EB-5 Green Card Renewal: What to Do When Your Card Expires

Your permanent EB-5 green card is valid for 10 years. Before it expires, you must file Form I-90 to renew your green card. This article explains the green card renewal process, timeline, and requirements.

10-Year Validity Period#

Your permanent green card:

• Is valid for 10 years from issuance
• Expires on the date printed on card
• Must be renewed before expiration
• Renewal process takes several months

Example: Green card issued January 15, 2026 expires January 15, 2036.

Checking Expiration Date#

Your green card expiration date:

• Is printed on front of card
• Format: MM/DD/YYYY
• Should be checked regularly
• Should begin renewal process 6 months before expiration

Check your card's expiration date now.

What Is Form I-90?#

Form I-90 is the official application to renew your green card:

• Used to replace expired green card
• Used to update information on green card
• Standard form for all permanent residents
• Same form for EB-5 and other immigrants

Filing I-90 is routine for all permanent residents.

Filing Timeframe#

File I-90:

• Recommended: 6-9 months before expiration
• Latest: 6 months before expiration
• Latest possible: Anytime before expiration
• After expiration: Can still file but more complicated

File early for smooth processing.

Filing Method#

I-90 can be filed:

• Online: USCIS online portal (preferred; fastest processing)
• By mail: Paper form to USCIS
• In person: Rare; typically by appointment

Online filing is strongly recommended.

Personal Information Required#

When filing I-90, provide:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Country of birth
• Social Security number
• Green card number
• USCIS receipt numbers (if available)
• Current address
• Occupational information

Gather all information before starting application.

Documentation Required#

With I-90 application, include:

• Copies of current green card (front and back)
• Valid passport or travel document
• State ID or driver's license
• Proof of permanent residence (lease, mortgage, etc.)
• Recent passport-style photos (specified size/format)
• Biometric fees and photos
• Medical examination (in some cases)

Exact requirements available on USCIS website.

Filing Fees#

I-90 filing includes:

• Application fee: Approximately $640 (2026)
• Biometric fee: Approximately $85
• Waiver available for low-income applicants
• Payment by check, money order, or credit card

Fees total approximately $725 (confirm current fees).

Application Processing#

Typical I-90 timeline:

• File application: Day 1
• USCIS receives and confirms receipt: 1-2 weeks
• Biometrics appointment scheduled: 2-4 weeks
• Biometric appointment: You attend appointment
• Background check: 2-8 weeks
• Green card production: 1-2 weeks
• Green card mailed to you: Final step

Total timeline: 3-6 months typically.

Expedited Processing#

USCIS may process faster:

• Routine cases: 3-4 months
• Expedited request: 2-3 months (in some cases)
• Request expedited if you're traveling or have hardship
• No guarantee of faster processing

Standard processing timeline is reasonable.

Temporary Document#

While I-90 is pending:

• Your expired green card is still valid for employment/identification
• You can work with expired green card during processing
• Traveling internationally requires valid passport
• Biometrics appointment notice serves as travel authorization

Your expired card remains usable until new card arrives.

Online Filing (USCIS Portal)#

Advantages:

• Faster processing (typically)
• Can track application status online
• Can upload documents digitally
• Faster notification of decisions
• Preferred by USCIS

Recommended method.

Mail Filing#

Advantages:

• No internet required
• Paper copies for your records
• Can include additional documentation easily
• Traditional method (still works)

Less preferred than online filing.

What Happens at Biometrics#

At your appointment:

• Fingerprints are taken (digital scanning)
• Photograph is taken
• Signature is captured
• Information is verified
• Takes approximately 15 minutes

Appointment is quick and straightforward.

Preparing for Biometrics Appointment#

Before appointment:

• Bring notice letter from USCIS
• Bring valid photo ID
• Arrive early
• Clean your hands for fingerprinting
• Allow 15-20 minutes

Appointment is routine.

When Interview Is Required#

I-90 interviews:

• Generally not required for routine renewal
• May be required if application has issues
• May be required if information doesn't match
• May be required during background check

Most I-90 renewals don't require interview.

What To Bring to Interview#

If interview is required:

• All documents requested in notice
• Original green card
• Passport or travel document
• Driver's license
• Proof of address
• Any additional documentation

Follow interview notice carefully.

