The green card replacement processing time has become a growing concern for many lawful permanent residents in 2025, especially with recent updates from USCIS and user experiences across social media platforms.
Latest Updates on Green Card Replacement Delays in 2025
As of July 8, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is facing ongoing delays in processing Form I-90 applications for green card replacements. Many applicants have reported waiting 6 to 12 months for approval, compared to the average of 5 to 7 months in previous years.
A recent update from the official USCIS Processing Times portal confirms that the service centers in Nebraska and Potomac are experiencing higher-than-normal caseloads. As of this week, applicants are encouraged to monitor case status online regularly and consider requesting expedited processing only if they meet strict criteria.
📌 Key Points Summary
- Current green card replacement processing time ranges between 6–12 months, depending on the USCIS service center.
- Potomac and Nebraska centers show the longest delays.
- Many users on Reddit and YouTube have shared personal experiences of 10-month or longer waits.
- Expedited requests are accepted but rarely approved—only for emergencies.
- USCIS is testing a new digital notification system to reduce delays by late 2025.
Green Card Replacement Processing Time: What You Need to Know
Green card replacement is required when your card is lost, stolen, expired, or damaged. You must file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card). Unfortunately, processing delays have worsened in 2025 due to:
- An increase in overall I-90 filings post-COVID backlog.
- Reduced staffing at certain field offices.
- A new digital scanning verification system that has slowed down form intake.
Let’s look at a simplified table showing current wait times across different service centers:
| USCIS Service Center | Estimated Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Nebraska | 10–12 months |
| Potomac | 9–11 months |
| National Benefits Center | 6–8 months |
| Texas | 7–9 months |
Tips to Navigate the Processing Delays
If you’re affected by long green card replacement processing times, here’s what you can do:
- Check your case status online regularly at https://egov.uscis.gov.
- Avoid duplicate filings, which can cause further delay.
- Contact USCIS only if your case exceeds the posted processing times.
- Request InfoPass appointment if you need urgent in-person help.
- Submit an e-Request if your application has gone beyond the normal timeline.
In certain urgent cases—like needing to travel for emergencies or facing job termination—you may qualify for expedited processing. However, be prepared to submit proof and a compelling reason.
What Are Applicants Saying in 2025?
According to recent YouTube and Reddit discussions:
- A user on the “Immigration News 2025” YouTube channel reported waiting 11 months for a Nebraska decision.
- Another applicant on r/USCIS shared that their Potomac-based I-90 took 340 days to complete.
- Several Facebook community members recommended printing the I-797C receipt notice as a temporary ID if needed for travel or work.
USCIS has acknowledged these issues and announced a pilot program in Q4 2025 to introduce faster digital intake and biometric scheduling.
Final Thoughts
The current green card replacement processing time is significantly longer than in past years, leaving many permanent residents stuck in limbo. While USCIS is making efforts to resolve the backlog, applicants should remain vigilant, informed, and ready with backup documentation when necessary.
Stay tuned for the latest green card replacement processing time developments and real-time updates. What are your thoughts on the current situation? Tell us in the comments!