Green Card Renewals: Special Requirements for Minors (Biometrics)
Typically, a lawful permanent resident card, or green card, expires ten years after the issue date. Adults must then file a I-90 application to replace green card once it is time to renew. However, if your child received their green card before their 14th birthday, USCIS requires additional documentation and processing the minor’s renewal BEFORE the child reaches the age of 16.
Why is the renewal process different for minors?
When a child under the age of 14 is processed for a green card, biometrics are not collected. Therefore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not have identifying information on the minor (e.g. fingerprint, photographs, or digital signature). To obtain this information, DHS requires that all lawful permanent residents submit required biometrics by the age of 16. To ensure that minors submit biometric information by that time, minors issued a green card before the age of 14 must submit a I-90 application and completed biometrics within 30 days of the child’s 14th birthday.
Do we have to pay for the I-90 filing fee?
It depends. If the child’s green card is not set to expire until their 16th birthday, the filing fee will be waived. To qualify for the waiver, the applicant must file Form I-90 within 30 days of their 14th birthday and check the appropriate option on the form. Regardless, applicants must pay for the biometric screening, which is currently $85. However, if the minor’s green card expires before their 16th birthday, or they are filing the I-90 before they have turned 14 or 30 days after they have turned 14, they must pay the I-90 filing fee of $455 (as of 2/24/18) in addition to the biometrics fee. If you have any questions or concerns about renewing you child’s green card, please feel free to schedule a consultation with our office.