On January 23, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will be extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (i.e., Green Cards) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status, for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date. This change took effect on January 11, 2023, for Form I-829 and will take effect on January 25, 2023, for Form I-751.

USCIS indicated this change is to accommodate current processing times for Form I-751 and Form I-829, which have increased over the past year. USCIS has updated the language on Form I-751 and Form I-829 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 48 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-751 or Form I-829. USCIS will issue new receipt notices to eligible conditional permanent residents who previously received notices with an extension shorter than 48 months and whose cases are still pending. These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status while the case remains pending with USCIS. By presenting the updated receipt notice with an expired Green Card, the applicant will remain authorized to work and travel for 48 months from the expiration date on the front of the expired Green Card.

We will continue to monitor any USCIS policy changes.