The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently implemented an important change to streamline the Green Card renewal process for lawful permanent residents. Starting September 10, 2024, USCIS has automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards, commonly referred to as Green Cards, for up to 36 months for applicants who file Form I-90, the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

What Does This Extension Mean for Green Card Holders?

If you are a lawful permanent resident and your Green Card is approaching its expiration date or has already expired, filing Form I-90 will now grant you an automatic 36-month extension of your card’s validity. Previously, the extension period was only 24 months, but this increase is aimed at addressing longer processing times for Green Card renewals and providing more security to applicants during the wait for their updated card.

Who is Eligible for the 36-month Extension?

To be eligible for this extension, you must properly submit Form I-90 to USCIS, which is used for expiring and expired Green Cards. If you file this form correctly, your receipt notice will serve as proof of the automatic extension. The receipt notice, which you receive after submitting Form I-90, will include updated language reflecting the new 36-month validity period from the date of your card’s expiration.

Updates for Current and New Applicants

If you have recently filed Form I-90, or are planning to file it, the receipt notice you receive from USCIS will reflect the 36-month extension. For those who already have a pending I-90 application as of September 10, 2024, USCIS has started sending out amended receipt notices that show this updated extension timeframe.

How to Use Your Receipt Notice

If your Green Card has already expired, you can continue to use your expired card along with your Form I-90 receipt notice as proof of your lawful permanent resident status. This combination will serve as a valid form of identification and authorization for employment purposes while your application is being processed. The extended receipt notice provides peace of mind for many applicants, ensuring they have continuous legal proof of status during what can often be lengthy renewal processes.

What If You No Longer Have Your Green Card?

In some cases, lawful permanent residents may have lost or misplaced their Green Card and cannot provide the expired card with the receipt notice as evidence of status. In this situation, you can still obtain proof of your lawful permanent resident status while waiting for your replacement Green Card. To do this, you need to schedule an appointment at a USCIS Field Office through the USCIS Contact Center. Once your appointment is confirmed, USCIS may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp as temporary evidence of your permanent resident status.

Why Is This Extension Important?

With growing processing times for Green Card renewals, many applicants have faced significant delays in receiving their updated cards, causing potential issues with employment verification, travel, and other essential services. The increase in validity extension to 36 months will help minimize these disruptions, providing applicants with more flexibility and ensuring they have reliable proof of their immigration status.

The change is a response to the evolving needs of lawful permanent residents, who deserve clear and continuous documentation of their status, particularly as USCIS works to process a high volume of I-90 applications.

How to Get More Information

If you have questions or need assistance with replacing your Green Card, visit the USCIS Replace Your Green Card page for more detailed instructions on filing Form I-90, or learn about your options if you have lost your card.  

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