Renewing Your Green Card vs. Applying For U.S. Citizenship—Which Makes More Sense For You?
Is your green card expiring soon? If you're like many permanent residents, you're probably thinking about filing Form I-90 to renew or replace it.
In this post, we'll walk you through the I-90 renewal process. We'll also explain the often-ignored alternative of filing for citizenship instead of renewing your green card.
Understanding the I-90 Application Process
Form I-90 is the "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card" that you'll need to file when:
- Your green card is expiring (within 6 months)
- Your card has already expired
- Your card was lost, stolen, or damaged
- The information on your card needs to be updated
How to File Form I-90
Step 1: Complete the Application. You can file Form I-90 either online through the USCIS website or by mail. The form asks for basic information about you, your immigration status, and your reason for needing a new card.
Step 2: Pay the Fees. The filing fee for Form I-90 is $465 if filed by mail, and $415 if filed online.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents. Depending on your reason for filing, you'll need to include copies of:
- Your current or expired green card
- Government-issued ID
- Other documentation supporting your request (if applicable). For example: a name change order to show why you need a new card in your new name
Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment. After filing, USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment to capture your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
Step 5: Wait for Processing. USCIS typically takes 8-10 months to process I-90 applications, though times can vary.
Step 6: Receive Your New Card. If approved, your new green card will be mailed to your address of record.
An Alternative: Filing for Citizenship (Form N-400)
If you've been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), you're likely eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization using Form N-400.
Oftentimes, citizenship is the better choice. It's a one-time process instead of something that needs to be re-done every 10 years. It basically eliminates the risk of getting deported. And in many cases, it's actually cheaper due to the fee reduction options available.
Let's take a look at the differences between the renewing your green card and applying for citizenship.
Comparison Financial Considerations
| Green Card Renewal - I-90 | Citizenship Application - N-400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Filing Fee | $465 for paper filing or $415 online | $760 for paper filing or $710 online |
| Frequency | Required every 10 years | One-time filing |
| Fee Waiver Availability | Available for certain eligible applicants | Available for certain eligible applicants |
| Reduced Fee Option | Not available | 50% discount ($380) for incomes below 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| Long-term Cost | $465 every decade | One-time payment |
Comparison Process Considerations
| Green Card Renewal - I-90 | Citizenship Application - N-400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 8-10 months | 8-12 months |
| Travel Document Needs | Still need Re-entry Permit for extended travel as a green card holder | No travel restrictions with U.S. passport |
| Deportation Risk | Can still be deported | No deportation risk |
| Voting Rights | None | Full voting rights |
| Federal Benefits | Limited | Full access |
| Petition for Family | Limited to smaller set of relatives, longer wait times | More categories of relatives (Ex: parents), shorter wait times |
| Employment Opportunities | Some limitations | No restrictions, including government jobs |
Five Reasons Why Citizenship Can Be the Better Choice
1. Financial Savings in the Long Run
While the upfront cost of citizenship is higher ($760 vs. $465), it's a one-time expense. If you're planning to stay in the U.S. long-term, you'll save money by not having to renew your green card every 10 years.
If you qualify for a fee reduction, the cost of citizenship ends up being cheaper than renewing your green card.
Check out How Can I Save Money On My Citizenship Application? to understand the generous fee waivers and reductions that USCIS offers for citizenship applications.
Complete Fee Waivers (Your cost is $0) are available if:
- Your household income is at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You receive means-tested benefits like Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or SNAP
- You can demonstrate financial hardship due to special circumstances
Reduced Fees (Your cost is $380) are available if:
- Your household income is below 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
2. Security and Stability
As a citizen, you can never be deported from the United States (except in very rare cases where citizenship was obtained fraudulently). Green card holders, however, can face deportation for some criminal offenses, or extended absences from the country.
3. International Travel Without Restrictions
U.S. citizens can travel with a U.S. passport, which offers visa-free access to many countries. You'll never need to worry about maintaining your residence for green card purposes or obtaining a re-entry permit for extended travel.
4. Family Benefits
As a citizen, you can petition for more categories of relatives to immigrate to the U.S., and your immediate relatives (spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents) won't face annual visa quotas, significantly reducing wait times.
5. Civic Participation
Citizenship grants you the right to vote in federal elections and run for public office (except for President and Vice President, which require natural-born citizenship).
When Should You Still Consider The I-90?
Despite the advantages of citizenship, filing Form I-90 might make more sense if:
- You're not yet eligible for citizenship (less than 5 years as a permanent resident)
- You want to maintain citizenship in a country that doesn't allow dual citizenship
- You have certain issues in your background that might complicate a citizenship application. For example: Crimes that make it difficult to meet the “Good Moral Character” requirements of a citizenship application.
- You cannot meet the English language or civics requirements for citizenship. However, check out this article on What The Data Says About Citizenship to learn how many people actually pass the citizenship test!
Making Your Decision
If you're eligible for both options, consider your long-term plans carefully. For most permanent residents who plan to stay in the United States indefinitely, applying for citizenship through Form N-400 offers significant financial and practical advantages over repeatedly renewing a green card.
Remember that if you're concerned about the higher upfront cost of citizenship, check if you qualify for a fee waiver or reduction. Many applicants are surprised to learn they're eligible for financial assistance with their application.
Wrapping Up
We hope this article helps you understand the I-90 process, how it compares to the N-400 citizenship process, and how to make the decision that is best for your current life situation.