USCIS Extends Green Card Validity for Conditional Permanent Residents with Pending I-751 or I-829
January 23, 2023
We are excited to inform our clients and community about an important update from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS has announced an extension of the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) for conditional permanent residents who have properly filed Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.
Key Highlights of the Announcement:
1. Extended Validity: Effective January 11, 2023, for Form I-829, and January 25, 2023, for Form I-751, USCIS is extending the validity of Green Cards for 48 months beyond their expiration date for individuals who have properly filed the relevant forms. This extension is designed to align with the current processing times, which have lengthened over the past year.
2. Updated Receipt Notices: USCIS has revised the language on receipt notices for Form I-751 and Form I-829 to reflect the new 48-month extension. Conditional permanent residents who previously received receipt notices with shorter extensions will be issued new notices if their cases are still pending. These new receipt notices, when presented with an expired Green Card, will serve as proof of continued status.
3. Work and Travel Authorization: With the updated receipt notice and expired Green Card, conditional permanent residents can continue to work and travel for 48 months from the expiration date on their Green Card. This provides much-needed flexibility and assurance for those awaiting the adjudication of their petitions.
What This Means for You:
If you are a conditional permanent resident with a pending Form I-751 or I-829, this update provides additional time and security regarding your Green Card status. The extension reflects USCIS’s recognition of the increased processing times and their efforts to accommodate affected individuals.
Action Steps:
- Check Your Receipt Notice: Ensure that your receipt notice reflects the 48-month extension. If not, USCIS will issue a new one if your case is pending.
- Maintain Documentation: Keep your expired Green Card and updated receipt notice together as proof of your status.
- Plan Ahead for Travel: If you need to travel outside the U.S. for an extended period, file Form I-131 before you leave to obtain a reentry permit.
At Path to Immigration, we are committed to keeping you informed and supported throughout your immigration journey. If you have any questions or need help with your Form I-751 or I-829, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and let us help you navigate the complexities of immigration law.