By Richard T. Herman, Immigration Attorney
In 2025, thousands of lawful permanent residents across the United States are discovering that a simple green card renewal or replacement using Form I-90 has turned into a high-stakes, high-stress process.
Instead of a routine filing, applicants are seeing:
- Unusually detailed Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for documents that were never requested before
- Longer processing times and stalled cases, sometimes stretching beyond a year
- Identity-related questions, prior immigration records, and even marital history being pulled into what used to be a straightforward administrative filing
- Job, travel, and driver’s license problems while the I-90 is stuck in limbo
If you’re filing or already filed an I-90 and received an RFE, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it.
To understand your options, start by reviewing:
And if you need tailored advice on a pending or complicated I-90, you can book a consultation with Herman Legal Group.
Use this as a quick, scannable snapshot:
If you’re unsure whether you should file an I-90 at all, see Am I Eligible for a Green Card? for a broader status overview.
Form I-90 is the application used by lawful permanent residents (“green card holders”) to:
For a detailed breakdown of who files I-90, when, and what evidence is normally required, see:
Traditionally, I-90 was seen as a low-risk, administrative filing:
RFEs and denials were relatively rare, especially for clean, well-documented cases.
In 2025, I-90 filings are increasingly treated more like mini-investigations than simple renewals.
USCIS appears to be using the I-90 process to:
As a result, more cases that would have sailed through in prior years are now receiving RFEs, NOIDs, or prolonged “case under review” statuses.
Several overlapping forces are converging:
Public and private analyses of USCIS statistics show:
When an agency is overwhelmed, it often:
USCIS and other agencies are increasingly using:
If something doesn’t align—name spelling, dates, addresses, prior entries—your case may be flagged, and you may receive an RFE asking for:
You can review official guidance and policies in the USCIS Policy Manual.
Even though I-90 doesn’t change your underlying status, a surge of RFEs suggests that USCIS is using renewal moments to “scrub” its database:
This doesn’t mean that every I-90 is a trap—but it does mean sloppy filings are suddenly dangerous.
RFEs in I-90 cases are appearing with patterns. Here are common themes Herman Legal Group is seeing across the country:
USCIS may request:
Even minor spelling differences between your current card, passport, and prior petitions can trigger an RFE.
You may be asked for:
To reconstruct your immigration history, you may need to pull records via:
RFEs may focus on:
Some RFEs ask for:
These may surface even if the incident was years ago.
We’re also seeing RFEs for:
When an I-90 becomes an RFE-ridden, delayed mess, the impact is very real.
Employers often rely on your physical green card for I-9 verification. While the law recognizes that LPR status doesn’t expire with the card, many HR departments:
Delays in I-90 processing can translate into:
DMVs in many states, including Ohio, may require:
An I-90 stuck in RFE or extended review can leave you unable to:
If your green card is:
You may face:
You may need to seek:
Families who built their lives on permanent residence—often through marriage to U.S. citizens or green card holders—report significant stress when a renewal gets complicated.
If you’re a marriage-based green card holder, see:
These contexts matter because some I-90 RFEs now reach back into marriage history and prior relationship evidence.
A strong RFE response can save your case; a weak one can sink it.
Use this framework, then cross-reference with:
What to Do if You Have Received RFE or NOID.
Create a table or checklist:
If the RFE points to inconsistencies:
It is usually safer in 2025 to over-document rather than send bare minimum.
Include:
Avoid these mistakes when filing I-90 in 2025:
If your case is complex—or you’re already facing an RFE or NOID—consider getting help. You can book a consultation with Herman Legal Group for tailored strategy.
Most green card holders don’t realize this:
An I-90 renewal is sometimes the first moment in many years when USCIS takes a fresh look at whether a lawful permanent resident (LPR) has truly maintained their permanent residence in the United States.
And in 2025, abandonment analysis is no longer subtle.
When you file an I-90, you are affirming that you remain a U.S. permanent resident. USCIS uses your filing to check:
This means that seemingly routine questions—dates of travel, address history, employment history—can suddenly matter a great deal. An I-90 RFE asking for travel logs, passport pages, or foreign employment records may actually be probing whether you abandoned residency.
USCIS officers are trained to pay attention to patterns like:
To avoid this hidden trap—especially during years of heightened scrutiny—LPRs should consider:
In a climate where I-90s are examined more aggressively than in years past, green card holders must understand:
Your travel history is no longer background noise—it’s evidence.
