What is the purpose of the Form I-90 Application?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service, “USCIS” Form I-90 is the application used to either renew legal permanent resident status, also known as a Green Card or to replace a Green Card.

A Green Card is to be renewed every ten years. However, keep in mind that a Green Card known as a Conditional Green Card or Conditional Legal Permanent Resident Status is subject to a different form of renewal, that requires the filing of Form I-751 within 90 days after the Conditional Green Card’s two-year mark. We discuss Conditional Green Cards and Removal of Conditional Status here.

A Form I-90 can be used in the following circumstances:

• To renew a Green Card that expires every ten years as well as request that a Green Card that was lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated to be replaced.
• Replace Green Cards issued and mailed out by USCIS but never received.
• Request correction of incorrect data and information.
• Request the name change for Green Card holder that have had their names legally changed providing the legal court document showing the name change.
• Request for Green Card holders that take up residence in Mexico or Canada to change status under Commuter Status permitting residence in Mexico and Canada as long as they are employed within the United States to avoid abandonment of their status. Furthermore, Green Card holders in Commuter Status who then move back into the United States can request issuance of a normal Green Card without the commuter designation.
• Register status for Children who have Green Card Status who have reached 14 years of age.
• Replacement of an old edition of a Green Card.
• Finally, Conditional Green Card Holders can also use the form to also replace cards that were lost, stolen, destroyed or never received. As well as replacing cards that have been mutilated or issued with incorrect data. However, as previously mentioned, Conditional Green Card Holders cannot use the Form I-90 to renew or more accurately remove the conditions of the Green Card.

Except in cases where USCIS has made an error on the Green Card or where a Green Card was returned to USCIS as undeliverable by the post office, most applications require payment of the filing fee and biometrics fee. In cases where the Green Card was issued but not delivered, the Green Card holder must provide a copy of the approval receipt or passport page showing the I-551 stamps indicating admission as a Legal Permanent Resident.

Children who turned 14 years of age, where the Green Card Status does not expire until after turning 16 years of age are only subject to paying the biometrics.