Travel Visa

USCIS Extends Green Card Authenticity To 3 Years: Additional Waiting Time For Renewal

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a comforting measure to relieve the stress on green card holders. It will automatically extend the authenticity of permanent resident cards, commonly known as green cards, to 3 years for those who file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card).

This extension will offer holders of green cards additional time to wait for their renewed cards, mostly at longer processing times.

Automatic Extension Of Green Card Authenticity

Beginning on 10th September 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will automatically prolong the authenticity of green cards for three years for people who file Form I-90 (Application to replace permanent resident card).

This is an elevation from the past two-year extension, making it remarkably straightforward for legal permanent residents to maintain their status while awaiting renewal.

New Form I-90 Receipt Notifications

For applicants who file Form I-90, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated the receipt notifications to reflect this 3-year extension. These new notifications indicate continued legal permanent resident status and job approval, allowing Green Card holders to present them along with their expired cards during renewal.

Support For Missing Green Cards

Suppose you lost your Green Card and must prove your legal permanent resident status. You can book an appointment at a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Office via the USCIS contact hub. This will ensure you can still verify your status while waiting for a replacement, providing a safety net.

Crucial Renewal Measures

As a legal permanent resident, you are required to replace your Green Card under specific requirements:

If You Get Your Green Card Before Reaching 14 Years Old

If you were provided a Green Card before your 14th birthday, you must replace it when you reach the age of 14. Hence, if your green card is set to expire before you reach the age of 16, this condition is waived, as you will need to renew it then.

If Your Green Card Is Expired Or Will Soon Expire

If your green card has already expired or will soon expire within the next six months, you are required to file for renewal. Having an expired green card can result in issues, as you will be required to indicate evidence of your legal permanent resident status for jobs, travel, and other lawful matters.

If Your Status Has Been Modified To Commuter Status

Suppose you were settling in the United States as a permanent resident but have become a commuter, implying you reside outside the United States but often travel into the nation for employment. In that case, you are required to replace your green card to portray this status modification. Your new card will demonstrate that you are a commuter.

If You Were A Special Agricultural Employee

If you were formerly a special agricultural employee and your status has been automatically changed to permanent resident, you are required to make an application for a new Green Card. This applies to people who partake in special relocation schemes for farm employees and are now regarded as legal permanent residents.

If You Possess An Outdated Rendition Of A Non-national Enrollment Card

Most older renditions of non-national enrollment cards, such as USCIS Forms AR-3, AR-103, or I-151, are no longer authentic. If you have one of these outdated cards, you need to replace it with a modern Green Card (Form I-551). This makes sure that your documentation is updated and authentic for recognition, trips, and job intentions.

Each scenario requires filing Form I-90 to ensure you have authentic documentation as a legal permanent resident of the United States.