Form I-90 Instructions (2026): Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you need to renew or replace your green card, you’ll likely need to file Form I-90. While the form may look straightforward, many applicants make small mistakes that can lead to delays or even rejection.

This guide explains what Form I-90 is, who should file, and step-by-step instructions to help you complete your application accurately and confidently.

What Is Form I-90?

Form I-90 is the official application used by lawful permanent residents to renew or replace their green card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Filing this form allows you to maintain valid proof of your permanent resident status for work, travel, and identification purposes.

Who Should File Form I-90?

You may need to file Form I-90 if your green card needs to be renewed, replaced, or corrected due to expiration, loss, damage, or updated personal information.

You should not file this form if you have a conditional green card or if you are applying for U.S. citizenship.

For a detailed breakdown of eligibility and scenarios, see our guide on when you need to file Form I-90.

Form I-90 Structure Overview

USCIS Form I-90 consists of 8 parts, each collecting specific information:

1. Personal information
2. Application type
3. Processing information
4. Accommodations (if applicable)
5. Applicant’s statement and signature
6. Interpreter information (if used)
7. Preparer information (if someone helped you)
8. Additional information

Understanding this structure makes the form much easier to complete.

General Instructions Before You Start

Before completing Form I-90, follow these important guidelines to avoid delays or rejection:

• Use the latest form: Always download the most recent version of Form I-90 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Outdated forms may be rejected.
• Complete the form in English: USCIS requires the application to be filled out in English. If your supporting documents are in another language, you must include a certified English translation.
• Sign your application: A missing signature is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Make sure all required sections are properly signed (not required for fully online submissions).
• Pay the correct filing fee: Submit the correct fee based on your filing method. Incorrect payment can delay or reject your application. Review the current Form I-90 filing fees to ensure you pay the right amount.
• Include supporting documents: Attach clear photocopies of all required documents. Do not send original documents unless USCIS specifically requests them. Review the Form I-90 document checklist to ensure your application is complete and avoids delays.
• Attend biometrics if scheduled: USCIS may require you to attend a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints, photos, and signatures. You will receive a notice with the appointment details.
• Use black ink for paper forms: If filing by mail, complete the form using black ink and write clearly.
• Answer carefully: Read each question thoroughly and answer only what applies to your situation. If a question does not apply, leave it blank unless instructed otherwise.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Fill Form I-90

To renew or replace your green card, you must complete Form I-90, which includes multiple sections requesting your personal and immigration details. To help applicants, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also provides a detailed instruction guide explaining how to complete each part of the form.

Form I-90 is divided into eight parts, each focusing on specific information required for your application. Below is a simplified breakdown of each section to help you complete the form accurately and avoid common mistakes.

Part 1: Information About You

This section collects your basic personal details. Make sure all information matches your green card and official records.

You will need to provide:

• A-Number (Alien Registration Number): Found on your green card
• USCIS Online Account Number (if any): Only if you filed online before
• Full legal name: Your current legal name
• Name on green card: Must match exactly as printed
• Other names used: Include maiden names or aliases
• Mailing and physical address: U.S. address where you receive mail
• Date and place of birth: Use MM/DD/YYYY format
• Country of birth
• Parents’ names: First names only
• Social Security Number (if any)

Important fields:

• Class of Admission: A 3-character code on your green card (e.g., IR1, F21)
• Date of Admission: The date you became a permanent resident

Always copy these exactly as shown on your green card.

Part 2: Application Type

This section determines why you are filing Form I-90. Selecting the correct option is critical.

Section A (Permanent Residents)

Choose the reason that applies to you:

• Green card is lost, stolen, or destroyed
• Card was never received
• Card is damaged or unreadable
• Card has incorrect information (USCIS error)
• You legally changed your name or details
• Card is expired or expiring within 6 months
• You turned 14 and must replace your card
• You are changing commuter status
• You have an older version of the green card

Section B (Conditional Residents)

Complete this only if you have a conditional green card.

Common reasons include:

• Card lost, stolen, or damaged
• Card never received
• Incorrect information
• Name or personal details changed

Note: Many conditional residents may need a different form depending on their case.

Part 3: Processing Information

This section collects immigration history and physical details.

You will be asked about:

• Where you applied for your immigrant visa or green card
• Where your status was approved
• Your entry into the U.S. (city and state)
• Whether you were ever removed or deported
• Whether you filed Form I-407 (abandonment of status)

Physical details:

• Ethnicity and race (optional categories)
• Height and weight (use feet/inches and pounds)
• Eye and hair color

Answer honestly and completely to avoid delays.

