What is an I-90 Form?
A form I-90 is an application used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) when a noncitizen needs to renew or replace a green card (also known as a “lawful permanent resident card”).
There are four times when you need to file to renew or replace your card.
- First, if your 10-year green card will expire in the next 6 months (180 days) then you will use this form. Note, do not confuse form I-90 with form I-751. You file a form I-751 when you receive a two-year green card through a marriage-based process. DO NOT use Form I-90 if the card was only valid for two years unless filing for a lost or damaged card.
- Second, if you damaged, destroyed, lost or someone stole your green card then file the form I-90 to replace it. In these cases, you file for USCIS to replace your card.
- Third, if your card contains an error such as a misspelling of your name or an incorrect date of birth. In these cases, you should use the form I-90 to file for a replacement card to have the correct information appear on the card.
- Four, if USCIS was issued your card, but you never received it by mail. In this case, you should use this form to request another green card be delivered.
Where you can get a form I-90?
The form I-90 is available on the USCIS website here. To print the form, scroll down to the tab labeled “Filing Options.” To the right of there is a “+” sign. Click on it and the tab will expand. There you will see a link labeled “Form I-90 (PDF).” Click on that link and you may then download the form.
How to fill out the form I-90
First, as a general rule, do not leave any space blank. If a question doesn’t apply to you, then you should type or print “N/A.” This stands for “not applicable.”
Most of the form is straightforward. There is some information, however, that may be confusing. To assist you, here with those more confusing questions, here are explanations of things that may not be so obvious to you:
- Alien Registration Number or A-number. This is the number given to you by immigration and is a nine digit number preceded by the letter A. Here is a helpful picture to show you where to find it on your green card:
- USCIS Online Account Number. This number applies only if you have an online profile with USCIS. If you don’t then simply write “N/A.” You can create an account here if you wish to do so.
- Legal Name Change: If you changed your name since you first received your green card then this would apply to you. For example, if you recently married someone and changed your last name. Here, you would inform USCIS of the name change and send proof such as a social security card or marriage certificate.
- Class of Admission: This question asks about how you obtained your green card and will require you to place a classification code. Here is a helpful picture to show you where to find it on your green card:
- Date of Admission: This question asks about the date you obtained your green card. You will simply answer this question with the date that you become a green card holder. Here is a helpful picture to show you where to find it on your green card:
What documents do you need with the form I-90?
The answer depends on why you are filing your application.
Expired Green Card
If you’re filing to renew an expiring card, then you should submit a copy of the front and back of the card.
Lost, Damaged or Stolen Green Card
If you’re filing because your card is lost, damaged or stolen then you can submit a copy of your green card (if available) or a valid government ID showing your name, date of birth and photo.
Legal Name Change
If you’re filing because of a name change or other change, you should submit a copy of your green card and proof of the name change or other change. For example, if you are recently divorced and your last name changed then you should submit the divorce decree along with a copy of your card.
Green Card Never Delivered
If you are filing because your card was never delivered, then you should send 1) A copy of the I-797 Notice of Action showing that USCIS approved your green card; and 2) A valid government issued ID.
Where to mail the completed I-90 form?
Form I-90 – Regular Mail
If you are sending your application through regular mail, then you should mail it to:
USCIS
Attn: I-90
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262
Form I-90 – FedEx, UPS or DHL
If you are sending your application through FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries, then you should send it to:
USCIS
Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034-4850
How much does a form I-90 cost?
The filing fee for the application is $455 plus $85 for fingerprinting (also known as biometrics). There are certain exceptions to both fees.
Exception for $455 or $85 Biometrics Fee
For example, if there is an error on your application that was the fault of USCIS then you do not have to pay the filing fee. Or, if you’re between the ages of 14 through 79, then you do not need to pay the biometric fee of $85.
Acceptable Checks or Money Orders
You can pay this fee by check or money order as long as the check or money order is from a bank located inside the United States. If it is, make our your check to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not abbreviate the agency’s name or USCIS could reject your fee check.
How long does it take to process form I-90?
As of April 2022, the processing time for a form I-90 is 3.5 months to 15.5 months according the USCIS. USCIS processes all I-90 forms at the Potomac Service Center. See below:
You can find out what to do about USCIS delays here