Indians got a ‘lifeline’ in the US! The US government took this big decision regarding the Green Card

Validity of US Green Card: Green card is a very important document for people thinking of living and settling in America. Through this, citizens of any country get a chance to stay in America for a long time without any hindrance. However, the green card also has a validity date, after which it has to be renewed i.e. re-issued. At the same time, America has taken a big decision amid a long struggle to get a green card. Actually, the ‘United States Citizenship and Immigration Service’ (USCIS) has announced to extend the validity period of the permanent residence card known as the Green Card. Due to the new rule effective from September 10, 2024, legal permanent residents filing Form I-90 have got validity of up to 36 months. Permanent residents have to fill Form I-90 to renew the green card. People are very relieved to get a lifeline of 36 months.

Opportunity to stay in the US for three years while waiting for renewal!

Green cards issued in the US are valid for 10 years, after which they have to be renewed. The increase in validity has brought relief to those green card holders whose cards are either about to expire or have already expired. Now these green card holders will get a chance to stay in the US for three years even while waiting for renewal. Earlier, on receiving a notice for Form I-90, one used to get a validity of 24 months.

What is the benefit of the new policy?

A large population is going to benefit from the new concession given by the US government for green card holders. People holding green cards can travel inside and outside the US. However, they should not stay outside the country for more than a year, as doing so risks losing their residency.

Under the new rules, expired green cards and validity notices can be used to document your legal stay in the US. This interim document also serves as proof of employment authorization while applicants wait for their new cards.

What are the guidelines for renewing Green Card?

Green card renewal is necessary for people whose 10-year cards have expired or are due to expire in the next six months. If someone has a conditional green card that is valid for 36 months after the new rules go into effect, the person must file a petition for removal to remove the conditions before the card expires. People who have green cards that do not have an expiration date should still renew, because their cards may be too old.