The green card is a permanent resident card that allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States as a U.S. citizen. An individual should take some steps to apply for a resident card that can differ depending upon the person’s condition. Form I-90 is used to replace the Green card. 

Eligibility criteria for the replacement and renewal of a Green card: The person must know the eligibility criteria before applying for renewal of a Green card, which may include:

Legally Permanent Residents

The new edition of the green card expires after every 10 years that needs immediate renewal. A person can replace and renew his Green card under the following conditions, such as:

  • When the green card will expire in the next 6 months or has expired already. 
  • If the previous green card has been stolen, lost, destroyed, or mutilated.
  • The person received his card at 14, and now he has reached his 16th birthday.
  • The applicant is a traveler, but now he wants permanent residence in the U.S.
  • If a person is a green card holder living in the U.S., but now he occupies a commuter status.
  • If a person’s status has been converted into a green card holder automatically, such as applicants of agriculture. 
  • A person holds a previous kind of an Allien registration card. 
  • If a person didn’t receive the previously issued card. 
  • If a green card includes wrong information.
  • If someone has changed his biographical information, including name and date of birth. 

Conditional Permanent Residents

Another exception exists for conditional residents, who obtained their green cards through investment or marriage to a U.S citizen. They should file Forms: I-751 and I-829 to remove the conditions on their Green card status. Furthermore, Form 1-90 has not been used to renew the conditional green card.

They must replace and renew their card under certain conditions, such as:

  • When the green card includes wrong information.
  • The person’s previous green card has been stolen, lost, destroyed, or mutilated.
  • A person has legally changed his biographical information, including name and date of birth.
  • If a person did not receive his previously issued green card. 

How to file an Application for Green Card renewal?

The renewal of the green card is essential at the right time and following proper procedures. A person can complete his application manually or online and send it to USCIS by e-mail. For this, Form I-90 is required for the renewal application. 

Online Green Card Renewal: Following are the steps for online renewal of a Green card:

  • Firstly, a person should create his online account on the USCIS website. 
  • Submit his supporting documents, including a copy of his expired or nearly expired green card. 
  • Pay the fees (if required). 
  • Get status updates regarding his case. 
  • Communicates with USCIS directly and securely.

Manual submission of Application for Green Card Renewal

  • Firstly, a person must read the directions for Form I-90 to replace his Green card.
  • Complete Form I-90 and sign it.
  • Pay the fees (if required).
  • Submit all the required documents and evidence.

After submitting all the required documents, a person receives: 

  • Receipt notice: The USCIS sends a receipt notice via mail after 2-4 weeks of applying. 
  • Biometric appointment notice: The person receives the biometric appointment notice includes detail about a location, time, and date. USCIS requires a photograph, signatures, and fingerprints to verify a person’s identity, conducts security checks such as criminal records, and acquires additional information. 
  • Notice about an interview: Generally, a person does not require an interview after filing the replacement and renewal application for a Green card. However, the USCIS can request a person to attend the interview to ask for photographs and fingerprints. 

Cost of a Green card renewal: 

The fee for Green card renewal is about $540 (non-refundable), which comprises $455 (filing fee) and $85 (biometric fee). For online forms, a person pays electronically through a debit or credit card. When a person files through mail, he can pay with a personal cheque, cashier cheque, money order, or credit card using Form G-1450. 

Processing time for Green Card Renewal:

Once the USCIS receives a person’s renewal form, it may take 10 to 12 months to process. The processing time of a Green card can be longer depending upon the volume of renewal applications. Incomplete and wrong applications can lead to slow processing. 

Renewal status

The person can check the status of his Green card renewal by visiting the ‘case status’ page on the USCIS website. After submitting his receipt number, a person may evaluate the complete application. However, the application status cannot tell a person about the receiving date of the Green card. In addition, the application can be approved, accepted, and denied.

Sometimes, the renewal of a green card is denied for various reasons that USCIS will later inform. Furthermore, some options are available for legal actions, such as:

  • Submit a motion: For this, a person requires to submit the motion to the USCIS and ask them to reevaluate their decision. 
  • Go to court: A person can get legal assistance depending upon the severity of the case. The lawyer will assist him in the case and give advice.

References

  • https://www.uscis.gov/forms/explore-my-options/renew-or-replace-my-green-card 
  • https://www.uscis.gov/i-90 
  • https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/uscis-green-card-renewal-process