How do I renew my permanent green card?

To renew your permanent green card, the standard path is Form I-90, the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card filed with USCIS. Keep in mind that what you are renewing is the physical card, which has an expiration date; your permanent resident status itself does not expire because the card does.

The process generally follows these steps:

• Obtain Form I-90 directly from the official USCIS website.
• Complete all fields carefully and gather the required documents, such as a copy of your current green card.
• Submit the application online or by mail, according to your preference, and pay the applicable fee.

It is best to start the process well before the card expires, so that unexpected delays do not leave you with an expired card, which can complicate travel and access to services. If the card is already expired or close to expiring, begin as soon as possible.

Since fees, formats, and instructions may change, always check the current form and guidelines on the USCIS website before submitting, to make sure nothing is missing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.