USCIS Extends Green Cards 24 Months For Naturalization Applicants

Green card holders who apply for naturalization got an early Christmas present this year. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is automatically extending the expired green cards for naturalization applicants beginning December 12, 2022. USCIS will automatically extend the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (commonly called green cards) for lawful permanent residents (LPR) who have applied for naturalization. USCIS has made this extension to address the serious backlog issues that have delayed the processing times for many naturalization applications.

The extension applies to all applicants who file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, on or after December 12, 2022. Previously, citizenship applicants who did not file the petition at least 6 months before their green card expiration date were required to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), to maintain their status and to work legally in the United States. Long paperwork delays cause considerable stress and problems for naturalization applicants whose paperwork was caught in the USCIS backlog.

The New Green Card Extension Policy

• Beginning December 12, 2022, a Form N-400 receipt notice will provide an automatic 24-month extension of a green card (Permanent Resident Card).
• Naturalization applicants do not need to file Form I-90 while their Form N-400 is pending as a result of the 24-month extension period provided by their receipt notice.
• You can present Form N-400 notice of receipt along with the expired green card, an identity document as proof of employment eligibility and proof of valid, unexpired evidence of lawful permanent status.
• Legal residents who have already applied for naturalization will not receive a notice of receipt with the automatic extension.

Learn More:

• Are You Eligible For Naturalization?

Oak Brook Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney

Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area, including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will and Lake Counties. We can help ensure that you correctly complete every step of your naturalization application to become an American citizen. We will work to provide the best opportunity for a successful outcome. A skilled immigration attorney can put their experience to work for you to achieve your American Dream. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 630-912-0322.

With offices in Oak Brook and Aurora, Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area. Including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will and Lake Counties.