The current replacement fee is $455

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges $455 to replace a green card as of 2024. This is the filing fee for Form I-90, process to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You also pay a biometric services fee of $85, bringing the total to $540.

These fees cover the cost of processing your process, taking your new biometric information (fingerprints and photo), and producing the replacement card itself. USCIS does not refund fees if your process is denied, so make sure you meet the requirements before you submit.

Fee amounts can change annually. Check the official USCIS fee schedule at uscis.gov before you pay to confirm the current amounts, since they may have increased since this article was written.

Key Takeaways

  • The filing fee for a replacement green card is $455, plus an $85 biometric services fee, totaling $540.
  • You submit Form I-90 by mail or online through the USCIS portal, depending on which method your situation allows.
  • Processing typically takes 8 to 12 months, though some cases move faster if you pay for expedited processing.
  • If you cannot afford the full fee, you can request a fee reduction or waiver by submitting Form I-912 along with your process.
  • Fees do not include the cost of obtaining documents you may need, such as a police clearance or medical exam.

When you might pay less or nothing

If your household income falls below 400 percent of the federal poverty line, you can request a fee reduction (you pay half) or a fee waiver (you pay nothing). You submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Reduction or Waiver, along with your Form I-90 and proof of your household income—such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer.

USCIS approves most fee waiver requests when the paperwork is complete and your income genuinely qualifies. The approval does not speed up processing, but it removes the $540 barrier. If USCIS denies your waiver request, you will be asked to pay the full fee before your process moves forward.

Mailing your process versus paying online

If you mail your Form I-90 and supporting documents, you send a check or money order for $540 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

If you file online through the USCIS online portal, you pay by credit card or debit card at the time of submission. Online filing is faster and you receive a receipt when ready, but not all cases are may be able to access for online filing—for example, if you are replacing a card due to loss or theft, you may have to mail your process instead.

What happens if you cannot pay right now

You do not have to pay the full amount upfront if you cannot. When you submit Form I-90 by mail, you can include a letter explaining your financial hardship and ask USCIS to consider a payment plan. USCIS may allow you to pay in installments, though this is not may provide and the agency will review your request on a case-by-case basis.

The safer route is to submit Form I-912 for a fee waiver or reduction at the same time you submit your I-90. This way, you are formally requesting relief rather than hoping USCIS will accept a partial payment. If the waiver is denied, you will have time to save the money before you are asked to pay.

Additional costs beyond the filing fee

The $540 covers only the USCIS processing and card production. You may have other costs depending on why you are replacing your card. If you need a police clearance certificate, a medical exam, or certified copies of documents like your birth certificate or passport, those come from other agencies and you pay them separately.

If you use a lawyer or immigration consultant to help you prepare your process, that is an additional cost not set by USCIS. Costs vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and the professional you hire. Many people file Form I-90 on their own without legal help, since the form itself is straightforward.

How long processing takes and what it costs

Standard processing for a replacement green card takes 8 to 12 months from the date USCIS receives your process. The $540 fee covers this standard timeline. If you need your card faster, USCIS offers expedited processing for an additional fee of $1,140, bringing your total to $1,680. Expedited processing typically reduces the timeline to 2 to 4 months.

Expedited processing is available only in certain situations—for example, if you have a job offer that requires a green card, or if you are traveling internationally and need the card before your trip. You cannot request expedited processing just because you want your card sooner. When you submit your process, USCIS will tell you whether your case qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the fee again if USCIS denies my process?

No. If your process is denied, you do not pay a second fee to reapply. However, you will need to address the reason for the denial before you submit a new process. USCIS will explain why your process was denied in their decision letter.

Can I pay the fee in installments?

USCIS does not have a formal installment plan, but you can request one by including a letter with your process explaining your financial situation. The agency reviews these requests individually. Submitting Form I-912 for a fee waiver is a more reliable option if you cannot pay the full amount.

What if I lost my green card and cannot afford to replace it right now?

You can request a fee waiver using Form I-912 if your income qualifies. You can also ask your employer or a community organization for help paying the fee. While you wait to replace your card, carry a copy of your green card and your passport as proof of status.

Does the fee change every year?

USCIS adjusts fees periodically, though not necessarily every year. The $455 filing fee and $85 biometric fee are current as of 2024. Check uscis.gov before you submit your process to confirm the current amounts.

Can I file Form I-90 online to avoid mailing a check?

Yes, if your case is may be able to access for online filing. You pay by credit card or debit card through the USCIS portal. Not all replacement cases are may be able to access—for example, replacements due to loss or theft may require mailing your process instead. The USCIS website will tell you whether your situation qualifies for online filing.