“Card Was Returned To USCIS”: what it means
Updated October 27, 2026 · Checked against USCIS sources
The Post Office could not deliver your card and sent it back to USCIS. USCIS holds it for a limited time and can destroy it if you do not act.
What it means
This usually happens when the address is incomplete or out of date, or the name is not on the mailbox. The official text gives the steps and the deadline.
The official wording
Text USCIS shows for this status (details in brackets vary by case)On [date], the Post Office returned your new card for Form [form], Receipt Number [receipt number], to us. We mailed your card to the address you gave us, but the Post Office could not deliver it. The tracking number assigned is [tracking number]. You can use your tracking number at www.USPS.com in the Quick Tools Track a Package section. We will destroy your new card if we do not receive an address update by [date]. Please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request that we resend the card to you. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
En español: “Tarjeta Devuelta A USCIS”
El [fecha], la oficina de correos nos devolvió su nueva tarjeta para su Formulario [formulario], Número de Recibo [receipt number]. Le enviamos por correo su tarjeta a la dirección que nos proporcionó, pero la oficina de correos no pudo entregarla. El número de seguimiento asignado es 1. Puede usar su número de seguimiento en www.USPS.com en la sección Herramientas Rápidas y Seguir un Paquete. Destruiremos su nueva tarjeta si no recibimos una actualización de dirección en [fecha]. Visite www.uscis.gov/e-request para solicitar que le reenviemos la tarjeta. Si cambia de domicilio, visite www.uscis.gov/es/cambiodedireccion para notificarnos su nueva dirección postal.
What usually comes next
What you can do
- Update your address with USCIS right away.
- Follow the instructions in the official status text, before its deadline, to have the card mailed again.
Forms that show this status
Each form links to its current processing time.
Questions
What if I miss the deadline?
The card may be destroyed and you may have to file a new application with a fee to get one.
Sources: USCIS Case Status Online and Case Status API messages; USCIS processing times and case inquiry pages. General information, not legal advice.