Permanent Resident Card

Form I-90: Renew or Replace Your Green Card

Lawful permanent residents receive a card valid for 10 years (or 2 years if conditional). Form I-90 is used to renew an expiring card or replace one that is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains errors.

An expired green card does not mean you lose permanent residence — but it creates serious problems with employment verification, travel, and accessing government benefits. Keep your card current.

Year Validity

Standard permanent resident cards expire every 10 years. File I-90 six months before expiration. Conditional cards (2-year) require Form I-751 instead.

Which Situation Applies to You?

I-90 has different filing reasons — selecting the wrong one can delay processing or cause rejection.

Normal

Card Expiring in 6 Months

File I-90 renewal now

High

Card Already Expired

File I-90 immediately — status not lost but card needed

High

Card Lost or Stolen

File replacement + consider police report

Normal

Name Change

File replacement with legal name change document

Medium

Incorrect Information

File replacement with correct documentation

Medium

Card Never Received

Inquire with USCIS, then file replacement if needed

I-90 Processing Timeline

File I-90 online or by mail

Day 0

Receipt notice (I-797C) issued

2–4 weeks

Biometrics appointment scheduled

4–8 weeks

Card production and mailing

8–14 months total

I-90 vs. I-751 — Don't Confuse Them

If your card says “CR1” or “Conditional Resident” and is valid for 2 years, you need Form I-751 (Removal of Conditions) — not I-90. Filing the wrong form wastes time and fees. We confirm which form applies before filing.

I-90 Filing Checklist

✓Form I-90 completed and signed
✓Filing fee (or fee waiver Form I-912)
✓Copy of current green card (front and back)
✓Copy of government-issued photo ID
✓Legal name change document (if applicable)
✓Police report (if card stolen — recommended)
✓Passport-style photos (if filing by mail)

I-90 Questions

Can I travel with an expired green card?+

Airlines may refuse boarding for international flights. You can apply for an I-131A carrier boarding document at a U.S. embassy if abroad with an expired card.

Will I lose permanent residence if my card expires?+

No. Permanent residence is a status, not a card. But you must renew the card to prove your status for employment, travel, and benefits.

Can I get temporary proof of status while I-90 is pending?+

Yes. The I-797C receipt notice extends your expired card validity for 24 months (as of recent USCIS policy updates). Carry it with your expired card.

Attorney Jacquelyn R. Goncalves personally handles every case — Connecticut and nationwide.

Renew or Replace Your Green Card Related Service