New Card is Being Produced i-485: What Does It Mean? (2024)

Navigating the path to U.S. permanent residency can be complex and filled with anticipation. At North County Immigration, led by lead attorney Anna Hysell, we understand the gravity of each update during this journey.

One important yet sometimes confusing update is the “New Card Is Being Produced” status for your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

But what exactly does this update signify?

Understanding the I-485 Process

Form I-485 is a crucial step for immigrants seeking to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident in the United States. This application is the last step for those eligible under certain categories, such as family-based or employment-based adjustments, to obtain their Green Card.

The Meaning of “New Card Is Being Produced”

When the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updates your case status to “New Card Is Being Produced,” it signifies a significant milestone. This update typically means that your I-485 application has been approved, and USCIS is now in the process of manufacturing your physical Green Card.

What Comes Next?

Following this update, you can expect to receive your Green Card in the mail, typically within 30 days. This card serves as your proof of lawful permanent residency in the U.S., granting you the freedom to live and work in the country indefinitely.

Preparing for Your Green Card Arrival

While waiting for your Green Card, ensure your mailing address with USCIS is current to avoid delivery issues. It’s also an excellent time to familiarize yourself with the rights and responsibilities that come with permanent residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I travel outside the U.S. before my card arrives?

A: It’s advisable to wait for your Green Card before making travel plans to avoid re-entry issues.

Q: What if I don’t receive my card within 60 days?

A: Contact USCIS or seek assistance from an immigration attorney if your card is delayed beyond the expected timeframe.

Q: How do Green Cards ship?

A: Green Cards (Permanent Resident Cards) in the United States are issued and sent by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once an individual’s application for permanent residency (e.g., Form I-485 for adjustment of status) is approved, and the card is produced, the USCIS mails the Green Card to the applicant’s mailing address. Here are key points regarding the shipping process:

  1. Production and Mailing: After approval, the Green Card is printed and mailed out. This process can take several weeks. USCIS provides a case status update, often accessible online through the USCIS Case Status Online tool, indicating when the card has been mailed.
  2. Shipping Method: USCIS typically uses the United States Postal Service (USPS) for mailing Green Cards. It’s important for recipients to ensure their mailing address is current with USCIS to avoid delivery issues.
  3. Secure Mail Initiative: USCIS may use secure mailing options for important documents. This includes tracking capabilities and may require a signature upon delivery to ensure the card’s safe arrival.
  4. Change of Address: If an applicant moves while their Green Card is being processed, it’s crucial to update their address with USCIS promptly to avoid misdelivery. This can be done online through the USCIS Change of Address page or by contacting the USCIS Contact Center.
  5. Delivery Issues: If there are issues with the delivery of the Green Card, such as it not arriving within the expected timeframe, the recipient should contact USCIS. In some cases, if a Green Card is returned to USCIS as undeliverable, the applicant may need to provide a correct address and possibly pay for re-mailing.

It’s essential for recipients to monitor their case status and maintain clear communication with USCIS regarding their mailing address to ensure the smooth delivery of their Green Card.

Tips for a Smooth Process

To ensure a seamless continuation of your application process, keep all documents related to your I-485 application organized and accessible. Staying informed about your case status through the USCIS website or mobile app is also crucial.

North County Immigration: Green Card Lawyers

The “New Card Is Being Produced” status is a harbinger of your upcoming transition to permanent residency in the United States. At North County Immigration, we share in your excitement and are here to support you through this final phase of your journey.

If you have questions about your I-485 status or need guidance on your immigration journey, North County Immigration is here to help. Led by Anna Hysell, our team offers expert advice and compassionate service to navigate the complexities of immigration law. We can help you to ensure your path to U.S. permanent residency is smooth and secure.

Contact us today!

New Card is Being Produced i-485: What Does It Mean? (2024)

FAQs

New Card is Being Produced i-485: What Does It Mean? ›

When the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updates your case status to “New Card Is Being Produced,” it signifies a significant milestone. This update typically means that your I-485 application has been approved, and USCIS is now in the process of manufacturing your physical Green Card.

What does new card being produced mean for i485? ›

If your application is approved, the status will change to “New Card is Being Produced.” This means USCIS has begun creating your EAD card. Typically, this status appears shortly after approval, often within a few days. After the status changes, the card production process usually takes a few days.

