USCIS Implements New Green Card Renewal Form Protocol Starting May 29

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has unveiled a significant update for legal permanent residents needing to renew or replace their Green Cards. As of May 29, only the latest version of Form I-90 will be accepted. This change is crucial for Cuban nationals and other immigrants legally residing in the U.S., as using an outdated form will lead to automatic rejection of the application, with no option for correction.

Understanding Form I-90: Who Needs It?

Form I-90 is specifically designed for legal permanent residents who need to renew or replace their Green Cards under the following conditions:

• The card is about to expire or has already expired.
• The Green Card was lost, stolen, or damaged.
• There are errors in the printed personal information.
• There has been a change in name or other vital information.

This procedure is not intended for first-time residency applicants but for those who already hold a current or expired card.

Mandate for the Latest Edition Starting May 29, 2025

USCIS has stressed: "Before submitting your package to USCIS, ensure all forms completed are the current edition." Applicants must download and use only the most recent version of Form I-90, available at the official USCIS website.

Repercussions of Incorrect Form Usage

The warning is explicit: submitting an outdated or incomplete form, or one with pages from different editions, can have serious ramifications:

• The application will be rejected without the chance for correction.
• A new process must be started with the updated version.
• This could result in valuable time lost, especially if the Green Card is near expiration.

USCIS advises against using forms downloaded from third-party sites or unofficial platforms, as they are often outdated or incomplete.

Ensuring the Correct Version is Used

Each official form displays the edition date in two places:

• At the bottom of each page of the document.
• In the "Edition Date" section on the USCIS website.

It's crucial to verify this information before sending any documents. You can also check the “USCIS Forms: Download the Latest Version!” section to confirm you have the correct file.

Submitting the Form: Step-by-Step

Form I-90 can be completed in two ways:

• Online, through a USCIS account. This option is faster, more secure, and allows tracking of the application's status.
• By mail, to the designated Lockbox. In this case, USCIS recommends carefully reviewing the “Five Steps to Apply” guide available on their website.

Application Fees and Waivers

The standard fee for submitting Form I-90 is $540, which includes:

• $455 for processing the application.
• $85 for biometric data collection.

However, some individuals may qualify for a fee waiver based on financial circumstances. This option must also be requested with the appropriate forms and supporting documentation.

Final Recommendations

- Don't wait for your Green Card to be close to expiration. Start the process several months in advance.

- Ensure all pages of the form are from the same official edition.

- Use only documents downloaded directly from USCIS.gov.

- If you have questions, consult the available guides on the official site or seek specialized legal advice.

This new requirement is already in effect, making it essential for legal permanent residents in the United States to stay informed and ready to comply with the updated regulations. Even a minor administrative error could significantly delay your immigration renewal process.