Key Takeaways

  • The permanent resident card renewal fee is currently $540, including the $455 application fee and $85 biometrics fee.
  • Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants who demonstrate financial hardship through Form I-912.
  • Processing times for Green Card renewal typically range between 7 to 14 months, but applicants receive a 24-month extension notice after filing.
  • Expedited processing may be possible under specific circumstances, such as emergency travel or USCIS errors.
  • Conditional permanent residents (CR-1, EB-5 categories) cannot use Form I-90 but must apply for removal of conditions (I-751 or I-829).
  • Applying online through the USCIS portal is often faster than submitting a paper application.
  • If your renewal application is denied, you may be able to file a motion to reopen or reapply if eligible.
  • Permanent residents who are outside the U.S. should contact a U.S. consulate or USCIS office if their Green Card expires while abroad.
  • UpCounsel provides access to experienced immigration attorneys who can assist with complex renewal cases.

Green Card Renewal Fee

A green card renewal fee refers to the amount of money that you will need to pay to replace an expired green card. A green card, or permanent resident card, serves as proof of an individual's right to live and work in the United States.

How Much Does it Cost to Renew a Green Card?

When it comes to renewing or replacing a green card, you will need to pay costs associated with both preparation and filing to successfully receive a new one.

What Happens If You Can't Afford the Green Card Renewal Fee?

If you cannot afford the permanent resident card renewal fee, you may qualify for a USCIS fee waiver by submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. To be eligible, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Receiving public benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI.
  • Household income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • Demonstrating financial hardship due to medical bills, unemployment, or other extenuating circumstances.

To apply for a fee waiver, include supporting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit award letters with your Form I-90 application. If USCIS denies the waiver, you must pay the full renewal fee or risk having your application rejected.

USCIS Fee

To replace or renew a green card, applicants need to file Form I-90 with the USCIS. The USCIS charges a fee to accept the Form I-90. The fee will be $540 if you are renewing your green card because it will expire or has already expired. The $540 fee includes a biometrics fee and an application fee.

How Long Does Green Card Renewal Take?

The processing time for Green Card renewal typically ranges between 7 to 14 months. However, once USCIS receives your Form I-90, they will issue a receipt notice (Form I-797C), which serves as proof of continued lawful permanent resident status for 24 months beyond your card’s expiration date.

Steps in the Renewal Timeline:

  1. Form I-90 Submission – Online or by mail.
  2. USCIS Receipt Notice (1-3 Weeks) – Confirms your application was received.
  3. Biometrics Appointment (4-8 Weeks) – Fingerprinting and photograph at an ASC (Application Support Center).
  4. USCIS Processing (7-14 Months) – Review and adjudication of your application.
  5. Approval & New Green Card Issuance – If approved, the new card is mailed to your address.

For urgent situations, such as international travel or job-related needs, applicants may request an I-551 stamp at a USCIS office, serving as temporary proof of permanent residency.

Preparation Fee

You can prepare the Form I-90 by following one of three methods. If you feel confident about the process of renewing a green card, you can do it on your own. Otherwise, you can prepare Form I-90 through CitizenPath or with the help of an attorney.

Go to the USCIS website to download Form I-90. You will also find step-by-step instructions there. If you prepare Form I-90 on your own, you will not need to pay a fee. CitizenPath is affordable software that you can use to prepare Form I-90 if you need a little help. Finally, you can hire an attorney to help you prepare Form I-90. Most lawyers will charge $250 to $350 to prepare the form.

How to Renew a Green Card

A new green card is valid for one decade. The only exception to this rule is if you received a green card before the age of 14. You will need to renew your green card when you turn 14 years old. If your green card has expired, you will need to send Form I-90 as soon as possible.

Ideally, you should prepare and file this form six months before your green card expires. You can find the expiration date on the front of your card. If you file within six months of the expiration date, you will be less likely to experience a delay.

If your card expires while you are overseas and you did not file a renewal before you left the United States, you should contact the USCIS office, a U.S. consulate, or a U.S. port of entry as soon as possible.

