Key Takeaways
• Starting September 10, 2024, USCIS extends green card validity automatically by 36 months after filing Form I-90.
• Green card holders can work and travel with expired cards plus Form I-797 receipt notice as valid proof.
• If lost green card, applicants can get a temporary ADIT stamp at a USCIS office during renewal.
If you are a lawful permanent resident in the United States 🇺🇸 and your green card is about to expire, you might be worried about what happens to your status while you wait for your new card. Many people wonder if they will lose their right to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 during the green card renewal process. The good news is that recent changes from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now give green card holders more time and security while waiting for their new card. Here’s what you need to know about the green card renewal process, the new 36-Month Validity Extension, and how to protect your status every step of the way.
Who is affected?
All lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States 🇺🇸 who need to renew an expiring or expired green card.
What changed?
Starting September 10, 2024, USCIS will automatically extend the validity of your green card for 36 months if you file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Where does this apply?
This policy covers all green card holders in the United States 🇺🇸 who file for renewal with USCIS.
When does it start?
The 36-month extension begins for all Form I-90 applications filed on or after September 10, 2024.
Why was this change made?
USCIS made this change to help green card holders avoid problems caused by long processing times and backlogs. Many people have had to wait more than a year for their new cards, so the longer extension gives more peace of mind.
How does it work?
When you file Form I-90, you will get a receipt notice (Form I-797) that, together with your expired green card, proves your status and allows you to work and travel while your renewal is pending.
Let’s break down what this means for you, what steps you need to take, and how to handle any problems that might come up during the green card renewal process.
What is Green Card Renewal and Why is it Important?
A green card is the official proof that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States 🇺🇸. It allows you to live and work in the country, travel internationally, and show your legal status to employers, government agencies, and others. Green cards are usually valid for 10 years, and you must renew yours before it expires.
Green card renewal is the process of applying for a new card when your current one is about to expire or has already expired. You do this by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with USCIS.
If your green card expires, you do not lose your permanent resident status. However, having an expired card can make it hard to prove your status, get a job, travel, or renew your driver’s license. That’s why it’s important to renew your card on time and keep proof of your status while waiting for your new card.
The New 36-Month Validity Extension: What Changed?
Key Change:
As of September 10, 2024, USCIS will automatically extend the validity of your green card for 36 months (three years) when you file Form I-90 for renewal. Before this, the extension was only 24 months.
How does this help you?
– You get more time to wait for your new card without worrying about losing proof of your status.
– You can keep working, traveling, and living in the United States 🇺🇸 without interruption.
– Employers and government agencies will accept your expired green card together with the new receipt notice as valid proof.
Why did USCIS make this change?
Processing times for green card renewals have gotten longer. Many people have had to wait more than a year for their new cards. The 36-month extension gives a bigger safety net, so you don’t have to worry about your status while waiting.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, immigration experts see this as a positive step that helps green card holders avoid problems with jobs, travel, and daily life while their renewal is pending.
How Does the 36-Month Extension Work?
When you file Form I-90, USCIS will send you a Form I-797 receipt notice. This notice is very important. It now says that your green card is valid for 36 months after the expiration date printed on your card.
What do you need to do?
– Keep the receipt notice safe.
– Carry your expired green card and the receipt notice together.
– Show both documents to employers, airlines, or government officials if they ask for proof of your status.
What if you lost your green card?
If you don’t have your green card anymore (it’s lost, stolen, or destroyed), you can still prove your status. After filing Form I-90, you can make an appointment at a USCIS Field Office to get an ADIT stamp (Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications stamp) in your passport. This stamp is temporary proof that you are a lawful permanent resident.
Step-by-Step Guide: Green Card Renewal and Status Extension
Here’s a simple guide to help you through the green card renewal process and make sure you keep your status:
1. File Form I-90
– Go to the official USCIS Form I-90 page.
– Fill out the application online or by mail.
– Pay the required fee (check the USCIS website for the latest fee amount).
– Submit your application before your green card expires, if possible.
2. Receive Your Receipt Notice (Form I-797)
– USCIS will mail you a receipt notice after they get your application.
– This notice now gives you a 36-month extension of your green card’s validity.
3. Use Your Receipt Notice as Proof
– Show your expired green card and the receipt notice together as proof of your status.
– This is accepted for work, travel, and other official purposes.
4. Request an ADIT Stamp if Needed
– If you don’t have your green card, call the USCIS Contact Center or use your USCIS Online Account to schedule an appointment at a local Field Office.
– Bring your passport and the Form I-90 receipt notice.
– The officer will put an ADIT stamp in your passport, which you can use as temporary proof of your status.
5. Wait for Your New Green Card
– USCIS will process your application and mail your new card.
– Processing times can vary, but it often takes 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on backlogs.
6. Keep Your Address Updated
– If you move, update your address with USCIS right away using your USCIS Online Account.
