So you’ve received a U.S. green card and you’re starting your life as a new U.S. resident—congratulations! But what happens when that green card runs out, and what does that mean for your living situation in general? 

This article covers everything you need to know about renewing your green card and answers some of the most common questions about the process. 

Why do I need to renew my green card?

It may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep your green card up to date. If your green card expires, it’ll be more difficult for you to prove that you are a permanent resident, which you need to be in order to travel or be eligible to work in the country. 

Plus, the longer your green card remains expired, the more likely you are to encounter other problems, including eventually facing removal proceedings. At these hearings, an immigration judge determines whether an individual may remain in the United States.

Or if you get a misdemeanor while your green card is expired, it can create complications if you later apply for citizenship. The seriousness of your transgression can have consequences on residency. Certain crimes (for example, violent or drug-related crimes, as well as crimes that are viewed as going against societal norms) may result in your green card renewal and citizenship applications being denied and, in more serious cases, put you at risk of deportation. 

Who is eligible to renew a green card?

Individuals who fall under one or some of the following categories are eligible to renew their green cards: 

• Issued a green card valid for 10 years that has either expired or will expire within the next six months
• Previous green card was lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed
• Never received the previous green card issued by USCIS
• Issued a green card before 14 years of age and have reached their 14th birthday
• Have been commuters and are now taking up residence in the U.S.
• Residing in the U.S. and are now taking up commuter status
• Green card contains incorrect data
• Name or other biographic information on the card has been legally changed since receiving the last card
• Foreign nationals whose status has been automatically converted to permanent resident (including special agricultural workers)
• Have a previous version of the nationally recognized green card that needs to be replaced with the current permanent resident card

When should I renew my green card?

When to apply for your green card renewal depends on the timing of your green card expiration date. 

If your green card has already expired, you should apply for renewal immediately. 

Otherwise, you should file your renewal application within the six months before your green card expires. Don’t apply for renewal too early (more than six months before your green card expiration date, generally)—USCIS may deny your application and keep the renewal fees you’ve already paid. 

There are possible exceptions for this:

• Reentry permit: If you’ve previously filed for and received a reentry permit, you can remain outside the U.S. for up to two years. 
• Returning resident visa: If your stay outside the U.S. was a result of circumstances beyond your control (e.g, a medical issue), you might be eligible for a returning resident visa. 

If you’re out of the U.S. and can’t return before your green card expires, call an immigration lawyer. They can help you file the I-90 online and get a receipt notice extending your validity for reentry, or they can help you get a boarding foil from your local U.S. embassy. With this document, you can fly back to the U.S. without a green card.

Get the right lawyer for your immigration case

Schedule a free 15-min call with our team today.

Get started

What is the green card renewal application process?

The steps you take to complete your green card renewal application differ slightly depending on if you apply by mail or online. 

If you apply by mail: 

• Complete a paper Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) 
• Photocopy your required evidence (such as your expired or soon-to-expire green card)
• Review and sign your application
• Include your payment for government fees (if required)
• Mail your application to USCIS and wait for your new green card

If you apply online:

• Create a USCIS online account
• Complete Form I-90
• Upload required evidence
• Review and digitally sign your application
• Pay the government fees (if required)
• Submit your application and wait for your new green card

If you’re applying for a fee waiver (see below), you must file your application by mail. Also note that the steps above apply only to the full 10-year green card. If you have a conditional green card, you need to follow a different process. 

What documents do I need to renew a green card?

Most of the time, you only need to provide a copy of your expired or soon-to-be expired green card to qualify for renewal. 

In some cases, such as if you’re replacing a green card or some of your personal information has changed, you may need to provide other evidence to complete your process. 

The following is a chart of the types of situations that may require further documentation and the materials you may need for each: 

Evidence categories	Required supporting documents
Card was lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed	Green card OR government-issued ID showing name, birthdate, photo and signature
Card was issued by USCIS but never received	Government-issued ID showing name, birthdate, photo and signature AND EITHER your latest “Notice of Action” OR passport page with Form I-551 stamp
Name or personal information has changed	Green card AND legal documents showing your new or correct name or personal information
You’re a “commuter” (you live in Canada or Mexico and travel to the U.S. for work)	Green card AND evidence of your employment within the past six months
You’ve been a “commuter” but now live in the U.S.	Green card AND proof of U.S. residence
Immigration status was automatically converted to permanent resident	Government-issued ID showing name, birthdate, photo and signature AND evidence of temporary-resident status

What’s the green card renewal fee?

The filing fee for Form I-90 is $455. This doesn’t include the biometrics fee (which is necessary in most cases) of $85, making the total cost $540. Note that both of these fees are nonrefundable. 

You may be exempted from one or both of these fees, if you meet the following conditions: 

You don’t need to pay either the renewal or biometrics fee if:

• Your green card was issued by USCIS but you never received it
• Your green card contains an error(s) made by the Department of Homeland Security
• You qualify for a fee waiver

You only need to pay the biometrics fee if: 

• You turned 14 in the past 30 days and your green card will expire after you turn 16 

How you pay the green card renewal fee depends on which way you filed Form I-90 in the first place. 

