Updates regarding automatic green card validity extensions for renewal applicants and the extension of I-9 flexibility are included in this month’s edition of Immigration Insider.

Green Card Validity Automatically Extended for 24 Months for Green Card Renewals

Due to long processing times, USCIS announced that it will automatically extend green card validity for 24 months for individuals who have filed green card renewal applications (I-90). Previously, the extension was for 12 months. A receipt notice (which confirms the extension) plus the expired green card is evidence of lawful presence in the United States. USCIS will re-print and send the new 24-month extension notices to those applicants who have pending I-90s filed before this change. We encourage those who require renewal of their green cards to do so as early as possible, or if eligible, to file for naturalization.

Relaxed I-9 Requirements Extended

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that the employers can continue to review identity and employment authorization documents for I-9 purposes remotely. This guidance was initially enacted in March 2020, and has been extended to July 31, 2023.