– This helps make sure you get all notices and your new card without delay.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew on Time?
If your green card expires and you haven’t filed Form I-90, you may have trouble proving your status. You could face problems with:
– Getting or keeping a job
– Traveling outside the United States 🇺🇸
– Renewing your driver’s license or state ID
– Proving your status to government agencies
However, your lawful permanent resident status does not expire with your card. You are still a permanent resident, but you need to renew your card as soon as possible to avoid these problems.
Important Deadlines and Form Updates
Form I-90 Editions:
– Until May 28, 2025, you can use the April 1, 2024 edition of Form I-90.
– Starting May 29, 2025, you must use the January 20, 2025 edition.
– Always check the official USCIS Form I-90 page for the latest version before filing.
Why does this matter?
Using the wrong form version can cause delays or even rejection of your application. Make sure you download and use the correct edition.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Renewal Process
- Apply Early: File Form I-90 up to six months before your green card expires.
- Keep Copies: Make copies of your application, receipt notice, and all documents you send to USCIS.
- Check Your Mail: Watch for your receipt notice and other USCIS letters. If you move, update your address right away.
- Know Your Rights: You can keep working and traveling with your expired green card and the receipt notice.
- Get Help if Needed: If you lose your green card or have trouble with your application, contact USCIS or a trusted immigration attorney.
How Does the 36-Month Extension Affect Employers and Other Stakeholders?
For Employers:
– You can accept an expired green card with a valid Form I-797 receipt notice as proof of an employee’s right to work.
– The receipt notice must clearly state the 36-month extension.
– This helps avoid problems with hiring or keeping lawful permanent resident workers.
For Government Agencies:
– Agencies that require proof of status (like DMVs or Social Security offices) should accept the expired green card and receipt notice together.
– If you have trouble, show them the official USCIS policy or ask for a supervisor.
For Families and Travelers:
– You can travel internationally with your expired green card and the receipt notice.
– Some airlines or border officers may not be familiar with the new policy, so carry a copy of the USCIS announcement or visit the USCIS Replace Your Green Card page for official information.
Background: Why Did USCIS Extend the Validity Period?
In the past, USCIS gave a 24-month extension to green card holders who filed Form I-90. This was meant to help people while waiting for their new cards. But as processing times grew longer, many people found that even 24 months was not enough. Some waited more than two years for their new card.
The new 36-month extension is a direct response to these delays. It gives green card holders more security and flexibility. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this change is seen as a much-needed improvement that helps people keep their jobs, travel, and live their lives without fear of losing proof of their status.
What If You Need to Travel or Prove Your Status While Waiting?
Travel:
– You can travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 with your expired green card and the Form I-797 receipt notice.
– Make sure your documents are valid and easy to find when returning to the United States 🇺🇸.
– If you lost your green card, get an ADIT stamp before traveling.
Employment:
– Show your employer your expired green card and the receipt notice.
– Employers should accept these as proof of your right to work.
Other Situations:
– For things like renewing your driver’s license or applying for benefits, bring both documents and be ready to explain the new policy.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Green Card Renewals?
USCIS may keep changing the rules as processing times and technology improve. Some experts hope for:
– Faster processing times
– Digital green cards or electronic proof of status
– More online services and updates
For now, the 36-month extension is a big step forward. It gives green card holders more time and less stress while waiting for their new cards.
Where to Find Official Information and Help
- USCIS Replace Your Green Card page:
uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-card - Form I-90 Application and Instructions:
uscis.gov/i-90 - USCIS Contact Center:
For appointments, ADIT stamps, or questions, visit the USCIS website for contact options. - USCIS Online Account:
Track your case, update your address, and get updates at uscis.gov.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- You do not lose your status while your green card renewal is pending if you file Form I-90.
- The 36-month validity extension gives you more time and security while waiting for your new card.
- Keep your receipt notice and expired green card together as proof of your status.
- If you lose your green card, get an ADIT stamp at a USCIS Field Office.
- Stay updated on form versions and USCIS policy changes.
- Apply early and keep your address current to avoid delays.
By following these steps and using the new 36-month extension, you can keep living, working, and traveling in the United States 🇺🇸 with confidence while waiting for your green card renewal. For more details, always check the official USCIS Replace Your Green Card page for the latest updates and instructions.
Learn Today
Green Card → Official ID proving lawful permanent residency in the United States, valid for 10 years.
Form I-90 → USCIS application used to renew or replace an expiring or lost green card.
Form I-797 → Receipt notice issued by USCIS that extends green card validity during renewal processing.
ADIT Stamp → Temporary proof of permanent resident status placed in a passport by USCIS during card replacement.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency managing immigration and green card processes.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS extends green card renewal validity to 36 months starting September 2024. This offers lawful permanent residents more security, allowing continuous work and travel with expired cards plus receipt notices while waiting for new cards amid processing delays.
— By VisaVerge.com
