Green Card Renewal Guide — Form I-90 Process, Fees, and Pitfalls (2026) 

1. File earlier in the 6-month window: You can file the green card renewal application up to six months before the expiration. Filing early is usually recommended given current processing times (80% of the renewal cases are adjudicated within 10.5 months) as well as for a prompt refiling in case of case rejection or denial. For reasons other than the renewal, you can file I-90 anytime the triggering matter occurred (e.g., legal name change).

2. Already expired? Your permanent resident status does not expire with the green card expiration — you will lose your permanent resident status if an immigration judge issues a final removal order or you intentionally abandon the status. However, a valid green card is proof of your permanent resident status and matters for your overall stay in the U.S., including work authorization verification (I-9), travel, and driver’s license renewal.

3. Expiring while abroad: You can file I-90 while being abroad, but you will need to be back to the U.S. if biometrics is scheduled for the application. In general, once the card expires, you should not travel to the U.S. without filing I-90. USCIS also usually does not mail a green card abroad. Timing of the filing requires careful planning depending on the situations. If you have been abroad for a long time or plan to do so, see When Reentry Permit is Needed section too.

• Government fees: you can find the current I-90 government filing fees at USCIS fee schedule

• Attorney fees: Tigris Legal offers green card I-90 package services for a flat fee — quoted after your free case evaluation, RFE response included.

1. Work while the I-90 is Pending: You can continue to work as a permanent resident while your I-90 is pending. Your I-90’s receipt notice and expired green card validate your status and work authorization for the employer’s verification (I-9).

2. Travel while the I-90 is Pending: You can travel abroad and reenter the U.S. with your I-90’s receipt notice and expired green card. If your I-90 is still pending after the card’s extended validity period, you will need to get an I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) at an InfoPass/field office appointment for your international travel. Caveat – certain situations may prevent you from returning to the U.S. If you have situations such as criminal histories, fraud or misrepresentation, or prolonged stay abroad, consult an attorney before traveling. See Before You File: Situations That Need Legal Review as well.

3. Proving Status for Driver’s License/Real ID while the I-90 is Pending: States should accept the green cards that have had the validity period automatically extended by the I-90 receipt notice because they are unexpired. In general, you will need the expired permanent resident card, I-90’s receipt notice, secondary proofs of identity and residency (such as a Social Security card, utility bills, or lease agreement), and current driver’s license or primary ID. Check local offices to confirm exact necessary documents.

Absences over 6 months raise questions; for 1 year or more risks abandonment. If you plan to stay outside the U.S. for 1 year or more, you will need a reentry permit (filed before departure) as proof of your intent not to abandon the permanent resident status. If scheduled, you will also need to complete biometrics in the U.S. Reentry permit is generally valid for 2 years. Still, having a reentry permit does not guarantee that you can reenter the U.S. after the absence — it depends on each case’s unique circumstances that may require an attorney’s assessment.

1. Can I stay in the U.S. with an expired green card? Yes, you can continue to stay in the U.S. as a permanent resident while your I-90 is pending. Your permanent resident status does not expire with the green card expiration — you will lose your permanent resident status if an immigration judge issues a final removal order or you intentionally abandon the status. Your I-90’s receipt notice and expired green card are the proof of your permanent resident status.

2. Can I travel while my I-90 is pending? Yes, you can travel abroad and reenter the U.S. with your I-90’s receipt notice and expired green card. If your I-90 is still pending after the card’s extended validity period, you will need to get an I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) at an InfoPass/field office appointment for your international travel. Caveat – certain situations may prevent you from returning to the U.S. If you have situations such as criminal histories, fraud or misrepresentation, or prolonged stay abroad, consult an attorney before traveling. See also Before You File: Situations That Need Legal Review as a reference.

3. Can I file it myself, or do I need a lawyer? Most clean renewals are self-fileable; however, if you have complex situations such as criminal histories, fraud or misrepresentation, or prolonged stay abroad, consult an attorney before filing. See Before You File: Situations That Need Legal Review. Tigris Legal provides a free case evaluation to tell you which type your case belongs to.

4. What if my renewal is denied? Depending on the situation, you can file a motion to reopen or reconsider using Form I-290B or simply reapply by submitting a brand new Form I-90. Which path should be taken varies by case. Tigris Legal offers a candid assessment for a denied I-90 case in the strategy consultation.

5. How long does renewal take right now? Currently, USCIS adjudicates 80% of the renewal cases within 10.5 months. Please check this website for any updates on the processing time.

6. Should I renew or apply for citizenship instead? If you plan to stay outside the U.S. for a longer period of time, applying for citizenship will be one option to avoid losing legal status to stay in the U.S. Generally, you can file for naturalization after 5 years as a permanent resident (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), with physical presence and continuous residence requirements. Note: Certain countries do not permit dual nationality for adults — a consideration we discuss candidly with clients as to the U.S. side perspectives.