In an effort to relieve longer than usual processing times for those seeking to replace or renew their Permanent Residency cards (or Green Cards), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that as of September 26, 2022, it will automatically extend the validity of Permanent Residency cards, or Green Cards, to twenty four months for those lawful permanent residents (“LPRs”) who file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) to renew an expiring or expired Green Card.

LPRs who properly file Form I-90 are eligible for this extension, which will provide proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card. Previously, Form I-90 receipt notices provided a twelve-month extension of the validity of an expiring or expired Green Card. “USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 24 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90.” Amended notices for LPRs with pending Form I-90 have begun to be printed by the Service as of the 26th of September. The amended notices may be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status.

Additionally, USCIS has instructed that LPRs who may not physically have their Green Cards and need evidence of their lawful permanent resident status may request an appointment at a local USCIS Field Office by contacting the USCIS Contact Center, and requesting an “Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp.” Furthermore, the Service provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding replacement of Green Cards on its website.