Reviewed by André Matias, Esq., Principal Attorney
Permanent residency
Start Your Permanent Life Together in the USA
Your green card is more than just a document—it’s the key to your life and future in the United States.
Whether you need to renew an expiring 10-year green card or replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card, our family-based immigration attorneys are here to guide you through the I-90 process with precision and care.
What is Form I-90?
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the official USCIS form used by lawful permanent residents to:
- Renew an expiring or expired 10-year green card
- Replace a lost, stolen, or damaged green card
- Update personal information on your existing green card
- Obtain a green card if you never received your initial card
This form ensures that you maintain valid proof of your permanent resident status, which is essential for work, travel, and accessing various benefits in the United States.
When to File Form I-90
Understanding when to file Form I-90 is crucial. You should file if:
- Your 10-year green card is expiring within the next 6 months
- Your 10-year green card has already expired
- Your green card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed
- You received your green card before your 14th birthday and you’ve now turned 14
- Your name or other biographic information has changed
- You never received your initial green card
It’s important to note that conditional permanent residents with 2-year green cards do not use Form I-90 for renewal. Instead, they must file Form I-751 or Form I-829 to remove conditions on their residence.
The I-90 Application Process: Steps to Renew or Replace Your Green Card
Filing Form I-90 involves several key steps:
- Determine Eligibility: We assess your situation to confirm that I-90 is the appropriate form for your needs.
- Gather Documentation: Collect necessary supporting documents, which may include identification, proof of status, and evidence related to your specific reason for filing.
- Complete Form I-90: Accurately fill out all required fields in the application.
- Pay Fees: Submit the required USCIS filing fee and biometric services fee, if applicable.
- File the Application: Submit your completed I-90 form and supporting documents to USCIS, either online or by mail.
- Receive Receipt Notice: USCIS will send a notice confirming receipt of your application.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: If required, attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
- Respond to Requests for Evidence: If USCIS needs additional information, they will send a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- Await Decision: USCIS will review your application and make a decision.
- Receive New Green Card: If approved, USCIS will mail your new green card to the address provided on your application.
At Altius Immigration Law, we guide you through each of these steps, ensuring accuracy and completeness at every stage.
Why Choose Altius Immigration Law for Your I-90 Application?
When you partner with Altius Immigration Law for your green card renewal or replacement, you’re choosing:
- Experienced Attorneys: Our team has successfully handled countless I-90 applications, navigating even the most complex cases with precision.
- Personalized Approach: We understand that every resident’s situation is unique. Our approach combines legal experience with genuine care for your specific needs.
- Comprehensive Support: From determining your eligibility to following up with USCIS, we’re by your side at every stage.
- Multilingual Services: We offer assistance in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear communication throughout the process.
- Efficiency and Accuracy: We help you avoid common pitfalls that can lead to delays or denials, ensuring a smooth and timely process.
Common Challenges in I-90 Applications
While renewing or replacing a green card may seem straightforward, applicants often encounter challenges:
- Determining the Correct Reason for Application: Selecting the wrong reason on Form I-90 can lead to delays or denials.
- Documentation Issues: Providing insufficient or incorrect supporting documents can complicate the process.
- Name Changes: Properly documenting and explaining name changes can be complex.
- Filing Deadlines: Missing the optimal filing window can lead to complications with work or travel.
- Address Changes: Ensuring USCIS has your current address to avoid missing important correspondence or your new card.
Our experienced attorneys at Altius are adept at navigating these challenges, proactively addressing potential issues to ensure a smooth application process.
Benefits of Professional Assistance with Your I-90 Application
Seeking help for your green card renewal or replacement offers several advantages:
- Peace of Mind: Know that your application is being handled by professionals who understand the intricacies of immigration law.
- Time Savings: We handle the paperwork and follow-ups, allowing you to focus on your life and work.
- Reduced Risk of Errors: Our attention to detail minimizes the chance of mistakes that could delay your application.
- Strategic Timing: We help you file at the optimal time to avoid gaps in your documentation.
- Effective Responses to USCIS: If issues arise, we know how to communicate effectively with USCIS to resolve them quickly.
Maintaining Your Status While Your I-90 is Pending
It’s crucial to maintain your permanent resident status while your I-90 application is processing. Here are some key points to remember:
- Your status as a permanent resident does not expire, even if your green card does.
