USCIS Tightens Requirements for Green Card Renewals, Effective May 2025

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing stricter procedural standards for applicants seeking to renew or replace their permanent resident cards (Green Cards), effective May 29, 2025. 

The agency announced that Form I-90 applications with mismatched pages will face automatic rejection, a measure aimed at streamlining processing and reducing errors. The new policy mandates that all pages of the I-90 form belong to the same edition. This revision responds to ongoing issues arising from the submission of outdated or mixed-version forms, leading to application delays and rejections. The edition date, printed at the bottom of each page, can also be verified on the USCIS website.

Applicants submitting paper applications through the USCIS Lockbox are particularly advised to exercise caution. The agency recommends downloading forms directly from the USCIS website to ensure they have the most current version, discouraging reliance on third-party sources. Even minor discrepancies can lead to significant delays or outright denial, necessitating thorough verification of each page's edition.

USCIS stresses that merely completing the I-90 form correctly is no longer sufficient. Applicants must ensure that all pages match the current official edition to avoid automatic rejection. This adjustment seeks to streamline processing and minimise errors resulting from outdated or mixed-version forms. The latest edition of Form I-90 is readily available on the official USCIS website (uscis.gov), along with detailed guidance to help applicants avoid common mistakes. Utilising an incorrect version remains a primary cause of application rejections, a risk USCIS is actively working to mitigate.

Form I-90 is specifically designated for permanent residents seeking to renew or replace their Green Cards. It is not intended for individuals with conditional residency who need to apply for status adjustments; those applicants must file Form I-751 or another appropriate form. Permanent residents should file Form I-90 if their Green Card is expiring, has been lost, damaged, or stolen, or if their personal details, such as their name, require updates. Timely submission of this form is crucial, as delays in renewal can complicate employment and legal status verification. The standard filing fee for the form, including biometric processing, is $540. However, certain applicants may qualify for fee waivers based on financial hardship or specific eligibility criteria. USCIS offers the convenience of online filing through official USCIS accounts, allowing applicants to track their submission status efficiently.

To avoid processing disruptions, the agency urges applicants to submit renewal requests well before their card's expiration. While a USCIS receipt serves as temporary proof of residency, it may not be universally accepted by employers or other institutions, making early action advisable. For long-term Green Card holders, USCIS reminds them of their potential eligibility for US citizenship, an option that offers permanent legal status and additional rights beyond residency. Applicants are encouraged to check their eligibility using the naturalisation tool on the USCIS website before filing Form I-90.

To enhance the filing process, USCIS has published a practical "Five Steps to Lockbox Filing" guide, providing instructions on assembling submission packets correctly. The guide covers formatting details, numbering conventions, and other essential elements, helping applicants maximise their chances of approval.

USCIS remains committed to improving efficiency and reducing errors in immigration processes. 

By adhering to these updated guidelines, applicants can safeguard their applications and avoid unnecessary setbacks, ensuring a smoother path through the renewal or replacement process.