If you have recently been approved for a green card, the USCIS will notify you by mail. While waiting for its delivery, you may want to track its status.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides two main ways to track a green card delivery. Here are different ways to receive regular status updates if you are waiting for a green card to be delivered to you.
Option #1: Track Your Green Card Delivering Using a USCIS Account
This is usually the easiest way to track the green card process. First, you will need to sign up for a USCIS Case Status Online account. Then, you will receive automatic case updates on the USCIS online account, including your U.S. Postal Service (USPS) tracking number, once the green card has been mailed to you.
Option #2: Sign Up for the Informed Delivery System
The other option is to sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to track the green card status online. With this option, you can receive text and email alerts, including daily images of your mail and packages scheduled for delivery. This option also allows you to enter delivery instructions for your mail carrier.
Other Ways to Check the Status of Your Green Card During Delivery
You can contact the USCIS or U.S. Postal Service customer service if you need help tracking your green card delivery. They should be able to provide you with additional information and help resolve any issues with your delivery.
What happens if your tracking information shows that your package was delivered but you have not yet received it?
This problem mostly occurs if there is a change of address, but you did not update your address with the USCIS. In that case, you will need to contact your local post office immediately.
Keep in mind that you must update your address within 10 days of moving to your new address.
Read More | How To Check Green Card Status?
Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative
Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, is a form used by attorneys and accredited representatives to indicate their representation of an applicant, petitioner, or respondent in a U.S. immigration matter.
When an attorney or accredited representative files a G-28 form with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it serves as official notice of their appearance and entry into the case. This allows USCIS to communicate directly with the representative regarding the case and ensures that the representative receives all important notifications and documents related to the case.
It is also important to note that the USCIS may mail your green card to an alternative mailing address provided during your initial green card application. For instance, if you applied for a Resident Alien Card with the help of an immigration lawyer or an accredited representative, the USCIS may send the Permanent Resident Card to them. To do this, the attorney or accredited representative must fill out Form G-28, indicating their appearance in the case and providing their address as the alternative mailing address for the green card.
Green Card Delivery Tracking FAQs
How Do I Track My Green Card Delivery?
As mentioned, there are two main ways to track your green card delivery. You can either do so by signing up for a Case Status Online account to receive important updates regarding your green card petition or register for Informed Delivery provided by the USPS.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Green Card in the Mail?
After your permanent resident card application has been approved, it takes about 90 days from the day you made your payment for the green card to receive the card.
Does USCIS Send Green Card With Tracking?
Yes, you will find this number when you sign up for a Case Status Online account or register for Informed Delivery via USPS.
How Does USCIS Send Green Cards?
The USCIS will mail the green card to you or a third party, who can either be an immigration attorney or an accredited service. This only happens if the third party fills out a Form G-28 instructing the USCIS to mail the green card to them.
How Do I Know if My Green Card Has Been Mailed?
You can find out if your green card has been mailed by checking online via your USCIS account. If mailed, the USCIS will provide you with a tracking number to track its delivery.
Does USCIS Use UPS or USPS?
The USCIS uses the USPS to mail green cards, travel documents, and other important immigration documents to the recipients. However, USCIS may also use other mailing services such as UPS or FedEx for certain types of documents or in certain situations.
For example, if an applicant requests expedited delivery or if the USCIS needs to send documents internationally, they may use a private carrier like UPS or FedEx.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Green Card in Mail After an Interview?
The time it takes to receive your green card in the mail after an interview can vary depending on several factors, such as the processing times of USCIS. Generally, it takes about 90 days after the interview for the card to arrive (that is if you passed the interview).
Can You Check Your Green Card Case Status By Phone?
Yes, you can check your case status by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Make sure you have your receipt number or other identifying information available when you call.
When you call the USCIS, you can either use the USCIS automated phone system or speak to a live representative. Keep in mind that if you choose to speak to a representative, you may have to wait on hold for some time, especially during peak hours. On the other hand, the automated phone system may be faster.
Note that the USCIS website also provides an online case status tool that allows you to check the status of your green card case using your receipt number. You can use this tool even on your smartphone, just as long as you are connected to the internet and have the receipt number available.
The online tool is generally faster and more convenient than calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What Does “Card Was Mailed to Me” Status Mean?
This status means that the USCIS approved your green card and mailed it to you. You can enter your receipt number to track the delivery of your green card via the USCIS website or USPS.
What Is a Receipt Number?
Also known as the case number, the USCIS receipt number is a 13-character code that consists of 3 letters and 10 numbers. The first three letters of the receipt number indicate the USCIS service center that received the application or petition. For example, ‘NBC’ means that the application was received by the National Benefits Center.
The 10 digits are a unique identifier for the case. The final letter is a checksum digit used to validate the receipt number.
The USCIS receipt number is typically provided on Form I-797, Notice of Action, which USCIS issues to acknowledge receipt of an application or petition. Therefore, it is important to keep track of your receipt number, as it is the key to checking the status of your case and communicating with USCIS about your application or petition.
Can I Check my Green Card Status In Person?
No, the USCIS does not provide any option to check green card status in person at any USCIS field office. You can either do it online or by calling the USCIS contact center (or the closest USCIS field office). If applying for a green card from outside the United States, you will need to contact the National Visa Center (NVC).
Also, note that if you live outside of the U.S., you must check your green card status with the NVC at least once per year. If you fail to do so, the NVC will stop processing your application, and you will need to begin afresh, including paying the government filing fees all over again.
