Green Card Renewal: Fee, Process & Filing Tips

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

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Bradford H. Bernstein

Green Card Renewal: Key Points

• Green Card renewal costs $465 if you file your application by mail and $415 for online filing (note that there are exceptions to this)
• The renewal process includes several steps such as filing Form I-90, paying the fee, submitting documents, and attending a biometric appointment
• Conditional Green Cards cannot be renewed. To keep your legal status, you must file to remove conditions
• Renewal of your Green Card takes approximately 17.5 months

Did you know that an expired Green Card can cause travel bans, job risks, and difficulties in accessing benefits?

Whether your Green Card expired recently, or it is on the verge of expiration, it is important to know the details of the renewal process.

In this blog, we’ll share:

• Green Card renewal fee
• The steps of the application process
• Processing time
• Tips to avoid delays and denials

How Much Is The Green Card Renewal Fee?

The filing fee for renewing your Green Card is $465 if you use a paper application, and $415 if you file your application online.

You will pay the same fees if you have turned 14 years old and your Current Card expires before you’re16 years old.

You will not pay a fee if:

• You have turned 14 and your Green Card will expire after you turn 16.
• You filed for a Green Card, but it was returned to the USCIS as undeliverable.
• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) made a mistake and issued a card with incorrect information.

Payment methods include:

• Credit card payment
• Money order
• Personal or cashier’s check

The fee is non-refundable and conclusive, irrespective of the outcome of your application or whether you decide to withdraw your request.

Typically, in the cases when you do not owe a filing fee, you will need to submit additional documents. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you determine what documents are needed.

Green Card Renewal Process For Permanent Residents

For lawful permanent residents, Green Cards are valid for 10 years.

If your Green Card expires within the following six months or has already expired, follow these steps.

1. Check Your Eligibility

Verify your eligibility for Green Card renewal by confirming whether you are within the renewal window mentioned above.

Don’t see an expiration date on the front of your Green Card? USCIS recommends filing a renewal application, as most old versions are no longer valid.

2. Prepare Form I-90 & Supporting Documents

Complete Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Provide accurate and up-to-date information.

Collect all necessary documents, including:

• A copy of your expiring Green Card
• Supporting identification
• Any additional documentation required for specific circumstances (for example, a court order or a marriage certificate that proves a name change)

3. Pay Fees

Pay the filing fee for Form I-90 and the biometrics service fee, if applicable. Make sure to check the latest fee amounts on the USCIS website or contact an experienced immigration lawyer to give you the most accurate fee information.

4. File Your Application

Submit your completed Form I-90, along with the required supporting and payment documents. You can file your application online or by mail.

Online applications

To file your Green Card renewal application online, create an online account. How can this help you?

In addition to filing your application, you can use your online account to check your case status, receive updates and notifications, view estimated processing time, and manage your contact information.

Mail applications

Send your application by mail to one of the USCIS addresses below:

U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

USCIS

Attn: I-90

P.O. Box 21262

Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries

USCIS

Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)

2108 E. Elliot Rd.

Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

5. Wait For A USCIS Receipt Notice

After submitting Form I-90, you will receive Form I-797C, Notice of Action from USCIS, confirming they received your application and filing fee.

The notice will contain your case number, which you can use to track the status of your application. Check out the timeframe for receiving a USCIS receipt.

• Form I-797C will grant you a validity extension of 36 months.

6. Attend A Biometric Appointment

Visit a designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph as part of the biometric process. (Read more about how long after biometrics you can get your Green Card).

7. Receive A Decision Notice

Once USCIS processes your Green Card renewal application, they will inform you about their decision.

If your application is approved, you will receive your new Green Card.

Although not common, your application for Green Card renewal can be denied. This might be the case if you:

• Committed a crime.
• Spent extended periods of time outside the U.S. without proper documentation, which can be considered abandonment of your permanent residency.
• Were engaged in fraud or misrepresentation.
• Submitted inaccurate forms.

If your Green Card renewal application is denied, you might have the option to appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation addressing the issues raised in the denial notice.

Green Card Renewal Process For Conditional Residents

Having a conditional Green Card? Its validity is 2 years, and it cannot be renewed.

Once the two-year validity period of your conditional Green Card is over, you lose your lawful status, along with the right to live and work in the U.S.

If you want to remain in the country, file a petition to remove conditions from your Green Card at least 90 days before your conditional Green Card expires.

Sticking to this time frame is very important.

• If you apply for removal of conditions earlier, USCIS will return your petition.
• If you apply for removal of conditions after your Green Card expires without a valid reason to explain the delay, your petition is likely to be rejected.

To remove conditions:

• File Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, if you have a marriage-based conditional Green Card.
• File Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status, if you have an investment-based conditional Green Card.

