Quick summary
#NOTE: If the error was not caused by DHS, this reason does not apply; instead, you must file using reason β2 After reaching 14 years of age, a lawful permanent resident must register and submit Form I-90, as described in the Form DS-160 guide.
When you need a replacement or correction of an official record or document
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-90?)
#I-90 is not a status-creation form. It is the document-replacement and correction form for lawful permanent residents and commuter residents who need a new green card because the existing card was lost, stolen, damaged, expired, or issued with incorrect information. It is easy to file the wrong form here: conditional residents usually need I-751 or [I-829], not I-90, and some long-term residents may be better served by N-400 instead of just replacing the card.
First page of I-90 form
Source: I-90 PDF
Context and workflow
#USCIS specifically warns that I-90 is for replacing or correcting the green card itself, not for removing conditions from a conditional card. It also points residents toward naturalization eligibility tools because some applicants who are focused on replacement may actually be close to citizenship eligibility.
Why this matters
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Receipt Notice (a related form)
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature)
- Card production and delivery by mail
Who uses it
Form I-90 is intended for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and permanent residents in commuter status who need to replace or renew their Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as green cards. This form is also applicable for conditional permanent residents seeking to replace an existing card, provided it is not expired or within 90 days of expiration. Lawful permanent residents must maintain a valid, unexpired green card at all times. Conditional permanent residents whose status is nearing expiration may need to file a petition to remove conditions instead of using Form I-90 for replacement.
When it is used
- When a green card is lost, stolen, damaged, or approaching expiration in a way that qualifies for replacement
- When USCIS issued the card with incorrect information and the instructions allow I-90 for the correction
- When a lawful permanent resident needs updated card evidence but is not actually in a remove-conditions or citizenship filing path
Requirements snapshot
#- Review the official instructions to confirm whether this form applies to your situation and what evidence to include.
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-90 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form without a valid signature
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Submitting original documents when not required
- To avoid filing with expired or soon-to-expire green card without explanation: Explain lost, stolen, or damaged card; include police report if applicable.
- To avoid wrong fee or outdated form: Check current I-90 fee; use the edition date shown on the form instructions.
- To avoid missing copy of green card or proof of status: Include front-and-back copy of current card; provide explanation if lost or damaged.
- To avoid incorrect biographical or address information: Match all details to existing USCIS records; discrepancies cause verification delays.
What it asks for (What does Form I-90 ask for?)
#- Current immigration status and reason for applying for a replacement card.
- Provide biographic information including ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
- State whether you have been in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink signature
- Preparer's certification and signature
- Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
- Adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS may deny the request.
- Documentation related to: Legal name change documents submitted as evidence of a name change must have been registered with the proper civil autho
What you need (What do you need for Form I-90?)
#- The current edition of I-90
- Details about the record or document you want replaced or corrected
- Identity documents that match the record being corrected
- Documentation proving your current immigration status, such as a valid, unexpired green card or equivalent documentation.
- Legal name change documents submitted as evidence of a name change must have been registered with the proper civil authority
- you may need to also submit a copy of a government-issued form of identification that contains your name, date of birth, photograph, and signature (for example, passport, driverβs license, military identification document)
- All evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions sections.
- Copy of your filed or approved G-28 (Attorney or accredited representative (optional))
Checklist (What is the Form I-90 checklist?)
#- Download the current I-90 and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the I-90 instructions for eligible replacement or correction scenarios
- Gather evidence related to the record you are replacing or correcting
- Complete all required sections of I-90
- Ensure that the form is thoroughly signed and dated in all necessary sections.
- Ensure that all pages belong to the current edition of Form I-90.
- Sign, date, and submit I-90 with all required supporting evidence
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-90. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeFailing to attend the biometric services appointment. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-90 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Application for Naturalization.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Initial issuance or replacement | 9 to 12.5 monthsas of January 2026 |
| 10-year renewal | 9.5 to 10 monthsas of January 2026 |
- Processing times for I-90 vary by eligibility category and service center. Data sourced from the official USCIS processing times tool.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Renewal filings are often processed differently than initial applications. If you are renewing, file well before your current authorization expires β some categories allow you to continue working while the renewal is pending if filed on time.