For journalists covering immigrant experiences, this “abandonment scrutiny” is one of the most overlooked stories of 2025:
Permanent residents who have lived here for decades are suddenly being asked to prove they haven’t quietly ‘moved abroad’, even when their lives and families are entirely rooted in the United States.
You can insert this as an emotional, reporter-magnet section.
One of the least discussed aspects of the current I-90 crisis is the emotional damage it does.
When USCIS delays or questions an I-90 application, what they’re really questioning is a person’s identity, history, and right to belong — often after decades of lawful residence in the United States.
A lawful permanent resident who has been in the U.S. for 25 years—who bought a home, raised children, paid taxes, built a life—is suddenly unable to:
Not because they did anything wrong.
But because their green card renewal “needs more evidence.”
This is where the system becomes more than bureaucratic—it becomes personal.
When a renewal is delayed or questioned, people lose access to:
Children suffer.
Elderly parents suffer.
Marriages suffer.
Immigrants who thought they were long past the fear of losing status are suddenly confronted with the dread they remember from the first years after arrival.
These are not “immigration cases.”
These are American families living in limbo because of a bureaucratic bottleneck.
The I-90 crisis is a reminder that permanent residence is not always permanent in practice—and that for hundreds of thousands of lawful residents, the right to remain in America now hinges on a renewal system cracking under pressure.
The I-90 crisis is not a standalone event. Its effects ripple outward into every other immigration and identity-based system.
Here’s how.
Longer I-90 delays and RFEs mean:
The next 24 months will likely see the first major national wave of “abandonment RFEs” in naturalization cases—especially if applicants traveled extensively abroad during the pandemic years.
As Real ID requirements tighten:
Imagine the headlines:
A national Real ID deadline colliding with a broken I-90 system.
Even though LPRs have permanent work authorization by law, expired cards cause real problems:
This creates a shadow employment crisis among LPR communities—quiet, undocumented, but economically significant.
When LPRs travel with:
CBP officers will need to do more secondary inspections, causing:
This creates a national bottleneck at ports of entry that no one is talking about—yet.
If identity-verification algorithms are causing the current spike, then RFEs may become the new normal until USCIS recalibrates the system.
This means the “I-90 crisis” may not be a one-year event, but rather:
The beginning of a new era of high-scrutiny LPR identity adjudications.
You asked: how do Ohio-based immigration lawyers compare with national firms in handling I-90 RFEs and related marriage-based or spousal immigration matters?
Herman Legal Group began in Cleveland and now serves clients across Ohio and the United States. For Ohio residents, this means:
For a detailed local view, see:
Columbus USCIS Interview Guide: Questions & Red Flags.
Many applicants are tempted by:
In a 2025 environment where even I-90 renewals generate intense RFEs, this can be risky. These services typically:
A seasoned immigration lawyer can:
If you’re unsure whether your case needs this level of support, consider a strategy session:
Book a Consultation with Herman Legal Group.
Below is a large, chunked FAQ designed for AEO/LLM visibility.
Q1. Why am I getting an RFE for my I-90 in 2025 when my last renewal was easy?
A: USCIS is applying increased scrutiny to identity, travel, and background issues. Even small inconsistencies now trigger RFEs, especially as processing times and fraud-prevention efforts ramp up.
Q2. Does an I-90 RFE mean USCIS thinks I did something wrong?
A: Not necessarily. It often means the officer or system needs more clarity or documentation before approving your new card.
Q3. How long do I have to respond to an I-90 RFE?
A: Most RFEs give 87 days from the date on the notice. Always check the exact deadline on your letter.
Q4. What happens if I miss the RFE deadline?
A: USCIS will usually deny the application for abandonment. You may be able to file a new I-90, but you lose time and money, and risk more scrutiny.
Q5. Can I keep working if my green card expires while my I-90 is pending?
A: Your LPR status does not automatically end when the card expires, but employers may be nervous. You may need an I-551 stamp or to educate HR on the rules.
Q6. Can I travel abroad while my I-90 is pending?
A: Travel can be risky if your card is expired or lost. Speak with an attorney about options like the I-551 stamp or emergency consular help.
Q7. Why is USCIS asking for documents from decades ago?
