Automatic Extension of Green Cards for Certain Naturalization Applicants

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy manual so that a receipt for an application for naturalization (form N-400) now also will provide a 24-month extension of the applicant’s “green card” (I-551). Prior to this change, if an N-400 applicant wished to extend the validity period of the green card, the individual was forced to file an application to replace the permanent resident card (form I-90).

Eligibility for Automatic Green Card Extension

The policy change providing an extension of an applicant’s green card applies to any N-400 application filed on or after December 12, 2022. Based on the receipt notice, the individual’s green card will remain valid for two years beyond the expiration date listed. Accordingly, the applicant can then use the expired green card and the N-400 receipt notice as continued evidence of status as a lawful permanent resident, including for purposes of demonstrating valid work and travel authorization.

Conclusion

This policy change by the USCIS should reduce the burden on many N-400 applicants, who otherwise would have had to also file a form I-90 and pay yet another USCIS filing fee. It should also help to free up resources at the USCIS, as officers no longer will have to waste time adjudicating these I-90 applications.

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