I-90 Green Card Renewal in Houston
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Your Complete Guide to Navigating the I-90 Green Card Renewal Process
Are you trying to renew or replace your green card using Form I-90? This article demystifies the I-90 Green Card process, directly addressing the steps, requirements, and timelines. With a focus on practical advice, the Abbasi Immigration Law Firm simplifies a potentially complex process, helping you maintain your legal residency status without stress.
Key Takeaways
Form I-90 is the official form used by permanent residents to renew or replace their Green Cards, and it is important to verify personal information and comply with the eligibility criteria to avoid delays or issues.
Green Card renewal can be filed online for convenience or through paper filing, which requires sending the completed form and documents to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox; processing times range from 1.5 to 12 months.
In the event of a renewal application denial, USCIS will provide a notice with reasons for denial, and applicants may file an appeal by providing new factual evidence or seek legal assistance if the case is complex.
Understanding the I-90 Green Card Application
Why does Form I-90 matter to you as a green card holder? Its significance is rooted in its purpose. Form I-90 serves as the official government-issued form used by permanent residents for renewing or replacing their green cards.
If you’re 18 or older and your green card is expired or will be expiring within the next 6 months, you must file Form I-90 for renewal. Similarly, if your green card needs replacement, Form I-90 is your go-to.
The journey to renew or replace your expired Permanent Resident Card, otherwise known as a Green Card, kicks off by comprehending the purpose and eligibility criteria for Form I-90. Form I-90 essentially serves as a lifeline for lawful permanent residents to replace permanent resident card or renew their green cards. The application process for this form can be quite detailed, involving several steps such as compiling necessary documentation, handling fees, and application submission.
A vital part of this process is the verification of all personal and biographical information to circumvent potential delays or issues with the green card renewal.
Before you rush to fill out your I-90 form, let’s pause for a moment to understand who is eligible for this process. As a potential green card renewal applicant, you should ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to renew or replace your green cards.
If you’re a conditional permanent resident, hold on! The Form I-90 is not the appropriate application to replace permanent conditions on your Green Card. You should consider using a different form for this purpose. Moreover, if you’ve had a name change or an adjustment in your commuter status since your last green card issuance, be prepared to pay both the I-90 filing and the biometric services fee.
Also, if your green card was issued before you turned 14 and will expire after your 16th birthday, you’ll only be required to pay the biometric services fee.
Filing Your I-90 Green Card Application Online vs. Paper
After confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria, the subsequent step is to choose your filing method. In the digital age, USCIS offers an online filing option for Form I-90, allowing applicants like us to submit our applications via the internet. Alternatively, for those of us who prefer the traditional route, there’s the paper filing option where you send the completed form, supporting documents and payment to the specified USCIS address.
Let’s dig a little deeper into both these methods.
To file Form I-90 online, you must:
Create a USCIS online account, which allows you to manage your contact information and receive a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice.
Use your USCIS online account to complete the form.
Upload the necessary supporting documents.
Review and electronically sign the application.
Submit the fees via Pay.gov before final submission.
Because there are issues with online filing Form I-90, we do not recommend you doing this.
For those who opt for paper filing, the process differs slightly. Here are the steps to follow:
Download and complete the form.
Write a check or money order, or fill out a credit card authorization form for the fees.
Compile the necessary supporting documents.
Mail the application package. Remember to keep copies of your entire application package, including forms, supporting documents, and proof of payment, for personal records.
The completed Form I-90 application package should be mailed to the Phoenix Lockbox in Arizona for both USCIS and courier services like FedEx or UPS, but to different addresses: a PO Box for USPS and a physical address for couriers. To ensure your package reaches safely, use a secure and traceable mailing method. Be careful to send it to the correct location. If Form I-90 is sent to an incorrect location, USCIS will forward it to the correct Phoenix Lockbox facility for the first 30 days after the notice is published; after this period, it will be considered improperly filed.
Green Card Renewal Timeline: When to Start the Process
Promptness is key in the green card renewal process. To avert delays or rejections, planning the renewal process ahead of time is paramount. Ideally, you should begin the green card renewal process 5 to 6 months prior to the expiration of your current green card. Ensuring that the renewal process is initiated within this submission window helps ensure a smooth renewal process.
Let’s delve deeper into the timeline.
Keeping track of your green card’s expiration date is essential for proactive planning to meet renewal requirements and sidestep potential complications with employment and re-entry into the United States post-travel. Remember, the Form I-90 for green card renewal should ideally be submitted six months before the card expires, keeping in mind that processing can take up to 12 months.
When a green card expires, it can lead to complications when attempting to re-enter the United States and difficulties in employment.
