What does the 10-year permanent residence really mean for your life in New York?

More than just a card, the 10-year permanent residence is the legal foundation that allows you to live and work with stability.

In 2023 alone, 1,172,910 people obtained permanent residence in the United States, and New York accounted for 127,980 of those new cases, one of the highest state totals in the country.

In a state where 23.1% of the population is foreign-born (ACS 2023), understanding deadlines, documents, and renewal options isn’t a minor detail, it’s what gives you peace of mind.

If your 10-year permanent residence is about to expire, taking action is crucial. Filing Form I-90 not only initiates your Green Card renewal but also automatically extends its validity for 36 months. 

While you wait for your new card, the receipt itself serves as proof of your status and authorization to work.

In this article, the team at Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your renewal is smooth, timely, and stress-free.

What is the 10-year permanent residence (10-year Green Card) and what does it mean in New York?

The 10-year permanent residence is the status of lawful permanent resident (LPR) recognized under U.S. immigration law.

The status is defined in INA § 101(a)(20) as the right to reside permanently in the United States in accordance with the immigration laws.

The physical card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) is the evidence of that status and, for permanent residents (non-conditional), it is valid for 10 years.

In 2023, nearly 1,173,000 people obtained permanent residence in the U.S.; New York was the state of residence for ~11% of new LPRs. This confirms how relevant the topic is for families in the state.

Who receives the 10-year Green Card and how is it different from the 2-year conditional card?

The 10-year Green Card is the standard document most lawful permanent residents in the United States receive.

This card, officially the Permanent Resident Card, is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the holder maintains lawful status in the country.

By contrast, the 2-year conditional Green Card is issued in very specific circumstances and carries additional requirements before it can become permanent.

Who receives the 10-year Green Card?

This card is issued to immigrants who obtain permanent residence without conditions. This includes:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as parents, unmarried children under 21, and spouses if they have been married for more than 2 years at the time of approval).
• Employees sponsored by U.S. employers through employment-based categories such as EB-2 or EB-3.
• Refugees or asylees who adjust status after one year.
• Winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery, after completing adjustment of status.
  Other beneficiaries of approved immigration programs without temporary conditions.
• The 10-year Green Card does not have “conditions” that must be removed.

While the card expires physically, status is not lost due to expiration; you only need to renew with Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card).

Who receives the 2-year conditional Green Card?

This conditional version is granted when permanent residence is based on circumstances the government wants to verify over time to prevent fraud or noncompliance.

The two main categories are:

• Marriage to a U.S. citizen, if the marriage is less than 2 years old at the time residence is approved (categories CR1 or CR6).
• EB-5 investors, who must show they have met the investment and job-creation requirements (categories CR5, I51, etc.).

In these cases, the residence is conditional for 2 years and cannot be renewed.

Instead, the holder must remove the conditions before the card expires.

• For marriages: file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), preferably jointly with your spouse.
• For investors: file Form I-829.

Understanding the difference between the 10-year Green Card and the 2-year conditional card is key to maintaining your lawful status. 

Knowing which one applies to you helps ensure you meet renewal or condition-removal requirements on time.

When should I renew my 10-year permanent residence, and how far in advance?

USCIS indicates that Form I-90 is used to replace or renew a Green Card that expires in 10 years, and it should be filed up to 6 months before the expiration date.

Automatic validity extension: When you properly file the I-90, your receipt (I-797C) extends your Green Card’s validity for 36 months from the printed expiration date.

This receipt, together with your expired card, serves as proof of status and work authorization while you wait for the new card. 

Where and how can I renew my 10-year permanent residence in New York?

If your 10-year Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) is about to expire, you must file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with USCIS. In New York, you have two main options:

1. Online (recommended)

• Create or log into your myUSCIS account.
• Complete and submit Form I-90 digitally.
• Pay the required filing fees securely online.
• Track your case in real time and receive electronic notifications.

2. By mail

• Download and print Form I-90 from the USCIS official page.
• Send your completed form and payment to the appropriate USCIS lockbox address (for example, a PO Box in Phoenix, AZ; addresses vary depending on how you file and pay).
• Always confirm the current address listed on the USCIS website before mailing.

Biometrics in New York

If biometrics (fingerprints, photo, signature) are required:

• You will be scheduled for an appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC) in New York City or nearby (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, or Long Island).
• To confirm your exact location, use the official USCIS ASC locator.

