If you lead a busy life, you might be pardoned for not having heard that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun automatically extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards – otherwise known as “green cards” – to twenty-four months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. But before you just assume that you qualify for this extension, please keep reading, then contact a lawyer experienced in green card citizenship soon. Some questions you may have include:
How do you qualify for the 24-month extension for green card renewals?
If you are a lawful permanent resident who has properly filed Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired green card and have a receipt notice for a pending Form I-90, you may receive this extension. As a lawful permanent resident, you must have a valid green card in your possession at all times. In light of the long processing times that some applicants may experience, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services started printing amended receipt notices for individuals with a pending Form I-90. Along with this receipt notice, you can show an expired green card as evidence of your continued status here in the United States.
What happens if you no longer have your green card and need evidence of your lawful permanent resident status?
In the event that you need to present evidence of your lawful permanent resident status but no longer possess your green card, you may request an appointment at a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Field Office, where they may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications stamps after you file Form I-90.
How long will it take to obtain an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp?
The time it takes to obtain an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications stamp will vary on a case-by-case basis. You will have to contact the USCIS Contact Center and schedule an appointment at the local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field office. This process usually takes between two to four weeks to complete. Once granted, an ADIT stamp is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
How do you check the status of your green card renewal application?
Once you have waited seventy-two hours after filing your Form I-90, you may check your case status online. Just some of the documentation you’ll need to present to a rep from USCIS are as follows:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Receipt number
- Alien Registration Number
Speak with a skilled family immigration lawyer today if you have any further questions about this process or your eligibility.
