Form I-90 Rejected or Denied? Reasons and What to Do Next

Quick answer: What should you do if Form I-90 is rejected or denied?

If USCIS rejects your Form I-90, read the rejection notice, correct each listed filing problem, and refile if instructed. If USCIS denies the application, review the decision before filing anything else. Depending on the reason, you may need a new Form I-90, a motion to reopen or reconsider, or legal advice. An RFE requires a complete response by its deadline.

Follow the instructions and deadline in your USCIS notice. The correct response depends on why USCIS rejected or denied the application. Do not automatically submit another Form I-90 before reviewing the notice.

Form I-90 is used to renew an expired or expiring 10-year Green Card and to replace a card that was lost, stolen, damaged, never received or issued with incorrect information. USCIS can reject the filing before accepting it or deny it after reviewing the applicant’s eligibility and evidence. This guide covers the common reasons for both outcomes, how to respond and when refiling, a motion or qualified legal advice may be appropriate.

Was your Form I-90 rejected, sent an RFE or denied?

Check the heading and wording of your USCIS notice to identify whether the application was rejected, sent an RFE or denied. Each action occurs at a different case stage and requires a different response.

Form I-90 rejection

USCIS generally rejects Form I-90 during its initial intake review because the filing does not meet an acceptance requirement. The application is not placed into processing, and USCIS does not decide whether the applicant qualifies for renewal or replacement. The rejection notice identifies the filing problem and may explain how to correct and resubmit the application.

Request for Evidence

A Request for Evidence, or RFE, is not a rejection or denial. USCIS has accepted the application, but it needs specific evidence before it can make a decision. The case remains pending while USCIS waits for the response. Follow the requested submission method and provide a complete response by the deadline stated in the notice.

Form I-90 denial

A denial means USCIS accepted and reviewed Form I-90 but did not approve it. USCIS may determine that the applicant did not establish eligibility for the selected renewal or replacement reason or did not satisfy a required part of the process. The written decision explains the basis for denial and any available next steps.

Why does USCIS reject Form I-90?

USCIS may reject Form I-90 when the application does not meet its intake requirements. In that situation, USCIS does not review whether the applicant qualifies to renew or replace a Green Card. The rejection notice should identify the filing defect that must be corrected.

Missing or invalid signature

USCIS may reject a paper Form I-90 that is unsigned or does not contain a valid signature. Paper filers must provide a valid handwritten signature. A typed name, signature stamp, pasted signature image or electronic signature created outside an authorized USCIS online system does not meet the requirement. USCIS may also deny an accepted case if it later discovers an invalid signature. Review the current USCIS signature requirements before filing.

Incorrect or unsuccessful fee payment

USCIS may reject Form I-90 if the payment amount is incorrect, the payment method is not accepted or the financial institution declines the transaction. Paper filers generally pay by ACH using Form G-1650 or by card using Form G-1450. Applicants requesting a fee waiver must mail Form I-912 with the paper application. Check the current Form I-90 fee and payment methods before submitting the application.

Incorrect form edition

USCIS may reject a paper application submitted on a Form I-90 edition it no longer accepts. The edition date appears at the bottom of each form page. Before filing, download the current edition from the USCIS Form I-90 page and make sure every page belongs to the same edition.

Missing pages or required fields

A paper filing may be rejected if pages are omitted, required questions are left unanswered or the submission is otherwise incomplete. Submit every required Form I-90 page, even when a page contains no answers that apply to you. Review the form before mailing it and confirm that all required fields, signatures and attachments are included.

Incorrect filing method or mailing address

USCIS may not accept an application sent through an unavailable filing method or to the wrong location. Most applicants can file Form I-90 online or by mail, but a fee-waiver request must be submitted with a paper application. Paper mailing addresses may also differ for U.S. Postal Service and commercial deliveries. Check the current USCIS filing instructions immediately before sending the package.

What should you do after Form I-90 is rejected?

A rejected Form I-90 was not accepted for processing, so there is no pending application for USCIS to decide. Applicants can normally correct the filing problem and submit a new application, but the rejection notice should guide the response.

