10/20/2026
π¨πΊπΈ **I RETURNED TO THE U.S. WITH AN SB-1 VISA β 13 MONTHS LATER, MY GREEN CARD HAS NOT ARRIVED!**
**IS THIS NORMAL? WHEN WILL USCIS SEND MY GREEN CARD?**
Imagine this situation:
You were previously a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
You remained outside America longer than expected and successfully obtained an **SB-1 Returning Resident Visa**.
You returned to the United States and were admitted as a permanent resident.
But now, **13 MONTHS HAVE PASSED**, and you still haven't received your physical Green Card.
You're wondering:
**βHas something gone wrong with my permanent resident status?β**
β οΈ **HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:**
**1. WHAT IS AN SB-1 RETURNING RESIDENT VISA?**
An SB-1 visa allows certain qualifying permanent residents who remained outside the United States for an extended period to return and resume their permanent residence.
**2. DOES THE SB-1 VISA GIVE YOU PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS?**
If you were admitted into the United States as a returning lawful permanent resident, your status does not depend solely on receiving the physical Green Card.
**3. HOW LONG SHOULD IT TAKE TO RECEIVE YOUR GREEN CARD?**
USCIS generally advises immigrant visa holders to expect their Green Cards within approximately **90 days** of admission or immigrant-fee payment, whichever applies.
However, SB-1 returning residents are generally exempt from the USCIS Immigrant Fee.
**Waiting 13 months is long enough to warrant an immediate inquiry.**
**4. WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THE DELAY?**
Possible issues include:
πΉ An incorrect or outdated mailing address.
πΉ The card being returned to USCIS as undeliverable.
πΉ A card-production or delivery problem.
πΉ An administrative issue requiring USCIS follow-up.
The actual reason must be verified rather than assumed.
**5. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?**
β
Check your immigration records and admission documents.
β
Confirm USCIS has your correct U.S. mailing address.
β
Contact USCIS to inquire about the missing Green Card.
β
Ask whether the card was produced, mailed, or returned.
β
Determine whether a non-delivery inquiry or Form I-90 replacement application is appropriate.
**6. WHAT IF YOUR TEMPORARY I-551 EVIDENCE HAS EXPIRED?**
Your endorsed immigrant visa generally serves as temporary evidence of permanent residence for one year from admission.
If that evidence has expired and your physical Green Card has not arrived, you may need to request updated temporary evidence of your permanent resident status from USCIS.
πΊ **ROTTWEILER ADVICE:**
**DON'T WAIT INDEFINITELY FOR A GREEN CARD THAT MAY HAVE BEEN LOST, MISDIRECTED, OR NEVER PRODUCED!**
If you returned with an SB-1 visa and have waited 13 months:
π Verify your admission and mailing records.
π Contact USCIS about the missing card.
π Preserve your passport and SB-1 documentation.
π Request temporary proof of permanent residence if necessary.
π Get professional legal guidance if the issue remains unresolved.
**YOUR PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS AND YOUR PHYSICAL GREEN CARD ARE NOT THE SAME THING.**
π **Need professional immigration guidance?**
Call Banwo Law: 888-215-5054
π **Book a consultation:**
https://speakwithope.com/facebook
π **Visit our website:**
https://Banwolaw.net
π **Get the FREE Banwo Immigration Newsletter:**
https://banwolaw.us/newsletter
πΊπΈ **DON'T LET A MISSING GREEN CARD LEAVE YOU WITHOUT THE DOCUMENTATION YOU NEED. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS.**
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