Key Takeaways

  • Green cards generally expire every 10 years; timely renewal is necessary to maintain valid proof of permanent residency.
  • Renewal is completed by filing Form I-90, either online or by mail, with supporting documents and biometrics.
  • Common mistakes that delay renewal include using the wrong form, filing too early, or failing to provide proper documentation.
  • Renewal may be denied for criminal history, false statements, or removal orders.
  • Permanent resident status does not expire with the physical card, but an expired card can affect employment, travel, and identification.
  • Renewal costs typically include a filing fee and biometrics fee, though some applicants may qualify for fee waivers.
  • Special situations—such as lost, stolen, or damaged cards, or conditional residency—require additional steps or different forms.

Renewing Green Card: Everything You Need to Know

Since renewing a green card is necessary, a person should always be mindful of the expiration date of their green card. An expired card may prevent one from being able to work inside of or travel outside of the United States.

A green card expires every 10 years and the expiration date can be found on the front of a green card (unless it is an older version).

How Do You Renew a Green Card?

A copy of the green card that is expiring or has already expired must be submitted along with Form I-90.

If the applicant is using a different name since they were last issued a green card, proof of the name change must be submitted. A marriage certificate, adoption decree, or court order, are all examples of evidence that can be used.

Forms can be filed online but supporting documents still must be sent to USCIS by mail.

Next, the applicant will receive a letter from USCIS requesting them to go to the local USCIS Application Support Center for biometrics (fingerprinting).

An applicant may be contacted by USCIS for more information, or in some cases, to interview with them before they make a decision. This decision will be sent in writing.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card

If your green card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must also file Form I-90. Replacement reasons include:

  • Lost or stolen card.
  • Card damaged or destroyed.
  • Card containing incorrect information due to a USCIS error.
  • Need to update information such as name, gender, or other biographic details.

If you are outside the U.S. when your card is lost, contact a U.S. consulate or embassy to receive temporary documentation for re-entry.

Fees for Renewing a Green Card

Renewing a green card usually involves paying two main costs:

  • Form I-90 Filing Fee – currently $455.
  • Biometrics Fee – an additional $85, bringing the total to $540 for most applicants.

Fee waivers may be available for individuals who can prove financial hardship, such as receiving means-tested benefits or meeting income eligibility guidelines. If the card renewal is denied, USCIS does not refund these fees.

When to File for Renewal

USCIS recommends applying for renewal about six months before your green card expires. Filing too early may result in rejection, but waiting until after expiration could complicate work authorization and international travel. For those already abroad with an expired or soon-to-expire card, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before returning.

What Are the Reasons Green Card Renewals Are Denied?

Committing a Crime

Some crimes committed are reason for deportation but there is no easy list of these crimes to refer to. In the case of an individual misdemeanor or felony conviction, one should seek advice from an immigration attorney before filing Form I-90 to refresh your green card.

In most cases, an experienced attorney is successful at obtaining a renewed green card for clients that have deportable crimes.

Lying on Renewal Application

The United States Citizen and Immigration Services asks applicants to swear under penalty of law that all of the information in their applications is true, correct, complete, and provided by the applicants themselves.

If an applicant received help from an attorney, friend, or family member when filling out the application, this must be made known.

It is against the law to lie or willfully submit incorrect information on Form I-90 and will be penalized accordingly.

You Were Ordered Removed

If it is ordered by a judge that a person be removed from the United States since securing a permanent resident status, the applicant will likely get their green card renewal denied.

An applicant will also be denied a green card renewal if they signed a stipulated removal order.

Using the Wrong Form

Form I-90 is incorrectly filed every year by many conditional permanent residents. A green card that has been issued for a conditional resident of the U.S lasts for a duration of two years.

Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, must be filed by a conditional resident based on a financial investment they have made in a U.S. business. Once the petition is approved, a new permanent resident card valid for 10 years will be sent to the applicant.

Filing Too Early

A renewal form submitted too early will likely be rejected by the USCIS.

Unpaid Taxes

As a U.S. citizen or immigrant working in the United States, one may be legally obligated to file an income tax return. Unpaid taxes most likely won't get a green card renewal denied but it will become problematic.

Processing Times and Temporary Proof of Status

Processing times for green card renewals can vary significantly, often taking 8–12 months. To ensure you remain in compliance, USCIS issues a receipt notice (Form I-797C) after you file Form I-90. This notice automatically extends your green card’s validity, usually for 24 months, and serves as temporary proof of your status for work and travel while your application is pending.

Does Your Permanent Residence Expire When Your Card Does?

In the past, those who received green cards between 1979 and 1988 did not need to renew, but this has recently changed. Every green card holder is now expected to renew.

Conditional Green Cards and Removal of Conditions

Not all green cards are valid for 10 years. Conditional green cards, often issued through marriage or certain investment visas, are valid for only two years. Holders of conditional cards must file the appropriate petition to remove conditions before the card expires:

  • Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) for marriage-based conditional residents.
  • Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions) for investor-based conditional residents.

Failure to timely remove conditions may result in loss of resident status and possible removal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early can I start renewing my green card?

You should file Form I-90 about six months before expiration to avoid gaps in work or travel authorization.

2. How much does it cost to renew a green card?

Most applicants pay $540 (a $455 filing fee plus an $85 biometrics fee), though some may qualify for a fee waiver.

3. Can I work if my green card expires during processing?

Yes. USCIS provides a receipt notice (Form I-797C) that automatically extends your card’s validity, serving as temporary proof of status.

4. What if my green card is lost or stolen?

File Form I-90 immediately to request a replacement. If abroad, contact a U.S. consulate for temporary re-entry authorization.

5. Does my permanent residency end when my green card expires?

No, permanent resident status does not expire, but carrying an expired card can cause issues with employment, travel, and identification.

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