When Medical Is Required#

Medical examination may be required:

• If initially approved for I-90 without exam
• If your circumstances have changed materially
• If you're over certain age
• Generally, not required for routine renewals

Most routine I-90 renewals don't require medical.

Medical Examination Process#

If required:

• USCIS will notify you if medical is needed
• You select USCIS-approved civil surgeon
• You complete medical examination
• Results are submitted to USCIS

Cost of medical exam: $300-$600 (at your expense).

Name Changes#

If you've changed your name:

• Legal name change documentation required (marriage certificate, court order, etc.)
• New name appears on renewed green card
• Update Social Security Administration
• Update driver's license/state ID

Update name information when renewing green card.

Address Changes#

If you've moved:

• Notify USCIS of address change
• Can update address on I-90 application
• Current address must be on application
• Ensure USCIS has correct mailing address

Provide current address.

Passport Updates#

If your passport has changed:

• Provide new passport information
• Include passport number on application
• Update with USCIS
• Bring new passport to appointment

Current passport information is required.

Lost or Stolen Green Card#

If your green card is lost, stolen, or damaged before expiration:

• File I-90 application
• Report loss/theft to police (optional but recommended)
• Indicate the loss/theft/damage on I-90
• Regular I-90 processing applies
• Similar timeline and fees

File I-90 if card is damaged or lost.

Damaged Green Card#

If card is damaged:

• Still file I-90
• Damaged card may not be accepted for travel
• Processing timeline same as regular renewal
• Submit original damaged card if possible

Damaged cards can be replaced via I-90.

Before Renewal Green Card Is Issued#

If you need to travel while I-90 is pending:

• You can travel with expired green card domestically
• International travel requires valid passport
• Biometrics notice letter can serve as travel authorization
• Can explain to border officer that card is in renewal

Expired card is still usable during processing.

Advanced Parole#

If you need travel authorization:

• File Form I-131 for Advance Parole
• Separate application from I-90
• Parole allows return to US even with valid green card
• Typically not needed for expired card but available if necessary

Not normally required for I-90 processing.

If Naturalizing Before Expiration#

If you plan to naturalize:

• Can file N-400 instead of I-90
• No need to renew green card before naturalizing
• Naturalization makes green card renewal unnecessary
• File N-400 for citizenship path instead

If eligible for citizenship, consider naturalizing instead of renewing.

Timeline Coordination#

If you're eligible for citizenship:

• File N-400 (citizenship) instead of I-90 (renewal)
• Citizenship is more beneficial than renewed green card
• Plan timeline accordingly

Check citizenship eligibility; it may be preferable to renewal.

Missing Documents#

If documents are missing:

• USCIS will request them (RFE)
• Respond within deadline specified
• Submit requested documents
• Application continues processing

Respond promptly to any requests.

Application Errors#

If you make application errors:

• Notify USCIS of errors
• Correct errors before processing
• Submit correction letter
• Include explanation

Be accurate and truthful in application.

Criminal Issues#

If you've had criminal issues since green card:

• Disclose on I-90 application
• Consult immigration attorney
• Criminal conviction may result in removal proceedings
• I-90 renewal may trigger immigration enforcement

Serious criminal matters require attorney consultation.

New Green Card Arrival#

Your renewed green card:

• Arrives by mail to address on application
• Valid for 10 years from issuance date
• Replace your old green card
• Keep new card in safe place

Safe storage is important for card longevity.

What To Do With Old Card#

Your expired/old green card:

• Can be destroyed after receiving new card
• No requirement to return old card
• Can keep old card for records
• Destroy carefully to protect identity

Can destroy old card once new card arrives.

Updating Government Records#

After renewal, update:

• Employer (if required by HR)
• State ID/driver's license (optional; shows currency of residency)
• Bank records (optional)
• Professional licenses (if renewal required)

Consider updating key records with new card details.

EB-5 green card renewal via Form I-90 is a routine, straightforward process. File I-90 approximately 6 months before your current green card expires. Processing typically takes 3-6 months. Your renewed green card will be valid for another 10 years.

Failing to renew your green card before expiration creates complications:

• Expired card cannot be used for international travel
• Domestic use becomes complicated
• May trigger deportation issues if addressed

File I-90 early to ensure continuous valid green card documentation.