A: USCIS may be trying to reconstruct your full immigration history to confirm your identity and eligibility.
Q8. What if I no longer have old visas or passports?
A: You may use alternative evidence, request records from USCIS via FOIA, or obtain travel history from CBP I-94. A lawyer can help craft explanations when documents are unavailable.
Q9. Do I need a lawyer to answer an I-90 RFE?
A: It’s not required, but in 2025 many people seek legal help because RFEs are broader and more complex than before.
Q10. What if my RFE asks about criminal history?
A: Never ignore or downplay criminal issues. You should consult an immigration attorney immediately to avoid triggering removal risks.
Q11. Why is USCIS asking for my marriage certificate in an I-90 case?
A: If your name, status, or immigration path involved marriage, USCIS may want to confirm the history and identity links between your old and new documents.
Q12. Can an I-90 RFE lead to my green card being taken away?
A: In most routine cases, no. But if USCIS discovers serious fraud or ineligibility, they can initiate further action. That’s why serious RFEs should be handled carefully.
Q13. How long are I-90 processing times in 2025?
A: Data varies, but reports show median times ranging from several months to close to a year or longer, depending on the period and service center. (Rajulaw)
Q14. Can I file I-90 online?
A: Yes, many applicants can file online via USCIS’s official I-90 portal. Be careful with scans and uploads—low-quality images generate RFEs.
Q15. Is it better to file by mail or online in 2025?
A: It depends on your situation. Online filings are convenient but unforgiving for upload quality. Paper filings are slower but sometimes easier to organize. A lawyer can advise which is safer in your case.
Q16. I lost my green card. Should I file I-90 right away?
A: Yes, generally you should, and keep copies of any remaining documentation as proof of your status.
Q17. Can I get an I-551 stamp while my I-90 is pending?
A: Often yes, via a USCIS appointment, especially if you need proof of status for work or travel. Availability varies by field office.
Q18. What if my I-90 is denied after an RFE?
A: You may be able to refile, or in some cases file a motion or appeal. The best option depends on why it was denied.
Q19. Does filing N-400 (citizenship) solve my I-90 problem?
A: Sometimes. If you’re eligible for naturalization, you may avoid future I-90 filings. But timing and pending applications need strategic coordination.
Q20. My I-90 RFE mentions “possible abandonment of residence.” What does that mean?
A: USCIS may think you spent too much time abroad or otherwise broke the continuity of your residence. This is serious and needs legal analysis.
Q21. Are RFEs more common for people who filed without a lawyer?
A: Anecdotally, yes. DIY errors, missing documents, and inconsistencies are frequent RFE triggers.
Q22. Do Ohio residents face anything different?
A: The law is federal, but local USCIS practices and DMV rules matter. For example, the Columbus USCIS Interview Guide shows specific interview trends and red flags at that office.
Q23. Can an RFE delay my ability to renew a driver’s license?
A: Yes, if your card expires and you cannot present updated proof at the DMV.
Q24. Does an RFE mean my case is doomed?
A: No. Many I-90s with RFEs are eventually approved—if the response is complete and well-organized.
Q25. Why is USCIS asking for translations in my I-90 RFE?
A: All foreign-language documents must be accompanied by complete, certified English translations.
Q26. Should I send original documents?
A: Unless the RFE expressly demands originals, USCIS typically wants copies. Confirm instructions and keep originals safe.
Q27. Can I get my old immigration file from USCIS to respond to an RFE?
A: Yes, through a FOIA request, but it can take time—another reason not to wait until the last minute.
Q28. Are there special rules for conditional residents?
A: Conditional residents usually file I-751 or I-829 to remove conditions, not I-90. Consult a lawyer if you are unsure which form applies.
Q29. How do I know if my I-90 RFE is “normal” or a sign of deeper trouble?
A: The wording and requested evidence matter. If you see references to fraud, misrepresentation, or abandonment, talk to an attorney immediately.
Q30. Who should I contact if my I-90 case is stuck for over a year?
A: An attorney can help you evaluate options like service requests, congressional inquiries, or liaison channels.
Tthe topic we will introduce in this article will cover the most relevant information related to processing times of a Form I-90, an application used to renew or replace a Permanent Resident Card (known as Green Card).
You need this handy plastic card to prove your lawful permanent resident status. When you want to renew your card, you should consider how long it takes to process it.
