What exactly is this announcement from USCIS about automatic extensions of green cards?
See: USCIS Updates Policy to Automatically Extend Green Cards for Naturalization Applicants
While the automatic extension will occur in the context of individuals who are going from lawful permanent resident status, also known as having a green card, to becoming a US citizen, which is a naturalization process.
What would happen for a lot of individuals is they would have this green card and depending on their situation, they would either have to wait three or five years to become a citizen. What was happening with a lot of individuals is when they’d get to that point of filing for their citizenship, they were also at the point of having to renew their green card.
Previously, the way the system was that a lot of individuals would have to file two applications. One to renew their green card and one for their US citizenship. That was two separate filing fees and it was just a lot of extra work. You would ultimately become a citizen before you even oftentimes would receive that green card.
Immigration realized this and now has made a new requirement that you don’t have to file both of these applications. This only applies to individuals who are filing after December 12th of 2022. You would be able to file your naturalization application and when you get that notice from immigration, it will automatically extend your green card.
It’ll have a little notation on there that says your green card has been extended for 24 months. You’ll be able to use that for proof that you’re able to work and for travel and all of the things you would need to be able to prove that you are a lawful permanent resident.
