Effective Jan.6, 2021, USCIS replaced the previously issued sticker that extends the validity of the Form I-155 Permanent Resident Card. They are replacing it with a revised Form I-797, Notice of Action for Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

The revised I-797 receipt notice paired together with the applicant’s permanent resident card, will essentially serve as temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status. This status will be valid for 12 months from the expiration date of the permanent resident card (green card).

This change was implemented so that current legal permanent residents who have a pending application to replace an expiring Green card may have documentation for employment authorization as well as authorization to return to the United States after temporary foreign travel. However, applicants that have already been scheduled for their biometrics appointments will not receive a revised notice. Instead, they will receive an extension sticker at the biometrics exam.

Once applicants file form I-90 to replace their expiring or expired green card they will receive a receipt notice approximately 7-10 days after USCIS processes their application. The Notice will be printed on secure paper and will serve as evidence of identity. This should be carried with you alongside your expired Green card to prove the validity of your permanent resident status. You can use this pairing as your employment authorization when applying for jobs as well as authorization to return to the U.S. from a foreign trip.

At Law Offices of Inna Vernikov PLLC, we handle immigration matters including green card and citizenship petitions. Call us at today at (212) 729-3497 or learn more about how the Law Offices of Inna Vernikov can help you.