5 Common Delays in Green Card Processing and How to Manage Them

Key Takeaways

• USCIS backlog hit 11.3 million pending cases by July 2025, causing historic green card delays.
• Visa Bulletin retrogression affects priority dates, delaying applicants from high-demand countries.
• New Form I-485 requires medical exam; missing documents increase risk of rejection or delay.

Green card processing delays have reached historic levels in 2025, affecting millions of applicants and their families. As of July 13, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) backlog stands at a record 11.3 million pending cases. This includes green card applications, work permits, and other immigration benefits. These delays are not just numbers—they impact real people waiting to build their lives in the United States 🇺🇸. Understanding the 5 common delays in green card processing, who is affected, and what steps to take can help applicants manage this challenging time.

What Changed and Who Is Affected

The main change in 2025 is the scale and complexity of green card processing delays. The backlog has grown due to more applications, fewer USCIS staff, and changes in how cases are handled. This affects almost everyone applying for a green card, including family-based and employment-based applicants, as well as those renewing or replacing their green cards. The delays also impact employers, families, and students who rely on timely immigration processing.

Effective Dates and Immediate Actions

These delays are ongoing as of July 2025. Applicants with pending cases or those planning to file soon should take action now to avoid further problems. The following sections explain each of the 5 common delays, what causes them, and what you can do to handle them.

1. Historic USCIS Backlog and Processing Delays

Current Status:
USCIS is facing a record backlog of 11.3 million pending cases as of the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 (January to March 2025). This includes green card applications (Form I-485), work permits, and other benefits. Median processing times for green card-related forms have increased sharply. For example, the median processing time for Form I-90 (used to replace a green card) jumped from 0.8 months to over 8 months—a 938% increase.

Why This Is Happening:
Several factors have led to this backlog:
– More people are applying for green cards and related benefits.
– USCIS has fewer staff to handle the workload.
– The Streamlined Case Processing program, which helped speed up low-risk cases, was suspended.
– Policy changes and increased security checks have slowed things down.

Who Is Affected:
Anyone applying for a green card, renewing, or replacing one is likely to experience longer waits. This includes families, workers, and students.

What You Should Do:
– Check USCIS processing times for your specific form and service center using the official USCIS processing times tool.
– Monitor your case status online with the USCIS case status tool.
– Consider premium processing if you are eligible. While most green card forms do not offer this, some related forms might.
– Talk to an immigration attorney about expedited processing or humanitarian exceptions if you have urgent needs.

2. Visa Bulletin and Priority Date Retrogression

Current Status:
The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin controls when green card applicants can move forward, based on visa number availability. In July 2025, applicants must use the “Dates for Filing” chart to know when they can submit their adjustment of status applications (Form I-485).

Why This Is Happening:
Each year, there are limits on how many green cards can be given out in each category and country. When demand is high, especially from countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, priority dates can move backward (retrogress), causing longer waits.

Who Is Affected:
Family-based and employment-based green card applicants from high-demand countries are most affected. If your priority date is not current, you cannot move forward with your application.

What You Should Do:
– Check the Visa Bulletin every month to see if your priority date is current. The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly.
– File your adjustment of status application as soon as your date becomes current under the “Dates for Filing” chart.
– Coordinate with your employer and lawyer if you are an employment-based applicant to maintain your legal status while waiting.

3. Increased Security and Fraud Vetting

Current Status:
USCIS has made background checks and fraud detection stricter. This started during the Trump administration and continues in 2025. As a result, more applicants receive Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Requests for Information (RFIs), which can add months to the process.

Why This Is Happening:
USCIS wants to make sure all applications are genuine and that applicants meet all requirements. This means more detailed checks and more questions for applicants.

Who Is Affected:
All green card applicants may face these extra checks, but those with incomplete or unclear applications are more likely to get RFEs or RFIs.

What You Should Do:
– Respond quickly and completely to any RFE or RFI from USCIS. Delays in responding can make your case take even longer.
– Submit a complete and organized application the first time to reduce the chance of getting an RFE.
– Work with an experienced immigration attorney to make sure your application is strong and all documents are included.

4. Physical Mail and Case Intake Delays

Current Status:
As of the second quarter of 2025, over 34,000 applications are sitting unopened in USCIS mailrooms. This “frontlog” means some cases have not even been entered into the system, causing unexplained delays in getting receipt notices and starting the review process.

Why This Is Happening:
USCIS is overwhelmed by the volume of mail and does not have enough staff to process it quickly. This problem is worse for paper applications.

