U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Friday that it would automatically extend the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) for lawful permanent residents who have applied for naturalization.

Key Points:

  • Effective Monday, Dec. 12, lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who properly file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, may receive an extension of 24 months from the “Card Expires” date listed on their Green Card without having to file a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
  • The Form N-400 receipt notice can be presented with the expired Green Card as evidence of continued status. It can also be presented as an identity and employment authorization document under List A of the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) Lists of Acceptable Documents, if presented before the expiration of the 24-month extension period.
  • The extension will apply to all applicants who file Form N-400 on or after Dec. 12, 2022. LPRs who filed for naturalization prior to Dec. 12 will not receive a Form N-400 receipt notice with the extension.
  • USCIS’ Policy Manual update is available here.

Background: Up until now, naturalization applicants who filed for naturalization within six months of their Green Card expiration had to file Form I-90 to maintain their lawful status. Applicants who filed for naturalization more than six months before their Green Card expiration were given an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp in their passport, which served as temporary evidence of lawful permanent residence. USCIS said the updated policy “recognizes USCIS’ current processing times, while improving flexibility and efficiency” by reducing the number of Form I-90 applications and ADIT stamp appointments.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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