For example, you plan to travel abroad and want to secure your homecoming, or you have a hospital appointment in few months, and you want all the formalities to go smoothly.
This article will explain what you should know about Green Card’s processing time to make your other arrangements accordingly.
If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you need a Permanent Resident Card (known as a Green Card) to prove your work and residence authorization in the U.S.
It is good to know to which institution you need to go to handle your official business matters. In the case of Green Card and administrative actions connected to immigration cases, it is the designated agency of the Department of Homeland Security, named the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As a rule, there is one specific application designed to renew or replace Green Cards – Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
You can start the renewal process by applying online or by mail.
Note: U.S. law obliges you to carry a valid Green Card with you at all times, so when your Green Card expires, you must initiate the renewal process.
To renew or replace a permanent resident card, you must use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form, that allows applicants to obtain, replace or renew a Green Card. In other words, to file a Green Card Renewal application, you need to submit this form. You may download the application and instructions directly from the USCIS website. You can submit it online or by mail.
An Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, Form I-90, is a form that allows applicants to obtain, replace or renew a Green Card. However, you must remember that it depends on your Green Card’s expiration date. If you were issued a conditional Green Card (which is only valid for two years), you need to remove conditions by filling form other than Form I-90.
To renew or replace a Green Card, you need to file Form I-90 correctly. USCIS will initially reply by mailing you a receipt notice that confirms receipt of your request.
Formally known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action, the receipt notice typically arrives 3 to 5 weeks after filing. It should contain a unique receipt number that you can later use to track your USCIS case. Processing times vary accordingly to the application service center and its caseload.
Biometrics Appointment Notice
After you file your application, petition, or request, USCIS will schedule your biometric services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). It usually takes 4 to 6 Weeks from Filing Date. It will contain the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment.
Biometrics Appointment Date
It usually takes 6 to 8 Weeks from Filing Date. It should be scheduled approximately 3 weeks after receiving the biometrics appointment notice. It will also include guidelines as to what you need to bring to the biometrics appointment.
Issuance of the New Green Card
After the biometrics appointment, USCIS will proceed with your green card renewal application. It usually takes 6 Months to 10 Months from Filing Date. After this, you should receive your new Green Card.
USCIS may sometimes expedite your Green Card renewal case. For more details contact our law firm.
It is necessary to know that USCIS service centers processing each type of a Green Card form are subject to change, depending on USCIS service centers’ workload. You can find more information on the USCIS website or contact our law firm for more details.
Green Card renewal processing time after filing Form I-90 will vary on the USCIS caseload, the service center location, or other situations. You can check actual processing times directly with USCIS. When choosing USCIS Service Center, time designation will appear.
The time range of the application process depends on how long it takes USCIS to process your case from the date they received it.
You may be surprised that some Service Centers have a wide time range, but remember that it all depends on the scheduling of your biometric appointment, the relevancy of supporting documents and if any background check is necessary.
Applications to renew your Green Card prepared without the required documents can result in processing times that are much longer. It is always a good idea to get a help of a law firm like ours, which specializes in immigration services.
Filing Form I-90 for your expired Green Card
A unique receipt number that you receive at the beginning helps you to track your USCIS case.
The current renewal cost of your already expired Green Card is $540, which includes a $455 filing fee and an $85 biometrics fee (for your photo, fingerprint, and signature).
In some situations, you may be exempt from paying one or both fees if:
For more details contact our law firm. We will assess your eligibility for a filing fee exemption and help you with the possibility of reducing your Green Card Processing Time.
The following article is a deeper dive into understanding the process of renewing or replacing your Green Card if you are a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR).
The application for the most current version of the Green Card is USCIS’ Form I-90. Permanent residents with a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) are obliged to carry the valid card with them at all times.
Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act requires you to make sure you are following the law on this. It is something you cannot get away from. In this article, we explain how to file this USCIS application, how much does the whole process cost, how long does it take from start to finish, and more.
A Green Card gives its holder the legal right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. It means that you have a permanent resident status, which provides you the right to apply even for government jobs. Green card holders also receive certain health, educational, and other benefits.
Green Card serves as physical proof of these eligibilities. Carrying your Green Card with you is ordered by law, so there is no choice to decide whether you should apply for one.
