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StatusMoreno ValleyUpdated: January 29, 202611 min read

I-90 Green Card Renewal in Moreno Valley: Replace Your Expiring Permanent Resident Card

Complete guide to renewing or replacing your 10-year green card in the Inland Empire

SoCal Immigration Services
Reviewed by: Maria Santos, DOJ Accredited Representative

Quick Answer

Permanent residents in Moreno Valley must renew their 10-year green cards before expiration using Form I-90. The process takes 10-12 months, so filing 6 months before expiration is recommended. You can continue working and traveling with proper documentation while your renewal is pending.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Moreno Valley's growing Arab community includes many long-term permanent residents whose green cards need renewal. SoCal Immigration Services helps Inland Empire residents navigate the I-90 process, ensuring uninterrupted status and ability to work and travel during the renewal period.

When to Renew Your Green Card

You must file Form I-90 to renew or replace your green card in these situations:
  • Your 10-year green card will expire within 6 months
  • Your green card has already expired
  • Your current card was issued before your 14th birthday and you're now 14 or older
  • Your green card was lost, stolen, or destroyed
  • Your card is mutilated or damaged
  • You legally changed your name
  • Your biographical information (date of birth, etc.) is incorrect
  • You never received your green card after approval
  • Your current card has incorrect data due to USCIS error

I-90 Filing Timeline

Understanding timing is critical for Moreno Valley residents:
SituationWhen to FileNotes
Expiring card6 months before expirationDon't wait until last minute
Already expiredFile immediatelyStill allowed to file
Lost/stolenAs soon as possibleGet police report first
Turning 14After 14th birthdayChild card expires at 14
Name changeAfter legal name changeNeed court documents
Never received90+ days after approvalCheck USCIS account first

Required Documents for I-90

Gather these documents before filing from Moreno Valley:
  • Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
  • Copy of current green card (front and back) - unless lost
  • Two passport-style photographs (USCIS specifications)
  • Filing fee ($465) - unless filing due to USCIS error
  • Copy of government-issued ID (driver's license, passport)
  • Police report (if card was stolen)
  • Court order for legal name change (if applicable)
  • Evidence of residence in USCIS jurisdiction (utility bill, lease)
  • Form I-90 USCIS online account access for tracking

How to File Form I-90

Follow these steps for successful I-90 filing:
  1. 1
    File Online (Recommended)

    Create USCIS online account at uscis.gov/file-online. Filing online is faster, provides instant receipt, and allows easy status tracking.

  2. 2
    Or File by Mail

    Download Form I-90, complete it, and mail to appropriate USCIS lockbox with payment and supporting documents. Paper filing takes longer.

  3. 3
    Pay Filing Fee

    Current fee is $465 (no biometrics fee for I-90). Pay online by credit/debit or include check/money order with mail filing.

  4. 4
    Receive Receipt Notice

    Receipt notice (I-797C) arrives within 2-4 weeks. This extends your green card validity for 24 months when combined with expired card.

  5. 5
    Attend Biometrics (if required)

    Most I-90 applicants don't need biometrics if fingerprints are already on file. If required, attend appointment at nearest ASC.

  6. 6
    Wait for New Card

    Processing currently takes 10-12 months. New 10-year green card arrives by mail when approved.

The 24-Month Extension

Your I-90 receipt provides important protection:

Automatic Extension:
When you file I-90 to renew an expiring or expired 10-year green card, the receipt notice (I-797C) automatically extends your card's validity for 24 months from the original expiration date.

How to Use the Extension:
• Carry your expired green card WITH the I-797C receipt notice
• Both documents together prove your continued status
• Valid for employment verification (I-9)
• Valid for domestic travel and re-entry to U.S.
• Valid for Social Security, driver's license, and other purposes

Important: The extension only applies to 10-year green card renewals filed on I-90, not to lost/stolen cards or name changes.

Working While I-90 is Pending

Moreno Valley residents can continue working during the renewal process:

Employment Verification:
Your expired green card combined with the I-90 receipt notice is acceptable List A documentation for Form I-9 employment verification.

Reverification:
If your employer needs to reverify employment authorization, provide both documents. Employers cannot refuse to accept valid receipt notice extensions.

E-Verify:
E-Verify systems are updated to recognize I-90 receipt notices. If issues arise, USCIS provides support for employers.

Don't let an expiring card cost you your job - file early and carry both documents.

Traveling with Pending I-90

International travel is possible during the renewal process:

Domestic Flights:
TSA accepts expired green card plus I-90 receipt as valid ID for domestic air travel.

International Travel:
• Carry expired green card AND I-90 receipt notice
• Have valid passport from your country of nationality
• The receipt extends your card for re-entry purposes
• Inform CBP officers of your pending renewal

Re-entry:
You remain a permanent resident with full re-entry rights. The receipt notice confirms your pending application and continued status.

