In a significant move, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the validity of Green Cards from 24 months to 36 months for those applying for renewal. This policy change aims to provide greater security and reduce uncertainty for permanent residents as they await the processing of their renewed Green Cards.
The extension applies to individuals who have filed Form I-90, the application to replace or renew their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Under the new rule, these applicants will receive an automatic extension of their Green Card’s validity for 36 months instead of the previous 24 months. This is expected to alleviate concerns for those whose renewals are delayed due to extended processing times.
Green Cards are crucial for permanent residents in the U.S. as they serve as proof of legal status and work authorization. With processing delays increasing, the extension ensures that individuals continue to have lawful status and the ability to work or travel while their applications are pending.
The change will apply to both new applications and those currently in process. Applicants will receive a revised receipt notice, which can be used as proof of their extended Green Card validity. These receipt notices are critical for those who may need to show proof of residency and work authorization while their renewal is being processed.
USCIS has introduced this extension in response to the growing backlog of immigration applications and the longer processing times that have been affecting thousands of immigrants. By increasing the automatic extension period, USCIS hopes to ease the burden on applicants and provide them with more time to complete the renewal process.
This policy update reflects USCIS’s ongoing efforts to streamline immigration procedures and address the delays that many applicants face. Permanent residents are encouraged to stay informed about any additional changes in immigration policies that may impact their status and application processes.
Source: americanbazaaronline.com