As of September 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed the rules for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) renewing their Green Cards.
Green Cards are now automatically extended for 36 months when you file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, ensuring your lawful permanent resident status is maintained as evidence of ongoing lawful residency and employment authorization while you await your new card.
This is temporary proof of status while you wait for the new card.
Here’s what this means for you and how to do it.
36-Month Extension Highlights
- Who’s affected? Lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90 for Green Card renewal due to expiration or loss are eligible.
- New Extension Period: Previously, Form I-90 receipt notices extended Green Card validity by 24 months. Now they automatically extend for 36 months from the date on the card.
How it works
New Receipt Notices:
USCIS has issued an amended receipt notice for Form I-90 to show the 36-month validity.
As of September 10, 2024, these new notices will be given to all new I-90 applicants and those with pending applications.
Proof of Status:
The new receipt notices, reflecting the extension of the validity of permanent resident cards to 36 months, when presented with an expired Green Card, are proof of continued LPR status.
They also authorize employment for applicants waiting for the new Green Card.
Benefits of the 36-Month Extension
This extended validity of permanent resident cards gives applicants proof of status and employment authorization for a longer period of time to account for longer USCIS processing times.
No Green Card? No Problem
If you filed Form I-90 for a replacement green card but no longer have your original Green Card, you may need alternative proof of status.
Here’s what to do:
- Schedule an Appointment: Call the USCIS Contact Center to request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office.
- Get an ADIT Stamp: USCIS may give you an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp at your appointment as temporary proof of LPR status.
Important: Update Your Address
If you move while your I-90 is pending, make sure USCIS has your updated address so you don’t get delayed. You can update your address through your USCIS Online Account.
For more information, go to Replace Your Green Card.
Overview: How to Replace Your Green Card
When to Replace
Lawful Permanent Residents
You should replace your Green Card if:
- Expiration: Your Green Card has expired or will expire in 6 months.
- Lost or Damaged: Your card has been lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed.
- Change of Age: You received your card before age 14 and are now 14 or older (unless your card expires before your 16th birthday).
- Residency Status Change:
- You were a commuter and are now living in the U.S.
- You were living in the U.S. and are now a commuter.
- Automatic Status Conversion: Your status has been converted to permanent residency (e.g. special agricultural workers).
- Old Card Versions: You have an old alien registration card (e.g. Form AR-3, Form AR-103, Form I-151) and need to replace it with a new Green Card.
- Incorrect Information: Your card has incorrect information.
- Legal Name Change: You have legally changed your name or other biographic info.
- Non-Receipt: You never received the last issued Green Card.
Conditional Permanent Residents
You should replace your Green Card if:
- Lost or Damaged: Your card was lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed.
- Incorrect Information: Your card has incorrect information.
- Legal Name Change: You have legally changed your name or other biographic info.
- Non-Receipt: You didn’t get your previous card.
How to Replace Your Green Card
To replace your Green Card:
- File Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card:
- You can file Form I-90 online or by mail.
- Online filing gives you real-time updates and direct communication with USCIS.
- Receipt Notice as Temporary Proof:
- Once you file, you’ll get a Form I-90 receipt notice which extends your Green Card’s validity by 36 months from the expiration date.
- This notice along with an expired Green Card is proof of LPR status and employment eligibility while you wait for your new card.
- Need Proof but No Card?:
- If you filed Form I-90 but no longer have your Green Card, you can get an ADIT stamp as temporary proof by calling the USCIS Contact Center to schedule an appointment at a Field Office.
- Biometrics Appointment:
- If biometrics are required, USCIS will send a separate appointment notice with the details.
Important Tips for a Smooth Replacement Process
- Address Changes: If your address changes while Form I-90 is pending, update it through your USCIS Online Account so you get all the notices.
- Outside the U.S.: If your Green Card expires in 6 months and you’re outside the U.S., file Form I-90 when you get back as long as you’ll be back within a year and before your card expires.
- Conditional Residents: If you have a conditional Green Card (2-year card) and it’s expiring, file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, not Form I-90. More on conditional residence here.
Check Your Application Status
- Online Case Status: Check your I-90 application status online 72 hours after filing.
- Contact USCIS: Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. TTY is available at 800-767-1833. Have your name, date of birth, receipt number and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) ready.
Appealing a Denial
If your application is denied, USCIS will send a letter explaining why. You can’t appeal this decision but you can file:
- Motion to Reopen: Provide new information with supporting documents.
- Motion to Reconsider: Show USCIS misapplied immigration law or policy and the decision was incorrect based on your case’s evidence.
Help Resources
- Legal Help: Find help on the Finding Legal Services page or the DOJ’s Recognition and Accreditation page which lists organizations that can help.
- Non-Current Cards: If you have an old registration card (like AR-3, AR-103 or I-151) you must replace it with a current Green Card.
Legal Requirement to Carry Your Green Card
Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states:
- Every alien in the U.S. shall carry with him and have in his personal possession for inspection when requested by an authorized immigration officer the following:
- A certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card.
- Aliens 18 years of age and over shall at all times carry this card with them; failure to do so is a misdemeanor.
For more information see 8 CFR 264.5.
Related Links and Resources
- Replace Your Green Card
- Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions of Residence
- Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions
- USCIS:
- Green Card
- How Do I for Permanent Residents
- Change of Address
- Find a USCIS Office
This information has been updated to help lawful permanent residents have extended proof of status and guidance throughout the process. For more information visit the USCIS Green Card Replacement page.
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