The USCIS extends the validity of Green Cards for Conditional Permanent Residents who have a pending Form I-751 or Form I-829.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as 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 adjustment took effect on January 11, 2023 for Form I-829 and on January 25, 2023 for Form I-751.

This modification is being made to accommodate the current processing timeframes for Forms I-751 and I-829, which have grown over the last year.

The language on Form I-751 and Form I-829 receipt notices has been changed by USCIS to prolong the validity of a Green Card for 48 months for persons who have recently submitted Form I-751 or Form I-829. We will send fresh receipt notifications to qualified conditional permanent residents who previously got notices with extensions of less than 48 months and whose applications are still being processed. While the case is still ongoing with USCIS, these receipt notices can be submitted with an expired Green Card as proof of continuous status. You can work and travel for 48 months beyond the expiration date on the front of your expired Green Card if you submit your revised receipt notice with it.

As a reminder, conditional permanent residents who intend to leave the country for a year or longer should apply for a reentry permission by submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, before departing.