Starting September 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that lawful permanent residents who apply for a Green Card renewal will now receive a 36-month extension of their current card’s validity. This change applies to those filing Form I-90, the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and replaces the previous 24-month extension policy.
This extension is great news for Green Card holders experiencing longer processing times for renewals. Here’s what you need to know about this new policy and how it can impact you.
What the New Policy Means
If your Green Card is expired or expiring, and you file Form I-90 for a renewal, your USCIS receipt notice will automatically grant you an extension of 36 months from the original card’s expiration date. Previously, this extension was only 24 months, which sometimes caused problems for applicants due to delays in processing their renewal requests.
Now, with an extra 12 months of validity, you’ll have more time while waiting for your new Green Card to be processed. This extension ensures that your legal status remains intact, making it easier to continue working, traveling, and living in the U.S. without unnecessary interruptions.
Why This Extension Is Important
Processing delays can cause anxiety for many immigrants. The new 36-month extension helps ease that stress by giving you more breathing room. With the longer extension period, you won’t have to worry as much about your status expiring while waiting for your new card.
This change is especially helpful for those who rely on their Green Card for employment. The updated receipt notice, which proves your status, can be shown to your employer as proof of your continued authorization to work in the U.S. If your Green Card is expired, simply present the receipt notice along with your expired card, and your employment status will remain valid.
How the Process Works
Once you submit your Form I-90 to USCIS, you will receive a receipt notice confirming that your application is in progress. This receipt now includes the 36-month extension and acts as proof of your lawful permanent resident status. If you already have a pending I-90 application, USCIS will issue an updated receipt notice to reflect the new 36-month extension.
If your Green Card is lost or you cannot use it while waiting for your replacement, you can schedule an appointment with USCIS to request an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp. This stamp serves as temporary proof of your permanent resident status and can be used in the absence of a physical Green Card.
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What to Do If Your Address Changes
If you change your mailing address while waiting for your new Green Card, be sure to update your information through your USCIS Online Account. This will help you receive important notices and your new card without delays.
The Bottom Line
The USCIS’s decision to extend the validity of Green Cards for 36 months is a significant step toward reducing the stress of long processing times for renewals. This change allows you to continue living and working in the U.S. with peace of mind while waiting for your new Green Card.
For more details on how to replace your Green Card, visit the official USCIS website and the “Replace Your Green Card” page for further guidance.
This update makes life a little easier for Green Card holders, ensuring you have the time and flexibility to manage your immigration status without unnecessary worry.