USCIS announced on December 9, 2022 that it will begin automatically extending the validity period of green cards when the green card holder has a pending Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This policy update will eliminate the need for applicant's to file a Form I-90 if their green card expires before their N-400 is approved.

Applicants with N-400s filed on or after December 12, 2022 will receive a receipt notice that acts as proof of an automatic 24-month green card extension. Applicants can use the N-400 receipt notice along with their expired green card as proof of their permanent resident status. 

Applicants with N-400s filed before December 12, 2022 will not receive an updated receipt notice. Those applicants will still be required to file Form I-90 or receive an ADIT stamp in their passport in order to have evidence of their permanent resident status. 

Federal immigration law requires that all permanent residents aged 18+ to carry proof of their permanent residence status with them at all times. Failure to do so may result in being found guilty of a misdemeanor and fines not to exceed $100 or imprisonment of no more than 30 days.