The USCIS announced that they are extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards, or Green Cards, for petitions who have filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.

Conditional permanent residence cards are typically only valid for two years. Once those two years are up, you must remove the conditions from your permanent residence status by filing a Form I-751 or Form I-829 within the 90-day period before your conditional Green Card expires. This is important because you cannot renew conditional Green Cards – if the conditions aren’t removed, you lose your permanent residence status.

With this new extension, you can keep your conditional permanent residence status for 48 months after the expiration date on your Green Card as long as you have a valid pending Form I-751 or Form I-829.

The 48 month validity extension will take into effect on the following days:

• January 11, 2023 for Form I-829
• January 25, 2023 for Form I-751

This extension has been implemented in order to account for the increase in processing times for both Form I-751 and Form I-829 over the past year. 

The language on receipt notices for both forms listed above has been updated to reflect the extended 48 months Green Card validity period. Additionally, new receipt notices will be issued to eligible conditional permanent residents who previously received notices that had a shorter extension than the new 48 months and still have pending cases. 

These new notices can be presented along with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued valid status. The expired Green Card and receipt notice also allows you to remain authorized to work and travel for 48 months from the expiration date of your Green Card. 

For more information on Condition Permanent Residence, see the USCIS website.