Last week, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced they have made updates to its Policy Manual. This effective update now automatically extends the validity of green cards for lawful permanent residents who’ve applied for naturalization in the U.S. This helps permanent residents to avoid losing their legal status. If you are a green card holder, contact an experienced Middlesex County, New Jersey Green Card Lawyer who can help you apply for naturalization.
What does the USCIS’s updated policy mean for lawful permanent residents who applied for naturalization?
Unfortunately, immigration courts have had significant backlogs that have delayed asylum cases, naturalization process, green card extensions and renewals as well as other important immigration issues. Fortunately, the USCIS has been making updates to its Policy Manual to alleviate this issue. On September 26 2022, the USCIS made an update in regards to extending green card validity extension to 24 months for renewals. As mentioned above, the USCIS has now made another update to its Policy Manual in regards to the validity of green card extensions and renewals. Effective December 12, 2022 green card holders are now allowed to automatically extend the validity of green cards for lawful permanent resident who’ve applied for naturalization in the U.S. This update will help the delays in immigration court by granting individuals automatic extensions. This automatic extension of green cards is valid for up to 24 months. This new update gives green card holders one less hurdle to worry about when going through the U.S. Citizenship process.
Who is eligible for this new updated green card extension?
According to the USCIS’s new update, applicants who applied and filed Form N-400 on or before December 12, 2022 will have an automatic extension applied to their green card while their naturalization application is handled. This effectively helps individuals facing delayed immigration court hearings.
What happens if I already filed Form N-400?
Unfortunately, if a permanent resident filed their Form N-400 before December 12, 2022 they will not receive an automatic extension on their green card. They will be required to file Form I-90. Lawful permanent residents may also obtain an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp to show their permanent resident status on their passport in the event their green card expires.
If you are a lawful permanent resident who is applying for naturalization, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our trusted and knowledgeable team members who can help you file Form N-400. Some cases may require permanent residents to file Form 1-90 if they have not received their automatic extension receipt notice. It is imperative to consult a dedicated Middlesex County, New Jersey green card lawyer who can help you understand how the USCIS’s new policy update affects naturalization applications. We are ready to help you today.
