I-90 Filing Fee: Essential Information for Green Card Renewal

When applying to replace a Permanent Resident Card, familiarizing oneself with the specific fees for Form I-90 is an integral part of the application process.

Purpose of the I-90 Form

The I-90 form serves lawful permanent residents who need to replace or renew their Green Card. If the card is lost, stolen, mutilated, or contains outdated information, residents use this form to request a new one. It is also used when a current card is expiring.

Fee Overview

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires a fee to process Form I-90. This fee consists of a filing charge and a biometric services fee. The total cost can be found on the USCIS website, as it may change periodically. Payment is accepted via different methods, including credit cards, with noted restrictions on transaction limits.

Determining Your Fee

The specific fee an applicant needs to pay can depend on several factors, including age and status. A detailed breakdown of these factors is available through the USCIS Fee Calculator. Applicants should make sure to use the Fee Calculator to determine the accurate amount to include with their application package.

When applying to replace a Permanent Resident Card using Form I-90, applicants must pay specific fees set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These fees are generally non-refundable and cover the cost of processing the application.

Standard Filing Fee

The Standard Filing Fee for Form I-90 is a mandatory charge that all applicants must pay, except in specific scenarios where a fee waiver applies. The filing fee is used to process the application and is not contingent on the outcome of the application.

Biometric Services Fee

In addition to the filing fee, applicants are required to pay a Biometric Services Fee. This fee covers the cost of fingerprinting and other biometric services provided by USCIS. This is a separate charge from the standard filing fee.

Fee Waiver Eligibility

Some applicants may qualify for a Fee Waiver based on their financial situation. Criteria for fee waiver eligibility are strictly defined by USCIS. Applicants must demonstrate that they fall under the categories that the USCIS considers for fee waivers, which may include receiving a means-tested benefit, having a household income that falls below a certain threshold, or experiencing financial hardship.

When filing for the I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, applicants have multiple payment options at their disposal. Accurate payment method selection is crucial for a smooth application process.

Accepted Payment Forms

Credit and Debit Cards:

• MasterCard
• Visa
• American Express
• Discover

Other Forms:

• Pre-paid debit cards (such as a Visa gift card)

Online Payment Process

For applicants who file their I-90 form online, the USCIS provides a straightforward payment gateway. They must:

1. Enter their personal information accurately.
2. Review the payment summary.
3. Choose a payment method from the accepted forms.
4. Complete the transaction following on-screen instructions.

Note: A daily transaction limit exists for credit card payments, which is $24,999.99 per card per day.

Offline Payment Guidelines

Applicants who opt for offline filing must:

• Include the applicable fee with their paper application.
• Ensure payment is in the acceptable form as per USCIS guidelines.
• Follow specific instructions provided by the USCIS for offline payments, such as including a check or money order.

This section addresses specific inquiries related to the I-90 form filing fee, including adjustments, policies on refunds, and scenarios that may involve exceptions.

Fee Adjustments

The I-90 form processing fee is subject to change by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants should verify the latest fee on the official USCIS website before submission to avoid underpayment or overpayment.

Refund Policy

USCIS does not offer refunds once an application has been submitted, regardless of the decision on the application. It’s crucial to ensure that all requirements are met before filing to avoid financial loss.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Certain applicants may qualify for a reduced fee or may be exempt from the fee altogether:

• Applicants who meet specific age requirements or certain military members may be eligible for a fee waiver.
• Special cases, such as a USCIS error on a Permanent Resident Card, typically do not require a fee to file Form I-90.

Applicants should review the USCIS instructions thoroughly to determine their eligibility for fee exceptions.

The application process for Form I-90 is a systematic procedure that facilitates the replacement of a Permanent Resident Card. It includes specific steps for filing, gathering necessary documentation, and understanding the anticipated processing times.

Step-by-Step Filing Guide

• Step 1: Start by completing the Form I-90, either online through the USCIS website or by mailing a paper application.
• Step 2: Pay the requisite filing fee, which is subject to change. Applicants should check the current fee on the USCIS website.
• Step 3: Submit the form along with the required documentation. If filing online, documentation can often be uploaded directly on the USCIS portal.
• Step 4: After filing, a receipt notice will confirm that USCIS has received the application.
• Step 5: Applicants can check their case status online and await notification for biometrics appointment, if applicable.

Required Documentation

• A copy of the current Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• Government-issued identification showing the applicant’s name, date of birth, and photograph.
• Additional supporting documents if the applicant has legally changed his or her name or other biographic information.

Processing Time Estimates

• The processing times for Form I-90 applications can vary, but applicants can generally expect it to take several months.
• Applicants can track the processing time for their particular case through the USCIS website, which provides information on current estimated wait times.

When addressing the I-90 filing fee, it’s important to understand the legal framework, stay updated on the form revisions, and know where to find legal assistance resources.

Regulatory Framework

The I-90 filing fee is set by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is subject to change based on federal regulations. Applicants must comply with the current fee structure at the time of their application. Failure to do so can result in the rejection of the Form I-90 submission.

Form I-90 Revisions

USCIS periodically updates Form I-90, affecting not only the filing process but also the associated fees. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they are using the most current form and are aware of the current fees. As of latest revisions, applicants might encounter different fee requirements for renewal, replacement, or corrections.

Legal Assistance Resources

Applicants seeking guidance on the Form I-90 filing process may consult various legal assistance resources. These resources include immigration attorneys, non-profit organizations, and USCIS contact centers. They provide assistance on understanding the legal requirements for filing fees and ensure applicants follow the correct procedures.

When filing Form I-90 for renewal or replacement of a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), it is crucial for applicants to have access to the correct contact information to receive assistance and check the status of their application.

USCIS Customer Service

For inquiries and assistance related to Form I-90 filing, individuals can contact USCIS Customer Service at:

• Phone: 1-800-375-5283
• TTY: 1-800-767-1833 (for deaf or hard of hearing)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time

Case Status Inquiry

Applicants can check the status of their I-90 application online by visiting:

• USCIS Case Status Online: uscis.gov/casestatus

They need to have their receipt number handy to enter into the provided field for a status update.

Local Support Resources

For local assistance and information on filing fees or other related services, applicants may reach out to:

• Local USCIS Field Offices: Consult the USCIS website to find the nearest field office.
• USCIS Contact Center: Access further local resources by speaking directly to a representative.