The law says a timely renewal application is enough.
USCIS has made news lately by issuing “automatic extensions” for various benefits. But their wait times for these renewals processing times are extending beyond these extensions, and . . . Wait for it . . . Completely unlawful. Congress says if you file a timely renewal the benefit you are seeking to renew extends until you get a decision on the underlying application. If you are interested in such a suit, please sign up.