The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an extension of the Green Card validity period for renewal applicants. Effective September 10, 2024, legal permanent residents will benefit from a 36-month validity period, up from the previous 24 months.
This change addresses delays in processing renewals, helping applicants maintain their legal status while waiting. The new policy applies to individuals filing Form I-90, the application for renewing a Green Card. Updated guidelines ensure that applicants can retain their status throughout the renewal process.
The USCIS has revised Form I-90 to reflect these changes, and new receipt notices have begun to be issued to applicants with pending submissions.
Renewal applicants with expired Green Cards are encouraged to schedule appointments at local USCIS Field Offices or contact USCIS directly to discuss their situations.
The extension is expected to alleviate stress for many legal permanent residents, as processing times for renewals have often been lengthy. This policy signals the USCIS’s commitment to improving the immigration experience.
Legal permanent residents considering renewal should use the updated Form I-90 and understand the implications of the extended validity period.
In summary, the USCIS’s decision to extend Green Card validity to 36 months is a key step in addressing processing challenges and supporting individuals in maintaining their permanent residency in the United States.
For updates, applicants should regularly check the USCIS website or consult immigration experts for guidance.