Extended Trips:
If you'll be abroad for more than 6 months, consider filing I-131 re-entry permit before leaving to protect your permanent residence.

I-90 Processing Times

Current processing information for Moreno Valley filers:
Processing StageCurrent TimelineNotes
Receipt Notice2-4 weeksImmediate if filed online
Biometrics (if needed)3-6 weeks after receiptMany applicants reuse prints
Card Production8-12 monthsVaries by service center
Card Delivery7-10 days after productionSent by USPS
Total Process10-12 monthsMay vary based on volume

Special Situations

Special considerations for certain Moreno Valley residents:
  • Lost/Stolen Cards: File police report first. Cannot use 24-month extension - get ADIT stamp at USCIS for travel.
  • Name Changes: Include court order. New card will show new name. Update other documents afterward.
  • Children Turning 14: Child green cards expire at 14. File I-90 after birthday but don't wait too long.
  • Commuter Cards: Special rules apply for Canadian/Mexican commuters. Check specific requirements.
  • Conditional Cards (2-year): Do NOT use I-90 - file I-751 instead to remove conditions.
  • USCIS Error: If USCIS made the error, no filing fee required. Include evidence of error.

Common I-90 Mistakes

Avoid these errors when filing from Moreno Valley:
  • Waiting too long - file 6 months before expiration
  • Filing I-90 for conditional green card (use I-751 instead)
  • Forgetting to sign the form
  • Using old fee amount (check current fees at uscis.gov)
  • Not making copies of documents before sending
  • Missing biometrics appointment
  • Not updating address with USCIS (use AR-11)
  • Assuming you can't work with expired card (you can with receipt)
  • Not carrying both expired card and receipt together
  • Providing incorrect information (causes delays)

Fees and Fee Waivers

Current I-90 costs and fee waiver eligibility:

Filing Fees:
• Standard filing fee: $465
• No separate biometrics fee for I-90
• Total: $465

Fee Waiver Eligibility:
You may request fee waiver (Form I-912) if you:
• Receive means-tested benefit (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF)
• Household income at or below 150% of poverty guidelines
• Are experiencing financial hardship

Note: Fee waiver is NOT available if you're only replacing a lost/stolen card. It's available for renewals due to expiration.

Fee-Free Filing:
If USCIS made an error on your current card, there's no filing fee. Include evidence of the error.

After Receiving Your New Card

Steps to take after your new green card arrives:
  • Verify all information is correct (name, date of birth, A-number)
  • Sign the card immediately (cards must be signed)
  • Store old card safely (do not destroy - it's federal property)
  • Update driver's license if needed (expiration may be linked to GC)
  • Update employer records if they copied your old card
  • Update any recurring verification systems
  • Note new expiration date for future renewal planning
  • Report any errors to USCIS immediately

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services

We provide comprehensive I-90 assistance for Moreno Valley residents:
  • Arabic and English-speaking staff serving the Inland Empire
  • Complete form preparation and document organization
  • Online filing assistance for faster processing
  • Status tracking throughout the process
  • Emergency services for lost or stolen cards
  • Employment verification letter assistance
  • Travel document coordination when needed
  • Fee waiver application help for eligible applicants

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How much does green card renewal cost?

A: The I-90 filing fee is $465. There's no additional biometrics fee. Fee waivers are available for those receiving public benefits or experiencing financial hardship. There's no fee if USCIS made an error on your current card.

Q:Can I travel internationally with an expired green card?

A: Yes, if you have the I-90 receipt notice. Carry both your expired green card AND the receipt notice when traveling. The receipt extends your card's validity for 24 months. You'll also need a valid passport from your country.

Q:My green card expired years ago. Can I still renew?

A: Yes, you can still file I-90 even if your card expired years ago. You remain a permanent resident - the card is just evidence of that status. However, you may face additional questions about your residence and travel history.

Q:I lost my green card. What should I do?

A: File a police report first, then file I-90. For lost/stolen cards, the 24-month receipt extension doesn't apply. If you need to travel urgently, visit your local USCIS office for an ADIT stamp as temporary evidence of status.

Q:Do I need to go to an interview for I-90?

A: Most I-90 applications don't require interviews. You may need to attend a biometrics appointment, but many applicants reuse fingerprints already on file. USCIS will notify you if any in-person appointment is required.

Q:Should I file I-90 or apply for citizenship?

A: If you've been a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), consider applying for citizenship (N-400) instead. Citizenship is permanent and provides more benefits. However, if you're not eligible yet, renew your green card now.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Moreno Valley and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Published: January 29, 2026Last Updated: January 29, 2026

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