USCIS Extends Green Card Validity by 36 Months for Form I-90 Filers

USCIS Implements Changes to Green Card Validity Extensions

Effective Date and Extension Period

As of September 10, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new policy to automatically extend the validity of green cards for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90. This new policy increases the extension period from 24 months to 36 months. The change is aimed at providing additional relief to applicants who are experiencing longer-than-usual processing times for their green card renewals.

Eligibility and Receipt Notices

Lawful permanent residents who wish to benefit from this policy must properly file Form I-90 to renew or replace their expiring or expired green cards. USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to reflect this 36-month extension. The agency has also started issuing amended receipt notices for pending Form I-90 applications that previously received just a 24-month extension. This update is key for residents to maintain their lawful status without interruption.

Documentation Requirements

To prove their lawful permanent resident status and employment authorization, applicants must present the amended or original receipt notice along with their expired green card. This documentation is essential for various legal purposes, including employment verification and re-entry into the United States after travel abroad.

Handling Lost or Missing Green Cards

For applicants who no longer possess their green cards, there is an alternative available. They can request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office to obtain an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp. This stamp serves as temporary proof of their lawful status while their Form I-90 is being processed.

Impact on Employment Verification

The new policy’s implications extend to employment verification processes. USCIS will update the USCIS M-274 Handbook for Employers, which is used for completing Form I-9. Employers will need to be aware of these changes to ensure they are complying with the new guidelines for verifying an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States.

General Application and Mailing Precautions

This policy applies to all lawful permanent residents who have properly filed Form I-90, regardless of whether their application was pending before or after the effective date of the new policy. USCIS began printing the amended receipt notices on the policy’s effective date. Applicants are advised to update their mailing address through their USCIS Online Account if it changes while their case is pending to ensure they receive important notifications without delay.

The changes made by USCIS reflect an effort to alleviate the burden on lawful permanent residents by extending the validity period of their green cards, thus accommodating the current extended processing times.