A green card is a colloquial name for a permanent resident card, and the card provides proof that someone is here legally. The cards expire after 10 years, and Florida residents needing a new card must procure one. However, processing delays might occur. Those lawful permanent residents who applied for naturalization may worry less about an expired card since the government ordered an automatic extension for the cards.
Green card extensions
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its manual to address lengthier processing times for replacement green cards. So, lawful permanent residents who filed an application for naturalization might not have to file an application to replace their green card. USCIS has the authority to extend LPR status, possibly eliminating the need to file any replacement forms.
USCIS will utilize the Form-400 naturalization application to perform the 24-month extension. Be mindful that Form-400 must be appropriately filed to receive an extension.
Reviewing documentation
Any mistakes, errors or omissions on a submitted immigration form could lead to delays and other troubles. Not including supporting documents might delay the process significantly. Also, making assumptions about eligibility for an LPR extension may not be the right decision. Checking to ensure an update received its approval seems advisable. If not, the applicant could take the next steps to deal with the matter.
USCIS may send correspondence to a lawful permanent resident and ask for additional information. Responding timely and providing the appropriate response to the request could move things forward. Additional mistakes might result in costly outcomes, such as further delays or rejection of the application. However, an appeal may address the underlying reasons for the denial.
