Green Card Renewal Cover Letter (Form I-90)

Cover letter for Form I-90 — green card renewal, replacement, or update.

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Jordan Alex Taylor
482 Elm Street, Apt 3B, Portland, OR 97214
A-Number: A123 456 789

Date: May 4, 2026

To:    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
       (file via myUSCIS online or mail to address per Form I-90 instructions)

Re:    Form I-90 — Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
       Applicant: Jordan Alex Taylor (AA123 456 789)

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To Whom It May Concern,

I am submitting Form I-90 to replace my Permanent Resident Card.

REASON FOR FILING

   ► Renewal — card expired or expiring within 6 months

CURRENT CARD STATUS

  Current card expiration:                         September 15, 2026

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TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES (past 5 years)

2024-06-15 to 2024-07-12: Portugal (vacation), 27 days.
2023-12-20 to 2024-01-08: Mexico (family visit), 19 days.
2023-08-05 to 2023-08-20: Canada (business), 15 days.
No single trip exceeded 6 months. No issues with continuous residence.

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CRIMINAL / ARREST RECORD (past 5 years)

No arrests, citations, or criminal charges in the past 5 years.
(If applicable: list each, with date, jurisdiction, charge, disposition. Attach certified court dispositions for each.)

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ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS

Form I-90 (signed)
Copy of current green card (front + back) — or police report if lost/stolen
Filing fee or fee waiver (Form I-912) — current $415 for biometrics + $30 form fee = $455 typical (verify at uscis.gov)
If name change: certified copy of marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
If USCIS error replacement: original card + USCIS notice acknowledging error (no fee)
Two passport-style photos (paper filing only)

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I confirm that I remain a lawful permanent resident of the United States and have maintained continuous residence and physical presence consistent with my status.

If you require additional information or documentation, please contact me at the address above.

Sincerely,


_______________________________            Date: May 4, 2026
Jordan Alex Taylor (Applicant)

About this template

Form I-90 is the application to replace, renew, or update a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Most green cards are valid for 10 years and must be renewed before expiration. Other reasons to file: card lost / stolen / destroyed; name change after marriage or court order; biographical errors; never received the initial card from USCIS; or a child receiving an initial card before age 14 (must replace at 14). Conditional residents (2-year cards from marriage-based or investor-based status) use a different form (I-751 or I-829), NOT I-90. Filing fee: currently $415 (biometrics) + $30 (form) = $445 typical, with variations by category and online vs paper filing; check uscis.gov for current. Fee waivers available via Form I-912 for low-income applicants. Processing times: typical 6-12 months, occasionally longer; the receipt notice (Form I-797) automatically extends the green card's validity for 24 months while the renewal is pending — keep the receipt notice with the expired or unexpired card for travel and employment verification. While I-90 is processing, the applicant remains a lawful permanent resident; the physical card is just evidence of status. Approaching the 5-year LPR mark? Consider whether to file I-90 or proceed directly to N-400 naturalisation — naturalisation eliminates the need for future I-90 renewals.

When to use it

  • Green card expires within 6 months or has expired.
  • Lost, stolen, or destroyed green card.
  • Legal name change (marriage, divorce, court order).
  • USCIS administrative error on the card.
  • Never received the initial card after approval.
  • Child turning 14 must replace pre-14 issued card.

What to include

  • A-Number and applicant identification.
  • Reason for filing (specific category).
  • Current card expiration or loss date.
  • Travel history (past 5 years).
  • Criminal-arrest disclosure.
  • Enclosed documents and fee.

Frequently asked

If you're eligible for citizenship (5 years LPR, or 3 years if married to USC), consider applying for N-400 instead of I-90. The fee is similar and you eliminate the need for future renewals. Citizenship also brings expanded rights (vote, federal jobs, no future immigration concerns). Some LPRs prefer to remain LPR for tax or other reasons; that's a personal choice but worth considering before filing I-90.
⚠ Legal disclaimer. Form I-90 is straightforward for routine renewals but can become complex with expired cards held for long periods, ongoing absences abroad, or pending criminal matters. The receipt notice (Form I-797) extends validity for 24 months but does not address other status issues. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for any I-90 with complications: criminal-record items, lengthy absences abroad, expired card while abroad, or coordination with naturalisation eligibility.

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