Your green card is the document that proves your right to live and work permanently in the United States. But permanent residence does not mean a permanent card. Most green cards expire after 10 years, and if yours is expired, damaged, lost, or contains incorrect information, you need to file Form I-90 to get a replacement.
In 2026, that process takes longer than most people expect. I-90 processing times have stretched past 8 months, more than double the 4-month average from just a year ago. Filing early is no longer just good practice. It is essential.
At The Lozano Law Firm, Board-Certified Immigration Attorney Alfredo Lozano helps permanent residents across Texas navigate the green card renewal process. This guide covers when you need to file, how the process works, what it costs, and the critical question many permanent residents should ask before renewing: should I apply for citizenship instead?
When You Need to File Form I-90
Not every green card situation requires an I-90. Here are the circumstances where filing is necessary:
Your card has expired or will expire within 6 months. Given current processing times, filing at least 6 months before your expiration date gives USCIS enough time to issue a new card before the old one becomes invalid.
Your card was lost, stolen, or destroyed. File I-90 to request a replacement. If the card was stolen, file a police report first and include the report number with your application.
Your card is damaged or unreadable. A card with a faded photo, cracked surface, or demagnetized strip may cause problems at airports, with employers during I-9 verification, or at USCIS offices.
Your information has changed. If you legally changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or court order) or if USCIS issued the card with incorrect information, file I-90 to get a corrected card.
You turned 14. Permanent residents who received their card before age 14 must file to replace it within 30 days of their 14th birthday (unless the card expires before their 16th birthday, in which case it can wait until expiration).
You are a commuter changing status. If you are changing your commuter status (actual to commuter or vice versa), file I-90.
When You Should NOT File I-90
Filing the wrong form wastes time and money. Do not file I-90 if:
You have a conditional green card (2-year card).
Conditional residents who received their green card through marriage must file Form I-751 to remove conditions, not I-90. Filing the wrong form will result in a rejection and lost time.
You are eligible for naturalization. If you have held your green card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) and meet the other naturalization requirements, applying for U.S. citizenship may be a better use of your money and time than renewing the card. Citizenship is permanent; a renewed green card expires again in 10 years.
Your card was never received in the mail. If USCIS shows your card was produced and mailed but you never received it, contact the USCIS Contact Center before filing I-90. They may be able to reissue it without a new application.
How to File Form I-90
Online filing (recommended). USCIS strongly encourages online filing through myUSCIS. Online filing allows you to upload documents, pay the fee electronically, track your case status, and receive notices digitally. It also reduces the risk of rejection for missing signatures or incomplete fields, since the system validates required information before submission.
Paper filing. If you prefer to file by mail, download Form I-90 from uscis.gov, complete it, and mail it to the appropriate USCIS lockbox address listed in the form instructions. Include the filing fee and required supporting documents.
Filing fee. The I-90 filing fee in 2026 is $540, which includes the $455 form fee and the $85 biometrics fee. Fee waivers are available for applicants who can demonstrate inability to pay (Form I-912).
What Happens After You File
Receipt notice. USCIS will send a receipt notice (Form I-797C) confirming they received your application. This receipt, combined with your expired green card, serves as temporary evidence of your permanent resident status for up to 24 months. Keep both documents together.
Biometrics appointment. USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC) near you, typically 3 to 6 weeks after filing. You will provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature. Do not miss this appointment.
ADIT stamp (if needed). If you need to travel internationally or prove your status to an employer before your new card arrives, you can request an ADIT stamp at your local USCIS field office. The ADIT stamp is placed in your passport and serves as temporary proof of permanent residence, typically valid for one year.
Card production and delivery. After your case is approved, USCIS produces the new card and mails it to the address on file. Current total processing time from filing to card delivery is running 8 to 14 months.
Renew or Apply for Citizenship?
This is one of the most important questions a permanent resident can ask, and the answer depends on your individual situation.
Consider citizenship if: - You have held your green card for 5+ years (3+ years if married to a U.S. citizen) - You meet the physical presence and continuous residence requirements - You are comfortable with the English and civics test requirements - You want to vote, sponsor relatives in preference categories, or travel on a U.S. passport - You want permanent status that never expires and cannot be taken away through failure to renew
Consider renewal if: - You do not yet meet the time requirements for naturalization - You are not ready to take the citizenship test - Your country of origin does not allow dual citizenship and you want to retain your original nationality - You have criminal history or other issues that make naturalization risky
If you are unsure, a consultation with a board-certified immigration attorney can help you evaluate which path is right for your situation.
Common Mistakes When Filing I-90
Filing too late. With processing times exceeding 8 months, waiting until your card expires to file creates a period where your only proof of status is the receipt notice. File at least 6 months before expiration.
Confusing I-90 with I-751. Conditional residents (2-year cards received through marriage) must file I-751, not I-90. Filing the wrong form results in rejection and delays.
Not updating your address. USCIS mails the new card to the address on file. If you have moved since filing, submit a change of address (Form AR-11) immediately. A card sent to a wrong address can be difficult to recover.
Traveling without proof of status. An expired green card alone may cause problems at the border. If you need to travel before your new card arrives, get an ADIT stamp at your local USCIS field office before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel with an expired green card?
An expired green card may be accepted by airlines for boarding, but Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry may question you. To avoid problems, get an ADIT stamp in your passport before traveling, or carry your I-797C receipt notice showing you have a pending I-90.
Can I work with an expired green card?
Your employment authorization does not expire when your card expires. However, employers may ask to reverify your work authorization during the I-9 process. Showing your expired green card with the I-797C receipt notice or an ADIT stamp satisfies the reverification requirement.
How much does green card renewal cost in 2026?
The total I-90 filing fee is $540 ($455 form fee + $85 biometrics). Fee waivers are available through Form I-912 for applicants who demonstrate financial hardship.
Should I renew my green card or apply for citizenship?
If you meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, citizenship is often the better long-term investment. It never expires, provides full voting rights, and gives access to broader family sponsorship categories. A renewed green card expires again in 10 years.
What is the I-90 processing time in 2026?
Current processing times are running 8 to 14 months from filing to card delivery. This is significantly longer than previous years and is the primary reason to file well before your card expires.
Renew Your Green Card With Confidence
An expired or expiring green card does not mean you are losing your permanent resident status. But letting it lapse without filing creates unnecessary complications for travel, employment, and everyday life.
Board-Certified Immigration Attorney Alfredo Lozano holds Board Certification in Immigration and Nationality Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential earned by fewer than 5% of Texas immigration attorneys. The Lozano Law Firm helps permanent residents across Texas determine whether renewal or citizenship is the right next step, and gets the application filed correctly the first time.
Contact our San Antonio, Eagle Pass, or San Angelo office to schedule your consultation.
