JLA Law Group

Green Card Renewal and Replacement (Form I-90)

Case Evaluation→(770) 609-9396

Lawful permanent residents are required to carry a valid green card at all times under INA § 264(e). The standard permanent resident card (Form I-551) is issued for a 10-year period and must be renewed before it expires. Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is used to renew an expiring or expired green card, replace a lost, stolen, or mutilated card, update a card with a legal name change, or correct errors on a green card. The regulations governing this process are found at 8 CFR § 264.5.

While an expired green card does not mean you have lost your permanent resident status, it can create significant practical problems: employers conducting I-9 employment verification, banks, and government agencies may refuse to accept an expired card. Filing Form I-90 promptly — ideally 6 months before expiration — and retaining the USCIS receipt notice is essential to prove continued lawful permanent resident status while the renewal is pending.

JLA Law Group assists permanent residents in Norcross and throughout the Atlanta area with Form I-90 filings. We verify that no additional forms are needed (for example, conditional residents approaching the two-year mark must file I-751, not I-90), review your specific situation, and ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

Steps You Should Take

1

Confirm You Need Form I-90

We verify whether I-90 is the correct form for your situation. Conditional residents need I-751; naturalization applicants do not need to renew their green card. Confirming the right form prevents costly mistakes.

2

Gather Required Documents

Collect your expiring or expired green card, two passport-style photos, government-issued ID, and any supporting documents for your specific reason (name change court order, police report for lost/stolen card).

3

Prepare and File Form I-90 Online or by Mail

We complete Form I-90 accurately, include the required filing fee (unless a fee waiver applies), and file either through the USCIS online system or by mail. We retain proof of filing and monitor the case.

4

Attend Biometrics and Track Your Case

USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment after filing. We help you prepare for biometrics and track case status through USCIS online tools. Call JLA Law Group at (770) 609-9396 for green card renewal assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I file Form I-90 to renew my green card?
USCIS recommends filing 6 months before your green card expires. You can file up to 24 months before expiration. Do not wait until your card has already expired — while late filing is possible, it creates gaps in your ability to prove lawful status to employers and other institutions.
Can I travel outside the US with an expired green card?
An expired green card alone is generally not accepted as a travel document by airlines or at ports of entry. If your card is expiring, file I-90 before travel and carry the receipt notice. For extended travel or an expired card, consult our attorneys about a boarding foil or reentry permit.
Do I need to file I-90 if I am a conditional resident?
No. Conditional residents (with a 2-year green card) must file Form I-751 to remove conditions, not Form I-90. Filing I-90 instead of I-751 is a common and serious mistake — contact our attorneys to confirm which form applies to your situation.
What if my green card has a wrong name or errors?
If USCIS made the error, you can request a correction at no charge. If the error resulted from your own mistake on the original application, you file I-90 with a filing fee and provide documentation of the correct information. Name changes due to marriage or court order also require I-90 with supporting documents.
How long does I-90 processing take?
Processing times vary but typically range from 8 to 24 months. USCIS issues a receipt notice upon filing that extends the validity of your expiring card for 24 months. Keep this notice with your expired card as proof of continued status.

Applicable Laws

INA § 264(e) / 8 U.S.C. § 1304(e)Requires every alien admitted for permanent residence to carry and have in their personal possession their alien registration receipt card (green card) at all times.
8 CFR § 264.5Regulations governing application to replace permanent resident card (Form I-90), including eligibility criteria, filing procedures, fee requirements, and processing.
8 CFR § 264.1Alien registration regulations establishing the requirement for permanent residents to maintain registration documents and report address changes within 10 days.
INA § 216 / 8 U.S.C. § 1186aGoverns conditional permanent residence — conditional residents must file I-751 to remove conditions rather than Form I-90 to renew their two-year conditional card.

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Case Evaluation

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1250 Tech Dr, Suite 240

Norcross, GA 30093

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