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
Blog post
The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps
Video
The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.
Media mentions
Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains that the Department of Labor’s Project Firewall expands H-1B oversight beyond individual complaints and increases the scope of employer compliance reviews.
Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how proposed settlement reforms could reshape the path to UK residency by extending qualifying periods and linking eligibility to individual contribution.
Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi discuss critical immigration strategies underpinning healthcare-sector staffing in Canada, unpacking how recent policy, mobility and compliance developments are affecting employers and global talent pipelines.
Awards
Fragomen named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025, recognising the strength of our UK Private Client practice.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown highlights rising deceptive practices in immigration and emphasizes stronger verification and compliance measures for employers.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how proposed UK reforms could expand right to work checks across hospitality and reshape compliance for businesses.
Blog post
The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps
Video
The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.
Media mentions
Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains that the Department of Labor’s Project Firewall expands H-1B oversight beyond individual complaints and increases the scope of employer compliance reviews.
Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how proposed settlement reforms could reshape the path to UK residency by extending qualifying periods and linking eligibility to individual contribution.
Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi discuss critical immigration strategies underpinning healthcare-sector staffing in Canada, unpacking how recent policy, mobility and compliance developments are affecting employers and global talent pipelines.
Awards
Fragomen named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025, recognising the strength of our UK Private Client practice.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Brown highlights rising deceptive practices in immigration and emphasizes stronger verification and compliance measures for employers.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how proposed UK reforms could expand right to work checks across hospitality and reshape compliance for businesses.