Quick Summary: USCIS changed the temporary proof available to many people who renew an expiring or expired Green Card. Since September 10, 2024, a person who properly files Form I-90 to renew a Green Card may receive a receipt notice that extends the card’s validity for 36 months after the expiration date printed on the card. The receipt notice and the expired Green Card can be used together as proof of lawful permanent resident status and work authorization while the renewal is pending.

This update may be important if your Green Card has expired or will expire soon and you are waiting for a replacement. The change is meant to give applicants more time and clearer proof of status during USCIS processing.

What Changed?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, known as USCIS, extended the validity period shown on certain Form I-90 receipt notices from 24 months to 36 months.

Form I-90 is the application used to replace a Permanent Resident Card, commonly called a Green Card. For people renewing an expiring or expired card, the USCIS receipt notice can now provide three years of additional validity from the expiration date on the existing card.

Before this change, receipt notices generally provided a 24-month extension. The new 36-month period applies to eligible renewal filings described by USCIS.

Who May Receive the 36-Month Extension?

The update applies to lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card. It is important to understand that this is tied to a renewal request. The document does not say that every Form I-90 filing receives this extension in every situation.

USCIS updated the wording on Form I-90 receipt notices for newly filed Green Card renewal requests. USCIS also began printing amended receipt notices on September 10, 2024, for people who already had a Form I-90 pending at that time.

If you have questions about whether your filing is a renewal request or what your receipt notice means, Ventresca & Ventresca LLP can help you review the documents connected to your matter.

How to Use the Receipt Notice

The receipt notice is not meant to be used by itself. USCIS states that it can be presented with your expired Green Card.

Together, the expired Green Card and the Form I-90 receipt notice may serve as evidence of two important things while you wait for the new card:

• Your continued lawful permanent resident status.
• Your authorization to work in the United States.

This can be helpful when an employer, government agency, or another organization asks for proof of status or work authorization. Keep both documents in a safe place. If you need to show proof, bring the original expired card and the original receipt notice when possible.

Why USCIS Made This Change

USCIS explained that the longer extension is intended to help applicants who experience longer processing times. A Green Card renewal may still be pending after the card’s printed expiration date. The 36-month receipt notice gives eligible applicants more time to show proof of their status while they wait for their renewed Green Card.

This update does not remove the need to file Form I-90 when a Green Card is expiring or has expired. Instead, it changes the temporary proof that may be available after a proper renewal filing.

What If You No Longer Have Your Green Card?

If you do not have your Green Card and need proof of your lawful permanent resident status while waiting for a replacement, USCIS says you may request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office. To request an appointment, contact the USCIS Contact Center after filing Form I-90.

USCIS may issue an ADIT stamp. ADIT stands for Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications. This stamp may be used as evidence of lawful permanent resident status while you wait for your replacement card.

The availability of an appointment and any documentation issued are handled by USCIS. This update does not state that an ADIT stamp is automatic, so do not assume that a stamp will be issued without first contacting USCIS and following its process.

Keep Your Mailing Address Current

USCIS also reminds applicants to update their mailing address if it changes while a case is pending. If you have a USCIS online account, you can update the address through that account.

This step matters because USCIS may mail notices and your replacement Green Card to the address it has on file. An address change can affect whether you receive important case documents.

Simple Steps to Take

1. Check the expiration date printed on your Green Card.
2. If you are renewing an expiring or expired card, file Form I-90 correctly.
3. Save your Form I-90 receipt notice when it arrives.
4. Keep the receipt notice with your expired Green Card if you need temporary proof of status or work authorization.
5. If you do not have your card and need proof while waiting, contact the USCIS Contact Center to ask about a Field Office appointment.
6. Update your address with USCIS if you move while your case is pending.

Ventresca & Ventresca LLP follows immigration updates from USCIS and other relevant sources so we can share practical information with individuals, families, employers, and HR professionals in Wexford, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

FAQ

Does the 36-month extension start when I file Form I-90?

According to USCIS, the 36-month extension runs from the expiration date printed on the face of the current Green Card.

Can I use an expired Green Card by itself as proof?

The USCIS update states that the receipt notice can be presented with the expired Green Card. The update does not say that an expired Green Card alone provides the same temporary proof.

Is the 36-month extension for Green Card renewals?

USCIS states that the extension is for lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card.

What if my Form I-90 was already pending on September 10, 2024?

USCIS said it began printing amended receipt notices for people with a pending Form I-90 on September 10, 2024.

What should I do if I move while my application is pending?

USCIS instructs applicants to update their mailing address through their USCIS online account, if they have one.

If this 36-month Green Card validity update affects a pending or planned matter, contact Ventresca & Ventresca LLP. Our responsive attorneys can help you understand the documents involved and discuss the next steps for your immigration matter.