• If you filed online: You pay the renewal fees online through Pay.gov. There are no additional fees for doing so.

• If you filed by mail: You have several options, including by money order or check, made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. You can also pay with a credit card by completing Form G-1450. Cash payments aren’t accepted.

How can I waive the green card renewal fee?

It’s possible to waive the renewal fees for your green card if you meet certain requirements. 

To qualify for the fee waiver, you must prove that you can’t afford the fees due to one of the following reasons: 

• Your household income is equal to or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. (For example, the current maximum for a household of five is $31,040.)

• You’re experiencing financial hardship and can prove you’re unable to pay the fee for this reason. Examples of financial hardship include heavy medical expenses, unemployment or houselessness. This claim is valid for the waiver even if your total household income is above the federal poverty guidelines.

• You receive a “means-tested benefit”, which is given to you on the basis of income. Some examples of means-tested benefits include SNAP, Supplemental Security Income and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. You must be able to provide evidence that you receive this benefit.

To apply for the fee waiver, you need to complete the corresponding form (Form I-192) and attach the necessary supporting documents about your financial situation. If your waiver application is approved, you won’t need to pay either the renewal fee or the biometrics fee. 

What happens after I file?

After you file your green card renewal application, you can expect to receive a few notices from USCIS. 

First, you’ll receive an acceptance notification when USCIS has received and accepted your application. This notification will include your 13 character “receipt number”, which you can use to check the status of your application. Currently, this acceptance notice extends the validity of your green card for an additional 24 months after its expiration date. 

You’ll receive this notification both by mail and in your USCIS account online. If you don’t have a USCIS account before this point, one will automatically be created for you. 

Second, within about one to two weeks of receiving your acceptance notice, you’ll receive a notice with a scheduled date for your biometrics appointment. In this appointment, as with your original biometrics appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph and signature. 

Third, in some cases, you may receive a Request for Evidence letter, asking you to provide further supporting information or documents to complete your renewal process. Respond by the deadline to avoid complications.

Finally, you’ll receive a decision letter telling you whether your renewal application was approved or denied. 

How do I check my green card renewal status?

It’s straightforward and easy to check the status of your green card renewal application through the online portal. Simply enter the receipt number you received in your acceptance notice on the USCIS Check Status page, and you can view your entire application history. 

You can also set up text messages or email notifications from USCIS when your application is accepted. For this, you need to fill out and submit Form G-1145 (e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) along with your green card renewal application. 

Get the right lawyer for your immigration case

Schedule a free 15-min call with our team today.

Get started

How long does it take to process a green card renewal?

On average, green card renewal takes anywhere from one and a half to 12 months. This time is spent primarily waiting for USCIS to receive, process and make a decision about your application, and it’s extended depending on the number of applications they receive. 

Below is an approximate overview of the green card renewal timeline in shorter cases: 

• Receipt of application: two to four weeks after filing
• Biometrics appointment notice: three to five weeks after filing
• Biometrics appointment: five to eight weeks after filing
• Receive your new green card: two to four months after filing

Can I expedite the green card renewal process?

In some cases, it may be possible to speed up your green card renewal process if your circumstances require it. There are several situations in which it’s possible to file an Expedite Request with USCIS. These include:

• Humanitarian reasons
• Compelling USCIS interest
• Severe financial loss to company or person
• USCIS error
• Emergency situation

Once you file an expedite request, USCIS will consider your case and inform you if your green card application will be processed before applications that were filed before yours. 

Another option is to request an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp from USCIS. This stamp is affixed to a page in your passport and proves that you have Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status while you’re waiting for your green card to be renewed. 

You can apply to USCIS for an ADIT stamp if you need to urgently prove you’re a permanent resident. For example, this may be true if you’re applying for a new job while you wait for your new green card. In order to apply, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to schedule an appointment at your local field office. 

What if my renewal application is denied?

In most cases, the green card renewal process is straightforward. Many green card holders won’t have any problems. Sometimes, however, circumstances may lead USCIS to deny your renewal, such as if you committed a crime, didn’t pay taxes, lied on your application or submitted the wrong form. 

If your renewal application is denied, you’ll receive a notice with information about why. Should you believe the government has made a mistake and you wish to take action, the following options are available to you: 

• You can submit a motion asking USCIS to reconsider their decision. In this motion, you should include any new information or evidence that supports your claim that the denial was based either on incorrect information or application of the law. 

• You can hire a legal professional, especially if you have a more complex case. One resource for finding an immigration lawyer near you is a search supported by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). You can also connect with certain nonprofits accredited by the Department of Justice that provide low-cost or free immigration legal services if you’re unable to afford an attorney’s fees. 

The denial appeals review process takes about 45 days to be completed. USCIS will either approve the appeal or transfer your case over to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office for further review. That process is usually completed within six months.