If your Green Card is expiring in the next six months, you need to act now.
Renewing your Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, is required to maintain your proof of lawful status in the United States.
An expired card does not mean you lose your permanent residency, but it creates serious problems for employment verification, travel, and other legal matters.
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Who Needs to Renew a Green Card?
You must file Form I-90 if you are a lawful permanent resident and your Green Card:
- Has expired or will expire within the next six months
- Was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Contains incorrect information such as a name or date of birth error
- Was issued before your 14th birthday and you are now 14 or older
- Has a different name due to marriage or a legal name change
If you have a 2-year conditional Green Card (obtained through marriage or investment), you do NOT file Form I-90, instead, you must file Form I-751 (marriage-based) or Form I-829 (investment-based) to remove the conditions on your residency.
2026 Green Card Renewal Fees
As of 2026, the USCIS filing fees for Form I-90 are:
| Filing Method | Fee (2026) |
| Online (recommended) | $415 |
| Paper / Mail | $465 |
| Biometrics Fee | $0 — included since April 2024 |
If you receive Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or other means-tested benefits, or your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for a full fee waiver.
Submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) with your I-90 application. Also, if you request a fee waiver, you must file by mail, as the online filing does not support fee waivers.
How Long Does Green Card Renewal Take in 2026?
Processing times for Form I-90 have been volatile in 2025 and 2026. Based on current USCIS data:
| Stage | Estimated Time |
| Receipt notice (I-797) | 1 to 3 weeks after filing |
| Biometrics appointment | 4 to 8 weeks after filing |
| Total processing (card in hand) | 8 to 12 months (average) |
Because of these long wait times, it is recommended to file your renewal as soon as you enter the 6-month window before your card’s expiration date. Do not wait until the last minute.
Your status is protected while you wait.
When USCIS receives your I-90, they send a receipt notice (Form I-797), this notice automatically extends your Green Card’s validity by 24 months.
Carry both your expired card and the I-797 notice at all times as proof of your lawful status.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Green Card
Step 1 — Determine When to Apply
You can file Form I-90 to renew your 10-year Green Card starting 6 months before the expiration date shown on your card. Given that processing now takes 8 to 12 months, file as soon as that 6-month window opens.
If you have already filed Form N-400 (naturalization application) at least 6 months before your card expires, you do not need to file I-90. Your N-400 receipt plus your expired card serve as proof of status.
Step 2 — Gather Your Documents
Before filling out the form, collect the following:
- A copy of your current or expired Green Card (both front and back)
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID (passport or state ID)
- Any legal name change documents if your name has changed
- Fee payment method: credit card, debit card, or prepaid card
- Form I-912 and financial documents if applying for a fee waiver
Step 3 — Complete Form I-90
You have two options for filing:
Online (recommended): Create or log in to your USCIS online account at uscis.gov. Complete Form I-90 electronically, upload your documents, and pay the $415 fee. Online filing is faster and allows you to track your case status in real time.
By Mail: Download the latest version of Form I-90 from uscis.gov. Complete it by hand or on your computer. Mail it along with your documents and payment ($465) to the USCIS lockbox address listed on the form instructions. Always use the address on the current version of the instructions, as it can change.
Step 4 — Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
After USCIS processes your application, they will mail you a biometrics appointment notice.
This notice will include the date, time, and location of your appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
At the appointment, USCIS will take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
Bring your appointment notice and a valid government-issued photo ID.
The appointment generally takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
There is no separate fees, biometrics have been included in the filing fee since April 2024.
Step 5 — Wait and Track Your Case
After biometrics, USCIS will continue processing your application.
You can track your case status online using the receipt number from your I-797 notice.
If your case is outside normal processing times, you may submit a case inquiry through your USCIS online account.
If there is a genuine emergency, you can request expedited processing by providing documentation showing severe financial loss, a medical emergency, or humanitarian need.
Step 6 — Receive Your New Green Card
Once USCIS approves your application, your new 10-year Green Card will be mailed to the address on file.
Make sure your address is current, if you move during processing, update your address immediately through your USCIS online account or by filing Form AR-11.
Can You Work and Travel While Waiting for Renewal?
Employment
Yes, an expired Green Card does not end your work authorization.
If you file I-90 and receive the receipt notice, your employer cannot require you to re-verify your I-9 employment eligibility based on the card expiration alone.
The I-797 receipt notice extends your card’s validity for 24 months.
Travel
You can travel outside the United States while your renewal is pending, but you must carry both your expired Green Card and your I-797 receipt notice when you re-enter the country.
Airlines and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) accept both documents as proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
If your card expired while you are already outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. consulate or port of entry before attempting to return. This situation requires additional steps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing too late; apply 6 months before expiration, not after
- Filing Form I-90, if you have a conditional (2-year) Green Card, use I-751 instead
- Using an outdated version of Form I-90, always download the current version from uscis.gov
- Incorrect payment, USCIS no longer accepts personal checks for paper filings; use credit or debit card
- Not updating your address if you move during processing, file Form AR-11 immediately
- Sending your application to the wrong USCIS address, verify the mailing address in the current form instructions
What If Your Application Is Denied?
If USCIS denies your I-90 application, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason.
Common reasons include incomplete forms, missing documents, or unpaid fees.
Depending on the reason, you may be able to:
- File a motion to reopen or reconsider the decision
- Appeal the denial to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)
- Refile a new I-90 with the corrected information
If your application is denied, consult an immigration attorney before taking any action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for U.S. citizenship instead of renewing my Green Card?
If you are eligible for naturalization, you may apply for citizenship instead of renewing your Green Card. However, if your card expires soon and your naturalization process may take longer, renewing the card may still be recommended to avoid documentation issues.
Will renewing my Green Card trigger a background check?
Yes. USCIS typically conducts updated background and security checks during the renewal process, even though you are already a lawful permanent resident.
Can I renew my Green Card if I have been outside the U.S. for a long time?
If you have stayed outside the United States for an extended period, USCIS may question whether you abandoned your permanent residency. In such cases, you may need to consult an immigration attorney before applying.
What should I do if my Green Card renewal is still pending after a year?
If your case exceeds the published USCIS processing time, you can submit a case inquiry request through your USCIS online account or contact the USCIS Contact Center.
Does renewing my Green Card reset my residency timeline for citizenship?
No. Renewing your Green Card does not reset the continuous residence requirement for naturalization. Your eligibility timeline for U.S. citizenship continues based on your original permanent resident start date.
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