — file for green card renewal and citizenship at the same time.

Typically, the green card renewal process does not include an interview. However, a biometrics appointment is a standard part of the process. USCIS will gather fingerprints and photographs at a 15- to 20-minute biometrics appointment. However, several CitizenPath customers are reporting that their biometrics appointments were waived when they provide passport-style photos as directed in our filing instructions. This helps expedite the I-90 processing time. These customers are receiving cards within 1-2 months.

You can travel domestically with an expired green card, but you generally cannot re-enter the United States after traveling abroad with an expired card.

After traveling outside of the United States, you are required to have a valid, unexpired green card or re-entry permit to enter the U.S. You may also have a "green card equivalent" such as an I-551 stamp in your passport.

You may re-enter the United States after travel abroad using an expired green card only if you also have one of the following unexpired documents:

• I-90 receipt notice indicating your existing 10-year card is extended beyond the expiration date
• I-751 receipt notice indicating your existing 2-year card is extended beyond the expiration date

No, generally you may not renew a green card from outside the United States. You may be able to submit the application, but USCIS will likely require you to attend a biometrics appointment in the U.S.

If you are outside the United States and discover that your green card has expired, you may be able to return without a problem. Typically, you can board an airline or transportation carrier if the green card is expired and you've been abroad for less than one year. Check with your transportation carrier to determine if they will board you.

If your airline or transportation carrier will not board you, you can obtain a temporary travel document (carrier documentation) for the purpose of returning home to the United States. This carrier documentation (boarding foil in your passport or a transportation letter) can be obtained by preparing Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation), and filing it at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Upon returning to the U.S., you must file Form I-90 to complete the green card renewal process.