Green Card Renewal Requirement for Kids Who Turn 14: What Parents Need to Know
If your child received a green card before age 14, there’s a specific immigration rule that could save you money – or cost you, if you overlook it. This post explains the special Form I-90 renewal requirement, the 30-day deadline after your child’s 14th birthday, and what to do if you miss it.
The Rule: Form I-90 Required After Turning 14
When a child becomes a lawful permanent resident (LPR) before age 14, USCIS generally issues a green card valid for 10 years. But because children under 14 don’t provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the time of issuance, they’re required to do so after turning 14.
If the child’s green card:
- Was issued before their 14th birthday, and
- Expires after their 16th birthday,
then Form I-90 must be filed within 30 days after their 14th birthday. This is how USCIS collects biometrics from minors once they reach the required age.
Fee Waiver If You File on Time
If you file within the 30-day window after the child turns 14, USCIS will waive the standard I-90 filing fee, though the $85 biometrics fee may still apply.
Filing:
- ✅ Within 30 days after turning 14: No filing fee
- ❌ More than 30 days late or before age 14: Full fee required
What If You Miss the 30-Day Window?
Missing the deadline does not affect your child’s legal status. They remain a lawful permanent resident. However:
- 💸 You lose the fee waiver. You’ll need to pay the full I-90 fee.
- 🧾 Biometrics will still be required.
- 📅 There’s no formal penalty or new deadline, but filing as soon as possible is wise.
A late filing doesn’t trigger legal consequences — just the added cost.
When This Rule Doesn’t Apply
You don’t need to file Form I-90 at age 14 if:
- The green card was issued after your child turned 14, or
- The green card will expire before their 16th birthday, or
- Your child already submitted Form I-90 for another reason.
In those cases, just renew the green card as you would normally before it expires.
How to Stay Ahead of the Process
To avoid delays or unnecessary costs:
- Mark your child’s 14th birthday and the 30-day window that follows.
- Gather documentation early — including their current green card and ID.
- File Form I-90 online or by mail within the deadline to qualify for the waiver.
- If you missed the deadline, don’t panic — just file as soon as possible, even if fees apply.
Need Help Filing Form I-90?
If you’re unsure whether this rule applies to your child, or need help completing the I-90 properly, we’re here to help. At [Your Law Firm Name], we help families avoid costly mistakes and stay compliant with complex immigration rules.
I need your help I don’t know how to apply it
If you’re filing it yourself, you can do it online here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-90. But if you have any questions, it might make sense to schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney to make sure that that’s the right form for your child. As I said in the comment below, some factors can change whether your child even needs an I-90.
We got the GC when my son was 12 yrs . We missed the 30 day window. We filled when he 15 yrs ( selected the reason 2 g 1) we got a biometric apoinment and he did the biometric and pictures . But then the case was denied . I still pending for a official letter of denier. Should I now need to refill I-90 online with different reason =2.j please? Should that affect his status ? Can recent biometric be reused? Thank you in advance for your response
Can you travel after applying? My son turns 14 end of April, we usually travel in June. Is this too tight for turnaround with the card
We got the GC when my daughter was 13 yrs and 8 months . We missed the 30 day window. We filled when she was 16 yrs ( months selected the reason 2 g 1 bit it was denied . What do I do next ? Please help me !
It depends on why it was denied. If she’s still a permanent resident, you can file a new I-90. You just can’t do it without paying the filing fee if you do it after the 30-day window. But other factors might suggest that she doesn’t need a new I-90. Most importantly, if she’s already a US citizen (and LPR kids become citizens if their parents naturalize, so you should check whether she’s actually a citizen). Happy to schedule a consult if you need help with either of those things.
My daughter came into the country when she was 13 years 6 months with a PR. She would be 16years in 2 months. Should I file using reason 2j on the form i-90 and attach the filing fee?
I think you need to choose 2 J instead.
Hi my son received green card when he was 10 year and now he became 14. His green card has his photo on it and I also remember taking him with us for biometric when he was 10. Does he still need I-90 now that he turned 14?
We’ve missed the 30 day window. I got the green card when my daughter was 9 years old. Can we file i90 and travel to India.
We got the GC when my son was 12 yrs . We missed the 30 day window. We filled when he 15 yrs ( selected the reason 2 g 1) we got a biometric apoinment and he did the biometric and pictures . But then the case was denied . I still pending for a official letter of denier. Should I now need to refill I-90 online with different reason =2.j please? Should that affect his status ? Can recent biometric be reused? Thank you in advance for your response
Hi all,
I’ve applied 50 days afer turning 14 and the fee is still $0. Maybe thie policy has changed?
We are F4 visa holders and we all got our green cards. That time my daughter was 14 yrs 4 months. Should I still need to file I 90 form for her biometric?
If my kid received GC as he is under 14 and does not submit I-90 until he 23. His GC will expire soon, and he will submit I-90. Is there any problem on his case.