Part 4. Accommodations for Disabilities or Impairments

Complete this section only if you need special assistance from USCIS.

Examples of accommodations:

• Sign language interpreter
• Oral assistance for vision impairment
• Help attending appointments

Select “Yes” and describe your needs clearly. Otherwise, leave this section blank.

Part 5. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, and Signature

This is one of the most important sections.

You must:

• Indicate whether you completed the form yourself or used an interpreter
• Provide your contact details (phone and email)
• Sign and date the application

Missing signatures are a common reason for rejection.

Part 6. Interpreter’s Information (If Applicable)

Complete this section only if someone helped translate the form.

The interpreter must provide:

• Full name
• Business or organization (if any)
• Contact details
• Signature and date

Leave this section blank if no interpreter was used.

Part 7. Preparer’s Information (If Someone Helped You)

This section is for anyone who helped you complete the form (other than an interpreter).

Include:

• Name and contact details of the preparer
• Signature and date

If the preparer is an attorney or accredited representative, they must also submit Form G-28.

Part 8. Additional Information

Use this section if you need extra space to complete your answers.

Important tips:

• Include your name and A-Number on each page
• Mention the part and item number you are referring to
• Sign and date each additional sheet

You can also attach a separate sheet if needed.

Key Fields Explained

Certain fields in Form I-90 often confuse applicants. Understanding them correctly can help you avoid delays or rejection.

Class of Admission

This is a 3-character code printed on your green card that shows how you obtained permanent resident status.

Examples:

• IR1 – Spouse of a U.S. citizen
• F21 – Family-based category

Always copy this exactly as shown on your green card.

A-Number (Alien Registration Number)

Your A-Number is a unique identifier assigned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

• Found on your green card
• Usually begins with “A” followed by 8–9 digits

Enter it carefully, as it is used to track your application.

Date of Admission

This is the date you became a lawful permanent resident—not your first entry into the U.S.

You can find this on your green card.

USCIS Online Account Number (if any)

This is different from your A-Number.

Only include this if you previously filed an application online with USCIS.

Common Mistakes When Filling Form I-90

Even small errors can delay your application. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Entering incorrect “Class of Admission” → Always copy it exactly from your green card
• Name mismatch with your green card → Ensure consistency across all documents
• Selecting the wrong application reason → This can affect your eligibility and processing
• Missing signature → Unsigned forms are automatically rejected
• Submitting incomplete information → Answer all required fields carefully
• Incorrect filing fee payment → Paying the wrong amount can delay or reject your application
• Not including supporting documents → Missing documents can lead to processing delays

Reviewing your application before submission can help prevent these issues.

Avoid Mistakes and File with Confidence

Filing Form I-90 correctly is critical—but even small errors can lead to delays or rejection. Instead of risking mistakes, you can use a guided solution to complete your application accurately the first time.

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What to Do After Completing Form I-90

Once you’ve completed Form I-90, follow these next steps:

1. Review Your Application: Double-check all details for accuracy, especially names, dates, and identification numbers.
2. Gather Supporting Documents: Ensure you include all required documents. Missing paperwork can delay processing.
3. Pay the Filing Fee: Verify the correct fee based on your filing method before submitting your application.
4. Submit Your Application: You can submit 1) Online through the USCIS portal, 2) By mail (paper application)
5. Receive Your Receipt Notice: After submission, USCIS will send a receipt notice (Form I-797) confirming your application.
6. Attend Biometrics Appointment (If Required): You may be scheduled for fingerprinting, photos, and signature collection.
7. Track Your Case Status: Use your receipt number to track progress through the USCIS website.
8. Wait for Your New Green Card: Processing times typically range from 8 to 14 months, depending on your case.

FAQs About Form I-90 Instructions

Conclusion

Completing Form I-90 accurately is more than just filling out a form—it’s essential to maintaining valid proof of your permanent resident status. Small mistakes can lead to delays, rejections, or unnecessary stress, but with the right preparation, you can avoid these issues entirely.

Take the time to review each section carefully, follow the correct steps, and ensure your application is complete before submitting. Acting early—especially if your green card is expiring or needs replacement—helps you stay compliant and avoid disruptions to work, travel, or identification.

Start your Form I-90 application with confidence and move forward knowing you’ve taken the right step to protect your status in the United States.