Can I Work or Apply for Jobs During Green Card Renewal?

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Key Takeaways

• USCIS extended green card renewal validity to 36 months starting September 10, 2024.
• EAD holders receive a 540-day automatic extension if renewal is filed timely.
• Expired green card plus Form I-90 receipt serve as valid work authorization.

Green Card Renewal: Can You Work or Apply for a New Job While Waiting?

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Can I Work or Apply for Jobs During Green Card Renewal?

Many permanent residents in the United States 🇺🇸 worry about their ability to work or find a new job while waiting for their green card renewal. As of June 2025, new policies from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have changed the rules, making it easier for green card holders to keep working and even start new jobs during the renewal process. These changes are important for both employees and employers, especially with longer processing times and stricter immigration enforcement in recent years.

This article explains what these new policies mean, how they work, and what steps you should take to protect your right to work while your green card renewal is pending. We’ll also look at the background behind these changes, what experts say, and what could happen in the future.

What Has Changed for Green Card Renewal and Work Authorization?

The 36-Month Extension Policy

Since September 10, 2024, USCIS has extended the automatic validity of green cards for renewal applicants from 12 months to 36 months. This means that if you file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) to renew your green card, your expired green card is now considered valid for up to 36 months after the expiration date printed on the card. This policy helps permanent residents avoid problems with employment verification while waiting for their new card.

Key Points:
– Who is affected? All permanent residents who file Form I-90 for green card renewal.
– What is required? You must have filed Form I-90 and received the receipt notice from USCIS.
– How does it work? Your expired green card, together with the Form I-90 receipt notice, serves as valid proof of your status and work authorization for 36 months.

Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Some green card applicants or adjustment of status applicants use an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work. If your EAD is expiring and you file for renewal on time, USCIS now grants an automatic extension of up to 540 days (about 18 months). This means you can keep working while your EAD renewal is pending, as long as you have the receipt notice showing you filed on time.

Can You Work or Apply for a New Job During Green Card Renewal?

Continuing to Work with an Expired Green Card

If your green card has expired but you have filed Form I-90 for renewal, you are allowed to continue working. The 36-month automatic extension means your expired green card, along with the Form I-90 receipt notice, is valid proof of your right to work. Employers must accept these documents for Form I-9 employment verification.

What You Need:
– Your expired green card
– The Form I-90 receipt notice from USCIS

Employers should not refuse to accept these documents. If they do, you can show them the official USCIS policy, which is explained in detail on the USCIS Green Card Renewal page.

Applying for a New Job

You can apply for and accept a new job during the green card renewal process if you have the right documents. The combination of your expired green card and the Form I-90 receipt notice meets the requirements for Form I-9, which all employers use to verify work authorization.

For job seekers:
– Present your expired green card and Form I-90 receipt notice to your new employer.
– If you use an EAD, present your expired EAD and the renewal receipt notice if you filed on time.

Working with an EAD

If you have an EAD and you file for renewal before it expires, you get an automatic extension of up to 540 days. This means you can keep working while waiting for your new EAD card. Make sure to keep your renewal receipt notice as proof.

Step-by-Step Guide: What Should You Do?

File Form I-90 as soon as possible before your green card expires. If it’s already expired, file immediately.
- Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)
Keep your Form I-90 receipt notice from USCIS. This is your proof of the 36-month extension.
3. Show your expired green card and Form I-90 receipt notice to your employer for Form I-9 verification.
If you have an EAD, file Form I-765 for renewal before your current EAD expires.
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Keep your EAD renewal receipt notice as proof of the 540-day automatic extension.
Use these documents to apply for new jobs or keep working at your current job.
Check your USCIS case status regularly and respond quickly to any requests for more information.
Stay updated by checking the USCIS Newsroom for the latest policy changes.

Why Did USCIS Make These Changes?

Background and Historical Context

Before September 2024, green card holders who filed for renewal only got a 12-month extension of their card’s validity. This often caused problems, especially when USCIS processing times were long. Many people found themselves unable to prove their right to work, leading to job loss or trouble finding new work.

The new 36-month extension is a direct response to these problems. USCIS wanted to reduce the burden on both permanent residents and employers. By giving a longer automatic extension, the agency hopes to prevent work interruptions and reduce stress for everyone involved.

The 540-day EAD extension was introduced earlier for similar reasons. Many people who rely on EADs faced long waits for renewals, so this policy helps them keep working while their new cards are processed.

