Green Card Renewal (I-90) in Orlando
The permanent resident green card has a printed expiration date and must be kept up to date. Renewal or replacement is done through Form I-90, submitted to USCIS, for cards that are expiring, already expired, lost, stolen, damaged, or with incorrect data. It is a legal process that is administrative in nature, governed by federal immigration law.
It is important to separate two concepts that are often confused. One thing is the status of lawful permanent resident, which is your right to live and work in the United States. Another is the card, which is only the document that proves that status. The I-90 deals with the card: it does not change, renew, or question your status as a resident, but it keeps the physical proof of your residence up to date.
When you need the I-90
- Green card with a 10-year validity that is expiring or already expired
- Lost, stolen, or damaged card
- Error in the card data (name, date of birth, photo)
- Legal name change that needs to be reflected on the document
- Card issued without a photo or with outdated information
Pay attention to a point that causes a lot of confusion: the 2-year conditional green card is not renewed through the I-90. It requires removal of the condition through Form I-751 (in marriage cases) or I-829 (in investment cases), which are different processes, with their own deadlines. Using the wrong form can cause delay and problems for your status.
How the process works, step by step
- Confirmation of the reason for the request and the correct form for your case
- Assembling and submitting the I-90 to USCIS, with the documents and the applicable fee
- Receipt of the notice, which usually serves as temporary proof of residence
- Biometrics, when requested by USCIS
- Issuance and mailing of the new card
Documents generally required
- Copy of the current green card (front and back), when available
- Photo identity document
- Proof explaining loss, theft, or damage, when applicable
- Documents proving the legal name change, when applicable
- Records that help correct incorrect data on the card, when applicable
What to expect during the process
After submission, USCIS issues a receipt notice that, in general, serves as temporary proof of your lawful permanent residence while the new card does not arrive, which helps in everyday life. In some cases, the agency schedules biometrics collection; in others, it reuses existing data. The time to issue the new card varies according to the USCIS workload and the particulars of the request, which is why we do not work with fixed deadlines.
It is worth remembering that the I-90 is, as a rule, a simpler process than applications that grant new status, but it still requires precision: correct data, the right reason for the request, and the form suited to your type of card. Small errors in filling it out can lead to requests for clarification and delay the issuance. If your situation involves a name change, corrections, or a history with sensitive points, the prior analysis helps avoid rework.
How Without Borders handles your case
Without Borders is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Your case is handled by a DOJ Accredited Representative, authorized to act in administrative processes before USCIS. First of all, we confirm whether the I-90 is really the right form for your type of card, avoiding the common mistake of treating a conditional card as if it were a ten-year card. Then we assemble the request with the correct data and follow it through to the issuance of the new document, in Portuguese and English, in Orlando, avoiding errors that delay your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
My green card expired, did I lose my status?
No. Lawful permanent residence does not expire with the card; what expires is the document. Even so, it is important to renew in order to keep valid proof of your residence for everyday use.
I have a 2-year green card, do I use the I-90?
No. The 2-year conditional card is not renewed through the I-90. In marriage cases, Form I-751 (removal of conditions) is used; in investment cases, Form I-829. We assess your case to point you to the correct path.
I lost my green card, what do I do?
You can request a replacement through the I-90, reporting the loss or theft. We gather the necessary documents and, when applicable, advise on filing a police report, to properly support the request.
Can I work and travel while I wait for the new card?
The I-90 receipt notice usually serves as temporary proof of residence, and in some situations USCIS provides additional documentation. For travel, it is important to assess your case before leaving the country, especially if the card is expired.
I changed my name, do I need to update the card?
Yes. Legal name changes (through marriage, divorce, or a court decision) must be reflected on the card, and the I-90 is the way to do that, with the documents proving the change.
Is renewing the green card the same as becoming a citizen?
No. Renewal only updates the permanent resident document. Becoming a U.S. citizen is a different process, naturalization, done through Form N-400, with its own requirements of time, presence, and tests.
Related services
Let's renew your green card
Service in Portuguese and English, in Orlando, with a DOJ Accredited Representative.
Schedule a ConsultationInformational content about an immigration legal service. Without Borders Inc is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Representation is provided by a DOJ Accredited Representative, within the scope of their accreditation. This text does not replace an individual review of your case in a consultation.