Step by Step Process for Filing Green Card Renewal and Replacement Application Form

In order to replace or renew a Green Card, a lawful permanent resident needs to file the I-90 application form along with the fees and required documents for proof.

This process of submitting a renewal application does not apply for conditional residents with conditional green cards which are on the verge of expiry. They must file an appropriate form to remove the conditions on their residency.

Only in case of a conditional resident’s Green Card being stolen, damaged or lost, or in the case of a name change, then they can use Form I-90 to place a request for a new conditional Green Card.

Overview of the I-90 Application Process

Step 1: Completion of Form I-90

Be it a renewal or replacement process, a lawful permanent resident should file Form I-90 with the USCIS.

Step 2: Gathering all the Necessary Documents for Proof

Copy of the Green Card: If applying to renew Green Card, the applicant must provide a copy of their Green Card. If applying for a replacement green card, in case of the original getting mutilated, destroyed or lost, or in the case of a legal name change, the applicant has to submit a copy the card, if available, or a copy of an identity proof with his/her name, date of birth, photograph, and signature. Applicants with a changed name must submit a copy of the original court order or marriage certificate/divorce decree bearing the new name along with their I-90.

In case of any change in the biographical data of a lawful permanent resident any documentation to prove the new data should be submitted. If a lawful permanent resident needs a replacement in case of biographical data change due to a USCIS error, then the original card with the error must be returned, along with sufficient documentation to prove the correct data. If at all the Green Card was never received, then the applicants must submit documentation as a proof of that fact (a copy of the original approval notice that was dispatched to the applicant’s current address). In addition to this, the card must have been returned to the USCIS as undeliverable by the postal service and the applicant must not have changed his/her address of communication during the application process.
Note: If the original card was not returned to USCIS as undeliverable, then the replacement application based on the reason of non-receipt will be rejected. An applicant should file for a replacement of a lost Green Card in case he/she cannot verify that the original card was returned as undeliverable.

Step 3: Submitting the Application

Lawful permanent residents need to file in their completed applications (renew or replacement) at the following lockbox address:
USCIS
PO Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036
In case of an applicant using an express courier service, then application should be sent to the following address:
USCIS
Attn: I-90
1820 Skyharbor, Circle S, Floor 1
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Note: The above mentioned addresses are valid as of January 1, 2010. As USCIS may periodically update filing processes, It is advisable for applicants to verify the correct filing address before filing their application. The addresses can be verified under the Forms section of http://www.uscis.gov.

The I-90 may also be filed electronically using the internet. Not every I-90 applicant can choose this option.

Step 4: Biometrics – Getting Fingerprinted

In case the lawful permanent resident has reached 14 years of age since the original Green Card was issued, additional fingerprints need to be taken. The applicant will receive a fingerprint appointment notice from the USCIS.

USCIS may request more information or evidence and may also schedule the applicant for an interview. Certain original documents may also be requested, which will be returned when no longer required.