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Green card renewal and replacement: what to do before it expires
I-90 renewals, replacements and removing conditions on residence.
Consultations by phone, Zoom or WhatsApp, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Short answer
File Form I-90 up to six months before a ten-year green card expires, or immediately if it was lost or stolen. The receipt notice extends the validity of your expired card by 36 months for work and travel. Conditional two-year cards are different: they need Form I-751 to remove conditions, filed in the 90 days before expiry.
Keep proof of your status current without a gap.
What is green card renewal?
A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants an individual lawful permanent residency in the United States. However, these cards are not valid indefinitely, they need to be renewed every 10 years. Suppose your Green Card is expiring or has already expired. In that case, it's essential to renew it to maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident and avoid complications in daily life, such as employment or travel restrictions. At 360 Immigration Law Group, we help make the green card renewal process as seamless as possible.
How to renew your green card: Step-by-Step process
If you're wondering how to renew your green card, the process involves completing Form I-90, officially known as the "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card." Despite its name, the form is used for both green card renewals and replacements.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown for submitting your green card renewal application:
Renewing Your Green Card Online:
Create a USCIS online account.
Complete and submit Form I-90.
Upload the necessary documentation, such as a copy of your expired or expiring green card.
Review your application and digitally sign it.
Pay the required government fees.
Submit your application and track your case status online.
Renewing Your Green Card by Mail:
Complete a paper Form I-90.
Make photocopies of your supporting documents (e.g., your expired or expiring green card).
Sign the form.
Review your application and digitally sign it.
Include your payment for the filing and biometrics fees.
Mail your application to the correct USCIS address, and wait for your new green card.
If you're applying for a fee waiver: You must file your green card renewal by mail.
If your card expires while traveling internationally: Contact the nearest U.S. consulate, USCIS field office, or U.S. port of entry for assistance before submitting Form I-90.
For conditional 2-year green card holders: You must follow a different process. Check our guide for conditional green card renewals for detailed instructions.
Once your application is submitted, the green card renewal process will take 45 days to 12 months, depending on USCIS processing times.
How much is the green card renewal fee?
The cost to renew your green card currently stands at $540. This includes a $455 filing fee and an $85 biometrics fee, which covers fingerprinting, a photo, and your signature. You can apply for a fee waiver if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
Payment options vary depending on how you file:
Online: After completing Form I-90 online, you'll be directed to Pay.gov to make an electronic payment via credit card.
By Mail: After completing Form I-90 online, you'll be directed to Pay.gov to make an electronic payment via credit card.
Green Card renewal processing time
On average, it takes between 12 to 18 months for USCIS to process your green card renewal. However, actual processing times can vary depending on your location and the current workload of USCIS. You can check your case status and processing times directly on the USCIS website to get the most up-to-date information.
Need assistance with green card renewal? Call 360 immigration law group
Renewing a green card can be complicated and time-sensitive. At 360 Immigration Law Group, we understand how important it is to maintain your lawful permanent resident status. Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your renewal application is accurate and complete.
We proudly offer English, Spanish, and Portuguese assistance, serving clients across the U.S. and internationally. For personalized help, contact us today at 954.667.3660 to schedule a free case consultation. We're available by phone, Zoom, or WhatsApp to answer any questions and help renew your green card.
What is a visa extension?
A visa extension allows individuals in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa to legally extend their stay beyond the original expiration date. Whether you're a student, visitor, or temporary worker, applying for an extension can help you continue your studies, work, or travel plans without leaving the country. The key to obtaining a visa extension is filing Form I-539, which is used to apply for an extension or a change in nonimmigrant status. Filing this form before your visa expires is crucial to maintain your lawful presence in the U.S.
Who is eligible for a visa extension?
Several groups of nonimmigrants may be eligible to extend their stay in the U.S. through the Form I-539 application. These include:
Individuals lawfully admitted to the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa, such as B-2 visitors, F-1 students, or H-1B temporary workers.
Nonimmigrants whose current visa status has yet to expire when filing for the extension.
Individuals who have maintained lawful status and not violated the terms of their visa or committed any crimes that would make them ineligible for an extension.
Nonimmigrant workers who have lost employment and are searching for new job opportunities in the U.S.
How to apply for a visa extension
To extend your visa or change your nonimmigrant status, you must file Form I-539 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The processing times for Form I-539 can vary significantly based on several factors, including your current visa status, the type of extension or change you're requesting, and the service center handling your application.
You can use the USCIS processing times tool for the most up-to-date processing time. By entering your form type (Form I-539), form category, and the relevant service center, you'll receive an estimated timeline for your case.
The filing fee for Form I-539 is currently $470; in some cases, an additional biometrics fee of $85 may be required. To ensure a smooth process, gather all necessary documentation and consider seeking legal guidance to avoid delays or errors.
How long can you stay after applying for a visa extension?
If you file for a visa extension or status change before your current visa expires, you can typically remain in the U.S. for up to 240 days while USCIS processes your Form I-539 application. During this period, you must comply with the terms of your existing visa. For example, if your visa does not allow you to work or attend school, you must abide by these restrictions until your extension is approved.
If your visa extension is denied before your visa expires, you must leave the U.S. by the expiration date on your I-94 form. If the denial occurs after your visa has already expired, you must depart the U.S. immediately.
Need help extending your visa? Call 360 immigration law group
Navigating the visa extension process can be challenging, but 360 Immigration Law Group is here to help. Our experienced immigration attorneys provide personalized guidance and support to ensure you stay on track with your immigration goals.
Contact us today at 954.667.3660 for a free consultation. Our team is available to speak in English, Portuguese, and Spanish and can assist clients across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and worldwide via phone, Zoom, or WhatsApp.
Let us help you extend your visa and secure your stay in the U.S. with confidence.
Who qualifies?
You hold a ten-year card that is expiring or expired
Renew with the I-90.
Or your card was lost, stolen or has an error
The same form covers replacement.
Or you hold a two-year conditional card
That requires the I-751, not the I-90, filing the wrong one costs months.
You have not abandoned residence
Extended trips abroad can raise questions we should address before filing.
Schedule a case evaluation
Tell us your situation. We will tell you honestly whether you have a case.
Schedule Free Case EvaluationWe reply within 1 business day, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Do you qualify? A four-question check
Do you qualify? A four-question check
Four quick questions.
What does the process look like?
Confirm which form you need
Same day
I-90 for renewal or replacement, I-751 for conditional cards.
File
1 week
Online where available, with the supporting evidence.
Receipt extension notice
2 to 6 weeks
Extends your expired card for 36 months for work and travel.
Biometrics and issuance
8 to 20 months
New card by mail.
How long does it take?
I-90 renewals currently take roughly 8 to 20 months for the physical card, but the receipt notice provides 36 months of documented status almost immediately, so most clients experience no practical disruption.
What does it cost?
Flat fee, deliberately low.
This is a simple filing and we price it that way. If your situation is genuinely a straightforward renewal, we will tell you that you may not need a lawyer at all.
Frequently asked questions
With the I-90 receipt notice, yes, it extends validity for 36 months. Carry both documents.
Contact
Tell us about your case
Send us the basics and we'll reply within one business day in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- We reply within one business day, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- Consultations by phone, Zoom or WhatsApp.
- Attorney input is part of our case evaluation process from the start. The information you share is carefully reviewed with an attorney.
Take the Next Step Today
Whether you need help with a visa, a green card, or deportation defense, we're ready to help.
Reach out to our trusted immigration law attorneys in Coral Springs and South Florida.