Green Card Renewal · Form I-90
Your Green Card is expiring. A quick renewal keeps you covered.
Renewing your 10-year Green Card is one of the most straightforward things you will do as a permanent resident. CitizenKit prepares your complete I-90 application — ready to sign and mail.
- File up to 6 months before expiration
- Receipt notice extends status 36 months
- No interview required for standard renewal
- Built on official USCIS.gov guidance
Eligibility
Four things to confirm before filing
- 1
You hold a 10-year permanent resident card
Form I-90 is for lawful permanent residents with a 10-year card. If your card expires 2 years after you first received it, it is conditional — file Form I-751 instead.
- 2
Your card is expiring within 6 months — or has already expired
You may file up to 6 months before expiration. Filing too early will result in rejection. If your card has already expired, file now.
- 3
You are currently in lawful permanent resident status
I-90 renews your card — the physical document — not your underlying status. You must still hold LPR status to renew.
- 4
Your situation is straightforward
Certain circumstances require a different approach — such as a name change, card never received, or status questions. CitizenKit is designed for standard renewals.
The Process
Simple from start to new card
- 1
File During the 6-Month Window Before Expiration
USCIS allows you to file your I-90 renewal up to 6 months (180 days) before your card expires. Filing too early (before the 6-month window) will result in USCIS rejecting the application. CitizenKit explains the exact window based on your card's expiration date.
- 2
USCIS Receives Your Application
Within 2–4 weeks of filing, USCIS mails you a receipt notice (Form I-797C). This notice, combined with your expired card, extends your lawful permanent resident status for 36 months — covering you for work authorization, re-entry after travel, and most state driver's license renewals.
- 3
Biometrics Appointment
USCIS schedules you for a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) to collect your fingerprints and photo for your new card.
- 4
New 10-Year Green Card Arrives by Mail
After biometrics processing, USCIS produces and mails your new 10-year permanent Green Card. No interview required for standard renewals.
Receipt Notice
Your receipt notice keeps everything moving
Filing your I-90 triggers an immediate protection: USCIS will mail you a receipt notice (Form I-797C) within about 2–4 weeks. This notice, combined with your expired Green Card, serves as valid proof of your permanent resident status for:
- ✓Lawful permanent resident status
- ✓Employment authorization (Form I-9)
- ✓Re-entry to the US after international travel
- ✓State driver's license renewal (most states)
The receipt notice extends your status for 36 months from your card's expiration date. Carry it with your expired Green Card when re-entering the US after international travel.
The CitizenKit
One form. Straightforward by design.
Form I-90, Pre-Filled
Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card — populated from your answers and ready to sign and mail.
Filing Timeline Guidance
Exactly when you can file, when you should file, and what happens if your card has already expired.
Personalized Document Checklist
Every document you need to include with your application — including your current or expired card copy and photo ID.
Organized, Mail-Ready Application
Cover sheet, completed I-90, sign-here guide, correct USCIS Lockbox address, and full filing instructions.
Receipt Notice Explainer
What the I-797C receipt notice is, how it extends your status for 36 months, and how to use it while your renewal is pending.
Travel & Work Guidance
How to use your receipt notice for work authorization (Form I-9), re-entry after international travel, and state ID renewal.
FAQ
Common questions about I-90 renewal
- When should I file my I-90?
- You can file your I-90 renewal up to 6 months (180 days) before your card's expiration date. We recommend filing 4–5 months before expiration for peace of mind. If your card has already expired, file immediately — you can still renew at any time.
- How do I know if I should file I-90 or I-751?
- Check your card expiration date. If it expires approximately 2 years after you first received your Green Card, it is a conditional card and you need Form I-751. If it expires approximately 10 years after you first received it, it is a permanent card and you need Form I-90 to renew. You can also check the category code on your card: "CR1" or "CR2" indicates conditional; "LPR" indicates permanent.
- Can I work and travel while my I-90 renewal is pending?
- Yes. After filing, USCIS will mail you a receipt notice (Form I-797C) within about 2–4 weeks. This receipt notice, combined with your expired Green Card, extends your status as a lawful permanent resident for 36 months and serves as proof of your status for work authorization and re-entry after international travel.
- Is there an interview required to renew my Green Card?
- No. Standard I-90 renewals do not require an interview. USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints and photo, and then mail your new card. The process is straightforward for most permanent residents.
- What if I am traveling internationally and my card expires soon?
- If possible, file before you travel. Once you have your receipt notice (I-797C), carry it with your expired Green Card when re-entering the United States — this combination is accepted at U.S. ports of entry as proof of your permanent resident status. If your card has already expired, consult the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you are visiting for guidance on re-entry.
Ready to renew your Green Card?
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