Green Card Renewal Application

This post will discuss the full process for applying to renew a US permanent resident card (aka 'US green card') that is either due to expire within 6 months or already expired. For clarity, a green card is much like a driving license in most countries. In other words, its expiration date does not necessarily mean that the holder has completely lost their status. Needless to say, the timely renewal is ideal for various reasons that include re-entering the US after traveling abroad, getting a job and other activities (like applying for state identification) that require an valid card.

The renewal process requires you to send the application to the US government's immigration department named 'USCIS'.

Steps

• You should have a physical US permanent address and a US mailing address. The 2 types of address can be different.
• If your permanent (aka physical) address has changed, 
• use the AR-11 form (online or with paper format) to alert the federal government with the appropriate forms before completing the next steps. \
• Use USPS form in paper format or online. If you use the online, you must pay with a US debit or credit card.
• Complete I-90 form (See noteworthy points for the online and paper options). 

I-90 form ONLINE Application 

The online application form is the same as the paper form, except that some questions appear in a slightly different order. You find it as a helpful option to complete the paper form in advance with the instructions. However, the online form is patient and will not time you out after extended periods on single questions if you read instructions while completing it online. 

• Create an account or sign in on the USCIS website

Noteworthy items you will need

Do not become stressed if you can not immediately complete the form for whatever reason. This is because the form automatically saves your responses and keeps the details active for a few months in your account. You can therefore update your form over time.

• Images of the front AND back of the current green card (you will be given the option to upload multiple images that include JPG, PDF, etc. This allows you to even snap a shot of the card with your mobile phone's camera.). Pay special attention to the legibility of the text and numerical characters.

Payment options include:

• ACH transfer. This requires you to enter 3 details: the full name of the owner of the bank account, full account number and tracking number. 
• US credit card

Considerations

• Fill non-applicable sections with “N/A”. Do NOT leave fields blank. This even applies for simple demographic fields. Example: if you do not have a middle name, put N/A rather than leave blank.

I-90 form PAPER Application 

• Paper applications

• Noteworthy points whose adherence can save you from delays in the application process
• write in black ink
• Fill non-applicable sections with “N/A”. Do NOT leave fields blank. This even applies for simple demographic fields. Example: if you do not have a middle name, put N/A rather than leave blank.
• You do NOT need any special digital signature technology. You will be given the option to 'sign digitally' by simply filling a field with your full legal name. This will be called your digital signature.
• With form, include payment

• (Optional) G-1145 form (for electronic notification of receipt) “clipped to the first page of your application package”
• Images of the front and back sides of the physical card. Pay special attention to legibility of all of the text and number characters.
• Copy of the check
• As at 2023, the fee is: USD 540 (ie filing fee $455 + biometric test fee $85)
• Their instructions request that you write the payee as “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. Do NOT abbreviate USDHS.
• Send to
• USCIS, Attn: I-90, PO Box 21262, Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262 (by mail) or.
• USCIS, Attn: I-90 (Box 21262), 1820 E Skyharbor Circle S, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850 (by courier).

• USCIS confirms receipt of application
• Online applications are automatic. You will be given immediate feedback that you have successfully submitted your application. Before you complete the process, the system tells you if there are any issues with how you answered the questions.
• Paper application: Even if you submit a paper I-90 form, the USCIS creates an online account. To this end, they scan your paper forms and send “an ‘acceptance notice with instructions on how to access your online account” by US postal service (in paper). If you submitted the G-1145 form, they will send 
• only one email - OR - text message re
• Receipt number and information re how to check the status of the application.
• USCIS sends the 'Notice of Action' (I-797C) to advice the outcome of your application (ie if accepted, rejected, etc). When the process is working smoothly, they send this within 10 days. In some unusual cases, like after the pandemic, considerable processing delays can occur, meaning that some applicants can find themselves in a limbo situation in which you need to use the green card for some formal process (like job application, banking or otherwise) but have not yet received the updated card. “Use this notice as proof of your pending application or petition.” This form is particularly important if you find yourself in a limbo situation. This notice includes the following details. Having said this, in September 2022, the USCIS gave applicants 'automatic extensions' of 24 months. In other words, the expiration date on their physical card could have be imagined to have automatically changed to one that is 24 months later and applicants can proceed with life as they had 2 years before the expiration date on the physical card, meaning that you are unlikely to need a biometric test, even though you pay for one. However, some applicants still found themselves in the limbo because of the severity of the backlog.
• Biometrics appointment details (date, time and location). The biometric test is aka the ASC appointment. To re-schedule this appointment, call (800-375-5283). However, do so with caution and a very good reason.

• Provide biometrics (ie fingerprints, photography and signature) at a local ‘Application Support Center (ASC)’ before the USCIS interview. The appt details (date, time and location) will be included in the I-797C notification. 

Carry the following to this appoint

• The I-797C notice and ALL other notices.
• Valid photo ID (like the green card or passport)

CONTENT RELATED TO COMPLETING THE I-90 APPLICATION TO RENEW THE GREEN CARD

• If your name changes, you will need to renew your green card yet again.
• Setting up a US telephone number to send and receive calls, to receive text messages, etc
• Green card renewal application
• USPS Change of address form 'PS form 3575'
• Deregister from common mailing lists automatic subscriptions (to minimize junk mail)