"Card Is Being Produced" USCIS Status: Green Card & EAD Timeline
USCIS is printing your physical card — green card, EAD, or Advance Parole. Here's how long it takes, what to do if it doesn't arrive, and what to check.
"Card Is Being Produced" means USCIS has approved your application and the physical card (green card / EAD / Advance Parole) is being printed at a card production facility. After this, the status will change to "Card Was Mailed" and then you'll receive the card.
In a nutshell
Your card is being printed. No action needed. Expect "Card Was Mailed" within 1–3 weeks, and physical delivery 7–10 business days after that. Make sure your address is correct in USCIS's system now.
What card is being produced
| Form | Card produced |
|---|---|
| I-485 (green card) | Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) |
| I-765 (EAD) | Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document) |
| I-131 (Advance Parole) | Advance Parole travel document |
| I-765 + I-131 combo | Combo card (EAD + AP on one card) |
Timeline after "Card Is Being Produced"
Typical timeline
- "Card Was Mailed" status: usually 1–3 weeks after production begins
- Physical delivery: 7–10 business days after the "mailed" status appears
- Total: 2–5 weeks from "Card Is Being Produced" to card in hand
> If you have an urgent need (travel, job start), do not assume the card will arrive on any specific date. Build in buffer time.
Confirm your mailing address now
USCIS sends physical cards to the address on file. This is not the time to discover an old address is on file.
Common mistakes
- File Form AR-11 (Change of Address) immediately if your address has changed since filing
- If the address on your I-485/I-765 approval notice is wrong, call USCIS (1-800-375-5283) or submit an online inquiry
- Cards mailed to wrong addresses may require a replacement request
What to do when the card arrives
- Inspect the card immediately — verify name spelling, date of birth, expiration date, and category code match your records.
- Sign the card if required (green card has signature panel on back).
- For green card: compare the A-Number on the card to your approval notice — they should match.
- For EAD: note the validity date and set a calendar reminder 180 days before expiration to file renewal.
- Scan and store a digital copy in a secure location.
If the card doesn't arrive
Avoid
- Card not received 30 days after "Card Was Mailed" — you can request a replacement via myUSCIS or call USCIS
- Card arrived but information is wrong — do not sign if any info is incorrect; request a replacement immediately
- Green card lost before arrival: File I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)
- EAD lost before arrival: File I-765 replacement (you cannot work until you have a valid EAD in hand)
Can I start working before I receive the EAD?
No. For EAD holders, employment authorization begins when you physically receive the valid card — not when the case shows "Approved" or "Card Was Mailed." Do not start working before you hold the card.
Frequently asked questions
It's been 6 weeks and my card still hasn't arrived — what do I do?
Submit a case inquiry through myUSCIS or call USCIS. For green cards, 30 days is the typical window before requesting a replacement. For EAD, also 30 days. Use the USPS tracking number (if provided) to verify delivery status.
My status shows "Card Was Mailed" but USPS says it was delivered to the wrong address — what now?
File a case inquiry immediately via myUSCIS. If you recently moved, this is especially urgent. You may need to request a replacement and provide evidence of current address.
Know exactly what to expect
Use the USCIS Case Status Meaning Tool for guidance specific to your form type.
Not sure what your status means for your specific form?
Use the USCIS Case Status Meaning Tool — select your form type and current status for plain-English guidance.
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