US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that US green card validities are to be extended automatically to 24 months, up from 12 months, with effect from September 26, 2022.
The change aims to alleviate the impact of delayed Form I-90 processing times, whereby 12-month extensions were not sufficient to avoid disrupting green card holders’ ability to complete the Form I-9 employment verification process or to travel internationally and reenter the United States.
Lawful permanent residents may receive the extension, provided they file Form I-90 to renew an expired or expiring green card.
The Form I-90 receipt notice has been amended to reflect the new 24-month extension. USCIS is now issuing amended receipt notices for pending applications as of September 26, 2022.
Green card renewal applicants are able to rely on the Form I-90 receipt notice providing the 24-month extension period and expired green card as proof of their lawful status, such in circumstances of protracted processing times, and as evidence of their authorization to work and travel as a permanent resident during that timeframe.
A revised version of the M-274 Handbook for Employers is expected to be issued, updated with the changes for the purposes of Form I-9 employment eligibility verification.
Renewal applicants who are awaiting their replacement green card and who require proof of their lawful residence status are advised to request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office through the USCIS Contact Center to obtain an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp.
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
