1. Who is eligible to file Form I-90?
1. Permanent residents of the United States who have a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) that is either expired, lost, stolen, or damaged are eligible to file Form I-90 to request a replacement card. Additionally, individuals who have a Green Card that contains incorrect information, such as a name change, must also file Form I-90 to correct the errors on their card. It is important for applicants to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria before filing Form I-90, as failure to do so may result in delays or denials of the application.
2. Do I need to submit biometrics with my Form I-90 application?
Yes, in most cases, individuals applying to replace their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) using Form I-90 are required to submit biometrics as part of the application process. Biometrics help confirm the identity of the applicant and are used for background checks. The biometrics appointment usually includes fingerprinting and a photograph. There may be exceptions for certain individuals, such as those who are under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 at the time of filing. In such cases, they may be exempt from the biometrics requirement. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the biometrics process when submitting your Form I-90 application.
3. How long does it take to process a Form I-90 application?
The processing time for a Form I-90 application to replace a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) can vary depending on various factors such as the USCIS workload, the complexity of the case, and the applicant’s immigration history. On average, the processing time for a standard Form I-90 application is around 7 to 12 months. However, expedited processing may be available in certain circumstances, such as travel or employment reasons, which can significantly reduce the processing time to approximately 3 to 5 months. It is important for applicants to ensure they provide all necessary documentation and information accurately to avoid delays in processing times.
4. Can I file Form I-90 online?
Yes, you can file Form I-90 online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Filing online offers several benefits such as the ability to easily track the status of your application, receive notifications and updates electronically, and securely submit your supporting documents online. To file Form I-90 online, you will need to create a USCIS online account and follow the instructions provided on the USCIS website. Additionally, filing online can often result in faster processing times compared to submitting a paper application by mail. However, it is important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and provide accurate information when filing Form I-90 online to avoid delays or potential issues with your application.
5. What is the filing fee for Form I-90?
The filing fee for Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is $455 as of the most recent update. In addition to this base fee, there may be a biometrics services fee of $85 if applicable. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the most current fee schedule on the official USCIS website or by contacting USCIS directly. Applicants should ensure they include the correct fee payment with their Form I-90 submission to avoid processing delays or rejection of their application.
6. Can I file Form I-90 if my green card is expiring soon?
Yes, you should file Form I-90 if your green card is expiring soon. It is important to renew your green card so that you can maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident in the United States. Failing to renew your green card on time could result in complications with your immigration status and may make it difficult for you to travel, work, or prove your lawful status in the U.S. When you file Form I-90 to renew your green card, you are essentially applying for a new permanent resident card to replace your expiring one. It is recommended to file the Form I-90 at least six months before the expiration date of your current green card to allow for processing time by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
7. What documents do I need to submit with my Form I-90 application?
When submitting Form I-90 – Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, you will need to include certain documents to support your application. These documents typically include:
1. A copy of your current green card, if available.
2. A government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license.
3. Two passport-style photos of yourself taken within the past 30 days.
4. Any legal documents related to your name change, if applicable.
5. Payment for the filing fee, which can vary depending on your situation.
Additionally, if you have had any changes in your personal information, such as a change of address or marital status, you may need to submit documentation to support these changes as well. It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for the Form I-90 application based on your individual circumstances to ensure that you include all necessary documents to avoid any delays in processing your application.
8. Can I expedite the processing of my Form I-90 application?
Yes, you can request to expedite the processing of your Form I-90 application under certain circumstances. To expedite your application, you must meet one of the following criteria:
1. Severe financial loss to a company or individual.
2. Humanitarian reasons.
3. Compelling U.S. government interests.
If you believe your situation meets one of these criteria, you can contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request an expedited review. Be prepared to provide documentation supporting your request for expedited processing. Keep in mind that not all requests for expedited processing are granted, and USCIS will review each case individually to determine if it meets the criteria for expedited handling.
9. Can I travel internationally while my Form I-90 application is pending?
Yes, you can travel internationally while your Form I-90 application is pending, as long as you have a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) and passport from your home country. It is important to note a few key considerations:
1. Keep in mind that traveling abroad while your Form I-90 application is pending may lead to delays or complications in receiving your new Green Card if the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) needs to contact you or send any notifications.
