USCIS plans to extend the validity of Green Cards, also known as permanent Resident Cards, to 48 months after the expiration date of their cards for specific applicants who correctly file Form I-751 or Form I-829. In case you don’t know, Form I-751 is the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, while Form I-829 is the Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.
This became effective on 11 January 2023 for Form I-829 and 25 January 2023 for Form I-751. USCIS claims that these changes are aimed at tackling the existing processing times for Form I-829 and Form I-751, as they have significantly increased in the previous year.
The receipt notices on Form I-829 and Form I-751 have been updated to increase the validity of a Green Card for 48 months for those who have recently filed either of these forms. Plus, USCIS intends to issue new receipt notices for eligible conditional permanent residents whose previous notices have an extension of fewer than 48 months. This will also include applicants with pending cases.
You can present the updated receipt notices with your expired Green Card as proof of continued status while your case is pending. As a result, you will be authorized to travel and work for 48 months starting from the expiration date mentioned on the front of your expired Green Card.
However, conditional permanent residents should remember that they would have to file Form I-131 to submit an application for a re-entry permit before exiting the United States if they plan to go outside the US for a year or more. Click here to learn more about International Travel as a Permanent Resident.
