The cost of a green card typically depends on the application type and legal fees. Get a clear breakdown of the costs to file Form I-90 for green card renewal or replacement.
If you’re a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States, you’re given a green card, also known as a permanent resident card. This legal document proves your eligibility to reside and work in the U.S. Usually, the green card is granted for ten years.
To renew or replace a green card, you must file the I-90 form, or "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card." It's also necessary to apply for a new green card if your old one was stolen or lost. But, since USCIS implemented a recent change in the fee structure, everyone is questioning how much the form I-90 filing fee is now.
Key Takeaways:
• Ensure you meet eligibility requirements before submitting Form I-90
• The cost of a green card replacement depends on different factors
• Recognize the form I-90 filing fee exceptions
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Table of Contents
For anyone hoping to remain in the United States legitimately, immigration visas and green cards are necessary. Form I-90 serves as the primary method for lawful permanent residents to replace and renew their green cards.
Here’s an overview of filing form I-90.
If you’re a permanent resident and your green card expires or will expire within six months, you need to renew the card. Most individuals submit Form I-90 to renew their green card. But there are other reasons to replace a green card, including:
• Lost
• Stolen
• Damaged
• Issued but never received
• Biographic information has been legally changed
• Mutilated card
• Contains incorrect information
Form I-90 is important to maintain proof of lawful permanent resident status. This is essential for employment, travel, and proving eligibility for certain benefits.
If your green card lasts only two years, it requires a different process to become a permanent 10-year renewable. This process is called "removing the conditions" on your green card.
You must not use Form I-90 to renew your card if you are a conditional resident. Instead, you are required to file a petition to remove the conditions on your residence by using these two forms:
• Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence or Form I-751, if married to a U.S. citizen
• Petition by Entrepreneur or Form I-829 if you got your green card through an investment
Photo from USCIS WebsiteThe cost of getting a green card depends on the type of application, the filing category, and whether you're applying from inside or outside the United States.
Some common green card costs:
If you're applying through a family sponsor while already in the U.S., the total government filing fee is:
• $3,005 — includes Form I-130, Form I-485 (adjustment of status), biometrics, and other associated fees.
Note: This does not include the medical exam cost, which varies by provider (typically $100–$500).
If you're applying from abroad (consular processing), the total cost is generally around:
• $1,340 — includes the immigrant visa application, affidavit of support fee, and USCIS immigrant fee.
Form I-485 is a key part of the green card process for applicants already in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown based on the USCIS fee calculator and category:
| Filing Category | Standard I-485 Fee | If Filed With Immigration Court |
| General Applicants | $1,440 | $1,500 |
| Child under 14 (filing with parent) | $950 | $1,500 |
| Refugees or paroled as refugees | $0 | $1,500 |
| Applicants in removal/deportation | $0 | $1,500 |
| Special Immigrant Juvenile | $0 | $1,500 |
| U or T Visa holders (crime or trafficking victims) | $0 | $1,500 |
Now that you understand general green card costs, let’s focus on Form I-90 fees, which apply specifically to green card renewal or replacement.
In the past, the fee for filing Form I-90 was $455. Then, there’s an additional $85 biometrics fee, for a total cost of $540. But now, the filing fee structure for Form I-90 has been updated.
USCIS has announced that:
Previously, a separate biometric services fee of $85 was required. Under the new fee structure, this cost is integrated into the main filing fee. This eliminates the need for a separate charge in most cases.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the fee adjustments:
| Filing Fee | With Biometric Services | Without Biometric Services |
| Online Filing Fees | The fee for online filings that require biometric services will be $465. | If biometric services are not needed, the online filing fee is reduced to $415. |
| Paper Filing Fees | The fee for paper filings will increase to $465. | The paper filing fee remains at $455. |
All new fees will apply to applications postmarked on or after April 1, 2024. You can find the updated fees on the USCIS website.
While the Form I-90 filing fee is a cost to consider in green card renewal, additional expenses may exist. These can include fees for obtaining necessary supporting documents and the costs of mailing your application.
It’s important to budget for these additional costs and consider them in your overall financial plan.
The biometric services fee, traditionally a separate charge, has been integrated into the main benefit fee for most cases.
