T the topic we will introduce in this article will cover the most relevant information related to processing times of a Form I-90, an application used to renew or replace a Permanent Resident Card (known as Green Card).
You need this handy plastic card to prove your lawful permanent resident status. When you want to renew your card, you should consider how long it takes to process it.
For example, you plan to travel abroad and want to secure your homecoming, or you have a hospital appointment in few months, and you want all the formalities to go smoothly.
This article will explain what you should know about Green Card’s processing time to make your other arrangements accordingly.
Green Card Renewal Application
If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you need a Permanent Resident Card (known as a Green Card) to prove your work and residence authorization in the U.S.
It is good to know to which institution you need to go to handle your official business matters. In the case of Green Card and administrative actions connected to immigration cases, it is the designated agency of the Department of Homeland Security, named the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As a rule, there is one specific application designed to renew or replace Green Cards – Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
You can start the renewal process by applying online or by mail.
Note: U.S. law obliges you to carry a valid Green Card with you at all times, so when your Green Card expires, you must initiate the renewal process.
Renew Your Green Card
To renew or replace a permanent resident card, you must use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form, that allows applicants to obtain, replace or renew a Green Card. In other words, to file a Green Card Renewal application, you need to submit this form. You may download the application and instructions directly from the USCIS website. You can submit it online or by mail.
An Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, Form I-90, is a form that allows applicants to obtain, replace or renew a Green Card. However, you must remember that it depends on your Green Card’s expiration date. If you were issued a conditional Green Card (which is only valid for two years), you need to remove conditions by filling form other than Form I-90.
How long does it take to renew a Green Card?
To renew or replace a Green Card, you need to file Form I-90 correctly. USCIS will initially reply by mailing you a receipt notice that confirms receipt of your request.
Formally known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action, the receipt notice typically arrives 3 to 5 weeks after filing. It should contain a unique receipt number that you can later use to track your USCIS case. Processing times vary accordingly to the application service center and its caseload.
Relevant Processing Times
Biometrics Appointment Notice
After you file your application, petition, or request, USCIS will schedule your biometric services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). It usually takes 4 to 6 Weeks from Filing Date. It will contain the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment.
Biometrics Appointment Date
It usually takes 6 to 8 Weeks from Filing Date. It should be scheduled approximately 3 weeks after receiving the biometrics appointment notice. It will also include guidelines as to what you need to bring to the biometrics appointment.
Issuance of the New Green Card
After the biometrics appointment, USCIS will proceed with your green card renewal application. It usually takes 6 Months to 10 Months from Filing Date. After this, you should receive your new Green Card.
USCIS may sometimes expedite your Green Card renewal case. For more details contact our law firm.
It is necessary to know that USCIS service centers processing each type of a Green Card form are subject to change, depending on USCIS service centers’ workload. You can find more information on the USCIS website or contact our law firm for more details.
Current Processing Times
Green Card renewal processing time after filing Form I-90 will vary on the USCIS caseload, the service center location, or other situations. You can check actual processing times directly with USCIS. When choosing USCIS Service Center, time designation will appear.
The time range of the application process depends on how long it takes USCIS to process your case from the date they received it.
You may be surprised that some Service Centers have a wide time range, but remember that it all depends on the scheduling of your biometric appointment, the relevancy of supporting documents and if any background check is necessary.
Applications to renew your Green Card prepared without the required documents can result in processing times that are much longer. It is always a good idea to get a help of a law firm like ours, which specializes in immigration services.
Filing Form I-90 for your expired Green Card
- Initial issuance or application to replace the Permanent Residence Card may take from 7 to 15 months.
- 10-year renewal form may take from 3 – 12 months.
A unique receipt number that you receive at the beginning helps you to track your USCIS case.
How much does it cost?
The current renewal cost of your already expired Green Card is $540, which includes a $455 filing fee and an $85 biometrics fee (for your photo, fingerprint, and signature).
In some situations, you may be exempt from paying one or both fees if:
- USCIS already issued your Green Card, but it never arrived.
- Your Green Card contains errors made by the Department of Homeland Security.
- You qualify for a fee waiver.
For more details contact our law firm. We will assess your eligibility for a filing fee exemption and help you with the possibility of reducing your Green Card Processing Time.