- The service center assigned to your case affects how long it takes. USCIS distributes filings across multiple centers, and each has different workloads. You cannot choose which center processes your case.
- To check your estimated timeline: visit the official USCIS processing times tool, select your form and eligibility category, and note that the tool shows the filing date of cases currently being worked on β not a countdown from when you filed.
- While pending: track your case status online with your receipt number, respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence, and update your address through your USCIS account if you move.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories β verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
an e-Request File Online How to Create a USCIS Online Account Tips for Filing Forms Online Online Filing for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives Close All Open All Form I-90 (PDF, 496
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting. For related guidance, see Notice of Entry of Appearance as.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-90 have?)
#Personal Information
Applicant identification.
- Full name and A-Number if applicable
- Date of birth and nationality
- Current address and contact
Eligibility
Basis for the application.
- Category or classification claimed
- Supporting evidence type
- Dates establishing eligibility
Supporting Documents
Required attachments.
- Identity and status documents
- Category-specific evidence
- Fee payment or waiver request
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Filing with expired or soon-to-expire green card without explanation | RFE | Explain lost, stolen, or damaged card; include police report if applicable. |
| Wrong fee or outdated form | Delay | Check current I-90 fee; use the edition date shown on the form instructions. |
| Missing copy of green card or proof of status | RFE | Include front-and-back copy of current card; provide explanation if lost or damaged. |
| Incorrect biographical or address information | Delay | Match all details to existing USCIS records; discrepancies cause verification delays. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-90?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Weak application: An applicant submits Form I-90 without a copy of their original Permanent Resident Card, leading to delays as USCIS requests additional evidence.
- A person whose document was lost or damaged files I-90 for a replacement
- A citizen whose passport is expiring submits I-90 to renew or replace it
- An applicant in the IR-1 category files I-90 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-90?)
#- A replacement or correction request does not grant status or benefits by itself
- Submitting this form does not change eligibility for unrelated benefits
- Filing I-90 extends your authorized stay β A replacement document reflects your existing authorized period. It does not extend your stay or change your status.
- You can renew by mail regardless of how old your previous document is β Eligibility for renewal depends on specific criteria including when the document was issued and whether it is damaged or lost.
- I-90 has more than one fee component (e.g. Filing Fee and Biometrics Services Fee); paying only one or paying the wrong amount can result in rejection of the entire filing.
- A fee waiver for I-90 is not automatic β only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
Edge cases and variations
#- Travel document applications may be needed if you are outside the country.
- If you are asked to submit or update I-90, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#An applicant files the application with all required supporting documents and the correct fee.
Application accepted. Biometrics may be scheduled. Case proceeds to adjudication.
Follow the evidence checklist for your category. Missing documents trigger RFEs or denial.
An applicant files before the eligibility window (e.g., I-751 outside the 90 days before conditional residence expires).
Application rejected. Fee returned. Must refile when eligible.
Verify eligibility dates carefully. Filing too early is as problematic as filing late.
An applicant forgets to sign the form.
Application rejected. Must resubmit with signature. Unsigned forms are not accepted.
Sign and date the form. Review the signature block before mailing.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: Required for: Green card must exist before it can be renewed (Residency pathway)
- Unlike Form N-400: Application for Naturalization: Next step after approval: Naturalization available after maintaining status (Residency pathway)
- Unlike Form G-28: Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative: Supporting form: Attorney or accredited representative (optional) (Residency pathway)
Why it matters
#What happens after you submit
#- Receipt Notice (a related form)
- Attend biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, and signature)
- Card production and delivery by mail
- Receive the new green card by mail
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-90 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
Resources
#Free United States planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form I-90.
United States eligibility checker
See which United States visas your profile fits before you finalize Form I-90.
United States processing times
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form I-90.
United States interview practice
Practice United States interview questions if your filing route includes one.