USCIS changes mean that applicants no longer need to pay another fee for biometric services when filing for certain benefits. These include the green card renewal through Form I-90. This streamlines administrative processes and reduces the financial burden on applicants.
However, for specific filings, a biometrics fee of $30 will still be applicable even after the changes take effect. These include Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) cases.
The exception ensures that necessary biometric services continue to be funded for these particular types of immigration filings.
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There are no longer full fee waivers available for filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, as of April 1. However, there is a fee reduction program you might be eligible for.
Fee waivers are available for individuals facing financial hardship, such as those with low income. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate an inability to pay the required fees.
Additionally, applicants seeking a fee waiver for the I-90 form must file Form I-912. This is specifically designed for those unable to afford the filing fees due to their financial situation.
Lastly, applicants must provide evidence of their financial status to support a fee waiver request. This includes income documentation, financial support, and any means-tested benefits they receive.
A fee reduction is available for applicants whose total annual household income falls between 150% and 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. However, not all forms are eligible for this reduction.
While the I-90 form itself does not qualify for a fee reduction, Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, does. Approved applicants for Form N-400 pay a reduced fee of $320, plus the full $85 biometric fee, unless exempt.
Moreover, applicants are exempt from paying the I-90 filing fee if they have yet to receive their green card. And also if their card contains incorrect details due to DHS or Department of Homeland Security error.
When filing Form I-90, you have the option to pay the filing fee in one of these three options.
• Check
• Money order
• Credit card
For payments via check or money order, ensure they are made out to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." If you prefer to use a credit card, you can fill out Form G-1450 or Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Then, include it with your application.
Remember to include the correct filing fee amount with your application. Failure to submit the right fee may result in a delay or rejection of your application.
To calculate your cost, use the USCIS Fee calculator.
On the USCIS website, you may always get a copy of Form I-90. The I-90 application is updated periodically by USCIS.
Here are steps to consider:
1. Application Preparation. Complete the I-90 form with your USCIS online account and provide accurate and truthful information. This includes your Alien Registration Number, date of birth, and class of admission, among other details.
2. Document Submission. Along with the form, submit the necessary supporting documents. These documents include a copy of your Green Card (unless it was not received, lost, stolen, or mutilated) and a government-issued ID. Include also legal documents evidencing any name or biographical information changes.
3. Fee Payment. Attach the required filing fee. For the most current fee information, refer to Form G-1055 or the USCIS official website.
4. Biometrics Appointment. If required, attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photo will be taken.
The typical processing time for Form I-90 applications ranges from 4 to 12 months. However, it also depends on individual cases and the workload of the USCIS.
Make sure the edition you're using is one that USCIS will approve. It’s best to submit a typewritten application even if you can manually fill out your Form I-90 with black ink. Error prevention and possible speed increase are achieved by doing this.
To ensure a smooth and successful Form I-90 application process, consider the following tips:
• Start early. Begin the application process well before your green card expires or as soon as you realize your green card is stolen, lost, or damaged. This will give you time to gather all the required documents and complete the necessary forms.
• Double-check your application. Review your application thoroughly before submitting it. Make sure all the details are accurate and up to date. Any mistakes or missing information can result in a delay or rejection of your application.
• Keep copies of all documents. Make copies before you submit your Form I-90 application. This includes your application form, supporting documentation, and payment receipt. Having copies will be helpful in case any documents get lost or if you need to refer back to them in the future.
• Track your application. Use the USCIS online case status tool to monitor the status of your Form I-90 application once it has been submitted.
Considering professional assistance from an immigration expert or attorney can provide valuable insights. Hacking Immigration Law, LLC helps with the Form I-90 process or any concerns regarding fee changes.
When renewing or replacing your green card using Form I-90, it's important to understand the different filing fees involved. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has established separate fees.
Stay informed about any updates to the filing fee by regularly checking the USCIS website. Additionally, follow the tips provided to increase your chances of updating your green card status.
For individuals who love to come and stay in the U.S., understanding these processes is important. It’s best to contact a St. Louis immigration attorney if you love to be a green card holder. Our knowledgeable green card lawyer in St Louis can assist you with the asylum procedure.
Hacking Immigration Law, LLC works hard to unite families, protect your rights, and make this process less stressful.
