In recognition that processing times have increased over the last year, USCIS announced it is extending the time that a receipt notice can be used as evidence of status to 24 months for those with pending I-829 or I-751 petitions. Previously, a receipt notice for these petitions served as evidence of status for 18 months. The 24-month extension went into effect on September 4, 2021, and applies to pending and newly filed forms I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status) and I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence).

For conditional permanent residents that filed Forms I-751 or I-829 prior to September 4, 2021, USCIS will issue new receipt notices with the 24-month extension noted, to present with their expired Green Card (Form I-551) as proof of continued status. For those who file after September 4, 2021, the receipt notice will be issued reflecting the 24-month extension. The notice will serve as evidence of valid status for 24 months after the Green Card expires until a decision can be made on the pending I-751 or I-829 petition.

For the full USCIS alert please click here.

If you have questions about your evidence of status or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. We stay on top of ongoing updates to immigration policies and deadlines to ensure you get the right advice.