U.S. Green Card Renewal Faces Major Delays in 2025: Extended I-90 Processing Times

Green card holders in the United States are experiencing significant delays in renewing their status. As we enter 2025, I-90 processing times have skyrocketed to over eight months. This situation, driven by a rising backlog and new policies, requires residents and travelers to stay vigilant and plan accordingly.

For lawful permanent residents, renewing or replacing a green card has become more complex. Recent statistics from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reveal that the processing time for Form I-90 has increased by almost 1,000% within a few months.

Form I-90 and Who Needs It

Form I-90 is essential for permanent residents under specific circumstances:

• When a 10-year green card is nearing expiration
• If the green card is lost, damaged, or stolen
• To update personal information on the green card

Legally, green card holders must renew their cards every ten years. Previously, this process was quick, but that is no longer true.

I-90 Processing Time: Then vs. Now

The change in processing times is drastic:

This represents a staggering 938% increase in just one quarter. Furthermore, USCIS reports that:

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

2025 I-90 Processing Time Update

• Current Wait Time: From January to March 2025, the median processing time for I-90 forms reached 8.3 months, a stark rise from 0.8 months in late 2024.
• Backlog Numbers: By the end of March 2025, pending I-90 applications exceeded 356,000, up from 265,000 in 2024.
• Volume of Applications: USCIS received over 285,000 I-90 forms in Q1 2025, a significant increase from the previous quarter’s 189,000.
• Completion Rates: Currently, 80% of initial issuance or replacement cases are completed within 21.5 months, while 10-year renewals are completed within 12.5 months.
• Historical Swings: Processing times have varied 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?

Multiple factors contribute to this backlog:

• Immigration courts are overwhelmed, with over 3.7 million cases pending.
• USCIS is inundated with applications, having received over 285,000 I-90 forms recently.
• The number of pending I-90 cases has risen to 356,000.

In summary, increasing demand and limited resources lead to unavoidable delays.

A Look at the Trends: A Rollercoaster of Wait Times

Processing times have fluctuated in the past. Here’s a summary:

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

The inconsistency in wait times has been evident, especially with the surge in 2025.

Final Thoughts

With Form I-90 processing times now exceeding eight months, green card holders must act early. Planning and staying informed is essential. Keep all USCIS paperwork safe, as your expired green card and receipt notice may be crucial for avoiding significant life disruptions.