I-90 Green Card Renewal in Oceanside: Replace Expired or Lost Cards
Complete guide to renewing or replacing your permanent resident card
Quick Answer
For Oceanside permanent residents with expired, expiring, or lost green cards, Form I-90 is the pathway to renewing or replacing your permanent resident card. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance for this important process.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Oceanside permanent residents with expired, expiring, or lost green cards, Form I-90 is the pathway to renewing or replacing your permanent resident card. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance for this important process.
When to File Form I-90
- •Green card has expired or will expire within 6 months
- •Green card was lost, stolen, or destroyed
- •Green card is damaged or mutilated
- •Incorrect information printed on card
- •Legal name has changed
- •Biometric data (photo/fingerprint) no longer matches
- •Converting from conditional to permanent resident
I-90 Filing Fee
| Service | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $465 | Basic I-90 fee |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | Required for most applicants |
| Total | $550 | Paid to USCIS |
| USCIS Error Correction | $0 | If USCIS made the error |
Documents Needed for I-90
- •Current or expired green card (if available)
- •Government-issued photo ID
- •Passport (if available)
- •Police report (if card was stolen)
- •Legal name change documents (if applicable)
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Filing fee payment
Online vs Paper Filing
Online Filing:
• Faster processing typically
• Easy status tracking
• Secure document upload
• Can request replacement receipt online
Paper Filing:
• Mail to USCIS lockbox
• Longer processing times
• Must include photocopies of documents
• Certified mail recommended
Processing Times and Timeline
Timeline:
• Receipt notice: 2-3 weeks after filing
• Biometrics appointment: 3-8 weeks after filing
• Card production: 6-12 months total
• Extension sticker: Available while pending
Processing times vary. Check USCIS website for current estimates.
The 12-Month Extension
How It Works:
• I-797C receipt notice acts as extension
• Extends expired card by 12 months from expiration
• Present receipt + expired card together
• Valid for employment verification (I-9)
• Valid for domestic travel
This prevents gaps in proof of status while waiting.
Travel with Expired Green Card
For Domestic Travel:
• Expired green card + receipt notice accepted
• Airlines trained to recognize this
For International Travel:
• More complicated
• Some countries require valid card
• Re-entry to U.S. may face questions
• Consider InfoPass appointment at port of entry
• Expedite request may be appropriate
Common I-90 Mistakes
- •Filing too early (before 6-month window)
- •Not signing the form
- •Wrong fee amount
- •Missing documents
- •Not attending biometrics appointment
- •Address not updated with USCIS
Oceanside I-90 Services
- •I-90 application preparation
- •Document review and organization
- •Online filing assistance
- •Biometrics appointment guidance
- •Expedite requests when qualified
- •Arabic-speaking support
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How much does it cost to renew a green card?
A: The total cost is $550 ($465 filing fee + $85 biometrics fee). If USCIS made an error on your card, replacement may be free.
Q:Can I work with an expired green card?
A: Yes. If you filed I-90, your receipt notice extends your card's validity for employment purposes by 12 months. Show your employer the expired card plus the I-797C receipt notice.
Q:How long does green card renewal take?
A: Currently 6-12 months on average. The 12-month extension provided by the receipt notice helps bridge this gap.
Q:Can I travel internationally with an expired green card?
A: Domestic travel with receipt notice is fine. International travel is riskier. You may face extra scrutiny returning to the U.S. Consider expediting your renewal or getting an InfoPass appointment before traveling.
Q:What if I never received my green card after approval?
A: Contact USCIS to report non-receipt. You may need to file I-90 to get a replacement card produced. This situation may qualify for fee waiver.
Q:My green card has my old name. Do I need to renew it?
A: Yes. File I-90 with legal name change documents (court order, marriage certificate, etc.) to get a card with your current legal name.
Need Green Card Renewal in Oceanside?
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