A permanent resident card is a crucial document that allows an individual to live and work permanently in a foreign country. However, over time, there may be a need to update this card due to various reasons such as expiration, loss, or a change in personal information. One of the primary concerns for many individuals in this situation is the cost involved. In this article, we will delve into the costs associated with updating a permanent resident card, considering different scenarios and countries, with a particular focus on the United States and China.
Permanent Resident Card in the United States (Green Card)
General Overview
In the United States, the permanent resident card is commonly known as the green card. If you are a lawful permanent resident and your green card is about to expire, lost, stolen, or damaged, or if there has been a change in your name or other biographical information since the issuance of your last green card, you will need to apply for a renewal or replacement. The main form used for this purpose is the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Fee Structure
I-90 Filing Fee
The standard I-90 filing fee is $455. This fee is required when you file the Form I-90 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Whether you file the form electronically or by mail, this fee generally applies.
However, there are some exceptions.
For example, if your current green card has incorrect information on it due to a Department of Homeland Security error, or if your green card was issued by USCIS but you never received it (returned to USCIS as undeliverable), you are not required to pay the I-90 filing fee.
Biometric Services Fee
In addition to the I-90 filing fee, you may also need to pay a biometric services fee of $85. This fee is for USCIS to collect your digital fingerprints. Biometric data collection helps in the security and identification process during the green card renewal or replacement procedure.
The biometric services fee is not always applicable. For instance, if you are filing because of a Homeland Security error or non – receipt of the card as mentioned above, you don’t need to pay this fee either. But if your existing green card is expired or will expire within 6 months, or if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you will likely have to pay both the I-90 filing fee and the biometric services fee.
Another situation where you only pay the biometric services fee and not the I-90 filing fee is when you turned 14 years old and your current green card will expire after your 16th birthday.
Situational Breakdown
Expired or Soon – to – Expire Green Card
If your green card has expired or will expire within the next six months, you must file Form I-90. In this case, you will typically be required to pay both the I-90 filing fee of 455 and the biometric services fee of 85, for a total of $540. This is because USCIS needs to process your application for a new card and collect your updated biometric information.
Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Green Card
When your green card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you also need to file Form I-90. The same fee structure applies as in the case of an expired or soon – to – expire card. You will pay the I-90 filing fee of 455 and the biometric services fee of 85, amounting to $540. This is to cover the administrative costs of replacing your lost or damaged card and ensuring your identity through biometric data collection.
Name or Personal Information Change
If your name or other personal information has legally changed since the issuance of your last green card, you need to file Form I-90 to update your green card. You will be responsible for paying both the I-90 filing fee of 455 and the biometric services fee of 85. Along with the form, you will also need to provide legal documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce papers, or a court – ordered name change document to support the change in information.
Age – Related Changes
If you turned 14 years old and your existing green card will expire before your 16th birthday, you are required to file Form I-90. You will pay both the I-90 filing fee of 455 and the biometric services fee of 85. However, if you turned 14 years old and your current green card will expire after your 16th birthday, you only need to pay the biometric services fee of $85. This is because the USCIS has different requirements for minors approaching the age of 16, as they may need updated biometric data for security and identification purposes.
Permanent Resident Card in China (Foreigners Permanent Resident ID Card)
General Information
In China, the permanent resident card for foreigners is called the Foreigners Permanent Resident ID Card, also known as the “Five – Star Card”. If a foreigner has obtained permanent residency in China and needs to update their card, there are specific costs associated with it.
Fee Structure
Replacement due to Normal Reasons (e.g., Expiration, Information Update)
When a foreigner needs to replace their permanent resident ID card due to normal reasons such as the card’s expiration or a change in personal information (excluding name change due to marriage or other legal name – changing events which may have different procedures), the cost is 300 yuan per card. This fee covers the administrative and production costs of issuing a new card with the updated information.
Replacement due to Loss or Damage
If the card is lost or damaged and needs to be replaced, the cost is 600 yuan per card. The higher fee in this case is likely due to the additional administrative efforts and security measures required to issue a replacement card when the original card is no longer in the applicant’s possession or is damaged.
Other Considerations
Additional Costs in the United States
Legal Representation
In the United States, while not mandatory, some individuals may choose to hire an immigration lawyer to assist with their green card renewal. Immigration forms can be complex, and incorrect filing can lead to delays or even denials. The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. On average, legal fees for a green card renewal can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
However, if your case is straightforward, you may be able to handle the renewal process on your own and save on legal fees.
Translation Costs
If any of the supporting documents you need to submit with your Form I-90 are in a language other than English, you are required to provide a certified translation. The cost of translation services can also add to the overall expense.
Translation fees depend on the length and complexity of the document, but can range from 25 to 100 or more per page.
Additional Costs in China
Documentation Costs
Similar to the United States, in China, if you need to provide additional documentation to support the reason for updating your permanent resident ID card, there may be associated costs. For example, if you are changing your name due to marriage, you will need to provide a marriage certificate. If this certificate was issued in a foreign country, you may need to have it authenticated and translated, which can involve fees for notarization, authentication at relevant embassies or consulates, and translation services.
Conclusion
The cost of updating a permanent resident card varies depending on the country and the specific circumstances of the applicant. In the United States, the cost for a green card renewal or replacement can range from 0 (in some special cases) to 540, with additional potential costs for legal representation and translation. In China, the cost for updating a foreigner’s permanent resident ID card is either 300 yuan for normal replacement reasons or 600 yuan for replacement due to loss or damage, along with possible additional costs for documentation.
It is essential for individuals to carefully review the requirements and fee structures specific to their situation before starting the process of updating their permanent resident card. Whether it’s in the United States or China, being well – informed about the costs and procedures can help ensure a smooth and successful renewal or replacement of the permanent resident card.
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