Published: November 4, 2024
Applicants often face long processing times for green card renewals. The waiting period varies on different factors, including one’s accuracy in filing the application and the current caseload of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Despite the agency’s initiatives to reduce processing times, completing a green card renewal or application can take 1.5 to 12 months after filing. For instance, as of August 31, 2024, the estimated time to process half of the cases for permanent resident card replacement application cases is approximately 1.2 months.
Applicants can verify the current processing time on the USCIS website. Any delays in the green card renewal process can disrupt one’s employment and travel plans. The new 36-month extension for green card validity recognizes the substantial delays applicants typically encounter in the immigration process.
In this post, we’ll discuss how the extended validity works, its potential impact, and what renewal applicants need to consider.
How the Newly Extended Green Card Validity Works
The green card is the physical proof of a foreign national’s eligibility to reside and work in the US. It’s also a requirement to reenter the US upon returning from a trip abroad. As a general rule, an individual should renew a green card if it’s already expired or will expire over the next six months.
Previously, lawful permanent residents who applied to renew or replace a permanent resident card received an automatic 24-month extension on their green card validity. The extension automatically begins the day after the expiration indicated on the card. But, since the USCIS is currently facing significant backlogs, the time frame is no longer sufficient.
As a result, USCIS automatically extended the green card validity for individuals with lawful permanent resident status to 36 months, effective September 10, 2024. Those who properly file the renewal application will have their current green card’s validity extended three years from the original expiration date.
Upon filing the accurate form, the green card renewal applicant will receive a receipt notice. The updated language on the receipt will now reflect a 36-month extension. It’s essential to note that this extension only applies to lawful permanent residents seeking to renew expired or expiring green cards.
Impacts of the 36-Month Green Card Validity Extension
The automatic 36-month extension on green card validity gives lawful permanent residents temporary evidence of their legal status. It means less stress and uncertainty for US residents with expired green cards and those in the renewal process.
The card is crucial for verifying employment authorization. With the receipt notice issued by the USCIS and the expired green card, lawful permanent residents can continue working legally in the US.
Likewise, extending the validity of the green card can help facilitate travel outside the US while awaiting the renewed green card. However, it’s crucial to note that the receipt notice may not be sufficient for boarding a flight in all countries.
If that’s a concern, consider reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center to make an appointment at a USCIS Field Office and get an ADIT stamp on the passport. The stamp is typically required if one loses a green card and is awaiting a replacement.
Besides helping the green card renewal applicants, the extended validity eases some pressure on USCIS due to the backlog. Moreover, with more time to process renewal applications, the agency can also minimize the likelihood of errors or delays.
Additional Considerations for Green Card Renewal Applicants
Renewing your green card is crucial for maintaining your status as a lawful permanent resident in the US. Although the recent extension relieves green card renewal applicants experiencing longer processing times, it doesn’t eliminate the delays. Consider the following tips to avoid delays or refusals in your green card renewal.
- File your application with an experienced immigration lawyer to prevent common errors, delays, and denials.
- Ensure to get your receipt notice, which you can typically access within 2 to 3 weeks of applying.
- Utilize the receipt notice with the expired green card to accept employment or re-enter the US.
- Stay informed about any changes or updates on your application by monitoring it through the USCIS Case Status Online.
What ALG Lawyers Can Do for You
The green card serves as evidence of your lawful permanent resident status in the US. With its significant importance, you must file your green card renewal application accurately and on time. Otherwise, you might face employment loss, travel restrictions, and limited access to certain immigration benefits.
We at ALG Lawyers understand the potential intricacies and delays involved in renewing your green card. We can offer timely assistance to ensure compliance and accuracy in your application. Likewise, we can keep you well-informed and prepared to take advantage of the extended green card validity. Book an initial meeting with our team today.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)