What Do Experts and Stakeholders Say?

Legal and Employer Perspectives

Immigration attorneys and legal experts generally see the 36-month extension as a big improvement. It gives green card holders more security and helps employers avoid confusion during the hiring process. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, most experts agree that these changes make life easier for both workers and businesses.

Employers are advised to accept the expired green card and Form I-90 receipt notice as valid proof of work authorization. Refusing to do so could lead to discrimination claims or problems with federal employment rules.

Cautions and Practical Tips

Even with these new policies, delays in USCIS processing can still cause stress. Experts recommend:
– Filing renewal applications as early as possible
– Keeping copies of all USCIS notices and receipts
– Responding quickly to any requests for more information from USCIS
– Checking the status of your case regularly

Some experts also warn that the political environment can change quickly. For example, after President Trump returned to office in January 2025, there were new enforcement orders affecting some immigration programs. However, these changes mostly impact non-permanent residents and do not affect green card holders renewing their cards.

What Are the Implications for Different Groups?

For Green Card Holders

Peace of mind: You can keep working and apply for new jobs without worrying about losing your status.
Less risk of job loss: The 36-month extension means you’re less likely to face gaps in work authorization.
Clearer rules: The combination of your expired green card and Form I-90 receipt notice is now officially accepted.

For Employers

Easier hiring: You can confidently hire or keep employees with expired green cards if they have the right documents.
Reduced paperwork problems: The new rules make it easier to complete Form I-9 and avoid mistakes.
Legal protection: Following USCIS guidance helps you avoid discrimination claims or penalties.

For Families and Dependents

Stability: Family members who rely on a green card holder’s income are less likely to face financial problems due to work interruptions.
Clearer planning: The longer extension period gives families more time to plan for travel, job changes, or other life events.

What Could Change in the Future?

Possible Policy Updates

USCIS may continue to adjust these policies if processing times stay long or if there are new backlogs. There is also a chance that Congress or the administration could change the rules for work authorization, but as of June 2025, no new changes are expected.

Political Environment

Immigration policy can shift quickly, especially with changes in government. While President Trump’s administration has focused on stricter enforcement, these efforts have mostly targeted non-permanent residents and special programs like DACA and TPS. Green card holders renewing their cards have not been directly affected by these changes so far.

What Should You Watch For?

USCIS announcements: Always check the USCIS Newsroom for the latest updates.
Official notices: Read any letters or emails from USCIS carefully and respond quickly.
Legal advice: If you have a complicated case or face problems with your employer, consider talking to an immigration attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 while my green card renewal is pending?

You can travel, but you must carry your expired green card and the Form I-90 receipt notice as proof of your status. Some travelers have reported problems at border crossings, so check with USCIS or an attorney before making travel plans.

What if my employer refuses to accept my expired green card and Form I-90 receipt notice?

Show your employer the official USCIS policy, which clearly states that these documents are valid for work authorization. If problems continue, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center or seek legal help.

How do I check the status of my green card renewal?

You can check your case status online at the USCIS Case Status page using your receipt number.

What if I lose my Form I-90 receipt notice?

Contact USCIS immediately to request a replacement. Keep digital and paper copies of all important documents.

Official Resources

Takeaways and Next Steps

You can work and apply for new jobs during green card renewal if you have filed Form I-90 and have the receipt notice.
The 36-month extension gives you more time and security while waiting for your new card.
If you use an EAD, file for renewal on time to get the 540-day automatic extension.
Keep all documents safe and respond quickly to any USCIS requests.
Employers must accept the expired green card and Form I-90 receipt notice for work authorization.
Stay informed by checking official USCIS resources for updates.

By following these steps and keeping up with the latest policies, you can protect your right to work and avoid problems during the green card renewal process. For more detailed information and updates, always refer to the official USCIS Green Card Renewal page.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these recent changes have brought much-needed relief to green card holders and employers, making the renewal process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

Learn Today

Green Card → A permanent resident card that allows non-citizens to live and work in the U.S.
Form I-90 → USCIS form to apply for replacing or renewing a permanent resident card.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → A card that permits certain non-citizens to work legally in the U.S.
Form I-9 → An employment eligibility verification form that employers use to confirm workers’ authorization.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that oversees immigration processes.

This Article in a Nutshell

New USCIS rules let green card holders work or accept jobs while renewing. The 36-month extension and 540-day EAD renewal protect work rights during long processing times.
— By VisaVerge.com