U.S. Green Card Renewal Delays: I-90 Processing Times Surge by 938% in 2025

If you’re a lawful permanent resident in the United States, renewing or replacing your green card just got a lot more complicated. According to fresh data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the processing time for Form I-90, used to renew or replace green cards, surged by nearly 1,000% in just a few months.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Form I-90 and Who Needs It?

Form I-90 is the application permanent residents file when:

• Their 10-year green card is about to expire
• Their green card is lost, damaged, or stolen
• Personal details need updating on the card

By law, green card holders must renew their cards every 10 years. That process used to be relatively quick, but that’s no longer the case.

I-90 Processing Time: Then vs. Now

Here’s how drastically things have changed:

Time Period	Median Processing Time
Oct–Dec 2024 (FY2024 Q4)	0.8 months
Jan–Mar 2025 (FY2025 Q2)	8.3 months

That’s a 938% increase in just one quarter.

And this isn’t just a temporary blip. USCIS now states:

• 80% of initial issuance or replacement cases take up to 21.5 months
• 80% of 10-year green card renewals are processed within 12.5 months

Key Facts: 2025 I-90 Processing Time Update

1. Current Wait Time

From January to March 2025, the median processing time for I-90 forms reached 8.3 months, up from just 0.8 months in late 2024.

2. Backlog Numbers

Pending I-90 applications surged to over 356,000 by the end of March 2025, compared to 265,000 at the close of 2024.

3. Volume of Applications

USCIS received more than 285,000 I-90 forms in Q1 2025, a sharp rise from the previous quarter’s 189,000.

4. Completion Rates

80% of I-90 cases for initial issuance or replacement are now completed within 21.5 months; for 10-year renewals, within 12.5 months.

5. Historical Swings

Processing times have fluctuated in recent years—1.1 months on average in 2024, 9.1 months in 2023, and 1.2 months in 2022.

Why the Massive Backlog?

There’s no single reason, but several overlapping issues:

• Immigration courts are overwhelmed with over 3.7 million cases.
• USCIS is buried under applications, receiving over 285,000 I-90 forms between January and March 2025, a sharp rise from 189,000 in the previous quarter.
• The number of pending I-90 cases grew to 356,000, up from 265,000.

In short: demand is up, resources are stretched, and delays are inevitable.

Green Card Still Valid? USCIS Offers a Temporary Fix

To help ease the chaos, USCIS introduced a major change in September 2024:

Green card validity is now automatically extended by 36 months for those who file Form I-90. That means if your green card expires while you wait, your receipt notice serves as proof of lawful status and authorization to work.

This extension aims to prevent unnecessary disruptions in employment and travel while renewals are delayed.

A Look at the Trends: A Rollercoaster of Wait Times

This isn’t the first time green card processing times have fluctuated. A quick history:

• 2021: 5.2 months
• 2022: 1.2 months
• 2023: 9.1 months
• 2024 (avg): 1.1 months
• 2025 Q2: 8.3 months

It’s clear that consistency has been a challenge, even before 2025’s spike.

What Green Card Holders Should Do Now

If you’re planning to renew or replace your green card soon, here’s what you can do:

✅ Apply early – You can submit Form I-90 up to 6 months before your green card expires.
✅ Keep your receipt notice safe – It now serves as proof of status for 3 years.
✅ Avoid international travel or job changes until you have documentation in hand.
✅ Monitor USCIS processing times regularly via their official tracker.
✅ Consult an immigration attorney if you have an urgent case or special circumstances.

What This Means in the Bigger Picture

Delays in green card processing aren’t happening in a vacuum. President Trump’s return to office has brought a renewed focus on immigration enforcement, including promises of mass deportations.

While Form I-90 delays aren’t tied to specific policy changes, they do reflect the wider strain on the immigration system and shifting priorities at USCIS.

Final Thoughts

With Form I-90 processing times now averaging over eight months, green card holders can’t afford to wait until the last minute. Plan ahead, stay informed, and hold onto every piece of paperwork USCIS sends you, your expired green card and a receipt notice might be the only things standing between you and major life disruptions.