Good afternoon everyone,
I have a question in regards to the automatic green card extension for LPRs who properly file Form N-400. Me and my husband are stationed in Germany, and I have already been to the JAGS office on base, in order to get an experts advise.
Unfortunately, the lawyers on base have not been a big help, because they usually do not deal with cases like mine, and I believe I need an experts advice.
Here is the situation:
-I am on my husbands orders and able to apply for expedited naturalization (N-400) until this summer (we will be stationed back to the US next summer)
-we are still waiting for our taxes to send out the application with the jointly filed taxes
-I found the below article, saying the USCIS updated their policy and if I understand correctly, I will not have to apply for the removal of conditions or an extension of the Green card, if I file for the naturalization (N-400).
Here are my questions: Is there anyone in this group who has worked with a good military lawyer or immigration lawyer? Due to past experiences I am scared to make a mistake and potentially loose my Green card.
I would need to file for the removal of conditions 90 days before the expiration date, so this February. However, if I have the choice I would much rather just file for the N-400, and become a citizen.
Thank you for your recommendations!
Best wishes
Lea
Release Date
12/09/2022
Effective Dec. 12, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to allow USCIS to automatically extend the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (commonly called Green Cards) for lawful permanent residents who have applied for naturalization.
This update (PDF, 307.54 KB) is expected to help naturalization applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive an extension of lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and may not need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). LPRs who properly file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, may receive this extension without regard to whether they filed Form I-90. USCIS will update the language on Form N-400 receipt notices to extend Green Cards for up to 24 months for these applicants. The receipt notice can be presented with the expired Green Card as evidence of continued status as well as identity and employment authorization under List A of Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), if presented before the expiration of the 24-month extension period provided in the notice.
https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-to-automatically-extend-green-cards-for-naturalization-applicants
Hey thanks so much for your reply!! They have yet another policy for conditional greencard holders - it states pretty much that I’m eligible to apply I believe. I would have to make sure to apply before the 90 days timeframe - it is so complicated I definitely want to contact a lawyer.. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-5?fbclid=IwAR2jnu2qWZscVTWFy1MKDD6I9t3vQE4OFs3hmekL2B-WjRAWjE2d8yP2edM