Key Takeaways
• Processing times for Form I-90 rose nearly 1,000% to a median of 4.3 months in 2025.
• USCIS extends green card validity for up to 24 months during replacement delays.
• Delays affect lawful permanent residents’ work, travel, and access to services nationwide.
Green Card Replacement Processing Times Surge: What Immigrants Need to Know in 2025
Green card holders across the United States 🇺🇸 are facing much longer waits for replacement cards, with processing times for Form I-90 surging by nearly 1,000 percent compared to previous years. As of July 7, 2025, the median wait for a green card replacement is about 4.3 months, a dramatic jump from the 1-2 month waits many applicants experienced in the past. This change has left many Lawful permanent residents worried about their status, travel plans, and ability to work.
This article explains what’s happening, why these delays matter, and what steps you can take if you need to replace your green card. We’ll break down the latest facts, provide background on the process, and offer practical advice for those affected.
What’s Happening With Green Card Replacement Processing Times?
Who is affected?
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the United States 🇺🇸 who need to replace their green card—whether because it’s lost, stolen, expired, or damaged—are directly impacted by these longer processing times.
What’s changed?
The median processing time for Form I-90, the official application to replace a green card, is now about 4.3 months. In previous years, the process often took less than 2 months, and sometimes as little as 6 weeks.
When did this start?
The surge in processing times became most noticeable in 2024 and has continued into 2025, reaching record highs by July.
Where is this happening?
These delays are nationwide, affecting all applicants who file Form I-90 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Why is this important?
A green card is proof of your legal right to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸. Delays in getting a replacement can cause problems with employment, travel, and even accessing some government services.
How are authorities responding?
USCIS has introduced measures to help, such as extending the validity of green cards during the renewal process. However, many applicants still face uncertainty and stress due to the longer waits.
Understanding Form I-90 and the Green Card Replacement Process
What is Form I-90?
Form I-90, officially called the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is the form you must file if your green card is lost, stolen, expired, or needs to be updated for any reason. You can find the official Form I-90 and instructions on the USCIS website.
When do you need to file Form I-90?
You should file Form I-90 if:
- Your green card is lost or stolen
- Your card is damaged or destroyed
- Your card has expired or will expire within 6 months
- Your name or other information has changed and needs to be updated
How do you file?
You can file Form I-90 online or by mail. You’ll need to pay a filing fee (currently $455, plus an $85 biometric services fee, but always check the latest fees on the official USCIS fee schedule). After filing, you may be asked to attend a biometrics appointment, where USCIS collects your fingerprints and photo.
Why Are Green Card Replacement Processing Times So High?
Several factors have contributed to the surge in processing times:
- Increased Application Volume: More people are applying to replace or renew their green cards, possibly due to a growing permanent resident population and increased awareness of the need to keep documents up to date.
- Staffing Shortages: USCIS has faced staffing challenges, including hiring freezes and backlogs from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Security Checks: Enhanced security and background checks can slow down the process, especially for applicants with complex histories.
- System Upgrades: USCIS has been updating its technology systems, which sometimes causes temporary slowdowns.
- Policy Changes: Shifts in immigration policy and priorities can affect how quickly applications are processed.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these combined pressures have led to a nearly 1,000 percent increase in green card replacement processing times compared to the best years on record.
What Does This Mean for Green Card Holders?
Longer Waits for Proof of Status
If you need a new green card, you’ll likely wait several months before receiving the replacement. This can be stressful, especially if you need the card for work, travel, or other important reasons.
Problems With Employment
Employers are required to verify your legal right to work in the United States 🇺🇸. While your status as a permanent resident does not expire, your green card is the main proof. If your card is lost or expired, you may need to show other documents or explain the delay to your employer.
Travel Delays
A valid green card is needed to re-enter the United States 🇺🇸 after traveling abroad. If your card is missing or expired, you may face problems at the border or even be denied boarding by airlines.
Access to Services
Some government agencies, banks, and other organizations require a valid green card as proof of identity and status. Delays in getting a replacement card can make it harder to access these services.
What Is USCIS Doing to Help?
USCIS has taken steps to reduce the impact of these delays:
- Extended Validity Notices: When you file Form I-90, you receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) that now automatically extends the validity of your green card for up to 24 months. This notice, together with your expired green card, serves as proof of your status while you wait for the replacement.
- Emergency Appointments: In urgent cases, such as needing to travel for a family emergency, you can request an emergency appointment at a local USCIS office. They may issue a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport, which proves your permanent resident status.
- Online Case Tracking: Applicants can check the status of their Form I-90 online using the USCIS Case Status tool.
What Should You Do If You Need to Replace Your Green Card?
1. File Form I-90 as Soon as Possible
Don’t wait until your card is lost or expired. If you know your green card will expire within 6 months, start the process early. You can find the official Form I-90 here.