1. Read the entire rejection notice. Identify every reason USCIS gave for rejecting the application. Correcting only one issue may result in another rejection.
2. Confirm the current filing requirements. Check the accepted Form I-90 edition, filing fee, payment method, supporting-document requirements and filing address. Use the requirements in effect when you refile.
3. Correct and reassemble the application. Complete missing fields, provide a valid signature and include the correct payment or fee-waiver request. Add any evidence required for your filing reason.
4. Follow the instructions for returned documents. Include the rejection notice or other returned documents if USCIS instructs you to resubmit them.
5. Submit the new application correctly. Refile through the USCIS online system when eligible or send the paper package to the current mailing address. Review the Form I-90 filing instructions before submitting it again.
6. Keep a complete filing record. Save a copy of the corrected application, supporting documents, payment record, rejection notice and proof of delivery or online submission.

Do not use the rejected filing’s details to track the new application. If USCIS accepts the corrected Form I-90, it will issue a new receipt notice and receipt number.

Why does USCIS deny Form I-90?

USCIS denies Form I-90 when it accepts and reviews the application but determines that the applicant has not established eligibility for the requested Green Card renewal or replacement. A denial may also result from failing to complete a required step in the application process. The decision notice should explain the specific reason.

You were not eligible for the selected filing reason

The filing reason selected on Form I-90 must match the applicant’s circumstances and supporting evidence. USCIS may deny the application if the evidence does not establish the stated reason. For example, the requirements differ when renewing an expiring card, replacing a lost card, correcting a DHS error or reporting that a USCIS-mailed card was never received.

Compare the available filing reasons in Do You Need to File Form I-90?.

You used Form I-90 for an expiring conditional Green Card

Form I-90 does not renew an expiring two-year conditional Green Card or remove its conditions. Marriage-based conditional residents normally file Form I-751, while investor-based conditional residents normally file Form I-829. See “You attempted to renew a two-year conditional Green Card” below for when Form I-90 may still apply.

USCIS could not verify your identity or permanent resident status

USCIS must verify the applicant’s identity, lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident status and eligibility for the requested card. The application may be denied if the information and evidence do not establish these facts or if material inconsistencies remain unresolved after USCIS reviews the record.

You did not provide the required evidence

Each Form I-90 filing reason has its own evidence requirements. USCIS may find the initial evidence insufficient when documents are missing, unreadable, inconsistent or do not support the selected reason. USCIS may issue an RFE, but applicants should not assume they will always receive an opportunity to add missing evidence before a decision. Review the evidence required for each filing reason in the Form I-90 document checklist.

You did not respond to an RFE by the deadline

An RFE states what evidence USCIS needs, how to submit it and when the response is due. If USCIS does not receive a complete and timely response, it may decide the application using the existing record, deny it for abandonment or apply both grounds, depending on the case. Sending only part of the requested evidence may also leave the applicant unable to establish eligibility.

You missed a required biometrics appointment or interview

USCIS may require biometrics or an interview to verify identity, status or eligibility. If you cannot attend, follow the notice’s rescheduling instructions before the appointment whenever possible. Missing a required appointment without properly requesting rescheduling may result in USCIS treating the application as abandoned and denying it.

An arrest, tax debt, international trip or removal proceeding is not automatically a Form I-90 denial ground. However, these circumstances may raise separate questions about immigration status or eligibility. If the denial notice addresses one of these issues, consider obtaining advice from a qualified immigration lawyer before submitting another application.

Renewal-specific Form I-90 denial problems

The Form I-90 renewal category generally applies to a 10-year Green Card that has expired or will expire within six months. USCIS may deny a renewal application when the timing, card type, filing reason or evidence does not establish eligibility.

You filed more than six months before expiration

USCIS generally instructs applicants not to file Form I-90 solely for renewal more than six months before a 10-year Green Card expires. If the card has another qualifying problem, such as being lost, stolen, damaged or incorrect, the applicant should select the filing reason that matches that situation instead of the expiration-based renewal reason.

You attempted to renew a two-year conditional Green Card

An expiring two-year conditional Green Card is not renewed with Form I-90. Marriage-based conditional residents normally use Form I-751, while investor-based conditional residents normally use Form I-829 to remove conditions. Form I-90 may still apply when a conditional card must be replaced for a qualifying reason, but it does not extend or remove the conditions.

You selected the wrong Form I-90 filing reason

USCIS evaluates the application using the reason selected on Form I-90. Selecting the renewal category when the card was lost, never received or issued with incorrect information can create a mismatch between the application and its evidence. The filing reason should describe what happened to the card and why a new one is required.

