U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of permanent resident cards, also known as green cards, to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

Key Points:

• Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired green card may receive this extension.
• USCIS began printing amended receipt notices for individuals with a pending Form I-90 on Sept. 10.
• Form I-90 receipt notices can be presented with an expired green card as evidence of continued status and employment authorization.
• Individuals who no longer have their green card and need evidence of their lawful permanent resident status while waiting to receive their replacement green card can request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office through the USCIS Contact Center.

Additional Information: USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a green card for 36 months from the expiration date on the face of the current green card for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90 renewal request. This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed green card. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 24-month extension of the validity of a green card.