If you lose your green card or it gets damaged, you should report it to the authorities and apply for a replacement as soon as possible. Keeping your green card secure is important for your immigration status. It’s essential to apply for a replacement green card as soon as the incident is discovered. Renewing a green card after it has been lost, stolen, or damaged requires additional documentation beyond a copy of the expiring card.
In certain situations such as:
humanitarian reasons
emergency situations
severe financial loss
USCIS errors
Expedited processing for green card renewals may be requested. If you have an urgent need to demonstrate lawful permanent resident status while awaiting your new green card, you can seek immediate proof of status, known as an ADIT stamp.
Required Documentation and Fees for I-90 Green Card Application
To effectively steer through the I-90 Green Card renewal process, it’s important to be well-versed with the necessary documentation and associated fees. As part of the I-90 application, you must include a copy of the expired or soon-to-expire green card in most renewal cases. Be aware that an increase in fees for the I-90 Green Card renewal will take effect on April 1, 2024.
Possessing the correct documentation forms a crucial component of the green card renewal process. If your Green Card contains incorrect information due to a DHS error, you need to provide the original card along with evidence of the correct information. In case your Green Card was lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated, a copy of the card or government-issued identification with a photo, name, date of birth, and signature must be included.
To renew your green card, you must include:
A copy of your expired or soon-to-be-expired Green Card
If there are legal changes to your name or other biographical information, you must submit relevant legal documents to reflect these changes
Make sure you adhere to the document checklist provided with Form I-90, ensuring all required supporting documents are included with the application.
By now, you might be curious about the expenses tied to the I-90 Green Card renewal process. Contact the Abbasi Immigration Law Firm for the most up-to-date filing fees since they change periodically. When using the paper filing method for Form I-90, there are several options for paying the fee, including:
Money order
Personal check
Cashier’s check
Credit/debit card with Form G-1450
Under specific circumstances, such as errors made by the Department of Homeland Security on the green card, some applicants may qualify for a waiver of the I-90 filing fee or biometric services fee.
Biometrics Appointment and Processing
The biometrics appointment, where your personal identification data is collected, is another significant step in the green card renewal process. This includes taking your digital fingerprints, along with a photograph and a signature. You’ll receive an ASC Appointment Notice indicating the date and time of your scheduled biometrics appointment. It’s important to attend this appointment, regardless of previous biometrics submissions.
Scheduling your biometrics appointment represents an essential milestone in your green card renewal journey. After filing your renewal application, you typically receive a receipt notice from USCIS within 1 to 3 weeks. You can then expect to receive a biometrics appointment notice around 4 to 6 weeks from the date of filing your application. The actual biometrics appointment is usually scheduled about 2 weeks after the biometrics appointment notice is issued. If you’re unable to attend the biometrics appointment as scheduled, you can follow the instructions for rescheduling provided in the notice. For this, you must use a myUSCIS online account or contact the USCIS Contact Center, rather than by mail or in person.
Your biometrics appointment notice will include the date and location of the scheduled appointment. These appointments are usually arranged at a local Application Support Center (ASC) after you have filed an application, petition, or request with USCIS.
For your biometrics appointment, you must bring a valid identification document along with the biometrics appointment notice. A valid, unexpired photo ID is required as an identification document for the biometrics appointment.
Don’t forget to bring the appointment notice as it confirms the scheduled time, date, and location for the biometrics appointment.
Green Card Renewal Processing Time and Status Tracking
An important aspect of the green card renewal journey involves comprehending the average processing time and methods to track your application status. The average processing time for green card renewal applications ranges from 1.5 to 12 months. USCIS updates receipt notices for applicants with pending Form I-90 to indicate the extended validity of their Green Cards.
You can check the current processing times for your green card renewal application using the online tool provided by USCIS.
The green card renewal process involves multiple stages, typically taking from 6 to 10 months in total. Here is a general timeline of the process:
File your renewal application
Receive a biometrics appointment notice in roughly 4 to 6 weeks
Attend the biometrics appointment, which generally takes place around 2 weeks following the issuance of the appointment notice
Wait for USCIS to process your application
Please note that processing times for USCIS forms can change and are updated quarterly, reflecting the varying time it can take to process green card renewals.
While your green card renewal application is being processed, the validity of your permanent resident cards is automatically extended for 24 months.
Wondering about the status of your green card renewal application? Filing Form I-90 online allows you to check the case status using the USCIS website. After filing an application for green card renewal, you receive a receipt notice that includes a unique receipt number for online status tracking. This receipt number is a unique identifier for each individual application and is essential for online status tracking.
If your case is outside of normal processing times, you can submit a case inquiry through the USCIS Contact Center. For additional inquiries, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center via specific phone numbers designed for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities.
