USCIS Confirms Delays in Issuance of Employment Authorization Documents and Green Cards
September 3, 2015
USCIS has confirmed that there are delays in the issuance of employment authorization documents (EADs) and green cards. The backlog stems from system maintenance at the agency’s primary card production facility. Foreign nationals with an approved application for employment authorization (Form I-765) or permanent residence (Form I-485) should expect to wait an additional two to three weeks longer than usual to receive their card. USCIS has indicated that it plans to complete maintenance and eliminate the backlog by the end of September.
The latest delay adds to the already lengthy processing times for EAD applications. As the USCIS Ombudsman recently reported in its 2015 report to Congress, USCIS is taking longer than the 90-day maximum processing time prescribed by regulation to adjudicate many Form I-765 applications.
What the Card Production Delays Mean for Employers and Foreign Nationals
The card production backlog could delay employment start dates for foreign nationals awaiting issuance of a new EAD, and could affect those working pursuant to an EAD that is close to expiration or has expired. Employers with workers affected by the EAD backlog should contact their Fragomen immigration professional to discuss how the delay will impact employees’ ability to work.
Lawful permanent residents who are awaiting a new or renewed green card and who have an imminent need to travel abroad should also reach out to counsel to discuss their options.
Employers and foreign nationals should be prepared for the possibility that the USCIS may not resolve the backlog by the end of September, as announced. The Firm will monitor the agency’s progress and will provide meaningful updates as they occur.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat outlines how, effective immediately, all Golden Visa applications filed by the direct approval route for employees working at companies licensed by the Dubai Development Authority can only be filed via the AXS Portal.
Blog post
Senior Associate Pamela Taukuro explains the requirements and steps necessary to meet the character criteria for obtaining Australian visas under PIC 4020.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.
Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat outlines how, effective immediately, all Golden Visa applications filed by the direct approval route for employees working at companies licensed by the Dubai Development Authority can only be filed via the AXS Portal.
Blog post
Senior Associate Pamela Taukuro explains the requirements and steps necessary to meet the character criteria for obtaining Australian visas under PIC 4020.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses France’s Visitor Visa – a key option for digital nomads looking to work remotely from one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Blog post
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio discusses France's visitor visa as a faster option for family members of local hire (Salarié) employees.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer outlines the legal and compliance challenges startups must navigate to offer workations while minimising risk.
Media mentions
Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner Teresa Liu highlights upcoming changes in Australia’s immigration policy under the re-elected Labour party.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.