2. Keep Your Receipt Notice Safe
After you file, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797). This notice extends your green card’s validity for up to 24 months. Carry this notice with your expired card at all times.
3. Prepare for Biometrics
You may be asked to attend a biometrics appointment. Make sure to go to this appointment, as missing it can cause further delays.
4. Check Your Case Status Regularly
Use the USCIS online tool to track your application. This helps you stay informed and spot any problems early.
5. Request Emergency Help If Needed
If you have urgent travel or other emergencies, contact your local USCIS office to ask about getting a temporary I-551 stamp.
Common Questions About Green Card Replacement
How long does it take to replace a green card in 2025?
The median processing time is now about 4.3 months, but some cases may take longer.
Can I work while waiting for my replacement card?
Yes. Your status as a permanent resident does not expire, and your receipt notice extends your card’s validity. Show your employer the receipt notice and your expired card if needed.
Can I travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 while waiting?
It’s possible, but risky. You should carry your expired green card and the receipt notice. Some airlines or border officials may not accept these documents, so check before you travel.
What if my green card is lost or stolen?
File Form I-90 right away. If you need to travel urgently, request an emergency appointment for a temporary I-551 stamp.
How much does it cost to replace a green card?
The current fee is $455 for Form I-90, plus an $85 biometric fee. Always check the official USCIS fee schedule for the latest information.
The Impact on Different Groups
Immigrants and Families
Longer processing times can cause stress for families who rely on green cards for work, travel, and peace of mind. Children and elderly immigrants may face extra challenges if they need to prove their status for school or healthcare.
Employers
Businesses must verify that employees are authorized to work. Delays in green card replacement can create confusion and extra paperwork for human resources departments.
Students
Permanent resident students may need a valid green card for school registration, financial aid, or internships. Delays can disrupt their plans.
Travelers
Anyone planning to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 should plan ahead. Without a valid green card, re-entry can be difficult.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Green card replacement processing times have not always been this long. In the best years, many applicants received their new cards in under 2 months. Several factors have contributed to the current surge:
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic caused office closures, staffing shortages, and a backlog of applications.
- Policy Changes: Shifts in immigration policy under different administrations have affected how resources are allocated.
- Technology Upgrades: While meant to improve efficiency, system changes sometimes cause temporary slowdowns.
- Increased Demand: More people are applying for green card replacements, putting extra pressure on the system.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these combined factors have pushed processing times to record highs, with no quick fix in sight.
What Can Be Done to Improve Processing Times?
USCIS and lawmakers are aware of the problem. Some possible solutions include:
- Hiring More Staff: Increasing the number of officers who process applications could help reduce the backlog.
- Improving Technology: Upgrading computer systems and online tools can make processing faster and more reliable.
- Streamlining Security Checks: Making background checks more efficient, while still keeping them thorough, could speed up the process.
- Policy Changes: Lawmakers could pass new rules to help permanent residents prove their status more easily during delays.
For now, applicants must be patient and follow all instructions carefully to avoid further delays.
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Start your green card replacement process as soon as you know you’ll need it.
- Keep Copies: Make copies of your green card, receipt notice, and all correspondence with USCIS.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the USCIS website for updates on processing times and procedures.
- Contact USCIS for Help: If you have an emergency or your case is outside normal processing times, contact USCIS for assistance.
- Be Prepared for Delays: Plan ahead for work, travel, and other needs, knowing that your replacement card may take several months to arrive.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on green card replacement, always use official government sources. The USCIS Green Card Replacement page provides detailed instructions, forms, and contact information.
Conclusion: What to Expect in 2025
Green card replacement processing times have reached historic highs, with most applicants now waiting over 4 months for a new card. While USCIS has taken steps to help, such as extending the validity of expired cards during the process, the delays remain a serious concern for many permanent residents.
If you need to replace your green card, act quickly, keep all your documents safe, and stay in touch with USCIS. Use your receipt notice as proof of status, and don’t hesitate to ask for emergency help if needed. By staying informed and prepared, you can reduce the impact of these delays on your life and plans.
For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates on green card replacement and other immigration issues, VisaVerge.com remains a trusted source for immigrants, families, and employers across the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Form I-90 → The official USCIS application used to replace or renew a green card.
Lawful Permanent Resident → A non-citizen authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
Biometrics Appointment → An in-person USCIS session to collect fingerprints and photos for identity verification.
Receipt Notice → Form I-797 confirming USCIS received your application, extending green card validity during processing.
I-551 Stamp → A temporary stamp in the passport proving permanent resident status during green card delays.
This Article in a Nutshell
Green card holders face unprecedented delays in replacement processing, now averaging 4.3 months. USCIS offers extended validity notices and emergency help, but stress and complications persist for applicants amid record backlogs and staffing shortages through 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
