I-90 Green Card Renewals During a Shutdown: What to Expect

USCIS will keep processing Form I-90 green card renewals during a federal government shutdown, and approved cases will still move to card production and mailing. The agency is expected to operate because it is primarily funded by filing fees, not annual congressional budgets. For permanent residents worried about losing proof of status if a shutdown slows parts of the system, USCIS has already extended the validity of the receipt notice as temporary proof for up to 36 months past the green card’s expiration, which helps cover any extra wait time that might occur.

Policy continuity during shutdowns

In past shutdowns, USCIS maintained most services, including intake, biometrics, adjudications, and card production for I-90 renewal cases. That pattern is expected again because the agency’s fee-funded structure shields it from most direct effects of a funding lapse.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, applicants should keep moving forward with their Form I-90 filings and should expect core processing to continue even if other federal offices pause some work.

Since September 2024, USCIS has issued receipt notices that extend proof of lawful permanent resident status by up to 36 months for I-90 renewal filings, replacing the older extension stickers. This change is especially helpful during a government shutdown, when interagency workflows may slow in some places.

USCIS explained the new policy in a formal alert; readers can review the announcement on the USCIS website at USCIS updates green card validity extension to 36 months.

While USCIS keeps working, some steps can take longer if they rely on other agencies that may have furloughs or reduced staffing during a shutdown. Background and security checks, for example, sometimes involve coordination with the FBI or other partners. Those checks can still happen, but the pace may vary. Applicants should plan for possible slowdowns in these interagency checks and in the delivery chain if mail or contractor schedules tighten.

Still, the central message remains: I-90 renewal applications are accepted, processed, adjudicated, and, upon approval, lead to new card production and mailing.

What applicants should do now

• Attend biometrics appointments and any USCIS interviews as scheduled, unless you receive an official reschedule.
• If a local Application Support Center adjusts hours because of facility or staffing issues tied to the broader federal shutdown, USCIS will send new notices.
• Monitor your case status and your mailbox frequently.
• If you move, file a change of address quickly so your card can be delivered without interruption.

Practical effects for applicants

Permanent residents commonly worry about travel and employment during shutdowns. Here’s how the current framework helps:

• Work authorization
  • For many employers, an expired green card plus a valid I-90 receipt notice is acceptable for I-9 re-verification.
  • The receipt shows the cardholder has timely filed for renewal and remains a lawful permanent resident.
  • Employees should present the receipt notice if the card is expired; employers should document the 36-month extension window.

• Travel
  • Essential border and customs functions continue, so international travel and reentry remain operational.
  • Secondary inspections or identity checks may take longer during a shutdown.
  • If your physical card is expired and you have not received the new card yet, carry:
  • your passport,
  • your expired green card, and
  • your original Form I-797 receipt notice reflecting the 36-month extension.
  • Airline staff and carriers often review these documents before boarding — allow extra time.
• Card delivery
  • Card production and mailing continue after approval.
  • If there are shipping disruptions or contractor delays, your I-797 receipt still serves as temporary proof of status for up to 36 months.
  • Keep the original notice safe and bring a copy when needed.
• Interagency impacts
  • Some agencies, like the Department of Labor, may pause certain programs during a shutdown (e.g., labor certification processing).
  • That does not directly affect an I-90 renewal, which is only for replacing or renewing a permanent resident card.
  • If you have multiple case types filed, separate the I-90 timeline from other filings that depend on agencies outside USCIS.

Biometric appointments and customer service

• Biometrics services typically continue, though some centers may consolidate operations.
• The safest approach: show up as scheduled unless USCIS officially reschedules you.
• If a weather closure or facility issue arises, USCIS will issue a new notice.
• Missing biometrics without good cause can delay your I-90 renewal far more than any shutdown ripple.

Community groups report phone lines and in-person services can feel busier during funding lapses as people seek answers. Online case tools and account messages remain the best first stop.

If an employer or school needs confirmation of your status while you wait for a new card, provide them with:
– your I-797 receipt notice, and
– a copy of the USCIS alert about the 36-month extension.

That combination usually calms urgency and keeps life moving.

Important: USCIS keeps working through a shutdown, especially on paid applications like the I-90 renewal. Keep deadlines, show up for appointments, and check your secure online account.

Remember that the United States recognizes your permanent resident status through law itself; the physical card is proof, but the I-797 receipt serves as temporary proof while USCIS prints the new card.

Filing and official resources

• Correct form: Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
• Submit a complete application with correct fees and supporting documents to reduce the risk of delays from Requests for Evidence.

Official links:
– USCIS updates green card validity extension to 36 months
– Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)

Use these pages as primary sources to share with employers, schools, and carriers while your renewal is pending during any government shutdown.