Office Location is Irving, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico
Stay updated on the latest immigration news and policy changes. See what's changed.
Office Location is Irving, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico
Published By:
The legal information presented on this page reflects the professional oversight of Attorney John W. Lawit and the attorneys at John W. Lawit, LLC. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
At John W. Lawit, LLC, we strive to ensure the information presented here is timely and accurate. For legal guidance specific to your individual case, please contact our firm directly. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.
Quick Summary: How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Expired Green Card (Form I-90)
Need immediate help? Contact John W. Lawit, LLC.
A green card is an important document for showing lawful permanent resident status. Losing it can become stressful when you need it for a new job, a flight, or another important purpose. An expired card can create the same concern when the expiration date passes without notice.
Form I-90 gives eligible lawful permanent residents a way to request a replacement or renewed card through USCIS. This guide explains how to replace a lost, stolen, or expired green card, including the documents you need, how the filing process works, and what to expect while your application is pending.
Form I-90 replaces the physical card, not your status. Losing the card does not end your permanent residence. The card is still important because you may need to show proof of your permanent resident status for employment, travel, or other official purposes.
USCIS accepts a Form I-90 application in several common circumstances:
USCIS provides eligible lawful permanent residents with a 36-month extension of green card validity when they properly file Form I-90 to renew an expired or expiring card. After USCIS accepts the filing, it sends an I-797 receipt notice that reflects the extension.
Keep the receipt notice with your expired green card. Together, they can serve as evidence of permanent resident status and employment authorization during the 36-month extension period.
The extension applies to eligible renewal filings. If your card was lost or stolen, you may need other evidence of permanent resident status while your replacement application is pending.
The correct form depends on your permanent resident status and the type of green card you hold.
| Situation | Form or Process |
|---|---|
| Ten-year green card is lost, stolen, damaged, expired, or contains incorrect information | Form I-90 |
| Two-year conditional green card based on marriage requires removal of conditions | Form I-751 |
| Two-year conditional green card based on investment requires removal of conditions | Form I-829 |
| Individual does not yet have permanent resident status and is seeking permanent residence | Adjustment of status |
A two-year conditional green card is different from a standard 10-year green card. Conditional permanent residents generally must remove the conditions on their residence rather than use Form I-90 to replace the card.
Individuals who do not yet have permanent resident status may need the adjustment of status process instead of Form I-90.
Filing Form I-90 involves several steps. Gather the right documents, complete the application carefully, and follow the filing instructions.
The documents you need depend on why you are filing. Include a copy of your green card if you still have it. If it was lost or stolen, provide the documents required for your filing circumstances. A name change may require a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Choose the filing reason that matches your situation. Review your A-number, name, address, and other information before submitting the application. If you are replacing a lost green card, provide accurate details about the loss.
Eligible applicants can file Form I-90 online through a USCIS account or by mail. Online filing allows you to submit documents electronically and track your application through your account. Paper applications must be sent to the appropriate USCIS filing address.
The I-90 filing fee depends on how you file and why you are filing. Some applicants may qualify for a fee exemption or reduced fee based on their circumstances. Pay the correct amount when you submit Form I-90 to avoid a rejection or delay.
USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment for fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature. Follow the instructions in your appointment notice and attend at the scheduled time. If you cannot attend, request a reschedule according to USCIS instructions.
The I-797 receipt notice usually arrives within a few weeks and includes your receipt number for tracking the case. USCIS may request additional evidence during its review, and you should respond by the deadline stated in the notice. After approval, USCIS produces and mails the replacement card.
Small errors can create delays or cause USCIS to reject an application. Review the filing reason, supporting documents, payment, and USCIS notices before submitting.
Complex immigration histories, prior denials, criminal records, or conflicting documents can make a Form I-90 filing less straightforward. For broader questions about your green card or immigration status, green card immigration help may be appropriate.
The green card replacement timeline is typically about 8 to 12 months, although individual cases can take longer. USCIS processing times change with agency workload. The USCIS processing times tool can help you see the current estimate for Form I-90.
If your case takes longer than the posted timeframe, you can submit an inquiry to USCIS. Requests for evidence, missed biometrics appointments, incorrect information, or case transfers can also extend processing. John W. Lawit, LLC can help review a delayed or complicated Form I-90 case and discuss your options.
Form I-90 does not have premium processing. USCIS may consider an expedite request for circumstances such as severe financial loss or urgent humanitarian reasons, but you must provide supporting evidence.
A pending Form I-90 does not give you a new physical card immediately. If you need to prove your status before the replacement arrives, the appropriate documentation depends on whether you still have your card and what you need it for.
Permanent residents may generally travel while Form I-90 is pending, but they should carry valid evidence of their permanent resident status. If the physical card is unavailable, contact USCIS about obtaining temporary documentation before traveling.
For eligible renewal filings, the expired green card and I-797 receipt notice can be used for Form I-9 verification during the extension period. If the card is unavailable, an ADIT stamp may provide temporary evidence of status.
Many Form I-90 cases take about 8 to 12 months, although processing times vary. Premium processing is not available, but USCIS may consider expedite requests in limited circumstances when supporting evidence is provided.
Questions about a green card replacement often involve which form applies, which documents to submit, and what to use as proof while you wait. John W. Lawit has more than 40 years of experience handling immigration matters and can help you understand the process.
Whether your card was lost last week or expired last year, the right guidance can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Call John W. Lawit, LLC at (214) 609-2242 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