A removal of conditions scenario requires additional supporting documents. Contact our attorneys at Spar & Bernstein and we will help you with the process.

Tips For Filing Your Green Card Renewal Application

Not sure how to approach the renewal process? Read on.

• Read the instructions carefully: Make sure to read the instructions for Form I-90 provided on the USCIS website to understand the requirements and avoid common mistakes.
• Use the correct form: Download the most recent version of Form I-90 directly from the USCIS website to avoid outdated forms.
• Complete all sections: Fill out all sections of the form accurately to minimize the risk of delays or rejection.
• Double-check your information: Verify all the information you provide, such as your name, date of birth, and A-number, to ensure it is correct and matches your previous records.
• Provide supporting documents: Include clear and legible copies of the required supporting documents, such as your current Green Card, a copy of your passport, and any other documentation.
• Pay the correct fee: Check the current filing fee and biometric services fee on the USCIS website. Make sure you pay the correct amount and use the accepted payment method.
• Check for fee waiver eligibility: If you cannot afford the filing fee, check if you qualify for a fee waiver by reviewing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and the accompanying instructions.
• Sign the form: Don’t forget to sign the form as unsigned forms will be rejected and returned.
• Keep copies of everything: Make copies of your completed form and all supporting documents before submitting them.
• Update USCIS of any changes: Notify USCIS immediately if you change your address after filing your renewal application using Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card.
• Follow up on delays: If you don’t receive a receipt notice within a few weeks of filing, contact USCIS to confirm they received your application.
• Seek legal assistance: If you have any concerns regarding your renewal, talk to a trusted immigration attorney for guidance.

How Long Does It Take To Renew Your Green Card?

Renewing your 10-year Green Card takes approximately 17.5 months.

Various factors can affect your Green Card renewal timeline, including:

• Increased volume of applications that need to be processed by USCIS
• Errors or missing information in your application
• Issues with supporting documents
• Requests for additional evidence
• Background checks and security clearance

To minimize delays, make sure you check the processing time section on the USCIS website for updates and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Green Card Renewal: Key Takeaways

• The Green Card renewal fee for paper applications is $465 or $415 for online submissions, unless you qualify for a fee exemption.
• The renewal involves submitting Form I-90, supporting documents, and completing biometrics at a USCIS office.
• If you’re a conditional resident, you must file to remove conditions as conditional Green Cards cannot be renewed.
• The process can take up to 17.5 months.

Need Help With Your Green Card Renewal? Call Spar & Bernstein

The process of renewing your Green Card can be easier if you work with Spar & Bernstein!

Our experienced team of immigration attorneys will:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date information, making sure your renewal application aligns with the current regulations.
• Prepare your Green Card renewal application, identifying potential issues or discrepancies and minimizing the risk of delays or denials.
• Help you compile and organize the necessary paperwork.
• Offer personalized solutions if your case is complex.
• Communicate with USCIS on your behalf, handling all requests for additional evidence or responding to inquiries.
• Help you move through the appeals process, if your renewal application is denied.

“As per U.S. immigration law, you must carry valid documentation that proves your legal status in the country at all times,” says Brad Bernstein, Managing Partner at The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein. “If your Green Card is expired or about to expire, we can help you renew it.”

With Spar & Bernstein, you have a reliable partner committed to helping you every step of the way in the Green Card renewal process.

Green Card Renewal: FAQs

Still have questions about the Green Card renewal process? Explore the most frequently asked questions from our clients.

Can I work while my Green Card renewal is pending?

Yes, you can continue working with an expired Green Card. However, you may face issues when looking for new job opportunities.

Can I travel while my Green Card renewal is pending?

Yes, you can travel while waiting for a decision on your Green Card renewal. Make sure you have your expired Green Card and the USCIS receipt notice for the renewal application with you while traveling.

Can I renew my Green Card if it has been lost or stolen?

Yes, you can! To replace a lost, stolen or damaged Green Card, file Form I-90. If your Green Card has been stolen, report it to local law enforcement.

Can I renew my Green Card if I have a criminal record?

In some cases, a criminal record may affect your eligibility for a Green Card. Schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein. We will assess your situation and explain your legal options.

Can I renew my Green Card if I have changed my name?

Yes, you can request renewal of your Green Card if you have changed your name. To support your request, provide the necessary documentation, such as a marriage certificate or a court order.

What will happen if I don’t renew my Green Card on time?

If you don’t renew your Green Card on time, you may face difficulties in proving your eligibility to live and work in the U.S. This can also affect your ability to travel or access certain Green Card benefits.

What happens if my Green Card expires while I’m outside the U.S.?

If your Green Card expires while you are outside the U.S., visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance. You may need to apply for a travel document or return to the U.S. as soon as possible.