"Card Was Produced" is one of the most welcome status updates in USCIS's system — it means your case is approved and your physical card is being manufactured. But what exactly happens next, and how long until the card is actually in your hands? This guide covers the process from production to delivery.
You can also decode this status (and any other USCIS update) in plain English using GreenLight's Status Decoder, or view the full Card Was Produced status guide.
What "Card Was Produced" Actually Means
"Card Was Produced" means USCIS has sent a print order to its card production facility — operated by the General Services Administration (GSA) — and your card has been (or is being) physically manufactured. The card data has been personalized to you: your photo, biographic data, and security features are printed and embedded in the card.
At this point, your case is effectively approved. "Card Was Produced" does not itself mean you are approved (that was "Case Was Approved"), but you will never see "Card Was Produced" without an underlying approval.
Which Cards Trigger This Status?
- Permanent Resident Card (green card) — issued after I-485 approval or consular processing.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — issued after I-765 approval. May also be a combo card (EAD + Advance Parole on a single card) if both I-765 and I-131 were approved concurrently.
- Advance Parole travel document — issued after standalone I-131 approval.
- Reentry Permit — issued after I-131 approval for extended international travel.
How Long Until Delivery?
From "Card Was Produced" to physical delivery in your mailbox, the typical timeline is 7–14 calendar days. Here is the breakdown:
- Production → Mailed: 1–3 business days. The card is printed, packaged, and handed to USPS.
- Mailed → Delivered: 5–10 business days via USPS First Class Mail. Note: USCIS does not provide a tracking number for card delivery. USPS Informed Delivery (if you are enrolled) may show a preview of the envelope before it arrives.
What to Do If Your Card Does Not Arrive
If your status shows "Card Was Mailed" (the next status after "Card Was Produced") and 30 days have passed with no delivery:
- Verify your mailing address on file at my.uscis.gov.
- Check with your local post office — cards are sometimes held there.
- Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to report a non-delivery.
- If confirmed lost, USCIS will guide you through requesting a replacement. You may need to file Form I-90 (green card replacement) or a new I-765 (EAD replacement).
What If Your Address Changed After "Card Was Produced"?
If your status is already "Card Was Produced" or "Card Was Mailed" and your address has changed, act immediately. Contact USCIS by phone (1-800-375-5283) and ask them to intercept the mailing if possible. Also submit Form AR-11 to update your address for all pending cases. In this situation, consulting an immigration attorney about next steps is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after "Card Was Produced" will I receive my card?
Typically 7–14 calendar days. The card is handed to USPS within 1–3 business days of "Card Was Produced," and USPS First Class delivery takes an additional 5–10 business days. You will not receive a tracking number from USCIS, but USPS Informed Delivery may preview the envelope.
What should I do if my card doesn't arrive after 30 days?
First confirm your address is correct in my.uscis.gov. Then check with your local post office. If still undelivered after 30 days from the "Card Was Mailed" status, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to report the non-delivery. For green cards, you may ultimately need to file Form I-90. For EADs, a new I-765 may be required.
Can I track my green card or EAD delivery?
USCIS does not provide individual tracking numbers for card deliveries. However, if you are enrolled in USPS Informed Delivery, you may see a scan of your incoming mail — including the USCIS envelope — before it arrives. Some applicants have also had success calling USCIS to ask for a tracking number after the card was mailed.
What if my address changed after "Card Was Produced"?
Contact USCIS immediately by phone (1-800-375-5283) to see if delivery can be intercepted. Also file Form AR-11 online to update your address for all cases. If the card is sent to the wrong address, you will likely need to request a replacement, which adds weeks to the process. Act as quickly as possible.
Does "Card Was Produced" mean my case is approved?
Yes — effectively. You will not see "Card Was Produced" unless your underlying case has been approved. The formal "Case Was Approved" status typically appears before "Card Was Produced." However, it is possible in some system sequencing situations for "Card Was Produced" to appear before the status page fully updates. Either way, if you see "Card Was Produced," your case has been approved.
GreenLight is not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.