If you are wondering: how long does it take to get a green card after approval? It’s probably because you know that the approval of your residency application is a major step forward, but it is not the final chapter of your immigration process. After years of waiting, gathering documents, attending interviews, and perhaps dealing with the uncertainty of delays, this question is one of the most common concerns among applicants who want to start living fully as lawful permanent residents of the United States.

The truth is that the journey does not end with the approval notice. There is still an important waiting period before your physical green card arrives in the mail. During this time, you may feel anxious or uncertain, but understanding the process and the possible timelines can give you peace of mind.

To put this into perspective, in fiscal year 2022 alone, USCIS received about 781,000 naturalization applications. This number highlights just how many individuals, like you, are waiting for decisions, processing steps, and official documents to arrive. With such high demand, it is normal for applicants to feel the pressure of delays and to seek reliable information.

In this article, the team at Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys explains what happens after approval, how long the process usually takes, what can cause setbacks, and what actions you can take to make sure your green card is delivered without major issues.

What Happens After Green Card Approval?

Once your Form I-485 (Application for Adjustment of Status) is approved, USCIS will issue a welcome notice. This notice is your official confirmation that you are now a lawful permanent resident. Receiving this letter is exciting because it formally recognizes your new legal status in the United States.

After sending the notice, USCIS begins the production process for your green card. This involves creating the secure physical document and preparing it for shipment. According to USCIS, this step normally takes up to 90 days from the date of approval, though it can be shorter in some cases or longer in others. The green card processing time after approval is not fixed and depends on many moving parts within the system.

It is important to emphasize that your permanent resident status is valid from the date of approval, even if you have not yet received the card. In many situations, you can use your approval notice together with your passport to demonstrate your status for certain limited purposes. However, for tasks like international travel, formal job verification, or immigration-related applications, it is safest to wait until you have your actual green card in hand.

Reasons for Green Card Delivery Delays

Several circumstances can influence the USCIS green card delivery time, and being aware of them can help you avoid unnecessary stress.

1. Address Updates
One of the most common reasons for delay is a change of address. If you moved after approval but did not update your contact details with USCIS, your green card may be sent to the wrong location or returned to USCIS. Updating your address through the Form AR-11 online is crucial to ensure smooth delivery. Even a minor mistake, such as a missing apartment number, can result in significant delays.

2. Information Errors
Mistakes on your welcome notice or on the card itself, such as incorrect names, dates, or identification numbers, must be corrected before the card can be used. This requires filing an e-Request or, in many cases, submitting Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card). Although this correction step may add extra weeks or months, ensuring the accuracy of your green card is vital to prevent long-term problems with identification or travel.

3. Postal Service Delays
Sometimes the problem lies outside USCIS. Delivery through the U.S. Postal Service can be delayed or mishandled, leading to missed deliveries. Cards may even be marked as “delivered” when they never reached the applicant. Staying in touch with your local post office and monitoring your mail closely during this period is a good practice.

4. Additional Security or Background Reviews
In rare cases, USCIS may conduct further security or background checks even after your case has been approved. These reviews are precautionary but can temporarily pause the production or mailing of your green card.

5. High Application Volumes
During periods of heavy demand, such as after major immigration policy changes or when large numbers of people apply for residency, the green card timeline after approval notice can stretch longer than usual. High case volumes simply slow down production and mailing.

Although most people receive their card within about three months, factors like incorrect addresses, administrative errors, or postal problems can extend the green card waiting time. The best way to stay ahead of these challenges is to update your information promptly and monitor your USCIS account regularly.

What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Green Card

If it has been more than 30 days since your approval and your green card has not arrived, it is time to take action. The card is not just a piece of plastic; it is your physical proof of the right to live and work legally in the U.S. Without it, you may run into issues with employers, government agencies, or when planning travel. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Check Your Case Status
The first step is to verify the progress of your green card using your receipt number. By visiting the USCIS Case Status Online tool, you can see whether your card has already been produced, mailed, or if there are issues with your address. Creating a USCIS online account also ensures you get automatic updates about your case.

2. Submit an e-Request
If the system shows no progress or you suspect an error, you can file an e-Request online. This tool allows you to:

• Report that your card has not been received.
• Point out errors on your card.
• Request assistance if your card was returned to USCIS.

After reviewing your request, USCIS may decide to reprint and resend your green card if necessary.

3. Contact USCIS Directly
If the e-Request does not resolve the issue, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. By speaking with an officer, you can:

• Ask specific questions about your case.
• Schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office through the Info Pass system.
• Receive personalized instructions based on your situation.

Make sure you have your case number, name, and address ready to speed up the conversation.

4. Verify With the Postal Service
If USCIS records show the card was mailed and marked “delivered,” but you never received it, visit your local post office. Request an internal investigation to see if the card was misplaced or delivered incorrectly.

5. File for a Replacement
If, after exhausting all steps, your green card still does not arrive, you will likely need to file Form I-90 to request a replacement card. While this process takes additional time and may involve paying a fee, it ensures that you eventually receive the official documentation you need.

By acting quickly, you can prevent small issues from escalating into larger problems with your immigration status.

USCIS Processing Times: How Can an Attorney Help You?

Many Green Card applicants face frustration and uncertainty, and ask: exactly how long does it take to get permanent residency after approval? USCIS timelines are unpredictable, and even people who apply at the same time may experience different waiting periods.

Although an attorney cannot directly shorten USCIS processing times, having professional legal guidance offers significant benefits:

• Accuracy in submissions: Many delays happen due to small mistakes or missing details. Attorneys ensure your forms are complete and correct.
• Close monitoring: Immigration lawyers track USCIS’s official timelines and can quickly identify if your case is falling behind normal standards.
• Follow-up actions: If your case exceeds the average processing time, an attorney can file a service request or even pursue legal remedies like a writ of mandamus in federal court to require USCIS to respond.
• Alternative options: If delays affect your status, attorneys can explore temporary solutions such as advance parole or extensions that protect your ability to remain in the U.S.
• Peace of mind: Beyond legal expertise, attorneys give you confidence and clarity by keeping you informed at every step.

By working with Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys, you gain not only legal representation but also a trusted advocate who can help you manage the uncertainty of USCIS processing.

Ready for Your Next Chapter: Receiving Your Green Card

The approval of your adjustment of status is an exciting milestone, but it is only part of the journey. You still need to receive the physical green card in the mail before you can fully enjoy the benefits of your permanent resident status. For most applicants, the card arrives within 90 days, but factors like postal issues, errors in your file, or additional reviews can extend the wait.

The best way to ensure a smooth process is to stay proactive: update your address, monitor your USCIS case status, and seek help if the card does not arrive. When issues arise, the guidance of an experienced attorney can prevent unnecessary delays.

This is where Moumita Rahman – Immigration Attorneys makes a true difference. Unlike other firms that handle cases with a one-size-fits-all approach, Moumita Rahman provides:

• Personalized case strategies: Every client receives an in-depth review and a tailored legal plan.
• Transparent communication: You will understand each step of the process clearly.
• Proven immigration experience: Years of handling complex cases allow the firm to anticipate challenges.
• Dedication to immigrant communities: As an immigrant herself, Moumita is known for her passionate defense of immigrant rights and her commitment to helping clients build secure futures in the U.S.

If you are asking yourself: How long does it take to get a green card after approval, the answer depends on your specific situation. Contact us today to get the guidance you need and move forward confidently toward permanent residency.