How long to receive a green card after a new card is being produced? ›

Those four words, card is being produced most likely means you'll be getting your green card in about a week or even less. Usually when we get those online alerts, the paper copy comes very shortly thereafter, the green card comes the next day.

What happens when USCIS says the card was produced? ›

When your I-485 case status shows "Card Was Produced," it means that the USCIS has completed processing your green card and is preparing to mail it to you. Typically, after this status update, you can expect to receive your physical green card in the mail within a few weeks.

What is next after a card is being produced? ›

You will receive the new EAD card (i-485 EAD, F1 OPT-EAD, L2 EAD, H4 EAD, or other) by mail within 5-10 working days after the “New card is being produced” USCIS case status update.

Does I485 approval mean green card? ›

If all of the requirements are met, and an immigrant visa is allocated by the Department of State (DOS), the Form I-485 is approved. Upon approval, the applicant is mailed a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card.

How do I know if my green card has been mailed? ›

You can check the status of your case using the My Case Status Tool. If Case Status Online indicates that the card was mailed, you should be provided with a United States Postal Service tracking number.

Can I-485 be approved without an interview? ›

Foreign nationals present in the U.S. and undergoing “I-485 adjustment of status”, aka Green Card processing are increasingly seeing their applications approved without an interview and sometimes in less than 90 days. This trend even covers applicants with cases based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen.

How do I know if a green card is produced? ›

Visit USCIS' “Case Status Online” tracker. Enter your Receipt Number. Click “Check Status.”

How long does it take for USCIS to mail a green card? ›

It may take up to 90 days from the date you entered to receive your permanent resident card. You entered the U.S. using your immigrant visa, You paid the immigrant visa fee AFTER you entered, It may take up to 90 days from the date you made your payment to receive your permanent resident card.

What does card production mean? ›

Card production includes card manufacturing, magnetic stripe encoding, and embossing, card personalization, card initialization, chip embedding and personalization, card storage, packaging, shipping, and distribution.

Can I travel while my green card is being produced? ›

You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States. Theoretically, you could be out of the United States for as long as you have a travel document (one year plus renewals).

Is USCIS printing green cards? ›

USCIS will begin issuing the redesigned cards on Jan. 30, 2023. The new Green Card and EAD designs contain state-of-the-art technology that continue to safeguard national security and improve service for our customers.

How long does it take for your new card to arrive? ›

It can take seven to 10 business days for a new credit card to be processed, packaged and shipped. If expedited shipping is an option, you may be able to get your card in the mail sooner. This is especially common when you call to replace a lost or stolen credit card.

Where is the USCIS card produced? ›

Your Green Cards are produced at a production center in the state of Kentucky and typically, once you receive that, "Your card is being produced," notice, it doesn't take long at all for the Green Card to arrive. It should be there within a week or two. If it takes longer than that, there might be something wrong.

What to do after getting a new card? ›

10 Things to Do When You Get a New Credit Card
  1. Activate Your New Card. Before using your credit card for the first time, you'll need to activate it. ...
  2. Sign Your New Card. ...
  3. Create an Online Account. ...
  4. Set Up Autopay. ...
  5. Review Introductory Offer Terms. ...
  6. Understand the Rewards Program. ...
  7. Activate Benefits. ...
  8. Update Recurring Payments.
May 19, 2023

Why is my I-485 transferred to another office for processing? ›

The reasons for transfer usually include but are not limited to service center workload, jurisdiction, interview necessity, relocation, or other clerical issues. Therefore, case transferring is a possible and normal step during the case processing period.

What is the new processing time for green card? ›

Current USCIS Processing Times at a Glance
FormPurposeCurrent Processing Time
I-90Green Card Replacement/Renewal1.1 months
I-130 (U.S. citizen sponsor)Petition for Alien Relative11.4 months
I-130 (Green card holder sponsor)Petition for Alien Relative25 months
I-485 (Family-based)Adjustment of Status9.4 months
10 more rows

What if I was approved but not received my green card? ›

As a first step, the foreign national should check the USCIS case status website and/or their USCIS online account to see if the card has been produced and mailed yet. If more than 30 days have passed since the approval, it is possible to submit an e-request through the USCIS website inquiring about the green card.

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