You must apply for renewal if your card will expire within 6 months or already has expired, you should replace your current Green Card if you legally changed your name or other biographic information, your card was issued but never received, was damaged, it was lost, stolen or destroyed, or you reached your 14th birthday.
You can apply for Green Card renewal or replacement by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card. This is the main form you will use for getting a new Green Card.
There is an exception to this rule:
You can file your Form I-90 application either online or by mail. However, applicants requesting a fee waiver cannot file online. Want to know more about your Green Card renewal fee waiver eligibility? Contact our law firm for legal advice.
Form I-90 is a 7-page application form issued by the Department of Homeland Security for you to submit to get your new Green Card. This application is filed by lawful permanent residents, as well as permanent residents in commuter status to renew or replace their Permanent Resident Cards.
Conditional permanent residents who obtained their status through marriage or entrepreneurship who need to replace a lost, stolen Permanent Resident Card also use Form I-90 to request a replacement green card only, but this is not a renewal.
The government agency responsible for handling immigration matters is called U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Forms with written instructions can be found on the USCIS website.
A Green Card renewal or replacement application can be completed electronically and the Form I-90 filing instructions can help you with this process. You can find the instructions on the USCIS website. You can use this form electronically, filling it on your computer, even if you wish to send your application by mail.
You should keep in mind that providing accurate information on Form I-90 and submitting relevant supporting documents is a must for your Green Card application. Always read carefully all the instructions attached, so you can take on the task with more confidence. Making mistakes may be costly and time-consuming.
The documents you need to submit depend on the reason you’re submitting the form.
Please remember:
You should submit clear photocopies of documents requested unless the Instructions from Form I-90 clearly state that you must submit an original document. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may request an original document at the time of filing, or at any time during the processing of an application, petition, or request. It will be returned to you when USCIS no longer needs it.
If you submit to USCIS Green Card Form I-90 supporting documents with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English certified translation. For more info contact our law firm for legal advice.
You can choose between two main options when filing Form I-90 to replace your Green Card. You can either do this online or by mail (post). The first option requires you to create a USCIS online account. Having an online account grants you with the possibility of:
Online or mail
Having an online account with USCIS allows you not only to pay the filing fee by credit card but also to track your case with this government agency and respond in no time. However, we understand that sometimes you may not want to want to file your documents online for many reasons.
Even though you choose to Replace Permanent Resident Card using regular mail, we can still help you to get it done safely and efficiently.
You can find the mailing address below:
Remember to sign and date your Form I-90. You can easily omit this detail when you fill in the form electronically.
When filing Form I-90, remember that simple mistakes can cost you extra time and money. We can provide legal advice on the more effective way to file this form.
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At this moment, USCIS charges a $455 filing fee on Form I-90 applications. The government agency also requires applicant biometric (fingerprinting for which you are invited on a special “biometrics appointment“), which carries a service fee of $85. Altogether filing fees should not exceed $540 (this doesn’t cover postage stamps if you choose U.S. postal services).
You can pay the filing fee electronically through Pay.gov if you apply online, or by money order or check, made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” (written in full) or by credit card (by completing the additional form). You cannot pay by cash. For detailed information, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm.
When you file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card, after approximately 3 – 5 weeks, USCIS receives your application and ensures it is complete, they will inform you (in writing or by email), if you need to attend a biometrics appointment.
After filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, your I-90 processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 10 months. This is an estimate. It may be less for some and longer for others. In unusual cases, USCIS will request additional information or may even schedule an additional interview.
If you think that your case is outside the normal processing times, you can contact our law firm for assessment and possible inquiry.
Foreign address
USCIS will not mail you a Permanent Resident Card to a foreign mailing address. Therefore, if you are an alien commuter who continues to reside in a foreign territory, you may provide a foreign address. If you are an alien commuter who will take up actual residence in the United States, you need to provide a U.S. address.
Withdrawing your Form I-90
You have the right to withdraw your Form I-90 application to replace or renew your Green Card. However, you must submit a written request. Do not hesitate to contact us, if you need more details on this procedure, or any other instructions like the online account, help with gathering form supporting documents, or application to replace Permanent Resident Card in general.
Our immigration attorney will provide legal advice and instructions that will help you save your nerves and time.
If you find our article informative and engaging, we welcome you to look into related publications on our website. We tap into not only the Green Cards but also write on other immigration topics.
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