Practical Tip

• After filing, use the USCIS Case Processing Times tool to check current estimates.
• If your case goes beyond normal processing time, you may submit an e-Request directly to USCIS.

Make sure to renew your Green Card well before it expires to avoid complications with travel or employment. Always rely on official USCIS resources to ensure your application is accurate and up to date.

Can I renew my 10-year permanent residence for free? (fee waiver)

Yes. If you meet certain low-income or hardship criteria, you can request a fee waiver with Form I-912 (filed together with your I-90).

Eligibility criteria include:

Receiving means-tested public benefits

Having household income ≤ 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

AEO keys:

• The waiver is not automatic; send evidence (benefits letters, pay stubs, etc.).
• Use the I-912 instructions and make sure your I-90 packet includes the fee waiver request

What if my Green Card has already expired and I need to work or travel?

If your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) has expired, you still have options to prove your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and maintain your ability to work and travel legally. USCIS provides temporary extensions and alternative documentation while your renewal is pending.

Validity with I-90 Receipt (Form I-797C)

• When you file Form I-90, USCIS issues a Receipt Notice (Form I-797C).
• This automatically extends the validity of your expired Green Card for 36 months.
• With your expired card + I-797C, you may:
  • Work legally in the U.S. (it qualifies as List A documentation for Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification).
  • Travel internationally and present both documents upon return.

Temporary Proof of Status (ADIT / I-551 Stamp)

• If you have an urgent need to prove your status (e.g., no physical Green Card, upcoming travel, employment verification), you can request an I-551 (ADIT) stamp.
• This is issued in your passport or on a Form I-94 with ADIT notation.
• You must request an appointment with USCIS (via InfoPass). In some cases, the stamp can be mailed.

Re-entering the U.S. with an Expired Card

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accepts an expired Green Card plus the I-797C receipt as valid proof of LPR status for re-entry to the United States.
• Always carry both documents when traveling abroad.

How much does renewal cost and how long does the I-90 take?

When renewing your 10-year Green Card with Form I-90, both the cost and processing time can vary depending on your situation and the USCIS office handling your case. It is essential to verify official sources before filing, since fees and timelines may change.

Filing Fees

• The standard filing fee for Form I-90 generally includes:
  • Form I-90 application fee
  • Biometrics fee (if required for fingerprints, photo, or signature)
• Use the official USCIS Fee Calculator to determine your exact amount, as some applicants may be exempt or eligible for reduced costs.
• Always confirm the latest amounts on the official USCIS Fee Schedule before paying.

Processing Times

• Processing times depend on case volume and local USCIS office workload.
• Use the official Case Processing Times tool to see current estimates for Form I-90.
• If your case takes longer than the posted range, you can submit an e-Request to USCIS for follow-up.

By checking USCIS’s fee and processing time tools before applying, you’ll avoid surprises and plan your renewal more effectively. Staying updated ensures your Green Card renewal is both accurate and timely.

How Can a Lawyer Support You With Your 10-Year Green Card?

Renewing your 10-year permanent residence card in the United States may seem straightforward, but mistakes on Form I-90 can cause delays or denials. An immigration lawyer can:

• Guide you on how to renew your 10-year permanent residence correctly.
• Confirm if you qualify for a free permanent residence renewal (fee waiver).
• Advise on where you can renew your 10-year permanent residence and which process (online or mail) is best.
• Assist with complex cases, such as lost cards, criminal records, or travel issues.
• Explain clearly what the Green Card in the United States is and how to protect your lawful status.

A lawyer’s support ensures that your 10-year Green Card renewal is filed accurately and that you remain in compliance with immigration rules.

Ready to Protect Your 10-Year Permanent Residence in New York?

Your 10-year permanent residence is not just a document—it is the legal foundation that secures your right to live, work, and plan your future in the United States. 

Staying informed about renewal deadlines, fee waivers, and temporary proofs of status ensures peace of mind and avoids costly mistakes.

At Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys, we guide New Yorkers step by step through the 10-year Green Card renewal process, from filing Form I-90 on time to checking fee-waiver eligibility. 

With professional support, your case can move forward smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

Need help renewing your 10-year permanent residence in New York? Contact us today for personalized guidance and a free consultation.