Green Card Renewal

It is done by filing I90 - APPLICATION TO REPLACE PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD online.  The instructions are good.  The filing can be done in less than 30 minutes.  The filing fee is $450. 

The receipt notice is sent out immediately upon the filing. Another notice to request an appoinment for biometrics capturing is sent out in 3-4 days. The appointment date is usually 20 days after the filing, and one can request rescheduling.   

The biometrics appointment is fairly straightforward - filling a simple form, wait for a few minutes, taking 10-print fingerprints and photo.  The entire process takes less than 30 minutes.  

It is OK for USCIS if a green card has expired, but it is bad for the holder because he cannot travel abroad and return with an expired green card.  USCIS offers a 9-month extension sticker free of charge at the biometrics appointment.

The staff at USCIS, Lawrence, MA are very friendly, knowledgeable and competent.  

The new green card is sent out in 4-5 months after filing.

An example:

9/23/15 Filed the application online.

9/26/15 USCIS sent out notice for biometrics appointment.

10/15/15 Biometrics appointment.

01/26/16 Received new green card