When a U.S. permanent resident is planning to renew their Green Card, it’s also important for them to prepare for the renewal fees. In order to renew the Green Card, the permanent resident may file Form I-90, the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
When filing for Green Card renewal, there are two filing fees that an applicant will have to submit along with the I-90. A Green Card holder can renew their Green Card if it is already expired or if it will expire within six months. The first fee is $455, which is the fee for filing the form. There is also a biometric services fee of $85, for a total of $540.
When a permanent resident submits Form I-90, it’s important that the form is filled out in its entirety with accurate information. The applicant also must sign the form and submit all relevant evidence and supporting documentation; USCIS emphasizes that photocopies are preferred unless original documents are specifically requested. An applicant must make sure not forget to sign their application, as the form may be rejected if unsigned. The filer must also include the filing fee with the submission of the completed Form I-90.
There are two acceptable ways to file a Green Card renewal application. A Green Card holder can file by mail and include a check or money order. If an applicant is filing by mail, they cannot pay by cash, credit card or debit card. Applicants can also file your I-90 online, and they can pay with a credit card, debit card or U.S. bank account for online filings.
After the Form I-90 has been filed, an applicant can check the case status online.
If an applicant is unable to pay the USCIS filing fee to renew their Green Card, they may file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver along with their Form I-90. Documentation is necessary as well as meeting certain guidelines; if an applicant receives a means-tested benefit like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI or TANF, fee waiver applications will generally be accepted. In order for fees to be waived, the household income of the applicant must sit at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
