Easy guide: USCIS Form I-90 Explained

Navigating the process of replacing or renewing a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card, can feel overwhelming. USCIS Form I-90, "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card," is designed specifically for lawful permanent residents and certain conditional permanent residents to request a replacement of their existing Green Card.

The primary purpose of Form I-90 is to ensure that lawful permanent residents maintain a valid Green Card, which is essential for proving legal status in the United States, re-entering the U.S. after travel abroad, and employment verification. It’s important to note that conditional permanent residents cannot use Form I-90 for card renewal when their status is about to expire. Instead, they must file Form I-751 or I-829, depending on their specific situation.

Accurately completing and submitting Form I-90 is crucial to avoid delays or rejections that could impact your legal status and daily activities. This guide will help you understand who needs to file Form I-90 and how to complete it correctly for a smooth and efficient application process.

Understanding Form I-90

Form I-90, "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card," is used by lawful permanent residents and certain conditional permanent residents to request a replacement of their Green Cards. However, it is important to note that this form is not used for renewing conditional Green Cards when they are about to expire.

Lawful Permanent Residents:

Lawful permanent residents use Form I-90 to replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated Green Card, or to renew an expired or expiring Green Card.

Conditional Permanent Residents:

Conditional permanent residents may use Form I-90 only to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card. However, they cannot use Form I-90 to renew a card that expires within 90 days. Instead, they must file Form I-751 (if their status was obtained through marriage) or Form I-829 (if their status was obtained through investment) to remove the conditions on their residency.

Who should file Form I-90?

• Lawful permanent residents who need to replace or renew their Green Card.

• Permanent residents in commuter status who live in a contiguous foreign territory (Mexico or Canada) but commute to work in the United States.

• Conditional permanent residents needing a replacement card due to loss, theft, or damage of their conditional Green Card.

This ensures that all lawful permanent residents and eligible conditional residents maintain a valid Green Card for legal status, re-entry, and employment purposes.

Who should not file Form I-90?

1. Conditional permanent residents whose status will expire within 90 days: These individuals should not use Form I-90 to renew their conditional status. Instead, they must file one of the following:

• Form I-751: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, for those whose conditional permanent resident status was obtained through marriage.

• Form I-829: Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status, for those whose conditional permanent resident status was obtained through investment in a U.S. business.

By understanding the correct purpose and specific uses of Form I-90, applicants can ensure they are filing the appropriate form for their circumstances, preventing unnecessary delays or complications in maintaining their legal residency status.

Steps to Complete the Form I-90

General Instructions

1. Use the latest version of Adobe Reader:

Ensure that you use the latest version of Adobe Reader to view, complete, and print Form I-90 correctly.

2. Sign the form properly:

The applicant must personally sign Form I-90. USCIS will not accept a stamped or typed name in place of a signature. If the applicant is under 14 years of age, a parent or legal guardian may sign on their behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.

USCIS accepts photocopies, faxes, or scanned copies of the original handwritten signature for filing purposes.

3. Pay the correct filing fee:

Refer to Form G-1055, available on the USCIS website, for current fee information related to Form I-90.

When filing by mail, fees can be paid by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit/debit card using Form G-1450. Checks must be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Filing fees are non-refundable and final, even if your application is withdrawn or denied. If you're submitting multiple forms, pay each fee separately to avoid package rejection. No fee is required if you're filing because you never received your Green Card or if there was an error caused by the Department of Homeland Security, provided you submit the necessary documentation.

4. Submit all required evidence:

When submitting Form I-90, include all required supporting documents as outlined in the form’s instructions. Missing documentation may result in delays or denial of the application.

Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless otherwise specified. USCIS may request original documents later if needed.

5. Biometric services appointment:

USCIS may require you to attend a biometric services appointment for fingerprinting, photographs, and/or signatures. If needed, you will receive an appointment notice with the date, time, and location.