2. Ensure that your Green Card has not expired or is close to expiration before you travel. If your Green Card will expire while you are abroad, it is recommended to apply for a renewal before your departure to avoid any issues re-entering the United States.
3. It is advisable to carry a copy of your Form I-90 receipt notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) with you while traveling, as proof that you have applied for a replacement Green Card.
4. If you have any concerns or questions about traveling internationally while your Form I-90 application is pending, it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or contact USCIS directly for guidance specific to your situation.
10. What should I do if my Form I-90 application is denied?
If your Form I-90 application is denied, there are several steps you can take to address the denial:
1. Review the denial notice: The first step is to carefully review the denial notice you received from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The notice will typically explain the reasons for the denial and provide instructions on how to appeal the decision or reapply.
2. Consult with an immigration attorney: Consider consulting with an experienced immigration attorney to assess your options and determine the best course of action. An attorney can help you understand the reasons for the denial and assist you in preparing a strong appeal or a new application.
3. Appeal the decision: If you believe that the denial was in error or based on misunderstandings, you may have the option to appeal the decision. The denial notice should contain information on how to file an appeal, including the appropriate form and deadlines.
4. Reapply with additional evidence: If your application was denied due to missing or insufficient evidence, you may consider reapplying with additional supporting documents or evidence to strengthen your case. Make sure to address the reasons for the initial denial in your new application.
5. Follow USCIS instructions: Ensure that you carefully follow any instructions provided by USCIS in the denial notice regarding next steps, deadlines, and required documentation. Failure to comply with these instructions could result in further delays or denials.
Overall, navigating a denial of your Form I-90 application can be complex and stressful, but by understanding the reasons for the denial and seeking appropriate guidance, you can take steps to address the issue effectively.
11. Can I apply for a fee waiver for Form I-90?
Yes, individuals who meet certain criteria may be eligible for a fee waiver when applying for Form I-90 to replace their Permanent Resident Card. To request a fee waiver for the Form I-90 application, you must complete and submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your Form I-90. USCIS will review your Form I-912 to determine if you qualify for the fee waiver based on factors such as your income level, financial hardship, or receipt of certain means-tested benefits. It is important to provide all required documentation to support your request for a fee waiver, and USCIS will notify you of their decision regarding the fee waiver request.
12. How do I update my address with USCIS while my Form I-90 application is pending?
To update your address with USCIS while your Form I-90 application is pending, you have several options:
1. Online: You can update your address online using the USCIS Change of Address tool on their website. Simply enter your receipt number and new address information to make the change.
2. By Mail: You can also update your address by mailing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, to USCIS. This form can be downloaded from the USCIS website and should be sent to the appropriate address listed on the form instructions.
3. By Phone: If you prefer to update your address over the phone, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Make sure to have your receipt number and new address information ready when calling.
It is important to keep USCIS informed of any address changes to ensure that you receive important correspondence regarding your Form I-90 application. Failure to update your address may result in delays or complications with your application processing.
13. Can I apply for a renewal of my green card if it has been lost or stolen?
Yes, if your Green Card has been lost or stolen, you can apply for a renewal by submitting Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It is important to replace your lost or stolen card as soon as possible to maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident in the United States. Follow these steps to apply for a renewal:
1. Complete Form I-90 with accurate and up-to-date information.
2. Gather any supporting documentation required, such as a copy of the police report if your card was stolen.
3. Submit the completed application along with the appropriate fee to the USCIS.
4. Attend any biometrics appointments scheduled by USCIS.
5. Monitor the status of your application online using the USCIS Case Status tool.
By following these steps and promptly applying for a renewal of your lost or stolen Green Card, you can ensure that your status as a lawful permanent resident is maintained.
14. Can I file Form I-90 if my name has changed since my last green card was issued?
Yes, you can file Form I-90 to replace your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if your name has changed since your last Green Card was issued. When completing Form I-90 for a name change, you must provide documentation to support the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to submit a copy of the document that legally changed your name along with your Form I-90 application. It’s important to accurately complete all sections of the form and provide all required documentation to ensure a smooth processing of your application for a new Green Card with your updated name.
15. How long does it take to receive the new green card after a successful Form I-90 application?
After a successful Form I-90 application to replace a Permanent Resident Card, it typically takes about 9 to 12 months to receive the new green card. The processing time can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications received, any additional documentation required, and the workload of the USCIS office handling the application. It is important to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid any delays in the processing time. Applicants can check the status of their application online through the USCIS website using the receipt number provided after submitting the Form I-90. Additionally, applicants can also contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center for updates on the status of their application.