You did not establish eligibility for renewal

USCIS must be able to verify the applicant’s identity, lawful permanent resident status and entitlement to a renewed 10-year Permanent Resident Card. Inconsistent information or evidence that does not establish the card type and renewal basis may result in denial.

For renewal eligibility, timing, documents, fees and filing steps, read the complete Green Card renewal guide.

Replacement-specific Form I-90 denial problems

A Green Card replacement application can be denied when the selected filing reason does not match what happened to the card or the evidence does not satisfy the requirements for that reason. USCIS applies different rules to lost cards, undelivered cards and cards containing errors.

You selected “lost, stolen or destroyed” for a card you never received

A card that USCIS mailed but the applicant never received is different from a card lost after delivery. The applicant should select the “issued but never received” reason and follow the USCIS non-delivery process. Selecting the lost-card reason can result in the wrong evidence and fee being submitted.

You did not establish that DHS caused the card error

USCIS distinguishes between an error caused by the Department of Homeland Security and incorrect information supplied by the applicant. An applicant claiming a DHS error must provide evidence showing the correct information. If the evidence does not establish that DHS caused the error, USCIS may deny the application under that filing reason.

You could not establish your identity without the original card

When a Green Card is lost, stolen or destroyed, the applicant cannot submit the original card. USCIS may instead require a copy of the card, if available, or another government-issued identity document containing identifying information. The application may be denied if the submitted evidence does not allow USCIS to verify the applicant’s identity and permanent resident status.

You did not submit the original incorrect card

When requesting correction of a card containing a DHS error, USCIS generally requires the original incorrect Green Card. Paper filers should include it as instructed. Online filers should follow the USCIS directions for submitting the original card. Failing to provide it when required can prevent USCIS from approving the replacement.

Form I-90 was not the correct process

Form I-90 replaces a Permanent Resident Card; it does not provide permission to board transportation to the United States or remove conditions from permanent residence. A permanent resident whose card is lost or expired abroad may first need Form I-131A carrier documentation. The appropriate process depends on the applicant’s location and circumstances.

For filing reasons, documents, temporary proof and outside-the-United-States procedures, read the complete Green Card replacement guide.

What should you do after Form I-90 is denied?

A Form I-90 denial generally cannot be appealed. Depending on the reason, however, the applicant may be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider or submit a new Form I-90. Do not automatically refile before reviewing the written decision.

1. Read the entire denial notice. Review the facts, evidence and rules USCIS relied on. The notice should explain why the application was denied and whether a motion may be filed.
2. Identify the reason for denial. Determine whether USCIS found missing evidence, inconsistent information, an incorrect filing reason, failure to complete a required step or a broader eligibility problem.
3. Record the motion deadline. Use the date and instructions stated in the decision. Do not assume that contacting USCIS or submitting another Form I-90 will extend that deadline.
4. Compare the available responses. Use the following sections to determine whether a motion or new Form I-90 may fit the reason for denial.
5. Seek legal advice when the decision raises a broader issue. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer before responding if USCIS questions permanent resident status, identity, fraud or misrepresentation, abandonment of residence, or removal proceedings.

Keep a copy of the decision and every document submitted in response. The denial notice controls the available options and filing deadline.

Can you appeal a Form I-90 denial?

No. USCIS generally does not permit an appeal from a Form I-90 denial. Depending on the reason for the decision, the applicant may be able to file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, as a motion to reopen or reconsider. Filing a new Form I-90 may be another option when the applicant remains eligible and can correct the problem through a new application.

Motion to reopen

A motion to reopen asks USCIS to review the decision based on new facts. The motion must state those facts and support them with affidavits or other documentary evidence. It may be appropriate when relevant evidence was unavailable or was not included in the record USCIS considered. Simply resubmitting the original application without new supporting facts is generally insufficient.

Motion to reconsider

A motion to reconsider argues that USCIS incorrectly applied immigration law or policy when it denied the application. It must explain the claimed error and support the argument with applicable statutes, regulations, precedent decisions or USCIS policy. USCIS generally evaluates this motion using the record that existed when it made the original decision, rather than new facts.