At the biometric appointment, you must sign an oath confirming the accuracy of the information provided in your application.

6. Provide translations if necessary:

If any documents you submit are in a foreign language, include a full English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate, and provide their contact information.

7. Ensure all sections are complete:

Answer all questions on Form I-90 fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you, enter "N/A" where applicable. If a numeric response is required and the answer is none, enter "None."

Specific instructions

Part 1: Information about you

• Provide your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and, if applicable, your USCIS Online Account Number.

• Enter your full legal name and indicate if your name has changed since the issuance of your Permanent Resident Card. If your name has changed, provide legal documents as proof.

• Enter your mailing and physical addresses, gender, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of your parents.

• List your class of admission, date of admission to the United States, and your U.S. Social Security Number, if applicable.

Part 2: Application Type and Reason for Application

• Select your current immigration status, such as lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident.

• Choose the reason for your application, such as a lost, stolen, or mutilated card, or a name change. Conditional permanent residents should not use this form if their status is expiring within 90 days but must use Form I-751 or I-829 instead.

Part 3: Processing Information

Provide details on where you applied for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, and where your immigrant visa was issued. Answer questions regarding exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings and abandonment of status.

Biographic Information Section

• Provide details about your ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.

Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

• Indicate whether you completed the form yourself or used an interpreter.

• Provide your contact information, including daytime and mobile phone numbers and email address.

• Sign and date the form, certifying that all the information provided is true and correct.

Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

• If you used an interpreter, provide the interpreter’s name, contact information, and certification that they accurately translated the form for you.

Preparer’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

• If someone other than you prepared the form, they must provide their contact information, certification, and signature. If the preparer is an attorney, they may need to submit Form G-28.

Biometric Services Appointment

USCIS may require you to attend a Biometric Services Appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This is necessary for verifying your identity, conducting background and security checks, and completing your Form I-90 application process.

Importance of Attending the Appointment and What to Expect

It is essential to attend your biometrics appointment as scheduled. You will receive an appointment notice with the date, time, and location. During the appointment, you will be required to reaffirm that all information on your application is complete, true, and correct by signing an affidavit.

What Happens if You Miss Your Appointment?

If you fail to attend your biometrics appointment, USCIS may deny your application. If you cannot attend the scheduled appointment, you must follow the instructions provided by USCIS to reschedule as soon as possible.

Following these steps will help ensure that your Form I-90 application is processed smoothly, reducing the likelihood of delays or denials in replacing or renewing your Green Card.

Supporting documents and evidence

Required documents

When filing Form I-90, you must submit supporting documents to verify your identity and provide evidence for the reason you are requesting a replacement or renewal of your Permanent Resident Card. Below are the common types of documents you may need to include:

1. Identification Documents:

• A copy of your current Permanent Resident Card, if available.

• A government-issued identification document with your name, date of birth, photograph, and signature, such as a passport, driver’s license, or military ID.

2. Proof of Name Change (if applicable):

• A registered copy of your marriage certificate.

• A divorce decree.

• An adoption decree.

• Other court-issued documents showing that your name has been legally changed.

3. Evidence of Residence:

• A lease agreement, utility bills, or deed as proof of your U.S. residence.

• If you live with a spouse or parent, include a copy of your marriage certificate or birth certificate along with the proof of residence.

4. Additional Specific Documents Based on Reason for Filing:

• Lost, stolen, or destroyed card: Provide any remaining parts of the card or another form of government-issued ID.

• Never received card: Include a copy of the most recent Form I-797, Notice of Action, showing your approved status.

• Incorrect data due to DHS error: Submit the original card and evidence of the correct data (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other court-issued documents).

• Expired or expiring card: Provide a copy of your expired or soon-to-expire card.

• Automatic conversion to permanent resident status: Submit proof of your temporary resident status, such as Form I-797 for Form I-700.

