Green Card Due in 6 Months, File I-90, Conditional Use I-751
If your green card has expired or will expire within six months, file Form I-90 to replace it: USCIS says permanent residents should replace their card in that situation. Conditional residents whose card is expiring don’t use I-90; they file Form I-751 to remove the conditions instead.
When you renew, the I-90 receipt notice USCIS mails you, together with your expired card, serves as evidence of permanent resident status and work authorization for 36 months after the card’s expiration date.
When to replace your card
USCIS explains (USCIS replace your green card):
- Expiring: it has expired or will expire within six months.
- Lost or damaged: it was lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed.
- Wrong information: the card has incorrect information.
- Name change: you legally changed your name or other biographic information since the card was issued.
- Age 14: you got the card before turning 14 and have now turned 14 (unless it expires before your 16th birthday).
- Never received: you never received your previous card.
Which form to use
- I-90: permanent residents and conditional residents use it to replace a card for these reasons.
- I-751: conditional residents whose card is expiring use it to remove the conditions on residence, not I-90.
How to apply
- Online: file Form I-90 through a USCIS online account from a computer, phone or tablet; you can see when USCIS receives it, check your case and contact USCIS directly.
- By mail: use the paper form on the I-90 page.
- Biometrics: if needed, USCIS mails a separate biometrics appointment notice; the receipt notice is not your appointment notice.
- Checking your case: wait 72 hours after filing before checking online.
- After approval: USCIS mails you a new green card.
Proof of status while you wait
- Renewing: your I-90 receipt notice with your expired card serves as proof of status and work authorization for 36 months after the expiration date.
- No card in hand: if you need proof of status, USCIS may give you an ADIT stamp after you file.
- Abroad: if your card will expire within six months but you’ll return within a year of leaving the US and before the card expires, file I-90 as soon as you’re back.
For adding receipt numbers to your USCIS account, see Track Cases in Your USCIS Account, Add Each Receipt Number; if your first green card never arrived, see No Green Card After 90 Days, Check Immigrant Fee and Address; for other responsibilities of green card holders, see Green Card Duties, Worldwide Income and Long Stays Abroad.
What this article did not check
- Filing fee: this page doesn’t give the amount, and this article did not check.
- How many years a green card is valid: this page doesn’t say, so this article doesn’t either.
- How to file I-751: this article only says to use I-751 and did not check the details.
Frequently asked questions
My green card expires in five months. Can I renew now?
Yes. USCIS says cards that have expired or will expire within six months should be replaced.
My green card expired. Am I still a permanent resident?
This page doesn’t say so directly. When you renew, the I-90 receipt notice with your expired card serves as proof of status and work authorization for 36 months after the expiration date.
Do conditional residents with an expiring card use I-90 too?
No. USCIS says conditional residents whose card is expiring use Form I-751.
Can I apply online?
Yes, file Form I-90 through a USCIS online account.
Sources and dates checked
All checked on 2026-10-30. This article is not legal or immigration advice.
- USCIS, Replace Your Green Card (page updated 2025-09-12):https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-card