Replace or Renew Green Card Form I-90

Permanent residency of the United States, as its name implies, is permanent. Unless a permanent resident does something actively to give up the status, permanent residency is permanent. Permanent residents have the right to live and work in the US without restriction on a permanent basis. However, while permanent status is permanent, the identification which proves permanent residency status – the green card – is not. Permanent residents need to keep a green card with them at all times to prove their permanent residency and most green cards are only issued for ten years. This means that every ten years US permanent residents need to go through the green card renewal process. This involves filing Form I-90.

It can be confusing that permanent residency is permanent while a green card is not. Once permanent residency status is granted, it is generally permanent, save for extreme situations. However, the green card is an identification card and like many ID cards has an expiry date. Those who do not go through green card renewal do not lose their status as permanent residents. However, they have a difficult time proving their status, which can be challenging in the workplace or in situations involving travel.

My Green Card is expired – What does that mean?

If you do not complete the Green Card Renewal process and do not file Form I-90, your green card will expire. You will still be a permanent resident but you may face legal problems as a result of the expired card. For example, by law, permanent residents over 18 years of age are required to carry proof of their permanent residency at all times. If you do not have a valid green card with you and are asked for proof of permanent residency by authorities, you may face a misdemeanor convictions, 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $100 and possibly both jail time and a fine. The convictions can be made each time you are found not to have a valid green card with you. While such convictions are not common, they have become more common after 2001 as part of increased efforts to secure the US border.

While a permanent resident does not lose their status by not filing Form I-90, it is important to have a valid green card at all times. A green card makes it possible for you to re-enter the US when you travel and for you to secure work. It also allows you to prove your status in the US and get benefits when you need them. A valid green card is also the only way for authorities to tell the different between those who have authority to live and work in the US and those who do not. Going through the green card renewal process every ten years is an important part of being a permanent resident. As well, by renewing your green card you get to enjoy new security features on your new card, as the government updates green cards periodically to protect permanent residents from identity theft and other crimes.

When do I need to file a green card renewal application (Form I-90)?

You can file your green card renewal application form (Form I-90) up to six months before your green card expires.

Replacing a Green Card

In some cases, a valid and current green card is lost, damaged, or stolen. As well, in some cases a green card contains mistakes or inaccuracies that need to be fixed. In these cases, it is important to file a green card replacement (Form I90) ay once to make sure that you have a valid green card.

In some cases, you will need to replace a green card because a mistake has been made (such as misspelling of your name). If you have made a mistake on your green card renewal or application form, you will need to pay a filing fee. If the government has made a mistake, you will not need to pay the fee but you will need to prove that the error was not yours. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep copies of the green card renewal and application forms you send in.