There are many situations where you might have to renew or replace your green card. No matter what circumstances, you will generally need to file an appropriate form, as well as pay a fee to USCIS, which will take care of your application. However, certain people may qualify for a fee waiver. Read this article to find out more about green card renewal.
How much is the green card renewal fee?
Whether you are renewing an expired green card or a green card that will expire within the next 6 months, it is required to pay a special fee. Currently the cost of this procedure is $540, which includes a $455 filing fee and an $85 biometrics fee (this means your photo, signature and fingerprint).
| Green card situation | Required fees |
| Your existing green card is expired or will expire within the next 6 months | Filing fee and biometric fee are required |
| Your green card was destroyed, lost or stolen | Filing fee and biometric fee are required |
| You changed your name since your last green card was issued | Filing fee and biometric fee are required |
| You turned 14 years old and your current green card will expire before you turn 16 | Filing fee and biometric fee are required |
| You’re a permanent resident taking up commuter status or a commuter who is now taking up actual residence in the U.S. | Filing fee and biometric fee are required |
| Your current green card has incorrect information on it because of a mistake made by DHS | Neither fees are required |
| Your green card was issued by USCIS, but you never received it | Neither fees are required |
| You turned 14 years old and your current green card will expire after you turn 16 | Filing fee is not required, but biometrics fee is required |
Green card renewal fee for kids
If your child’s green card is going to expire soon, you should apply for green card renewal, using the I-90 form. Unfortunately there are no price discounts when it comes to renewing a child’s green card, however, if your kid has been a green card holder for a 10 years period, it may be eligible for naturalisation, allowing your child to become a US citizen.
You can check your naturalisation eligibility on the USCIS website.
How to pay a green card renewal fee?
To renew your green card, you first need to fill out Form I-90 and pay all required fees. If you decide to file your form by mail, there are a few option for how you could pay:
- With a money order
- With a personal check
- With a cashier’s check
- By credit card (using Form G-1450 or Credit Card Transactions)
If you pay by check, make sure to make your order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (without any abbreviations).
It’s also possible to pay for your green card renewal online. This option allows you to make a payment in a few different ways:
- By a credit card
- By a debit card
- Using bank withdrawal
Another option is to pay your fees in person at a USCIS field office. Keep in mind that you should pay for each application you submit using a single payment method and not a combination of a few different ones, as your request will not be processed.
How to get a fee waiver for a green card renewal?
It may be possible to waive your fee for a green card renewal. In order to do that you’ll have to fill out a Request for Fee Waiver (form I-912), where you will have to prove that your financial situation prevents you from making a payment. You may be eligible for a fee waiver if one of the following circumstances relates to your situation:
- You receive a means-tested benefit given to you on the basis of your income (for example Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)
- Your household income is equal to or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You are experiencing financial hardship (for example have a lot of medical expenses)
You can find more information about eligibility and requesting a waiver fee on the USCIS website.
What is the processing time for a green card renewal fee?
Once USCIS receives your renewal form, the expected time of a green card renewal fee process is between 1.5 and 12 months.This depends on many factors including your individual situation, location and current workloads of USCIS.
Who can help me with my green card renewal?
If you make a mistake on your green card renewal application and have to reapply, USCIS requires you to pay an extra $540 and the processing time may be longer. This is why some people decide to hire an attorney or use SimpleCitizen.
| Hiring an attorney | Using SimpleCitizen |
| Guarantees that your green card renewal application is filed correctly | The website guides you step-by-step through an entire application process, automatically searching for errors |
| Provides additional legal help or answers to questions you might have during the application process | Your application is automatically shipped to your address where all you have to do is sign it and send it to USCIS |
| Service usually about $500 | Service costs $198. You can request to have your application reviewed by an attorney for extra $99 |
Do you need a new photo for the green card renewal?
For the green card renewal process, you will need a new photo taken within the last 6 months. You can get a new green card photo taken at professional photography studios, passport photo services or in retail stores. However, our online AI-enhanced green card photo tool offers a convenient alternative.
It allows you to convert a simple selfie into a biometric photograph that meets the specifications for a green card renewal. With features such as background removal, size adjustment, cropping, and lighting correction, our tool ensures your photo complies with the official requirements. Make it yourself easy and try our passport photo tool today!
Do I have to pay a filing fee If I fill out the green card renewal by mail?
Whether you file your green card renewal form by mail, online or in person, you will still need to pay a filing fee to USCIS.
Can I request a fee waiver online for green card renewal?
It’s impossible to request a fee waiver online. You will need to file paper versions of form I-912 and the application which you are requesting a fee waiver.
How to waive a green card renewal fee?
USCIS will approve your fee waiver only if you are able to prove that you are not able to pay the filing fees. This usually means that you have to receive a means-tested benefit, have financial hardship or household income below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Can I renew my green card for free?
It’s possible to request a fee waiver by filing Form I-912, however, to renew your green card for free you must be able to prove that your financial situation bars you from making the necessary payment.