USCIS Case Status Card Was Returned as Undeliverable Meaning

1. What does it mean when my USCIS case status says “Card Was Returned as Undeliverable”?


When your USCIS case status says “Card Was Returned as Undeliverable,” it means that the physical green card or other important documents related to your immigration case were sent to you, but were returned to USCIS as undeliverable by the postal service. This could be due to an incorrect or incomplete address provided by the applicant, or if the applicant has moved without updating their address with USCIS. It is important to update your address with USCIS whenever you move to avoid delays in receiving important immigration documents. You may need to contact USCIS for further assistance in obtaining your green card or other documents.

2. Why was my green card or work permit card returned as undeliverable?


There could be a few reasons why your green card or work permit card was returned as undeliverable:

1. Incorrect address: If you provided an incorrect or incomplete address when you applied for your green card or work permit, the delivery service will not be able to deliver it to you and will instead return it to USCIS.

2. Change of address: If you have moved since applying for your green card or work permit and did not update your address with USCIS, they will try to deliver the card to your old address and if unsuccessful, it will be returned as undeliverable.

3. Post office error: In some cases, the post office may make a mistake and deliver the card to the wrong address.

4. Other delivery issues: There could be other delivery issues such as weather delays, damaged package, etc that could result in the card being returned as undeliverable.

It is important to regularly check and update your mailing address with USCIS to avoid any delivery issues. If your card has been returned as undeliverable, you should contact USCIS immediately to provide a correct mailing address so they can re-send the card to you.

3. What should I do if my case status shows that my card was returned as undeliverable?

If your case status shows that your card was returned as undeliverable, you should contact USCIS immediately to provide a new address for delivery. In some cases, you may need to submit a request to have the card resent to your new address. It is important to keep USCIS updated with any changes in your contact information to avoid delays or issues with receiving important documents like your green card.

4. How long does it take for USCIS to re-send a green card or work permit after it has been returned as undeliverable?

It generally takes about 2-3 weeks for USCIS to re-send a green card or work permit that has been returned as undeliverable. However, this timeline can vary depending on the individual case and any potential processing delays. It is important to contact USCIS if you have not received your document within a reasonable timeframe.

5. Can I update my address with USCIS to avoid my card being returned as undeliverable in the future?


Yes, you can update your address with USCIS by completing and mailing Form AR-11, “Alien’s Change of Address Card,” or by updating your address online using the USCIS Change of Address tool. It is important to keep your address updated with USCIS to ensure that you receive any important documents, such as your green card, in a timely manner.

6. What happens to my application if my green card or work permit is returned as undeliverable?


If your green card or work permit is returned as undeliverable, you should immediately contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to inform them of your new address. Failure to provide a current address may result in delays in processing your application and could potentially lead to it being denied.

Depending on the reason for the return, USCIS may either update your address and continue processing your application, or request additional information/documentation from you. In some cases, they may also request that you appear at the local USCIS office to retrieve your document in person.

It is important to keep USCIS informed of any changes in your address to ensure timely communication and processing of your application.

7. Will I have to pay any additional fees if my card is returned as undeliverable and needs to be re-sent?


It is possible that you may be charged a fee for the re-sending of your card if it is returned as undeliverable. This will depend on your specific credit card issuer and their policies. You may want to contact your issuer directly to inquire about any potential fees associated with re-sending a card.

8. Can I track the re-sent card once it has been mailed out again?

Yes, if your card is being re-sent, you can track it using the tracking number provided by the sender. You can also contact the sender or the delivery service for updates on the status of your re-sent card.

9. Is there a limit to how many times a card can be returned as undeliverable before it is deemed lost or cancelled by USCIS?


There is no specific limit on how many times a card can be returned as undeliverable before it is deemed lost or cancelled by USCIS. However, if the card is returned multiple times, USCIS may consider alternative methods of delivery or request updated address information from the applicant. If the card continues to be undeliverable, USCIS may cancel the card and require the applicant to request a replacement.

