Green Card Renewal 2026: How to File Form I-90 and What to Expect

Green Card Renewal 2026: How to File Form I-90 and What to Expect

Önemli Çıkarımlar

• Form I-90 filing fee: $415 online / $465 by mail in 2026
• Processing time: approximately 11 months for most applicants
• File up to 6 months before your card expires
• USCIS sends an I-797 receipt notice that extends your status for 24 months beyond expiration
• Form I-90 is for 10-year permanent resident cards only — conditional (2-year) green cards use Form I-751
• Online filing via myUSCIS is $50 cheaper than paper filing

Every lawful permanent resident holding a 10-year green card must renew it before it expires. While an expired green card does not mean you have lost permanent resident status, it creates real practical problems: employers cannot use it for I-9 verification, TSA may question it at domestic checkpoints, and some foreign countries will not admit lawful permanent residents without a valid card. USCIS processes Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) in approximately 11 months in 2026, making early filing — up to 6 months before expiration — strongly advisable.

Who Needs to File Form I-90?

Form I-90 covers multiple replacement and renewal situations. You need to file I-90 if your green card is expiring or has already expired, was lost or stolen, contains incorrect information, or was never received after approval. In 2026, USCIS uses Form I-90 for the following situations:

• Expiring 10-year card: File during the 6-month window before expiration
• Expired card: File immediately if your card has already expired
• Lost, stolen, or damaged card: File to replace a card you can no longer use
• Card issued with incorrect information: Name, date of birth, or immigration class errors
• Never received card after approval: If USCIS approved your green card but it was never delivered
• Changed name legally: If your legal name changed through marriage, divorce, or court order after your card was issued
• 14th birthday (for children): When a child who received a 2-year child-based card turns 14

Important: Form I-90 is only for permanent resident cards. If you have a 2-year conditional green card obtained through marriage, you need Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions. If you have a conditional green card through EB-5 investment, you need Form I-829. See our separate guides for those forms.

Form I-90 Filing Fees in 2026

USCIS updated Form I-90 fees effective April 1, 2024, under its comprehensive fee rule. In 2026, those fees remain in effect:

• Online filing (my.uscis.gov): $415
• Paper filing (mail): $465
• Fee for permanent residents age 79 or older: $415 (no biometrics fee charged)
• Fee for replacement of a card issued in error by USCIS: $0 (USCIS-caused error)

Online filing costs $50 less and provides immediate confirmation plus faster processing — USCIS prioritizes online filings in its workflow. There is no separate biometrics fee for most I-90 filers; biometrics services are included in the filing fee. Fee waivers are available for applicants who meet income-based hardship requirements — file Form I-912 to request a waiver.

Processing Times and the I-797 Extension Notice

USCIS processing times for Form I-90 as of April 2026 are approximately 11 months for most service centers (USCIS Processing Times Tool). Within a few weeks of filing, USCIS mails a receipt notice — Form I-797 — that extends your status as a lawful permanent resident for 24 months beyond your card’s expiration date. This I-797 notice, used together with your expired green card, serves as valid proof of lawful permanent resident status for most purposes:

• Employment eligibility verification (Form I-9)
• Social Security Administration updates
• Domestic air travel
• Driver’s license renewal at most state DMVs
• US bank accounts and financial institutions

International travel requires more care — see below. The 24-month extension printed on the I-797 means most applicants will receive their new card before the extension expires, but cases can be delayed by additional evidence requests, biometrics rescheduling, or USCIS staffing issues.

How to File Form I-90 Online (Step by Step)

Online filing through myUSCIS is the recommended method in 2026. It is cheaper, faster, and provides an instant receipt confirming USCIS received your application.

1. Create a myUSCIS account: Go to my.uscis.gov and create an account with your email address.
2. Start Form I-90: Select “File a Form Online” and choose Form I-90. The online form guides you through each section with plain-language instructions.
3. Complete all sections: Provide your A-Number (alien registration number from your current card), biographic information, and the reason for replacement or renewal.
4. Pay the $415 fee: USCIS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and ACH bank transfer. Keep your payment confirmation.
5. Submit and receive receipt: You will receive an immediate electronic receipt number. USCIS will mail your I-797 receipt notice within 2-4 weeks.
6. Attend biometrics: USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at your local Application Support Center. Bring your appointment notice and a government-issued photo ID.
7. Track your case: Monitor processing at egov.uscis.gov using your receipt number.

