Longer Processing Times Prompt USCIS to Update Policy
June 12th, 2018 by SRW Lawyers
Conditional green card holders, take note: if you are applying for removal of conditions, USCIS has issued a policy change that will affect you.
Petitioners filing Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status) will be sent a Form I-797 receipt notice that they can present as evidence of continued status for 18 months past the expiration date of their Permanent Resident Card. Previously, it was 12 months past the expiration date. USCIS noted that they are making the change due to the increase in processing times for Forms I-751 and I-829.
This change went into effect on June 11, 2018. For petitioners who had a pending Form I-751 or I-829 as of June 11, USCIS is issuing new Form I-797 receipt notices that will serve as evidence of continued status for 18 months past the expiration date on their green card.
The new Form I-797 receipt notices must be presented along with the petitioner’s current Permanent Resident Card.
If you have a pending petition to remove conditions on your green card, or if you are eligible to file soon, Serotte Reich can answer any questions you may have about the policy change’s impact on your application. Please contact us at (716) 854-7525 or through our website at http://srwlawyers.com/contact/.
