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There is good news for legal immigrants who need to renew their U.S. green cards

Say goodbye to some of the headaches and anxiety caused by long delays renewing your U.S. green card.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shared some good news for immigrants on Tuesday. From now on, permanent legal residents who need to renew their coveted green card will receive an automatic extension of the green card’s validity.

The validity of a green card will be extended for 24 months, officials announced.

This benefits any immigrant who needs to replace their green card, either because it is about to expire or because it has already expired, as long as they first properly file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

Green cards are only available to immigrants who fall under one of these categories

Previously, Form I-90 receipt notices provided a 12-month extension of green card validity, immigration authorities explained.

“USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a green card for 24 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90,” the immigration agency said, noting that it had begun printing amended receipt notices as of Monday, Sept. 26.

In order for an immigrant to provide evidence that their green card has been renewed and that their legal immigration status in the United States is continuous, the person only needs to show their expired card and the new receipt notice, the authorities explained.

“This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed green card,” authorities said.

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