Ensure that you include legible photocopies of the requested documents unless original documents are specifically required by USCIS. Missing or incomplete documentation may result in delays or denial of your application.

How to submit copies and original documents

Copies: Submit clear, legible photocopies of all required documents unless the instructions specifically ask for an original document. USCIS generally prefers copies over originals unless otherwise specified.

Original documents: USCIS may request original documents at any point during the application process. If this happens, USCIS will return the original document to you once it is no longer needed.

Submission guidelines: Ensure that all copies are complete and accurate to prevent processing delays or potential rejections of your application. Avoid sending original documents unless specifically required or requested by USCIS.

Translations

Requirement for translations of documents in foreign languages

If any of your supporting documents are in a language other than English, you must provide a full English translation of the document.

Certification of Translations

The translation must be certified. This means the translator must provide a signed statement attesting to the accuracy and completeness of the translation and confirming their competency in both the original language and English.

The translator’s certification should include:

• A statement confirming the accuracy and completeness of the translation.

• The translator's name, signature, and date of certification.

• The translator’s contact information.

By carefully preparing and submitting the required documents and ensuring all translations are certified accurately, you can help ensure your Form I-90 application is processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

Where to file the Form I-90

You have two options for filing your Form I-90, "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card," with USCIS:

1. Filing Online: To file your Form I-90 online, you must create a USCIS online account. This account allows you to:

• Pay your filing fee online.

• Check the status of your case.

• Receive notifications and case updates.

• View personalized case completion date estimates.

• Respond to requests for evidence.

• Manage and update your contact information, including your address.

Note: Attorneys and accredited representatives can also create an online account to manage all client applications in one place. However, you cannot file your Form I-90 online if you are requesting a fee waiver.

2. Filing by Mail (Paper): If you prefer to file by mail, you can send your Form I-90 to the appropriate USCIS address:

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: I-90 P.O. Box 21262 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-90 (Box 21262) 2108 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284-1806

If your application is sent to the wrong location, it may cause processing delays. Once your paper application is received, USCIS will scan it for electronic processing. If you do not already have a USCIS online account, one will be created for you, and you will receive a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice with instructions on accessing your account.

Note for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives: You should only have one USCIS online representative account. Ensure that the information provided in your account matches the information on Form G-28 to avoid issues accessing your client's case.

Even if you do not use your USCIS online account, USCIS will continue to process your properly completed and signed Form I-90. You will receive notifications and updates via U.S. Postal Service mail. If you move, you must update your address with USCIS through your online account or by submitting Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, either online or by mail.

For assistance, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center.

Common reasons for filing form I-90

1. Lost, stolen, or destroyed card:

• If your Green Card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you need to file Form I-90 to request a replacement.

• Provide details about the circumstances and include a copy of any available identification documents.

2. Never received the card:

• If you were approved for permanent residency but never received your Green Card, select this option.

• Include a copy of the latest Form I-797, Notice of Action, indicating your approved status.

3. Mutilated card:

• If your Green Card is mutilated or partially destroyed, you need to replace it.

• Submit a copy of the mutilated card or any other government-issued identification.

4. Incorrect data due to DHS error:

• If your Green Card contains incorrect data due to an error made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you can request a correction.

• Include the original Green Card with the incorrect data and evidence of the correct information (e.g., birth certificate, passport).

5. Legal name change or biographical information change:

• If you have legally changed your name or other biographical information, you must update your Green Card.

• Provide legal documents reflecting the change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).

6. Expired or expiring card:

• If your Green Card has expired or will expire within the next six months, file Form I-90 for renewal.

• Include a copy of your expired or expiring card.

7. Reaching the age of 14:

• Lawful permanent residents must file Form I-90 to register and receive a new Green Card upon reaching their 14th birthday.

• Submit the application within 30 days after your 14th birthday and include the biometric services fee only if your card will expire after your 16th birthday.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Form I-90 is filed correctly, whether online or by mail, and that all necessary steps are taken to keep your information up-to-date with USCIS. This will help prevent any interruptions in your legal residency status.

