U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made a significant policy update that offers a welcome relief to lawful permanent residents. The agency has extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, to 36 months for those who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This is effective Sept. 10, 2024.

Here’s an in-depth look at what this extension means and how it impacts you.

What is Form I-90?

Form I-90 is the application used by lawful permanent residents to replace or renew their Green Cards. This form is essential for those whose Green Cards are expiring or have already expired, as it ensures that they maintain their lawful status in the United States while awaiting the issuance of a new card.

The Previous 24-Month Extension

Before this new policy, USCIS provided a 24-month extension of the validity of a Green Card through the Form I-90 receipt notice. This receipt allowed lawful permanent residents to prove their status while their renewal applications were being processed.

The New 36-Month Extension

Starting September 10, 2024, USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 36 months from the expiration date on the face of the current Green Card. This extension applies to individuals who file a new Form I-90 renewal request and those with a pending Form I-90 application.

What Does This Mean for Applicants?

This new 36-month extension is a significant improvement that will help applicants who experience longer processing times. It provides a greater degree of certainty and reassurance, as it extends the period during which they can use their expired Green Card alongside the receipt notice as evidence of their continued lawful permanent resident status.

Conclusion

While USCIS’s decision to extend the validity of Green Cards to 36 months for applicants filing Form I-90 is a commendable step towards alleviating the concerns of lawful permanent residents, such steps would not be necessary if USCIS were to process applications faster. The agency needs to focus on reducing processing times, rather than extending the validity based on the receipt notice.

If you have questions regarding the above, please contact PLG Partner, Chris Prescott at cprescott@patellegal.com.