Why Is My I-90 Delayed? Understanding 2025 Green Card Backlogs

(UNITED STATES) Form I-90 applicants across the country are seeing the sharpest slowdown in years, as the median time to replace or renew a green card has jumped to over 8 months as of September 21, 2025. That marks roughly a 938% surge from early 2025—when many cases wrapped up in about 0.8 months—and far exceeds the historical 2–4 month window people planned around. The spike is tied to broader USCIS backlogs, fewer case completions in recent quarters, and extra processing steps that have stretched timelines for even the most routine requests.

For families and workers who rely on a valid card to keep jobs, travel, or complete I-9 checks, the new reality means careful planning and more patience while cases work through the system.

Current processing range and system-wide context

• Applicants filing for green card replacement through Form I-90 now typically face a range estimated between 1.5 and 13.5 months, depending on case complexity and location.
• Government data show completed cases fell from 3.3 million in the same quarter last year to 2.7 million in Q2 2025—an 18% decline—and a 12% dip compared with Q1 2025.
• That slowdown has rippled across many benefits, but I-90 processing times stand out for the steepness of the increase. The trend reverses much of the improvement seen in 2024, when USCIS reported progress toward internal cycle-time goals and cutting the aged backlog.

Who is affected and real-world impacts

People impacted include:

• Long-time permanent residents with expiring cards.
• Individuals who lost a wallet and need a replacement fast.
• Workers moving between jobs who must show an unexpired document during onboarding.

A late I-90 filing can create cascading problems: missed biometrics, an expired card at a critical moment, or delays that force cancelled trips. These human costs—missed family events, postponed closings, or disrupted job starts—do not show up in charts but are real for families juggling school calendars, job changes, and travel.

The I-90 process (unchanged steps; longer waits)

The procedural steps remain the same:

1. Submit Form I-90 with required documents.
2. Receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C).
3. Attend a biometrics appointment.
4. Wait for USCIS decision and receive the new card by mail.

The key difference in 2025 is the middle stretch: instead of a few months, many applicants are now waiting closer to most of a year, with some outliers far beyond that.

VisaVerge.com analysis: applicants should file as early as rules allow and double-check every page before sending the form to avoid avoidable holdups.

Main drivers of the 2025 slowdown

• Fewer completed cases in Q2 2025 (2.7M vs 3.3M year-over-year) strained the pipeline for routine filings.
• Persistent high demand across family and employment categories.
• Internal resource shifts and added review steps prioritized some case types at different times.
• Increased number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and extra reviews that add weeks/months.
• Biometrics scheduling gaps, missed appointments, and staffing constraints.
• Early gains in backlog reduction during 2024 have not held through 2025.

Fees and filing cautions

• As of 2025, USCIS lists $415 for online filing and $465 for paper filing for Form I-90.
• Applicants should confirm the current fee on the official page before paying; fees can change.
• Submitting the wrong fee risks rejection and a longer timeline to restart the filing.
• Many who mail applications choose tracking and delivery confirmation to prove arrival and to time follow-ups if the receipt does not show up within the expected 2–4 week window.

Biometrics: a critical chokepoint

• Biometrics scheduling has become a time sink when appointments lag or offices face heavy loads.
• Missing a biometrics appointment now can push a case to the far end of the timeline.
• Practical tips:
  • Treat the biometrics date like a must-keep medical appointment.
  • If you must reschedule, do it quickly and keep proof of your request.
  • Many applicants report receiving notices very close to the appointment date—be ready to juggle work or childcare when needed.

Common filing mistakes that prolong cases

Simple errors often trigger long detours:

• Missing copies or wrong documents.
• Incorrect answers or unchecked boxes.
• Un-signed forms.

Legal practitioners repeat the same advice: read instructions line by line, include the right ID pages, sign everywhere required, and label documents clearly.

Suggested packet contents:
– Clear copy of your current green card (if available).
– Proof of current address.
– Passport biographic page, if relevant.
– Labeled attachments and a copy of everything you send.

Communication, recordkeeping, and practical safeguards

With stretched processing times, applicants should assume more follow-up and keep meticulous records:

• Save delivery proof and the receipt notice (Form I-797C).
• If you move, file an address update promptly to avoid misdirected mail.
• If four weeks pass with no receipt, contact USCIS with tracking details and a calm written summary.
• Keep copies of any reschedule requests or RFE responses.

A surprising number of delays start with a misdirected letter. Acting quickly and keeping proof reduces the chance your case falls through the cracks.

Employer, school, and landlord considerations

• HR teams should build extra time into onboarding and reverification plans.
• Colleges can, when policy allows, accept a receipt notice plus photo ID for initial campus access.
• Early, honest communication with employers or landlords helps secure flexibility and avoid last-minute problems.

Should you hire a lawyer?

• Many applicants can file on their own for straightforward I-90 cases.
• Consider hiring a lawyer if you have:
  • A name change,
  • Complex travel history,
  • Long periods without a valid card,
  • Or other issues that may prompt extra review.
• If legal help is not possible, ask a trusted community group for a second set of eyes.

Quick, practical checklist: How applicants can protect themselves

• File early — you can submit Form I-90 up to 6 months before your card expires.
• Send a complete packet — include your current green card copy, address proof, and any passport pages needed.
• Watch your mail and respond fast to RFEs.
• Treat biometrics like a must-attend appointment; reschedule immediately if necessary and retain proof.
• Notify your employer early if renewal overlaps a start date or reverification.
• Consider legal or community help for complicated cases.

The spread matters: plan for the median and the high end

• Median: over 8 months.
• Range: 1.5 to 13.5 months.
• Some cases still finish quickly; others encounter RFEs or scheduling delays and take much longer.
• Plan for the middle, but prepare for the high end with backup documents and transparent timelines shared with employers, schools, or landlords.

What to expect next

• Observers expect USCIS to continue working on backlog reduction and internal workflow adjustments.
• Any staffing increases or process improvements may first show up as better appointment availability or fewer RFEs before median times fall.
• No immediate snap-back to pre-2024 levels is guaranteed; improvements may be gradual.

Travel and time-sensitive situations

• If your card may expire while abroad, reconsider travel unless you can adjust dates.
• If travel is necessary, gather proof of filing and a clear identity package.
• Risk assessment: airlines and border officials favor people with current documents; timing travel after the new card arrives reduces stress.

Final takeaways

• The I-90 process is familiar but slower in 2025. The long middle stretch is the hardest because there’s little to do but wait.
• Best practices:
  • File early and cleanly.
  • Keep records and addresses current.
  • Treat notices as time-sensitive.
  • Communicate proactively with employers, schools, and landlords.
• For official instructions, current fees, and filing options, go to the USCIS Form I-90 page.

If you file a careful I-90 application, keep your paperwork organized, and respond promptly to any notices, your case should reach the finish line—albeit on a longer timeline than many expect.