USCIS Automatically Extends Green Cards Upon Naturalization Filing

USCIS has implemented a new policy to automatically extend the validity of green cards for lawful permanent residents who apply for naturalization. Upon filing for naturalization on Form N-400, the green cards will be extended for two years beyond the original expiration date. Prior to this change, naturalization applicants who did not apply for naturalization at least six months before their green card expiration date needed to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and pay the government filing fee to maintain proper documentation of their lawful status. 

For purposes of verifying authorization to work on Form I-9, lawful permanent residents can present their expired green card along with their naturalization application receipt notice as proof of continued status. N-400 receipt notices issued on or after December 12, 2022, will contain new language about the automatic extension. The automatic extension will not apply to lawful permanent residents who have applied for naturalization prior to December 12, 2022. 

This new policy for green cards joins a growing list of automatic extensions for immigration benefits as USCIS continues to try to reduce lengthy processing times and system-wide case backlogs. As we approach another Presidential election, USCIS is specifically focused on prioritizing naturalization applications. By reducing the number of Form I-90s that need to be filed, USCIS will free up resources for officers to adjudicate pending citizenship applications faster. 

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of applying for US citizenship through naturalization, please check out my podcast episode on the process, which is linked here. 

This alert is for informational purposes only.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.