USA Immigration News

USCIS Changes Filing Location and Instructions for Form I-90

The USCIS recently announced that the filing location and instructions for all Form I-90 applications being submitted via mail have been changed.

This includes applications filed because the applicants never received the Permanent Resident cards issued to them or because their cards were issued with incorrect information due to an error by USCIS.

The I-90 Form is used by U.S. permanent residents to replace or renew their I-551 Permanent Resident Card also known as the "green card." This form may be used to obtain a new green card (if the applicant never received a card that was issued by the USCIS), correct information on the green card or replace a green card that has been lost or stolen.

The USCIS now requires all applicants filing the I-90 application by mail to submit the application to a Lockbox facility located at:

USCIS
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036 or

USCIS
ATTN: I-90, 1820
Skyharbor Circle S
Floor 1
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Applicants filing the I-90 application electronically or whose residence is outside the U.S. are not affected by these changes.

The USCIS has also changed instructions regarding the submission of supporting documents for Form I-90. Previously, the USCIS instructed applicants to submit their supporting documents at their biometrics appointment. However, applicants are now instructed to submit the I-90 application together with all supporting documentation directly to the new Lockbox facility in Phoenix.

For applications that were filed prior to the announcement of the new instructions, where no supporting documentation was submitted, the USCIS has advised that they will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) notice. The RFE will advise applicants where to submit their supporting documentation.

In order to allow for a smooth transition the USCIS has instituted precautionary measures to ensure that all applications mistakenly filed at the old Lockbox address will be forwarded to the correct USCIS Lockbox facility. USCIS has advised that until May 28, 2009, they will forward any applications filed at the old Lockbox address to the new Phoenix Lockbox facility.

Any applications forwarded by the USCIS during this period will be considered properly filed when received at the Phoenix Lockbox facility unless the application is rejected for other reasons.

However, after May 28, 2009, different rules will apply. Any Form I-90 application which is mailed via US Postal Service (USPS) to the previous Lockbox address will be forwarded by the USPS to the Phoenix Lockbox. This forwarding period will last for approximately 90 days. I-90 applications which are mailed to the incorrect address via courier services will not be forwarded and will be returned to the applicant.

Finally, any I-90 application that is filed at a USCIS Service Center will be rejected without prejudice and returned to the sender with a notification to file the application at the correct Lockbox address.

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