I-90 processing time 2026: how long it takes
How long it takes to replace a green card with Form I-90 according to the official USCIS median, who should use it and when another form applies instead.
Source: USCIS quarterly report — accessed Oct 19, 2026
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I-90 median processing time
| Period | Category | Median (months) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q3 | All | 5.5 |
I-90 key facts
- Form I-90 is used to replace your Permanent Resident Card (green card). (Source)
- If you are a conditional resident seeking to remove conditions, do not use Form I-90: file Form I-751 (residence through marriage) or Form I-829 (residence through investment). (Source)
- As a lawful permanent resident you must have a valid, unexpired green card or equivalent documentation with you at all times; applying for naturalization does not change this requirement. (Source)
- The current edition of Form I-90 is 01/20/25, and it can be filed online or by mail. (Source)
Replacing the card without losing status
The I-90 is one of the simpler USCIS filings, but it helps to know what it covers. It replaces the physical card; it does not change your residence and does not resolve a conditional residence. If your card carries conditions based on marriage or investment, the right form is a different one, and USCIS warns about this on the I-90 page itself.
Before filing, the agency suggests checking whether you are already eligible for citizenship. For some residents, applying to naturalize also solves the need for a long-term valid document.
While USCIS processes the replacement, you still have to carry proof of your status. That is why it helps to keep the receipt notice with the expiring card and to ask USCIS which temporary document applies to you if you need to travel or prove your residence to an employer.
Filing online avoids the most common paper mistake: mailing it to the wrong address. If you still prefer mail, check the P.O. box and the courier address on the form page, since they are different.
If you file on paper, USCIS scans the documents into its system, so make sure everything is easy to read. With an online account you can also view personalized case completion date estimates and manage your contact information, including your address.
More about this form
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew a conditional green card with Form I-90?
Not to remove the conditions. USCIS says conditional residents must use Form I-751 or Form I-829, depending on how they obtained residence.
Where do I mail a paper I-90?
USCIS lists a P.O. box in Phoenix, Arizona, for the Postal Service and a separate address for courier deliveries on the form page. Sending it elsewhere can slow the case down.
Is filing online worth it?
With a USCIS account you can pay, check your case status, get notifications and respond to requests for evidence in one place.
Official sources
- USCIS — Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card → — accessed Oct 19, 2026
- USCIS quarterly report (FY2026 Q3) → — accessed Oct 19, 2026
