Immigrants & Immigration

Your green card (legal permanent resident card) is proof of your legal status in the US. But, what happens if you lose your card? Below I detail the steps necessary to apply for a replacement card.

The application

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles green card replacement and renewal applications. The form used to replace your green card is the I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

In order to apply to replace your green card, you will need to submit:

• A current edition of the Form I-90. You can find the most recent version of the form in the "Edition Date" section on its webpage.
• The completed I-90 application - make sure it is signed and dated!
• A copy of your previous green card (front and back). You can also use a copy of a government issued ID (such as passport A document that lets a person travel outside the country or driver’s license) if you don’t have a copy of your green card
• Appropriate fee or fee waiver form (more info on that later)

You can either file your forms by mail or online. If you are applying for a fee waiver, you can’t use the online system. But, you can pay with a credit card! For more information on where and how to file your I-90 via mail or online, please see the USCIS I-90 page. This website also has specific instructions on how to fill out your form. Follow these instructions so there’s a better chance it is approved!

The cost

Effective April 1, 2024, the cost to replace your green card is $415 (filed online) or $465 (paper filed). These fees include the biometrics. This can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. Double-check the USCIS website before you file because the fees can change!

If you don’t have the money to pay the fee to replace your green card, you may qualify for a fee waiver. The two most common ways are if:

• Your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
• You, your spouse, or the head of household A tax filing status for someone who is unmarried. They pay at least half of household expenses and live with a dependent. are currently receiving certain public benefits, such as LINK or Medicaid

With your fee waiver application, you need to submit proof of your eligibility along with the I-90 green card renewal form. If you are applying based on income, generally USCIS will accept a copy of your most recent tax return as proof of your current income. For public benefits, USCIS requires proof that you are currently receiving this benefit. This can be a letter or notice from the state or federal agency giving you that specific benefit. Consult the USCIS Fee Waiver page for more information on eligibility and requesting a fee waiver using form I-912.

Do I need an attorney?

If you have EVER had any criminal arrests or if you have traveled outside of the US for a period of 6 months or more at a time since becoming a legal permanent resident, I recommend that you first speak with a legal representative before submitting your I-90 form. You can find legal aid organizations that could assist you for free or at a low-cost here.

The process:

1. File your I-90 form, either online or by mail, with the fees and documents listed above.
2. USCIS will first mail you a receipt notice stating your application is accepted and assigning you a receipt number. If you apply for a fee waiver, you will first receive a decision on that request. This decision will also act as your receipt.
3. A few weeks later, you will receive a notice to attend a fingerprint appointment.
4. USCIS may then request more documents or information if necessary to make a decision on your application.
5. If USCIS approves your application, you will be mailed your replacement green card. The replacement is sent to the mailing address listed on your application. Make sure the address listed is correct. If you move, submit an address change to USCIS to ensure your card arrives safely! If your card is not delivered, you may have to submit another application and pay again.
6. If USCIS denies your application, you will receive an explanation as to why they denied the application. If you receive a denial When a court rejects or refuses to allow a request; for example, when a judge decides not to grant an attorney's objection. , you should consult with a legal representative ASAP. They can tell you what your options are.

At the time of this blog post, green card renewal applications are completed within 24 months. You can check current processing times here. Or, check the status of your application on the USCIS Case Status page by inputting your receipt number. The receipt number is located at the top of any notice sent to you by USCIS.

Next step - Citizenship!

Remember that you may be able to apply for Naturalization! If you have been a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years, or 3 years in certain circumstances, you may be eligible to naturalize The process of becoming a citizen in a country where a person was not born a citizen ! Please see the ILAO Naturalization Basics page for more information on applying for naturalization. If you’re eligible, naturalization is the best protection you have. It opens the door to many benefits, including the ability to vote!

This information is posted as a public service by Illinois Legal Aid Online and its partners. Its purpose is to inform people of their legal rights and obligations. Talk to a lawyer Someone who represents clients in courts or who gives legal advice if you have questions about how this information applies to you.