- If your card has expired, the receipt notice for your I-90 application, combined with your expired green card, serves as temporary proof of your status for up to 12 months from the “Received Date.”
- You can continue to work and travel with these documents, though international travel may require additional steps.
Our team at Altius can provide detailed guidance on maintaining your status and handling any issues that may arise during the pending period.
Secure Your Status with Altius Immigration Law
Your green card is fundamental to your life in the United States. Don’t let expiration dates or unfortunate events like loss or damage jeopardize your status. At Altius Immigration Law, we’re committed to helping you maintain your permanent resident status with confidence and ease.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your I-90 application. Our experienced attorneys will review your situation, answer your questions, and develop a tailored strategy for your green card renewal or replacement.
Let us help you secure your future in the United States. Your peace of mind begins with a call to Altius Immigration Law.
Check out the benefits of the family green card and immigrating to the USA
The Benefits of the Family-Based Green Card
Obtaining a Green Card through family sponsorship to the USA brings a number of benefits for you and your loved ones:
Family reunion
With a family sponsorship visa, you can build a life together with your family in the United States, strengthening bonds and creating unforgettable memories.
Access to opportunities
The United States offers a wide range of educational, professional, and other opportunities. With a family sponsorship green card, you can take advantage of these benefits.
In addition, the United States is known for its diversity and inclusion, providing a welcoming and receptive environment for people from different backgrounds and cultures. Regardless of where you come from, there is a community for everyone, which makes it easy to adapt and feel at home.
What’s more, the country is renowned for its excellence in various sectors, such as technology, medicine, research, and entrepreneurship, which means you’ll have access to some of the best career opportunities in the world. Whatever your area of interest, the United States offers an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
Security and stability
The United States is known for its solid legal system and quality infrastructure. By obtaining a family sponsorship green card, you and your loved ones can enjoy security and stability in a new country.
The United States offers many educational opportunities for its citizens. With a family sponsorship green card, your children will have access to a quality education, from elementary school to higher education. Educational institutions in the United States are recognized worldwide for their academic excellence and offer a wide variety of courses and study programs.
Cultural diversity is also an attractive aspect of the United States. By moving to the country on a family sponsorship green card, you will have the opportunity to experience a unique mix of cultures, traditions and experiences. From the vibrant arts and music scene to the internationally renowned cuisine, the United States offers a plethora of possibilities to explore and appreciate different cultures.
In addition, the USA is known for its job opportunities and entrepreneurship. With a family sponsorship green card, you’ll be able to pursue new career opportunities or even start your own business. The country offers a favorable environment for professional and economic growth, enabling you and your family to achieve your goals and prosper in a new country.
Simplified Family Sponsorship Green Card Process
At Altius, we are committed to facilitating the process of obtaining your Family-based Green Card. Our team will help you with
- 1Initial assessment
- 2Collecting documents
- 3Preparing the application forms and evidences
- 4Preparing for the interview
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the I-90 process take?+
Processing times vary, but typically range from 3 to 12 months. We provide current estimates based on USCIS processing times.
Can I expedite my I-90 application?+
Expedited processing is available in limited circumstances, such as emergency travel or USCIS error. We can assess your situation and advise on expedition possibilities.
What if my green card expires while I'm outside the U.S.?+
This can complicate your return to the U.S. If you're in this situation, contact us immediately for guidance on your options.
Do I need to renew my 10-year green card if I'm eligible for citizenship?+
If you're eligible for naturalization, you may choose to apply for citizenship instead of renewing your green card. We can help you determine the best path forward.
What if USCIS denies my I-90 application?+
A denial is not the end of the road. Depending on the reason, we can help you understand your options, which may include filing a motion to reopen or reconsider, or reapplying with additional evidence.
Lawyer Green Card Family
Benefits of a family-based green card with Altius
Altius’ specialized team has experience in family immigration and is ready to guide you through every step of the process of obtaining a family sponsorship visa for the USA. We know that each case is unique, so we offer customized solutions that suit your individual needs.
Get in touch
If you're looking forward to reuniting your family in the United States, Altius is ready to help. Our team of family immigration specialists is committed to providing exceptional service and high-quality legal advice. Contact us today and let us help you achieve your family immigration goals.