Do not start with the fee
Start by identifying the card type and exact filing reason. Those answers determine whether I-90 is correct, which evidence applies, and whether a fee or fee waiver is relevant.
Card and status check
- Regular 10-year Green Card or two-year conditional Green Card.
- Expiration date, category code, A-Number, card number, and name as printed.
- Date and place you became a permanent resident, when available.
- Whether a removal-of-conditions petition, naturalization application, or other USCIS case is pending.
Correct filing reason
- Expired or expiring within six months.
- Lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged.
- Card never received.
- USCIS error on the card.
- Legal name or biographic change after issuance.
- Age-14 registration requirement.
- Older card edition or other reason specifically listed by USCIS.
Identity and immigration details
- Current legal name and all other names used.
- Date and country of birth.
- A-Number and USCIS online account number, if any.
- Mailing address, physical address, and safe delivery arrangements.
- Class of admission and date of admission or adjustment.
- Contact information and interpreter or preparer details, if applicable.
Evidence file
- Clear copy of the front and back of the current card, when available.
- Passport, driver's license, state ID, or other government identification when relevant.
- Police report or explanatory statement if helpful for a stolen card, while following the official checklist.
- Legal documents supporting a name or biographic change.
- Copies of prior USCIS notices connected to a card that was not received or was issued incorrectly.
- Certified English translation for a document in another language, with the translator's certification.
Form, edition, and delivery
- Current Form I-90 page saved or bookmarked.
- Accepted edition checked on the filing date.
- Correct online workflow or current lockbox address.
- Every required paper field completed, form signed, and pages from the same edition.
- Trackable mailing method and a complete copy of the package.
Fee preparation
- Exact amount from the USCIS Fee Calculator on the filing date.
- Accepted payment method for the chosen filing channel.
- Form I-912 and supporting evidence if requesting a fee waiver.
- Confirmation that the selected category is not fee-exempt because of a USCIS error or non-delivery circumstance.
Temporary proof plan
- Expired card retained in a safe place.
- Original I-797 receipt notice reviewed for 36-month extension language.
- Upcoming employment verification, benefits appointment, driver's license transaction, or international trip identified.
- USCIS Contact Center request planned if an ADIT stamp or temporary Form I-94 may be needed.
After submission
- Receipt number and online-account access stored securely.
- Biometrics notice or reuse notice reviewed.
- Deadline calendar for any request for evidence.
- USCIS address updated within the required period if you move.
- Case status checked and non-delivery reported promptly if a mailed card does not arrive.
- Old card surrendered or destroyed only when USCIS instructs you to do so.
Official sources
- USCIS — Form I-90 and checklist
- Official I-90 instructions
- USCIS Fee Calculator
- USCIS fee-waiver request