Form I-90: How to Renew or Replace Your Green Card in 2026

# Form I-90 Guide: How to Renew or Replace Your Green Card in 2026

Holding a permanent resident card (green card) is one of the most important milestones in your immigration journey, but the card itself does not last forever. Whether your card has expired, been damaged, or your personal information has changed, Form I-90 is the application you need to file with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to get a new one.

At Reinvent NY, we help permanent residents across the country navigate the renewal and replacement process with confidence. This guide walks you through every step of the I-90 form process, from eligibility and filing methods to fees, processing times, and what to do if your application hits a snag.

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What Is Form I-90 and Who Needs to File It?

Form I-90, officially titled "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card," is the standard USCIS form used to renew an expiring green card or replace one that has been lost, stolen, damaged, or contains incorrect information. The form applies to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and conditional residents in specific situations.

You should file Form I-90 if any of the following apply to you:

- Your green card has expired or will expire within the next 6 months
- Your card was lost, stolen, or destroyed
- Your card has been mutilated or damaged to the point where it is no longer usable
- You received your card before your 14th birthday and have now turned 14 (your card must be renewed within 30 days of turning 14 if it will expire after your 16th birthday)
- You have had a legal name change (through marriage, divorce, or court order) and need your card updated
- Your card contains incorrect information due to a USCIS error or a DHS error
- You are a commuter who is changing to actual permanent resident status, or vice versa
- You were granted permanent residence on or before your 14th birthday and your card has since expired
- You have a previous edition of the card that is no longer valid

It is important to note that Form I-90 is not used to remove conditions on a conditional green card. That process requires [Form I-751](https://www.uscis.gov/i-751) for marriage-based conditional residents or [Form I-829](https://www.uscis.gov/i-829) for EB-5 investors.

For the official form and instructions, visit the [USCIS Form I-90 page](https://www.uscis.gov/i-90).

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When and How to File: Online vs. Paper Filing

USCIS strongly encourages applicants to file Form I-90 online. In fact, the online filing option is available for most applicants and offers several practical advantages over the paper-based method.

Online Filing

To file online, you need to create a [USCIS online account](https://myaccount.uscis.gov/) at myaccount.uscis.gov. Once logged in, you can complete the form digitally, upload supporting documents, pay the filing fee, and track your case status in real time.

Advantages of online filing:

- Instant confirmation of receipt
- Real-time case status tracking
- Ability to respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) electronically
- Faster communication with USCIS

Paper Filing

Paper filing is still available for applicants who cannot file online. You must mail the completed form, supporting documents, and payment to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility. Processing may take longer, and tracking is limited to checking your case status online using the receipt number.

Paper filing is required if:

- You are filing from outside the United States
- You are requesting a fee waiver using [Form I-912](https://www.uscis.gov/i-912)
- You need to submit certain types of evidence that cannot be uploaded digitally

We recommend filing online whenever possible. The convenience and speed advantages are significant, especially given current processing backlogs.

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Filing Fees, Processing Times, and What to Expect in 2026

Current Fees

As of 2026, the total filing fee for Form I-90 is $540, broken down as follows:

- $455 — Filing fee for Form I-90
- $85 — Biometrics services fee

The biometrics fee covers fingerprinting, photography, and signature collection at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). After filing, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice with a scheduled date and location.

Fee exceptions:

- If you are replacing a card due to a USCIS error, there is no fee
- Applicants aged 14 to 16 who are renewing a card issued before their 14th birthday may file with no fee if the card will expire before the applicant's 16th birthday
- Fee waivers are available for applicants who demonstrate an inability to pay (paper filing only, using Form I-912)

For the most current fee schedule, check the [USCIS filing fees page](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees).

Processing Times in 2026

Form I-90 processing times vary by USCIS office and fluctuate throughout the year. As of early 2026, the typical processing timeline is:

- Receipt notice: 2 to 4 weeks after filing
- Biometrics appointment: 4 to 8 weeks after filing
- Card production and delivery: 8 to 12 months total from filing date

Some applicants report receiving their new cards in as few as 6 months, while others have waited 14 months or longer. Processing times at the USCIS Nebraska Service Center and Potomac Service Center can differ by several months.

You can check current processing times on the [USCIS processing times page](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/).

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Extension of Green Card Validity While Your I-90 Is Pending

One of the most common concerns among applicants is what happens to their immigration status while they wait for a new card. The good news is that USCIS has a built-in solution.

When you file Form I-90 and USCIS accepts your application, you will receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C). This receipt notice, combined with your expired green card, serves as proof of your continued lawful permanent resident status for 12 months from the date on the receipt notice.