After Filing Form I-90

1. Application Processing: Once USCIS receives your Form I-90, it will go through an initial review to ensure it is complete. If the application is incomplete, USCIS may reject it. If it is accepted, USCIS will check your application for completeness and ensure that you have provided all necessary documentation.

2. Biometric Services Appointment: USCIS may require you to attend a biometric services appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This is necessary to verify your identity and conduct background checks. You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment.

3. Requests for Additional Information: If needed, USCIS may request additional information or documentation to support your application. You may also be asked to provide the original versions of any documents you submitted as photocopies. Originals will be returned to you once USCIS no longer requires them.

4. Possible Interview: In some cases, USCIS may request that you attend an interview at one of their offices. This interview may be necessary to resolve any issues related to your application.

5. Decision on Form I-90: USCIS will make a decision on your application once they have reviewed all information and completed all necessary background checks. You will be notified of the decision in writing.

6. Receipt of Permanent Resident Card: If your Form I-90 is approved, you will receive your new or replacement Permanent Resident Card in the mail. If the card was not delivered, you should contact USCIS to check the status or file a new request.

Throughout this process, it’s important to respond promptly to any requests from USCIS and attend any required appointments. Missing a biometric services appointment or failing to provide requested information could lead to delays or denial of your application.

Receiving the Decision from USCIS

Decision Notice: Once USCIS has reviewed all the information and completed the necessary checks, they will make a decision on your Form I-90 application. You will receive a notice informing you of the decision.

• Approval: If approved, you will receive your new Green Card by mail.

• Denial: If denied, the notice will include the reasons for the denial and information on how to appeal the decision if applicable.

Tracking your application

USCIS case status online:

• Visit the USCIS Case Status Online page.

• Enter your receipt number from the Form I-797C, Notice of Action.

• Review the current status and any updates related to your application.

Contacting USCIS for assistance:

For additional assistance, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center. The contact center provides information in English and Spanish and can help with inquiries about your application status, address changes, or other concerns.

By understanding these steps and knowing what to expect after filing Form I-90, you can ensure that you are prepared for the USCIS processing and can promptly respond to any requests for additional information, thus facilitating a smoother application process.

Tips for a smooth application process

Accuracy and Completeness

1. Carefully review all information on the Form I-90 to ensure it is accurate and complete.

2. Verify that personal information such as your name, Alien Registration Number, and contact information is correct.

3. Make sure all questions are answered completely and accurately, using "N/A" or "None" where appropriate.

Ensure all supporting documents are included

1. Gather all required supporting documents based on the reason for your application (e.g., identification, proof of name change, proof of residency).

2. Make sure all copies are clear and legible.

3. Ensure that all foreign language documents are accompanied by certified English translations.

4. Include all required fees with your application, properly paid.
   

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   Stay informed

1. Stay abreast of any changes in USCIS procedures or requirements

• Check the USCIS website regularly for updates on policies, forms, and filing requirements.

• Subscribe to USCIS alerts or newsletters to be notified of any changes that may affect your application.

2. Utilizing USCIS resources and support for questions and concerns

• Use the USCIS Help Center for frequently asked questions and additional assistance.

• Use online resources such as the USCIS Case Status Online tool to track the status of your application.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the Form I-90 application process is critical to maintaining your lawful permanent resident status. By ensuring that all information is accurate and complete, including all required supporting documents, and by staying informed of any changes in USCIS procedures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of delays or denials.

Remember, every step in the application process is important. Double-check your work, respond promptly to any USCIS requests for additional information, and keep track of your application status. Following these tips and following the instructions closely will help ensure a smooth and timely process for replacing or renewing your Green Card.

By taking these steps seriously, you can make the Form I-90 application process as easy and stress-free as possible, and ultimately secure your status and rights as a lawful permanent resident of the United States.