U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it is extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (green cards) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date. According to USCIS, this change took effect on January 11 for Form I-829 and will take effect on January 25 for Form I-751. Accordingly, USCIS has updated the language on Form I-751 and Form I-829 receipt notices to extend the validity of a green card for 48 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-751 or Form I-829. These receipt notices can be presented with an expired green card as evidence of continued status, while the case remains pending with USCIS. By presenting your updated receipt notice with your expired Green Card, you remain authorized to work and travel for 48 months from the expiration date on the front of your expired Green Card.
USCIS has stated that the longer period is intended to accommodate current processing times for Form I-751 and Form I-829, which have increased over the past year. In September 2021, the agency increased the automatic extension for these applicants to 24 months, from 18 months. This month’s change is a further extension in response to continued increasing processing times.
As a reminder from USCIS, conditional permanent residents who plan to be outside of the United States for a year or more should apply for a reentry permit by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, before leaving the United States.
This article, under no circumstances, acts as legal advice; therefore, for any immigration questions, please contact your Attorney or the Ahluwalia Law Offices, P.C. (Team ALO).
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