16. Can I apply for a replacement green card if my current one is damaged?
Yes, you can apply for a replacement green card using Form I-90 if your current one is damaged. When filling out Form I-90 for a damaged green card, you will need to select the appropriate reason for the application, which in this case would be “My existing card has been lost, stolen, or damaged. You will also need to provide details about how the card was damaged and submit any supporting documentation as required by the form instructions. It is important to replace a damaged green card promptly to ensure that you have a valid, unexpired card for identification and proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
17. Can I apply for a replacement green card if my current one has incorrect information?
Yes, you can apply for a replacement green card using Form I-90 if your current one has incorrect information. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
2. When completing the form, indicate that you are applying for a replacement card due to incorrect information on your current card.
3. Gather any supporting documentation that proves the correct information, such as a copy of your passport, birth certificate, or any other official documents.
4. Submit the completed Form I-90, along with the supporting documentation and the correct filing fee, to the appropriate USCIS office.
Once USCIS receives your application, they will review the information provided and issue you a new green card with the corrected information. It is important to address any errors on your green card promptly to avoid any complications in the future.
18. Can I still work in the U.S. while waiting for my new green card after filing Form I-90?
1. Yes, you can still work in the U.S. while waiting for your new green card after filing Form I-90. Your expired green card, along with the Form I-90 receipt notice (Form I-797) that confirms you have filed for a renewal, serves as evidence of your authorization to work in the United States. This is known as an automatic extension of your green card’s validity for employment purposes.
2. To continue working, you may show both your expired green card and the Form I-797 receipt notice to your employer for I-9 employment verification purposes. This extends your work authorization for up to 12 months while your Form I-90 application is pending. It is important to retain a copy of the receipt notice for your records and to provide to your employer if needed.
3. It’s essential to keep in mind that this automatic extension of work authorization does not apply in all situations, so it is advisable to consult with a qualified immigration attorney or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you have any specific concerns about your employment eligibility during the green card renewal process.
19. Can I apply for U.S. citizenship while my Form I-90 application is pending?
Yes, you can apply for U.S. citizenship while your Form I-90 application is pending. Here are some key points to consider:
1. The Form I-90 application is specific to replacing or renewing your Permanent Resident Card (green card). It does not prohibit you from pursuing U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process.
2. While your I-90 application is pending, you can concurrently apply for naturalization by submitting the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, if you meet the eligibility requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen.
3. Both applications will be processed separately by the respective agencies (USCIS for Form N-400 and Form I-90). It’s essential to ensure that you fulfill the requirements and provide all necessary documentation for each application.
4. Keep in mind that the processing times for both applications may vary, and obtaining U.S. citizenship typically takes longer than renewing or replacing a green card. It’s advisable to monitor the progress of both applications and seek legal guidance if needed.
In summary, yes, you can apply for U.S. citizenship while your Form I-90 application is pending, as long as you meet the required criteria and submit the appropriate documentation for each process.
20. What should I do if my Form I-90 application is lost or never received by USCIS?
If your Form I-90 application is lost or never received by USCIS, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure that your application is processed in a timely manner. Here are steps you can take in such a situation:
1. Contact USCIS: Reach out to USCIS as soon as possible to notify them that your application has not been received. This can be done by calling the USCIS Contact Center or by inquiring through their online system.
2. Request Proof of Submission: If you have any documentation or proof that you submitted the application (such as a certified mail receipt), be sure to gather this information as it may help in resolving the issue.
3. Re-submit the Application: In most cases, USCIS may request you to re-submit the Form I-90 application. Be prepared to provide any necessary information or documentation that was included in the original application.
4. Consider Expedited Processing: Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for expedited processing of your Form I-90 application. If your case is urgent, you can discuss this option with USCIS once you have re-submitted the application.
5. Follow up Regularly: Stay proactive and follow up with USCIS on the status of your re-submitted application to ensure that it is being processed appropriately.
By taking these steps and staying diligent in your communication with USCIS, you can address the issue of a lost or never received Form I-90 application effectively and work towards obtaining a replacement permanent resident card.