Understanding Green Card Renewal Costs
Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards): Renewal Basics
U.S. Permanent Resident Cards (green cards) are typically valid for 10 years; conditional residents' cards for 2 years. When your card expires or requires renewal due to name change, loss, or damage, you must file Form I-90 with USCIS. The process involves filing fees, biometric services, possible attorney assistance, and supporting document services. Many permanent residents don't budget for renewal costs, assuming USCIS fees cover everything. In reality, total costs (including attorney, translations, travel) often exceed $1,000-$2,000. Understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget appropriately and plan for renewal timelines. Certain low-income applicants qualify for fee waivers that can reduce costs substantially.
Key Cost Components
Form I-90 Filing Fee: $640 per applicant (2024). This is the main USCIS fee for green card renewal. Family members renewing together pay per person, though some family card options reduce per-person cost.
Biometric Services Fee: $85 per applicant (2024). Required for fingerprinting and background check. Separate from filing fee but often waived if previously completed.
Expedited Processing: $1,140 additional fee. Reduces processing from ~10 weeks to ~2-3 weeks. Only needed if urgent.
Fee Waiver: Applicants with household income at or below 200% of federal poverty line may qualify for waiver (eliminates fees) or reduction. Application requires Form I-912 plus income documentation.
Supporting Services: Document translation ($100-$300), notarization ($20-$100), medical exam if required ($150-$300), attorney consultation ($200-$1,000), travel to biometric appointment ($0-$200).
Typical Green Card Renewal Costs
| Scenario | USCIS Fees | Supporting Services | Total Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant, Standard | $725 | $100-$300 | $825-$1,025 | 8-12 weeks |
| Single Applicant + Attorney | $725 | $600-$1,200 | $1,325-$1,925 | 8-12 weeks |
| Family (2 adults + 1 child) | $1,890 | $300-$600 | $2,190-$2,490 | 10-14 weeks |
| Low-Income (fee waiver eligible) | $0 | $50-$200 | $50-$200 | 12-16 weeks |
| Expedited Processing | $1,865 | $100-$300 | $1,965-$2,165 | 2-3 weeks |
Worked Example: Single Adult, Standard Renewal, No Complications
Scenario: Permanent resident, card expiring soon, no name change, no lost/stolen card, documents in order, lives in US.
COSTS:
- Form I-90 Filing Fee: $640
- Biometric Services: $85
- Passport photos (if needed): $15
- Travel to biometric appointment: $20
- Notarization of documents: $30
- Total: $790
TIMELINE: File Form I-90 online or by mail. Receive biometric appointment notice (2-4 weeks). Attend appointment (1 day). Wait for case approval (4-8 weeks). Receive card in mail (2-3 weeks). Total: ~10-14 weeks.
If using attorney: Add $400-$800 for attorney consultation/review. Total: $1,190-$1,590.
Cost-Saving Strategies
1. Apply Early
Don't wait until card expires. Apply 6 months before expiration. Late applications ($1,125 additional fee) if applied after expiration.
2. Check Fee Waiver Eligibility
If household income <200% federal poverty line, file Form I-912. Can eliminate all USCIS fees (~$725 savings).
3. Gather Documents Yourself
Photos, birth certificates, police records don't require attorney; you can collect yourself (~$300 savings).
4. File Online (USCIS MyAccount)
Filing online is faster, easier to track, and reduces paper processing time.
5. DIY Unless Complicated
Simple renewals don't need attorney. Only hire if: name change, criminal history, travel outside US, or complications.
Important Limitations & Assumptions
- USCIS fees (2024) shown; they change periodically. Verify current fees at USCIS.gov.
- Supporting service costs are estimates; actual costs vary by provider and location.
- Processing times are general estimates; USCIS processing times vary by location and case complexity.
- Does not include costs if you're outside the US (consular processing fees additional).
- Medical exam required only for certain conditions/returning residents; most renewals don't need.
- Fee waivers have specific eligibility; verify with USCIS or immigration attorney.
Next Steps for Green Card Renewal
1. Check Card Expiration: Look at your card; renewal can start 6 months before expiration.
2. Gather Documents: Birth certificate, state ID/driver's license, green card copy. Have these ready before filing.
3. Check Fee Waiver Eligibility: If low-income, obtain recent tax returns and household income documentation for Form I-912.
4. Use USCIS MyAccount: File Form I-90 online via MyAccount. Faster and easier to track than paper filing.
5. Prepare for Biometric Appointment: USCIS will send appointment notice. Don't miss it; failing to attend delays your case.
6. Monitor Case Status: Use USCIS MyAccount or call 1-800-375-5283 to track your application status.
Summary
Green card renewal costs $700-$2,000+ depending on whether you use an attorney, have complications, or qualify for fee waivers. Most simple renewals cost $800-$1,000 and take 10-14 weeks from filing to card receipt. Low-income applicants should file Form I-912 for fee waiver ($0 cost). Apply early (6 months before expiration) to avoid late fees. Use USCIS MyAccount for online filing to speed processing. Most renewals don't require an attorney unless you have name changes, criminal history, or other complications.