This means you can continue to:

- Work in the United States without applying for a separate Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Travel domestically (within the U.S.) using your expired card and receipt notice as identification
- Prove your immigration status to employers during the I-9 verification process

Important travel warning: If you plan to travel internationally while your I-90 is pending, your expired green card and receipt notice may not be sufficient for re-entry. We strongly recommend obtaining an I-551 stamp (also called an ADIT stamp) in your passport by scheduling an [InfoPass appointment](https://www.uscis.gov/appointment) at your local USCIS field office before traveling. Without this stamp, you may face difficulties at the port of entry.

If your case is still pending after the 12-month extension period expires, you may need to visit a USCIS field office to obtain additional proof of status.

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Common Reasons for Denial and How to Avoid Them

While Form I-90 approvals are straightforward for most applicants, denials do happen. Here are the most common reasons USCIS may deny your I-90 application:

1. Failure to appear for biometrics. If you miss your scheduled biometrics appointment without rescheduling in advance, USCIS will deny your application. If you cannot attend, contact USCIS before the appointment date to reschedule.

2. Incomplete or incorrect application. Missing signatures, blank required fields, or inconsistent information (such as a name that does not match your records) can lead to a rejection or denial. Double-check every field before submitting.

3. Failure to pay the correct fee. Submitting the wrong fee amount, a bounced check, or a declined credit card will result in rejection. The total fee is $540 ($455 + $85 biometrics) unless an exception applies.

4. Abandoned application. If USCIS sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE) and you do not respond within the deadline (typically 87 days), your case will be considered abandoned and denied.

5. Ineligibility. If USCIS determines that you are not actually a lawful permanent resident, or that you should be filing a different form (such as I-751 for conditional residents), your I-90 will be denied.

6. Criminal history or removal proceedings. In rare cases, filing Form I-90 can trigger a review of your immigration record. If USCIS discovers grounds for removal or a disqualifying criminal conviction, your application may be denied and removal proceedings could be initiated.

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Final Thoughts

Renewing or replacing your green card is not optional. An expired or invalid permanent resident card can create real problems when you need to prove your work authorization, travel internationally, or simply verify your identity. The I-90 form process is one of the more straightforward USCIS applications, but given current processing times of 8 to 12 months, we strongly advise filing as early as possible, ideally 6 months before your card expires.

At Reinvent NY, we regularly assist permanent residents with Form I-90 filings and other immigration-related matters. If you have questions about your specific situation, whether it involves an expired card, a name change, or concerns about traveling while your renewal is pending, our team is here to help.

Ready to get started? [Contact us through our consultation form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11dV2EAJwqcnYLRKvRI70A9BJOWBwZpAzeODotMbereg/viewform) and we will guide you through the process.

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FAQ

How long does it take to process Form I-90 in 2026?

As of 2026, most Form I-90 applications are processed within 8 to 12 months from the filing date. Some cases are completed in as few as 6 months, while others may take 14 months or longer depending on the USCIS service center handling your case. Check the [USCIS processing times page](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/) for current estimates.

How much does it cost to file Form I-90?

The total filing fee is $540, which includes a $455 application fee and an $85 biometrics fee. There is no fee if you are replacing a card due to a USCIS error. Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants who file by mail using [Form I-912](https://www.uscis.gov/i-912).

Can I work with an expired green card if my I-90 is pending?

Yes. Your I-90 receipt notice (Form I-797C) combined with your expired green card serves as proof of your continued permanent resident status and work authorization for 12 months from the receipt notice date.

Can I travel internationally while my Form I-90 is pending?

International travel while your I-90 is pending is possible but carries risk. Your expired card and receipt notice may not be accepted at the port of entry. We recommend obtaining an I-551 stamp in your passport from your local USCIS field office before any international trip.

Should I file Form I-90 online or by mail?

We recommend online filing for most applicants. It is faster, allows real-time case tracking, and enables electronic responses to Requests for Evidence. Paper filing is required only if you are filing from outside the U.S. or requesting a fee waiver.

What happens if I miss my biometrics appointment?

If you miss your biometrics appointment without rescheduling, USCIS will deny your application. If you cannot attend the scheduled date, contact USCIS before the appointment to request a reschedule.

Do I need to file Form I-90 if I turned 14?

Yes. If you received your green card before your 14th birthday and the card will expire after your 16th birthday, you must file Form I-90 within 30 days of turning 14. If your card expires before your 16th birthday, there is no filing fee.

Can filing Form I-90 trigger removal proceedings?

In rare cases, yes. Filing Form I-90 requires USCIS to review your immigration record. If they discover grounds for inadmissibility, a disqualifying criminal conviction, or evidence of fraud, they may deny the application and initiate removal proceedings. If you have concerns about your record, consult with an immigration attorney before filing.

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