Green Card Renewal Fee: The Correct Fee for Your Situation

Author: Ashoori Law

Green Card Renewal Fee: The Correct Fee for Your Situation

OVERVIEW

    1. Overview

    As a United States lawful permanent resident, how much it costs to renew a green card is a common question, and the green card renewal fee depends on your specific situation. You are issued a green card (also called a permanent resident card). Your green card is the proof of your lawful status in the United States. It is the document that establishes your right to live and work in the US.

    At the end of the 10-year period, you are required to apply for a green card renewal by filing a Form I-90 with USCIS, which includes applicable USCIS filing fees. If you lost your green card, or if it was stolen, you are also required to apply for a new green card. The correct green card renewal fee will depend on the reason that you are renewing your green card.

    USCIS filing fees for Form I-90 depend on how the form is filed and the reason for filing. Applicants should verify the current Form I-90 filing fee on the official USCIS fee schedule before submitting an application.

    Depending on the reason you are renewing, the total amount you are responsible to pay may include one or both of these fees. In some circumstances, you may not even be required to pay a fee.

    Note: USCIS filing fees are subject to change. Always verify the current green card renewal fee on the official USCIS Form I-90 page before filing.

    2. Green Card Renewal Fee at a Glance

    The filing fee for Form I-90 depends on the filing method and the reason for filing. Some applicants may owe a filing fee, while certain applicants may not be required to pay a fee depending on the basis for replacement. Because USCIS fees can change, applicants should confirm the current Form I-90 fee using the official USCIS Fee Schedule before filing.

    3. I-90 Filing Fee

    To renew your green card, you are required to file a renewal application using Form I-90 with USCIS. The I-90 is the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form can be filed electronically through the USCIS website or by mail, and both options require payment of the applicable green card renewal fee. The Form I-90 filing fee is subject to change and should be confirmed on the official USCIS Fee Schedule before filing.

    For official instructions on Form I-90 and the current green card renewal fee, visit the USCIS Form I-90 page.

    4. Biometric Services Fee

    In addition to the I-90 filing fee, you may also be required to pay a biometric services fee. The biometric services fee is the fee required for USCIS to collect your digital fingerprints when you renew your green card through Form I-90. USCIS fee requirements, including whether a separate biometric services fee applies, should be confirmed on the official USCIS Fee Schedule before filing.

    As mentioned earlier, the fee required to renew your green card will depend on your specific situation and the reason for filing Form I-90. Depending on your situation, you may be required to pay both the I-90 filing fee and the biometric services fee, just the biometric services fee, or neither of the 2 fees. To determine the appropriate green card renewal fee for your case, review the I-90 instructions to confirm which fees apply before filing your application.

    5. Green Card Renewal Fee Depending on the Situation

    Situations Where Both the I-90 Filing Fee and Biometric Services Fee are Required

    • Your existing green card is expired or will expire within 6 months
    • Your green card was lost, stolen, or destroyed
    • Your name has changed since your last green card was issued
    • You are a permanent resident taking up commuter status
    • You are a commuter who is now taking up actual residence in the US
    • You turned 14 years old and your existing green card will expire before your 16th birthday

    Situations Where Neither the I-90 Filing Fee nor the Biometric Services Fee are Required

    • Your current green card has incorrect information on it because of a Department of Homeland Security error
    • Your green card was issued by USCIS, but you never received it (returned to USCIS as undeliverable)

    Situation Where the I-90 Filing Fee is Not Required but the Biometric Services Fee is Required

    • You turned 14 years old and your current green card will expire after your 16th birthday

    6. Working with an Immigration Lawyer

    Incorrectly filing your application when you renew your green card can cause delays or, in some cases, denials. US immigration forms can be quite complicated, and mistakes may impact your application timeline as well as your total green card renewal fee. Some applicants choose to consult an immigration lawyer for help reviewing Form I-90 requirements, potential risks, and applicable filing fees.

    An immigration lawyer can also review your particular background to see if there are any risks associated with filing your Form I-90. For example, previous arrests, even if they did not result in a criminal conviction, can be problematic when applying for your green card renewal.

