Due to the global pandemic, increased volume, budgetary constraints and infrastructure issues, USCIS continues to experience record backlogs and significant processing delays for almost every category of application. As a result, the agency has announced automatic extensions to document validity for some categories as highlighted below:

• I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence – Starting Sept. 4, 2021, USCIS is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. The receipt notice can be presented along with the Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card), as evidence of continued status for up to 24 months past the expiration date on the Green Card, while a case remains pending with USCIS.
• I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record – Between 8/12/21 through 9/30/21, USCIS will temporarily extend the validity period of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, from two years to four years due to COVID-19-related delays in processing. Form I-693 is required for all applicants seeking an adjustment of status to an immigrant visa.
• Form I-9 Compliance – DHS and ICE announced that they have extended the flexibilities in rules related to Form I-9 compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic until December 31, 2021. The current extension includes guidance for employees hired on or after April 1, 2021, who work exclusively in a remote setting due to COVID-19-related precautions.
• Responses to Agency Requests – On June 24, 2021, USCIS extended the flexibilities it announced on March 30, 2020, for responding to certain agency requests. This flexibility applies if the issuance date listed on the request, notice, or decision is between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, inclusive. This extension grants up to 60 additional days to respond to various agency requests such as Requests for Evidence, Notices of Intent to Deny, Motions to Reopen etc.

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