Mahaprasad Nanda

Green Card Expiration During Naturalization: What You Need to Know

Under U.S. immigration law, you need a valid green card to apply for citizenship through naturalization. You can apply for citizenship after holding a green card for five years (or three years if you have a marriage-based green card).

Key Points:

1. New USCIS Policy: Automatic 24-month extension on green cards for those who filed Form N-400 on or after Dec. 12, 2022.

2. For applications filed before Dec. 12, 2022: Green card may expire before naturalization is complete due to long processing times.

3. Green card renewal: File Form I-90 if your green card is about to expire and you applied for naturalization before Dec. 12, 2022.

4. Conditional permanent residents: File Form I-751 for a 48-month extension if filed on or after Jan. 25, 2023.

Important Information:

- You can apply for citizenship even if your green card is about to expire.
- You will not be deported if you have an expired green card, as long as you remain in good moral standing.
- Your physical green card can expire, but your lawful permanent resident status does not.
- For work and travel with an expired green card, use your N-400 receipt notice (for applications after Dec. 12, 2022) or I-90 receipt (for earlier applications) along with your expired green card.
- If needed, you can get an ADIT stamp (I-551 stamp) from USCIS for immediate proof of residency.

For more information on naturalization and the citizenship process, visit the USCIS Naturalization page: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization

To check current USCIS processing times, visit: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.