Handling Potential Issues and Denials
Despite the complexity of the green card renewal process, knowing how to deal with potential issues and denials can streamline your journey. If your I-90 application is denied, USCIS will provide a notice explaining the reasons for the denial and your rights to appeal the decision. It’s crucial to carefully review the denial notice as it contains the specific reason(s) for the denial, which will inform your next steps – whether to reapply, appeal, or seek a motion to reopen or reconsider.
In the case of insufficient or incorrect information, which is a common issue, you may be able to resolve the problem by:
Providing the correct or missing information to USCIS
Verifying and correcting all dates, personal information, and eligibility criteria before submission
Responding promptly and accurately with the necessary documentation if USCIS requires additional evidence to establish eligibility
Taking these steps can help prevent delays or denials in your application process.
For unresolved issues or if the case is complex, it may be beneficial to seek legal assistance from an immigration attorney or an accredited representative.
While navigating the green card renewal process, you might encounter a few common issues. Ensuring all information provided on the green card renewal application is accurate and comprehensive is critical to avoid these issues. Some common issues include:
An expired green card can prevent re-entry to the United States
An expired green card can prevent conducting essential activities
An expired green card can create potential legal issues.
Failure to attend the biometrics appointment without notice may lead to denial of the application. Commuting residents taking employment in the U.S. must provide recent employment evidence within the last six months as part of the renewal process. Renewal processing times can be influenced by the following factors:
Applicant’s family relationship type
Country of origin
Application location
Requests for additional evidence.
In case of a denied application, USCIS outlines an appeals process.
In case of a denial of your green card renewal application, it’s essential to understand the reasons and the steps to take. Denials may occur due to:
committing a crime
not paying taxes
lying on the application
submitting the wrong form
If your application is denied, you can file a motion with USCIS to reconsider their decision by providing new factual evidence to address the reasons for denial.
The initial review appeal process for a denied renewal application takes about 45 days, and further review by the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) can take up to 6 months. In complicated cases of denial, you can seek assistance from accredited nonprofit organizations for low-cost or free legal immigration services and get referrals to licensed immigration attorneys through organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Tips for a Smooth Green Card Renewal Process
The I-90 Green Card renewal process can be navigated more smoothly with appropriate guidance. Here, we’ll share some tips for ensuring a successful green card renewal process, including accurate information and seeking professional help.
One of the resources you can use is CitizenPath’s affordable online service that offers a streamlined submission procedure and customer support, helping applicants navigate the technical aspects of online or paper filings with citizenship and immigration services.
A fundamental tip for a seamless green card renewal process is to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information on the I-90 application. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
The I-90 paper application should be filled out accurately and completely to avoid rejection.
Ensure that the edition date and page numbers are clearly visible at the bottom of each page of the paper form.
All pages should originate from the same edition.
The I-90 green card renewal process can be intricate, and getting professional advice can prevent expensive errors and decrease the likelihood of application denial. Immigration attorneys with the Abbasi Immigration Law Firm possess specialized knowledge and experience with I-90 applications, which is crucial in complicated cases that may involve legal nuances or prior issues with immigration status. We can provide personalized advice tailored to your situation, ensuring all aspects of the process are handled correctly, including identifying the proper documentation and responding to USCIS requests.
Reputable services facilitate the I-90 application process by offering:
Streamlined submission procedures
Customer support to help applicants navigate the technical aspects of online or paper filings
Additional resources such as application reviews, reminders for important deadlines, and updates on the status of the application
These services can be invaluable for ensuring a successful renewal.
Summary
As we wrap up this comprehensive guide, it’s essential to remember that the I-90 Green Card renewal process can be complex, but with the right knowledge and guidance, it can be navigated smoothly. From understanding the purpose of Form I-90 to knowing when to start the process, from selecting the right filing method to preparing for the biometrics appointment, and from dealing with potential issues to seeking professional help, we’ve covered it all. Remember, the key to a successful green card renewal lies in careful planning, timely action, accuracy of information, and seeking help when needed. Here’s to a smooth and successful green card renewal journey!
If you need help with this process, contact the Abbasi Immigration Law Firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of Form I-90 is for permanent residents to renew or replace their green cards. If your green card is expired or will expire within the next 6 months, you should file Form I-90 for renewal.
You can file your I-90 Green Card Application online through the USCIS website or by using the traditional paper filing method. Both options are available to applicants.
You should start the green card renewal process 5 to 6 months before your current green card expires. This allows ample time for processing and avoids any lapse in status.
To apply for the I-90 Green Card renewal, you’ll need to include a copy of your expired or expiring green card. Filing fees change periodically so contact the Abbasi Immigration Law Firm for the latest information.
If your green card renewal application is denied, you can file a motion with USCIS to reconsider their decision and provide new evidence. Seek assistance from accredited nonprofit organizations for low-cost or free legal immigration services if needed.