10. Will returning the card affect the processing time of my application?


It is possible that returning the card may slightly delay the processing time of your application, as it will need to be removed from your file and potentially replaced with a new card. However, this should not significantly impact the overall processing time of your application. If you are concerned about any potential delays, you may want to contact the organization handling your application for more specific information.

11. How will I know if my address was incorrect and caused the card to be returned?

If your address was incorrect and caused the card to be returned, you will likely receive a notification from the sender or the post office stating that the card was undeliverable. The sender may reach out to confirm your address or request an updated one in order to resend the card.

12. Can I request for the USCIS to hold on sending the new replacement card until I confirm or update my address?

Yes, you can make a request for the USCIS to hold sending the new replacement card until you confirm or update your address. You can do this by contacting USCIS customer service at 1-800-375-5283 or submitting a written request along with your case number to the USCIS office where your application was filed. It is important to provide updated contact information in case the USCIS needs to reach you for any reason regarding your case.

13.Public records show that permanent residence cards are not return receipt certified: what does this mean?


This means that the government agency responsible for issuing permanent residence cards does not require recipients to sign for them upon delivery. This may indicate that the process of receiving a permanent residence card is less formal than other government documents, and does not necessarily require proof of receipt by the recipient.

14.How long do I have to wait before inquiring about the status of my re-sent green card or work permit?

You can inquire about the status of your re-sent green card or work permit as soon as you receive a notification that it has been resent. If you do not receive any notification within a reasonable time frame, you may contact your local USCIS office for an update on the status of your application.

15.Can someone else sign for and receive the re-sent green card or work permit on behalf of me?


No, the green card and work permit cannot be received by anyone other than the intended recipient. The recipient must present proper identification and sign for the documents in person. This is to ensure the security and accuracy of delivery.

16.What type of mail carrier service does USCIS use when sending out replacement cards that were previously deemed undeliverable?


USCIS uses the United States Postal Service (USPS) for mail carrier services when sending out replacement cards that were previously deemed undeliverable.

17.My application was approved but why did USCIS resend my green card or work permit as undeliverable?

There could be several reasons why USCIS may have resent your green card or work permit as undeliverable:

1. Incorrect address: If you moved after submitting your application and did not update your address with USCIS, they may have sent the documents to your old address.

2. Incorrect mailing address: It is important to provide a complete and accurate mailing address on your application. If there was a mistake in the mailing address provided, USCIS may have been unable to deliver the documents.

3. Postal service issues: Sometimes, mail can get lost or delayed due to errors or issues with the postal service. This could result in USCIS resending the documents as undeliverable.

4. Incomplete or insufficient postage: If there was insufficient postage attached to the envelope containing your green card or work permit, the postal service may have returned it to USCIS as undeliverable.

5. Other delivery issues: There could be other delivery issues such as damaged envelopes or incorrect sorting that resulted in USPS being unable to deliver the documents.

It is important to contact USCIS if you believe there was an error in their decision to resend the document. You may need to update your address with them and request that they send the documents again.

18.What happens if I move to another address after the re-sent green card or work permit is already in transit?


If you move to another address after the re-sent green card or work permit is already in transit, you must notify the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon as possible. You can update your address by filling out form AR-11 online or by calling the USCIS Contact Center. This will ensure that your green card or work permit is delivered to the correct address. Failure to update your address may delay the delivery of your documents and could potentially result in complications with your immigration status. It is important to keep USCIS informed of any changes in your address.

19.Will my application be considered abandoned if my card is returned as undeliverable multiple times?


It is possible for your application to be considered abandoned if your card is returned as undeliverable multiple times. This will depend on the policy of the organization or agency processing your application. It is important to keep your contact information up to date and provide a reliable mailing address to avoid delays or potential abandonment of your application.

20.Can I request for a different mailing address for my replacement card than the one on file with USCIS?


Yes, you can request for a different mailing address for your replacement card. You will need to update your new address with USCIS by submitting a Postal Service Change of Address (Form AR-11) online or by mail. Additionally, you can also update your address through your USCIS online account if you have one. When requesting a replacement card, make sure to provide the updated mailing address in the relevant section of the application form or indicate it in your request letter if submitting via mail.