USCIS approved your case and ordered production of your green card, EAD, or travel document. The card is being manufactured and will be mailed to you.
What comes next
Your physical card will be produced and mailed by USPS, typically within 10-21 days. Watch your mailbox. During high-volume periods or holidays, production can take longer. If you have not received the card within 30 days, contact USCIS.
Typical timeline
Cards are typically mailed within 10-21 days of the 'card ordered' status. USPS first-class delivery adds 2-5 business days. Most applicants receive their card within 3-4 weeks of this status. High-volume periods can extend production time.
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If you're stuck on this status
If it has been more than 30 days since 'We Ordered Your New Card' and you have not received anything, submit a card delivery inquiry through your USCIS online account. The card may have been returned to USCIS due to an incorrect or outdated address.
What to do now
1Confirm your address in your USCIS online account is current
2Watch your mailbox over the next 2-3 weeks
3If card is not received within 30 days, file a card delivery inquiry through my.uscis.gov
4Do not travel internationally until you have the physical card in hand (for green cards)
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 14 days before the next update after this status.
Frequently asked questions
How long after 'We Ordered Your New Card' will I receive it?+
Most applicants receive their card within 3-4 weeks of this status. The card is manufactured first (typically 7-14 days), then mailed via USPS first class. In high-volume periods, production can take up to 3 weeks before mailing.
Does 'We Ordered Your New Card' mean my case is fully approved?+
Yes — card production is only ordered after a full approval. This is one of the final statuses before the card arrives. The physical card is legal proof of your immigration status or work authorization.
Can I start working or traveling while I wait for the card?+
For EAD renewals: your previous EAD card combined with a timely filed renewal receipt notice (I-797C) may provide an automatic extension of work authorization under current USCIS rules — confirm with your employer and consult an attorney. For first-time EADs: the physical card is required before you can begin working. For green cards: your I-551 stamp in your passport can serve as a temporary travel document — contact a USCIS field office to get one if you need to travel urgently. For advance parole: wait for the physical card before traveling internationally.
What if I moved recently and my old address is on file?+
Update your address immediately at my.uscis.gov. If the card has already been produced with the old address, it may be returned by USPS. You can file a card delivery inquiry and request re-mailing once the address is corrected.
My card arrived but has a mistake on it — what do I do?+
If USCIS made an error (wrong name, wrong A-number, wrong dates), file Form I-90 (for green cards) or contact USCIS for EAD errors. If the information is correct but the card is damaged or defective, you can also file I-90. Do not alter the 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.