Who Is Affected:
Applicants who file by mail are most at risk for these delays. If your application is stuck in the mailroom, you may not get a receipt notice for weeks or even months.

What You Should Do:
– File electronically whenever possible. USCIS offers online filing for many forms, which avoids mailroom delays.
– If you must file by mail, use tracked and certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
– Contact USCIS customer service if you do not receive a receipt notice within the normal time frame.
– Reach out to your local congressional representative for help if your case is delayed in intake.

5. Changes in Forms and Filing Requirements

Current Status:
USCIS released a new version of Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) in December 2024. This version requires you to submit your medical examination (Form I-693) at the same time. If you use an old form or forget the medical exam, your application can be rejected or delayed.

Why This Is Happening:
USCIS updates forms to collect more information and improve processing. However, these changes can confuse applicants and lead to mistakes.

Who Is Affected:
Anyone filing Form I-485 after December 2024 must use the new version and include Form I-693. Missing or outdated forms can cause your application to be rejected or delayed.

What You Should Do:
– Always download the latest forms from the official USCIS website before filing.
– Carefully follow the instructions for each form, especially for the medical exam.
– Make sure your medical exam is current and completed by a USCIS-approved doctor. You can find the latest Form I-693 here.
– Consider having an immigration attorney review your application before you send it in to catch any mistakes.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you already have a green card application pending, these delays mean you may wait longer for a decision. It is important to keep your contact information up to date with USCIS and respond quickly to any requests. If your work permit or travel document is also delayed, talk to your employer or school about your situation.

For those planning to apply soon, be prepared for longer waits and possible extra steps. Filing early, using the correct forms, and keeping good records can help you avoid extra delays.

Practical Guidance and Expert Perspectives

Processing Times Overview:
While some categories, like fiancé visas (Form I-129F), are seeing even longer waits in 2025, family-based green card processing is slower than last year but has not stopped. Employment-based applicants, especially from high-demand countries, face the longest waits due to visa number limits.

Expert Opinion:
Immigration attorneys stress the importance of patience and being prepared. Early filing, keeping your status legal, and checking your case status often are key steps. As reported by VisaVerge.com, experts also recommend using electronic filing and seeking legal help if you face unusual delays or complex situations.

Policy Outlook:
No major changes to USCIS procedures have been announced as of mid-2025. However, advocacy groups are pushing Congress to give USCIS more money and staff to help reduce the backlog. Until then, applicants should expect slow processing and plan accordingly.

Summary Table: 5 Common Delays and How to Handle Them

Official Contacts and Resources

• USCIS Processing Times: Check processing times
• USCIS Case Status: Check your case status
• Visa Bulletin: Monthly Visa Bulletin
• USCIS Customer Service: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
• Congressional Assistance: Contact your local U.S. Representative or Senator for help with delayed cases

Next Steps and Takeaways

If you are dealing with green card processing delays, here are some steps you can take right now:

• Stay informed: Check official government websites for updates on processing times and visa bulletins.
• File early and correctly: Use the latest forms and instructions. Double-check your application before sending it in.
• Respond quickly: If USCIS asks for more information, reply as soon as possible with complete documents.
• Use electronic filing: Whenever possible, file online to avoid mailroom delays.
• Seek help if needed: If your case is delayed beyond normal times, contact USCIS or your local congressional office. Consider talking to an immigration attorney for advice.
• Keep records: Save copies of everything you send to USCIS and any responses you receive.

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of extra delays and make the green card process as smooth as possible, even during this challenging time.

For more detailed information and ongoing updates, always rely on official government sources and trusted immigration news outlets. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that staying proactive and informed is the best way to handle the current USCIS backlog and green card processing delays.

Remember, while the system is slow right now, taking the right steps can help you avoid unnecessary problems and keep your immigration journey on track.

Learn Today

USCIS Backlog → The accumulation of 11.3 million pending immigration cases delaying green card processing in 2025.
Visa Bulletin Retrogression → A reversal of priority dates delaying green card applications for high-demand countries.
Form I-485 → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, required for green card processing.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → A USCIS notice asking for additional documents or information to support an application.
Adjustment of Status → The process of applying for permanent residency while staying in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

Green card processing delays reached record highs in 2025 due to USCIS backlog and policy changes. Applicants face longer waits from increased security checks and mailroom bottlenecks. Staying informed, using correct forms, and quick responses reduce delays. Electronic filing and legal advice are essential during this challenging immigration period.
— By VisaVerge.com