Your physical card (Green Card, EAD, etc.) has been mailed or delivered. Check your mailbox!
What comes next
Cards typically arrive within 7-10 business days. If you don't receive it within 3 weeks, contact USCIS to report it.
Typical timeline
Cards mailed by USCIS typically arrive within 7-14 business days via USPS. You can track delivery using USPS Informed Delivery at informeddelivery.usps.com.
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If you're stuck on this status
If your card hasn't arrived within 30 days of the 'Card Was Mailed' status, contact USCIS to report it missing. For green cards, you'll file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card). Act promptly — USCIS has time limits on replacement requests.
What to do now
1Your card is on its way — typically arrives within 2-3 weeks
2Track delivery via USPS Informed Delivery if available
3If not received within 30 days, contact USCIS
When to contact an attorney
You usually do not need an attorney for this status by itself. Consider legal help if your case is outside published processing times, you receive a confusing notice, or your facts are complicated.
Community average
Applicants typically wait 7 days before the next update after this status.
Frequently asked questions
How long after 'Card Was Mailed' will I actually receive my card?+
USCIS mails cards via USPS, typically with standard delivery. Most applicants receive their cards within 7-14 business days. Delivery times can vary by location and postal service delays.
What if my card never arrives?+
If your card hasn't arrived within 30 days, file a case inquiry through my.uscis.gov. For green cards, USCIS will ask you to file Form I-90 to request a replacement. For EADs, contact USCIS to report the missing card and request reissuance.
Can someone else sign for my green card delivery?+
USCIS cards are typically mailed via USPS with no signature required. They are sent in plain, unmarked envelopes for security. If your mailbox isn't secure, consider setting up USPS Informed Delivery to know when it's arriving.
What if the card has an error when it arrives?+
If your name, date of birth, or expiration date is wrong, file Form I-90 immediately. Do not use a card with errors for employment verification or travel. USCIS will issue a corrected card at no charge if the error was theirs.
Can I work or travel while waiting for my card to arrive?+
For green cards: yes — your approval notice (Form I-797) serves as temporary evidence of your permanent resident status combined with your expired green card (I-551 stamp). For EADs: you can work as soon as the approval notice arrives; you don't need to wait for the physical card.
GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.