Prepare Your USCIS Form I-90Green Card Replacement Application

A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is a document that is vital for millions of immigrants in the United States. As a green card holder, you have permission to live and work in the U.S. for up to 10 years before you need to renew your permanent resident status.

If your current green card becomes unusable before it expires, however, you will need to apply for a replacement with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). FileRight.com can help you complete this application using Form I-90.

A green card, a passport, and an American flag. In addition to a passport, permanent residents need a valid green card to travel the world freely. Use USCIS Form I-90 to apply for a replacement green card if yours is damaged or lost.

Why You Need to Have a Valid Green Card

Your green card provides proof of your identity and your U.S. immigration status. All permanent residents who are 18 or older are legally required to carry their green card on them at all times.

Without a valid green card, you could run into several problems. For example:

• Employment: You must show proof of your right to work in the U.S. when applying for a job, or your current employer may ask for a copy of it.
• The threat of deportation: You may be detained by immigration officials if you aren’t carrying your green card and they are unable to verify your legal status.
• Freedom to travel: Permanent residents can travel freely to other countries, and a valid green card will allow them to return to the U.S. without question or delay.
• Buying a home: As permanent residents, green card holders are eligible for financing to purchase a home. However, a mortgage lender will ask to see valid proof of your status.

Who Can Use Form I-90 to Replace a Green Card?

Any green card holder can use Form I-90 for the following purposes:

• Replace a lost, stolen, or damaged green card
• Request a green card if the USCIS issued you one, but you never received it
• Request a replacement green card if there is a mistake on your current one and you need to fix it
• Request a replacement green card because you have legally changed biographical information about yourself, such as your name

Permanent residents can also use Form I-90 to request a special green card if they are taking up Commuter Status, turning 14 years old, or if they automatically became a permanent resident of the United States.

Can Conditional Permanent Residents Use Form I-90?

Conditional permanent residents have two-year green cards rather than the typical 10-year cards. So, for example, you might have a conditional green card if you received your permanent resident status through marriage or entrepreneurship.

If you are a conditional permanent resident, you can use Form I-90 to replace your green card but not renew it. Instead, before your green card expires, you must request to have the conditions on your permanent residence removed using USCIS Form I-751.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Green Card?

The time it takes the USCIS to process your I-90 application varies based on fluctuations in their caseload. However, current wait times are approximately seven to 13 months, which means it could take over a year to get your new green card after you file Form I-90.

With such a lengthy processing time, it’s vital that you complete and file your application as soon as you realize that your card is lost or damaged.

We Can Help You File Successfully

FileRight.com makes green card replacement easy and error-free.

Our automated software will take you step-by-step through the paperwork, filling in each field for you. In addition, the application package includes an error report that flags missing or illogical entries so that you can correct these errors before submission.

All that's left for you to do is sign the application and put it in the prepaid and pre-addressed envelope that we provide. We will also advise you on how to pay your USCIS fees and how much that will cost you.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace My Green Card?

Most applicants must pay $540 in government fees to USCIS when replacing their green card, which includes:

• An application filing fee of $455 to cover administrative and processing costs
• A biometrics fee of $85 to pay for the cost of fingerprinting and other identity verification tests

USCIS will not refund these fees, even if they deny your application. However, we are so confident in the success of our system that if your petition is denied or rejected, we will refund all fees. This includes your government fees and our $285 application package services fee.

Find Out if You’re Eligible for a Replacement Green Card

Save time by making sure you are eligible to file USCIS Form I-90 even before starting the paperwork. FileRight.com offers a free Green Card Replacement Qualification Quiz to confirm this is the correct application for you.

By asking just a few simple questions, we'll guide you to the exact USCIS form that you need. We can take the confusion out of all your immigration paperwork.