I-90 Processing Times in 2025: What to Expect and Plan

(UNITED STATES) U.S. green card holders seeking replacements or renewals are facing far longer waits in 2025, as the processing time for the I-90 has stretched well beyond past norms. As of late September, the median processing time for Form I-90—the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card—has risen to more than eight months for many applicants and can run to well over two years in some cases.

Several trackers and attorney reports place typical windows between 17 and 26 months, while U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) figures suggest average waits around 12.5 months for green card renewals in 2025. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the increase marks one of the steepest year-over-year shifts in the agency’s workflow, reversing the much shorter waits seen earlier in 2025.

Immediate consequences for permanent residents

An expired card does not cancel lawful permanent resident status, but it can complicate:

• Job verification (I-9 process)
• Airport check-ins and reentry
• State-level interactions such as driver’s license renewals

USCIS has attempted to ease some immediate problems by issuing a receipt notice—Form I-797C—when someone files Form I-90. That paper typically arrives within about six weeks and now carries a 36-month automatic extension of the card’s validity. For most workers and travelers, the I-797C receipt paired with the expired card generally serves as acceptable proof for employment and reentry to the United States.

Key takeaway: Treat the I-797C receipt as your current proof of lawful permanent residence while waiting for the new card. Keep it with the expired card and copies of case records.

Processing time surge in 2025

The most striking change this year is how quickly the backlog grew.

• From January to June 2025, median I-90 processing time reportedly jumped by about 471%, topping eight months by the end of Q2.
• Attorneys and community advocates report many cases now stretching 18 to 26 months.
• USCIS data show broader slowdowns: nearly 18% drop in total case completions in Q2 2025 compared with a year earlier.

Major contributing factors:

• A wave of early-year renewals as residents updated cards ahead of stricter enforcement.
• Staffing and resource constraints across USCIS, reducing output.
• Increased emphasis on security screening and record integrity, adding review time even without formal policy changes.

Practical bottlenecks also matter:

• Some applicants require a biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photo, signature) 1–2 months after filing.
• USCIS waives biometrics in many straightforward I-90 renewals, but where required, local Application Support Center capacity can cause delays.
• Appointment availability varies widely by city.

USCIS has not announced new fees or eligibility changes tied to I-90 filings in 2025. The most visible policy shift remains the 36-month automatic extension adopted in September 2024 and continued through 2025.

Practical steps and timelines

If your card is expiring within six months—or already expired—take these actions early and keep careful records.

1. Confirm eligibility
   • Typical I-90 reasons: expiring/expired 10-year green card, lost/stolen card, or card with errors/damage.
2. File Form I-90
   • File online or by mail with the required fee and documents.
   • Official form and instructions: Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
3. Watch for the I-797C receipt
   • Most applicants receive it in about six weeks.
   • The receipt now extends the expired card’s validity by 36 months from the printed expiration date.
4. Attend biometrics if scheduled
   • Many applicants receive waivers, but missing an assigned appointment can delay adjudication.
5. Wait for adjudication
   • In 2025, plan for processing times from 8 months to more than 26 months, depending on the case and office workloads.
6. Receive decision
   • If approved, receive the new card by mail.
   • If denied, USCIS provides a written explanation with options to respond or refile.

Important operational notes:

• The expired card plus the I-797C receipt can be used for I-9 employment verification and to board international flights back to the U.S.
• At airport check-in and immigration, carry both documents and allow extra time; some airlines may request additional proof (case status printouts or prior correspondence).
• Employers should document the I-797C extension and set a re-verification date in HR files.

Practical advice for common scenarios

• New job: Present the I-797C with the expired card for onboarding I-9 verification. Employers should confirm the extension window and note re-verification needs.
• Travel: Confirm original card expiration and extension coverage on the receipt before leaving. For urgent situations (e.g., medical emergency abroad), contact USCIS and consider reaching out to your congressional office for assistance.
• Urgent/complex cases: Expedite approvals are rare, but serious emergencies can sometimes be considered.
• Filing timeline: Attorneys recommend filing about six months before expiration to avoid last-minute risks. Filing too early may trigger a return of the application.

Common complications and how to manage them

• Identity mismatches, name changes, criminal records, or damaged biometrics often lead to closer review.
• USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE)—respond fully and on time to avoid further delay.
• Keep copies (digital + physical) of all immigration documents, receipts, and correspondence.
• If the case involves complex history, consider consulting an attorney or accredited representative.

Broader impacts and community effects

• Households: Caregiving and travel arrangements have been disrupted by prolonged waits.
• Employers: More I-9 re-verifications and longer onboarding lead times; many employers now plan extra lead time for compliance.
• Institutions: Schools, hospitals, and licensing bodies face more questions about acceptable documents; practices vary despite the 36-month extension.
• Public expectation: VisaVerge.com expects only gradual improvements in timelines, so stakeholders are building extra lead time into plans for onboarding, travel, and audits.

Naturalization and pending I-90s

• A pending Form I-90 typically does not block filing Form N-400 (naturalization) if otherwise eligible.
• If the N-400 interview occurs while I-90 is pending, the officer may update records as part of naturalization processing.
• Naturalization has separate requirements and costs—consider timing carefully.

Final recommendations

• File early (around six months before expiration).
• Keep the I-797C receipt safe and treat it like your current green card while waiting.
• Maintain updated address/contact info with USCIS to avoid missed mail.
• Save digital scans of all documents in a secure folder for easy access during travel or employment checks.
• Check and start or monitor applications at the official USCIS page for Form I-90: https://www.uscis.gov/i-90.

While processing times have become unpredictable, the form process itself remains clear, and the I-797C receipt is designed to allow work and travel while USCIS produces the replacement card.