International Travel While I-90 Is Pending

Lawful permanent residents can travel internationally while an I-90 is pending. Your expired green card combined with the I-797 extension notice serves as evidence of your status. However, there are important considerations:

• Airline boarding: Some airlines’ check-in systems flag expired green cards. Carry your I-797 notice in the same folder and explain the pending renewal if challenged.
• Foreign country entry: Some countries require a valid (non-expired) US green card as a condition of transit visa waivers. Check the entry requirements for your destination country before travel.
• US re-entry: CBP officers at ports of entry have full authority to admit lawful permanent residents presenting an expired green card and valid I-797. This is a legal basis for re-entry under 8 CFR 211.1.
• Extended trips: Trips outside the US lasting more than 6 months can trigger questions about whether you abandoned your permanent residence. See our guide on Naturalization requirements for how extended absences affect your continuous residence clock.

If you have serious travel concerns during a pending I-90 — particularly for travel lasting more than 6 months — consult an immigration attorney before departing.

Green Card Renewal vs. Naturalization

If you have held a green card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen), it may be more efficient to apply for naturalization than to renew your green card. USCIS processing for Form N-400 naturalization is currently faster than I-90 in many field offices — approximately 5-14 months in 2026. If you choose naturalization, you will not need your green card after taking the Oath of Allegiance, and you will receive a US passport instead.

Do not renew your green card if your naturalization eligibility date is within 6 months — you would pay the $415 renewal fee for a card you likely will not need. Consult our guide to US Citizenship and Naturalization 2026 or contact Atlas Legal to evaluate your timeline. If you are still below the 5-year threshold, renewing your green card promptly is essential.

Common I-90 Mistakes to Avoid

Despite being a relatively straightforward form, I-90 applications are frequently delayed or rejected for avoidable errors:

• Filing I-90 for a conditional green card: If your card expires in 2 years, it is conditional. File I-751, not I-90.
• Not paying the online fee: Choosing online filing but sending a paper check — the online fee requires electronic payment through myUSCIS.
• Incorrect A-Number: Your Alien Registration Number is a 9-digit number beginning with “A”. Copy it exactly from your current card.
• Filing too early: Filing more than 6 months before expiration without a qualifying reason. USCIS will reject the filing.
• Forgetting to update address: If you move after filing, update your address via myUSCIS — an undeliverable new card causes significant delays and additional fees.
• Ignoring requests for evidence: USCIS occasionally issues RFEs for I-90 applications with discrepancies. Respond within the deadline or the case will be denied.

Green Card Renewal FAQ

How much does it cost to renew a green card in 2026?

In 2026, Form I-90 costs $415 if filed online or $465 if filed by mail. No separate biometrics fee applies for most applicants — the biometrics service is included in the filing fee. Fee waivers are available for income-qualified permanent residents via Form I-912.

How long does green card renewal take in 2026?

USCIS is currently processing Form I-90 in approximately 11 months in 2026. After filing, USCIS sends a receipt notice (I-797) that extends your status for 24 months beyond your card’s expiration. Use this notice with your expired card as proof of status while waiting.

When should I file for green card renewal?

USCIS recommends filing up to 6 months before your card expires. File immediately if your card is already expired. Do not file more than 6 months before expiration without a qualifying reason, as USCIS will reject the filing.

Can I travel outside the US while my I-90 is pending?

Yes. You can travel using your expired green card and I-797 receipt notice together as proof of status. Some airlines and foreign countries may have additional requirements — carry both documents and check your destination’s entry requirements before travel.

Do I need to renew my green card if I plan to apply for citizenship?

Not necessarily. If you are within 6 months of naturalization eligibility, applying for Form N-400 naturalization may be more cost-effective than paying the I-90 renewal fee for a card you may not need after becoming a citizen. Consult an immigration attorney to assess your timeline.