Effective today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the USCIS Policy Manual to allow USCIS to automatically extend the validity of Green Cards for lawful permanent residents who applies for naturalization (citizenship).

This update is to address the long processing times experienced by naturalization applicants by providing them with an extension of the validity of their Green Card without having to renew their Green Card, saving them time and money.

• How would this work?
  • Green Card holders who properly file for naturalization (Form N-400) at least six months before the expiration of their Green Card will receive an N-400 notice receipt that extends their Green Card for up to 24 months.
  • The receipt notice can be presented with the expired Green Card as evidence of continued status as well as identity and employment authorization under List A of Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9).
• Who qualifies?
  • This extension will apply to all applicants for Naturalization who properly file Form N-400 on or after December 12, 2022.

For more information please visit: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-to-automatically-extend-green-cards-for-naturalization-applicants

If you are interested in applying for Naturalization (Form N-400) or have more questions regarding the automatic Green Card extension, please consult with an experienced immigration attorney.

By: Felipe Jimenez

Felipe Jimenez is an Associate Attorney at Reddy Neumann Brown PC. He works in the H-1B Department where he assists clients through all phases of the non-immigrant visa process.

Reddy & Neumann has been serving the business community for over 20 years and is Houston’s largest immigration law firm focused solely on US. Employment-based immigration. We work with both employers and their employees, helping them navigate the immigration process quickly and cost-effectively.