Filing deadline

Form I-290B generally must be filed within 30 calendar days after the decision was served. When USCIS mailed the decision, the filing period is generally 33 calendar days. The denial notice should state the applicable deadline and filing instructions.

Read the notice carefully and calculate the deadline from the date USCIS specifies. If the deadline has passed or the correct response is unclear, consider obtaining advice from a qualified immigration lawyer before filing.

Should you file a motion or submit a new Form I-90?

The correct route depends on whether USCIS rejected the filing, made a decision using an incomplete record or incorrectly applied law or policy. A motion asks USCIS to review its denial, while a new Form I-90 starts a separate application.

Filing another Form I-90 is not automatically the correct response to every denial. A new application does not challenge the previous decision or extend the deadline for filing a motion. It also creates a separate case and may require a new filing fee.

Use the denial notice, the available evidence, and the stated motion deadline to choose the next step. Do not submit both filings merely to see which one USCIS processes first.

Does a rejection or denial end permanent resident status?

No. The rejection or denial of Form I-90 does not, by itself, terminate lawful permanent resident status. Form I-90 renews or replaces the Permanent Resident Card used as evidence of existing status; it does not grant or renew the underlying immigration status.

However, the reason for denial matters. A decision stating that USCIS cannot verify permanent resident status, or referring to abandonment of residence, terminated conditional status, fraud, a removal order or another status-related issue, may indicate a problem beyond the physical Green Card.

In that situation, filing another Form I-90 may not resolve the issue. Review the decision with a qualified immigration lawyer before submitting a new application, making international travel plans or relying on the denied filing as proof of status.

How can you prove your status while resolving the problem?

The available proof depends on whether you still have the expired Green Card.

For a qualifying 10-year-card renewal accepted by USCIS, the Form I-90 receipt notice generally extends the card’s validity for 36 months from its printed expiration date when presented with the expired card. A rejected filing does not provide this extension. After a denial, review the decision before relying on a previously issued receipt notice.

If the card is lost, stolen or otherwise unavailable, the Form I-90 receipt notice alone should not be treated as general proof of permanent resident status. Contact the USCIS Contact Center to ask about temporary Form I-551 evidence, commonly called an ADIT stamp.

For employment and travel details, see the Green Card renewal guide or Green Card replacement guide, depending on your situation.

When should you speak with an immigration lawyer?

A straightforward filing defect may be corrected without legal representation. Consider speaking with a qualified immigration lawyer, however, when the denial raises questions beyond the physical Green Card or when choosing the wrong response could affect an approaching deadline.

Seek individual legal advice if:

• USCIS disputes whether you are a lawful permanent resident;
• The decision mentions fraud, misrepresentation or abandonment of residence;
• You are currently in removal proceedings or have an outstanding removal order;
• Your identity documents and immigration records contain material differences;
• The deadline for a motion to reopen or reconsider is approaching; or
• You are unsure whether to file Form I-290B, submit a new Form I-90 or use another immigration process.

A lawyer can review the denial notice, immigration record and available evidence before recommending a response. Form I-90 preparation services and general filing guides cannot determine how a status, fraud, abandonment or removal issue applies to an individual case.

FAQs About Form I-90 Rejected or Denied

Get help preparing a corrected Form I-90

If USCIS rejected your application—or you determined after a denial that a new Form I-90 is the appropriate response—ImmigrationDirect’s guided preparation service can help you prepare a corrected filing.

The service helps you:

• Select the Form I-90 filing reason that matches your situation;
• Complete the required application fields;
• Check for common omissions before submission;
• Organize the supporting documents for your filing reason; and
• Prepare a filing package to submit to USCIS.

Choose the service that matches why you are filing:

Renew an expired or expiring 10-year Green Card

Use the renewal service if your 10-year Green Card has expired or will expire within six months. Prepare My Green Card Renewal Application

Replace a Green Card

Use the replacement service if your card was lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed, never received or issued with incorrect information. Prepare My Green Card Replacement Application

ImmigrationDirect does not prepare Form I-290B motions or determine how a denial affects your immigration status. If you are considering a motion or the decision raises a status, fraud, abandonment or removal issue, speak with a qualified immigration lawyer before filing another Form I-90.

ImmigrationDirect provides a private Form I-90 preparation service and is not affiliated with USCIS. Its service fee is separate from the USCIS filing fee. Blank government forms and filing instructions are available free from USCIS.