    7. Conclusion

    As a US permanent resident, your green card is your proof of lawful status in the United States and is highly important. If your green card is set to expire within the next 6 months, or if you lose your green card, you must file Form I-90 to renew it, either by mail or online through USCIS.

    The required Form I-90 fee depends on your filing category, filing method, and the current USCIS fee schedule. Before filing, review the current Form I-90 instructions and USCIS Fee Schedule to confirm the correct fee for your situation.

    It is important to review the I-90 instructions before you renew your green card to make sure that you submit the correct filing fee. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ashoori Law at contact@ashoorilaw.com.

    8. Related Resources

    If you are looking into the green card renewal fee or related topics, the following resources from Ashoori Law may be helpful:

    Green Card Renewal:

    Green Card Pathways:

    Travel Documents:

    Service Pages:

    9. Frequently Asked Questions

    How much is the green card renewal fee?
    The Form I-90 filing fee depends on the filing method, filing category, and current USCIS fee schedule. Applicants should verify the current fee on the official USCIS Form I-90 page before filing. In some cases, you may only owe the biometric services fee, and in others, you may owe nothing at all. Always verify the current green card renewal fee before filing, as fees are subject to change.

    What is Form I-90 and when do I need to file it?
    Form I-90 is the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You need to file it when your green card is expired or expiring within 6 months, when your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, when your name has changed, or in several other specific situations. It can be filed online or by mail through USCIS.

    Do I have to pay both the I-90 filing fee and the biometric services fee?
    It depends on your situation. The required fee depends on the Form I-90 filing category and current USCIS fee schedule. Some applicants may owe a filing fee, while certain applicants may not be required to pay a fee depending on the reason for filing. Applicants should review the current USCIS Form I-90 instructions and Fee Schedule before filing.

    What is the biometric services fee for green card renewal?
    USCIS may require biometrics as part of the Form I-90 process, but applicants should verify current fee requirements on the official USCIS Fee Schedule before filing.

    Can I file my green card renewal online?
    Yes. Form I-90 can be filed electronically through the USCIS website or submitted by mail. Both options require payment of the applicable green card renewal fee. For more information, visit the USCIS Form I-90 page.

    What happens if I file my green card renewal with the wrong fee?
    Filing with the incorrect green card renewal fee can result in delays or rejection of your application. USCIS will typically return the application if the wrong fee is submitted. Review the current Form I-90 instructions and USCIS Fee Schedule carefully before filing.

    How long does green card renewal take?
    Processing times vary depending on USCIS workload and how the application is filed. For current estimates, visit the USCIS processing times page or see our green card renewal processing time guide.

    Can a prior arrest affect my green card renewal?
    Yes. Even if a prior arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, it can create complications when filing Form I-90. USCIS reviews your background as part of the renewal process. Applicants with prior arrests or criminal history may choose to consult an immigration attorney before filing.

    Do I need to renew my green card if it is a 10-year card?
    Yes. A 10-year green card must be renewed before it expires. You should begin the renewal process within 6 months of your card’s expiration date. Filing Form I-90 with the applicable fee, if required, is generally required to obtain a renewed card.

    Should I hire an immigration lawyer for my green card renewal?
    While green card renewal is a relatively straightforward process for most applicants, errors in filing can cause delays. If you have a complex background, prior arrests, or concerns about your eligibility, some applicants choose to consult an immigration attorney before filing. Feel free to contact Ashoori Law at contact@ashoorilaw.com or book a consultation.

    About the Author

    Michael Ashoori, Esq.
    President, Ashoori Law

    Michael Ashoori is a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of Ashoori Law. Mr. Ashoori focuses his legal practice on helping individuals, families, working professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States. He also represents US employers sponsoring foreign workers for temporary visas or lawful permanent residence.

    The son of immigrant parents, Mr. Ashoori has a deep understanding and appreciation for the benefits of U.S. immigration. He has assisted over 1,226 clients from around the world.

    Mr. Ashoori received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from UCLA School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from UCLA.

    Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and USCIS policies are subject to change. The information on this page may not reflect the most current legal developments. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified immigration attorney. You are welcome to contact Ashoori Law directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com.

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