Renewing or Replacing a Green Card in Florida

If you need to renew your 10-year permanent resident green card or replace a damaged, destroyed, or stolen green card, be sure to file an Application to Replace or Renew Permanent Resident Card on Form I-90. This application should be filed between five and six months before the expiration of your green card, or you could face costly delays.

In the paragraphs below, our South Florida immigration attorneys at Robert M. Bell, P.A., describe the procedures to update your permanent resident status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

When Should Permanent Residents Renew Their Green Card?

A permanent resident should complete their Application to Replace or Renew Permanent Resident Card (I-90) five to six months before their 10-year permanent resident card expires. USCIS often rejects applications filed earlier than six months before expiration.

If you have a two-year conditional green card, you must file Form I-751, the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. Do not file Form I-90.

Should You File a Form I-90 Online or Via Mail?

Under certain circumstances, you may have options to file either online or by mail. Some situations require that you apply by mail, including:

• You are applying to waive the fee
• If you have never received a green card
• The green card you received contained an error by USCIS
• Your 10-year green card will not expire before you turn 16; you received it before turning 14

You may apply online (or by mail) under other conditions, such as:

• You need a standard green card renewal for expiration within six months
• If you need a replacement for a lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed green card
• You need to update your name, address, or other personal information
• When you need an updated version of your green card
• You’re a “commuter” to the U.S. for work
• USCIS automatically updated your legal status to “green card holder”

What Documents to Include in Your I-90 Application

Depending on the specific conditions of your application, you may need to provide copies of additional documentation, including:

• Your green card
• Government-issued photo ID including name, birthdate, and signature
• Your most recent Form I-797 Notice of Action
• The passport page with an I-551 stamp, if any
• Name change documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption papers, divorce papers, other legal documentation)
• Evidence of U.S. employment within the prior six months
• Proof of U.S. residence
• Proof of temporary resident status
• If you committed any criminal offenses before your permanent resident status expires, include criminal records and consider including evidence of your rehabilitation.

A knowledgeable U.S. immigration attorney can help you determine which documents to file along with your Form I-90.

How Long to Process Your Renewal Application?

It could take two years or more for USCIS to process and approve your I-90 to issue a renewed green card. In the meantime, you will receive an I-797 receipt that contains a Notice of Action with 24-month temporary evidence of residence from the USCIS when they receive your application. If you require further evidence of residence, we can help you obtain an I-551 stamp.

Contact Our Immigration Attorneys for Help With Your I-90 Application

Trust our experienced immigration attorneys at Robert M. Bell, P.A., to help you complete your Application to Replace or Renew Permanent Resident Card (I-90) in South Florida. Call us at 954-241-4209 or contact us online today.