On December 9th, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would be automatically extending the validity of green cards for up to 24 months for those applying for naturalization. These green card holders who have submitted a Form N-400 Application for Naturalization receive the extension without having to submit a Form I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

Because of lengthy immigration processing times, many green card holders have struggled to renew their permanent resident cards in a timely fashion. For those in the process of applying for naturalization, they could find themselves in limbo if their green card expired while their application was being processed. During this time, green card holders could lose their employment authorization or face deportation if they are unable to prove their lawful permanent resident status.

Now, applicants who have filed a Form N-400 will receive a receipt Notice of Action (Form I-797) that includes an automatic extension of 24 months from the date listed on the "Card Expires" field on their green card. These applicants can present the Form N-400 receipt notice and their otherwise expired permanent resident card to prove their valid and unexpired status as a lawful permanent resident during the 24-month extension period. During this time, they do not need to file a Form I-90 to renew their green card.

Previously, green card holders had to file a Form I-90 at least 6 months before the expiration date on their Permanent Resident Card. Once processed, the lawful permanent resident would receive an Alien Documentation Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp in their passport, as a way to indicate that they still maintained their green card status. The Form I-90 was the only way to renew a green card beyond the expiration date.

This automatic extension helps reduce USCIS administrative burdens by reducing the number of ADIT stamp appointments and the number of Form I-90s being filed, which allows USCIS to redirect resources toward reducing backlogs in processing.

The new automatic extension applies only to Form N-400 filed on or after December 12th, 2022. If you filed for naturalization prior to December 12th and your green card expires within the next 6 months, you will need to still file a Form I-90 to renew your lawful permanent resident card. However, once you have filed your Form I-90, you will receive a receipt notice providing an automatic 24-month extension of your green card, based on a previous policy change that grants a 24-month extension to green card holders with a pending Form I-90 renewal.