When paying the $540 fee to renew your green card, you can use Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. You can also pay the fee with a money order or check. You should not send cash in the mail to pay the fee. You will receive a receipt from the USCIS once it receives the payment, the form, and the supporting documents. You will get the receipt in an email or letter.

If you are unable to afford the green card renewal fee, the USCIS may waive the $450 fee. To prove to the USCIS that you are unable to pay the fee, you will need to file Form I-912 and pass the "inability to pay" test. The USCIS will likely waive the fee if you receive public assistance.

Can You Expedite Green Card Renewal?

Expedited processing for Green Card renewal is not typically available. However, USCIS may prioritize applications under the following circumstances:

  • Emergency Travel: Proof of an urgent medical situation, funeral, or business trip.
  • USCIS Error: If your Green Card was issued with incorrect information.
  • Government Agency Request: If a government agency requires proof of status for an urgent matter.

To request an expedited Green Card renewal, applicants should call USCIS (1-800-375-5283) and submit documentation proving the urgency of their request.

When can Permanent Residents use Form I-90?

If you are a permanent resident, you can use the Form I-90 unless the following is true:

  • Your green card was stolen, destroyed, mutilated, or partly destroyed.
  • The USCIS sent the green card but you have not received it.

You can use Form I-90 if your green card has a mistake or if the personal data of the cardholder has changed. If the green card has expired already or will expire within six months, you can use Form I-90.

Can Conditional Permanent Residents Renew Their Green Cards?

Conditional permanent residents (CPRs) cannot renew a Green Card using Form I-90. Instead, they must apply to remove conditions based on their residency category:

  • Marriage-Based (CR-1 Visa Holders) – Must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence before the 2-year Green Card expires.
  • Investor Green Card Holders (EB-5 Program) – Must file Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions.

Failure to remove conditions within the 90-day window before expiration could lead to loss of permanent resident status.

When do Conditional Permanent Residents use Form I-90?

You should use Form I-90 as a permanent resident if you lost the individual card or if the green card was lost in the mail. Conditional permanent residents with a destroyed or mutilated card can use Form I-90.

Renewal or Replacement Time

It takes about three to four months for the USCIS to process a green card replacement or renewal. Therefore, you should plan accordingly if your green card is about to expire.

What Happens If Your Green Card Renewal is Denied?

If USCIS denies your Green Card renewal, they will send a denial notice explaining the reasons. Common reasons for denial include:

  • Submitting incorrect or incomplete Form I-90.
  • Failure to attend a biometrics appointment.
  • Criminal history affecting eligibility.
  • USCIS suspecting fraud or misrepresentation.

What Are Your Options?

  1. File a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider – If you believe USCIS made an error, you can file Form I-290B within 30 days.
  2. Reapply with Corrected Information – If the denial was due to missing documents, you may need to resubmit a new Form I-90.
  3. Seek Legal Assistance – If your denial is due to a criminal record or immigration violation, an immigration attorney can help assess your case.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the current Green Card renewal fee?

The permanent resident card renewal fee is $540, which includes the $455 application fee and $85 biometrics fee.

2. How long does it take to renew a Green Card?

USCIS processing times range from 7 to 14 months. However, upon filing, USCIS issues a receipt notice granting a 24-month extension of your status.

3. Can I renew my Green Card if I am outside the U.S.?

Yes, but you should file for renewal before traveling. If your card expires while abroad, contact a U.S. consulate or USCIS field office for instructions.

4. Can I expedite my Green Card renewal?

Expedited processing is available only in emergency cases, such as urgent travel, USCIS errors, or government agency requests.

5. What should I do if my Green Card renewal is denied?

If USCIS denies your renewal, you may file a motion to reopen or reconsider (Form I-290B) or reapply with corrected information.

If you need help with a green card renewal, you should turn to the lawyers on UpCounsel's marketplace to find an attorney who will be able to meet your legal needs. UpCounsel only allows the top five percent of all lawyers who have graduated from Harvard Law, Yale Law, and other elite law schools. The lawyers on UpCounsel's marketplaces have decades of legal experience.