How long after the I-829 is approved does the permanent green card arrive?

Once the I-829 is approved, you already hold unconditional permanent resident status, with all the rights that come with it, regardless of whether the physical card has arrived yet.

In practice, USCIS typically mails the permanent green card in the periods following approval. The time it takes for the card to arrive varies case by case and can be affected by factors such as the address on file, the agency’s internal logistics, and any delays that may occur.

For that reason, avoid setting a fixed date: the safest approach is to track your case status on the USCIS website, where you can see any updates and confirm whether there are any pending actions, such as an address update.

If the card takes longer than expected or you have questions, consult the official USCIS guidance and, if necessary, seek advice from a specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.