Effective September 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an automatic extension of Permanent Resident Cards (commonly known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This change aims to provide additional support to applicants during the renewal process.
Previously, lawful permanent residents who filed Form I-90 were granted a 24-month extension of their Green Card’s validity upon receipt of their application. However, USCIS has now updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to reflect a new 36-month validity period from the expiration date on the current Green Card.
As of last month, USCIS began issuing amended receipt notices to individuals with a pending Form I-90 application. These notices can be presented alongside an expired Green Card as proof of continued lawful permanent resident status and employment authorization. This extension is particularly beneficial for applicants facing longer processing times, ensuring they have valid documentation while awaiting their renewed Green Cards.
In cases where individuals no longer possess their Green Card but need proof of their lawful permanent resident status during the waiting period, USCIS advises scheduling an appointment at a USCIS Field Office. By contacting the USCIS Contact Center, applicants may be issued an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after filing Form I-90.
This initiative by USCIS underscores the agency’s commitment to enhancing the experience of lawful permanent residents as they navigate the renewal process, aiming to reduce stress and uncertainty during these transactions.
