We hope this 8-week delay is not a temporarily "permanent" delay. In July 2007, the USCIS implemented an exhorbitant fee increase with the promise of reducing backlogs and providing more efficient quality service. While this delay is in line with the use of funds created by the fee increase, we hope that the "upgrade" is a necessity, that will create a system allowing for faster processing of card production.
"USCIS is announcing that applicants may experience up to an eight week delay in the delivery of their permanent resident card while we are in the process of upgrading our card production equipment. USCIS Field Offices will be issuing temporary evidence of permanent residence in the form of an I-551 stamp to applicants approved for permanent residence at the time of their interview. You will need to take your passport to your appointment. If you do not have a passport, you must bring a passport style photo and government issued photo identification to receive temporary evidence of permanent residence.
If the application is approved subsequent to your interview or by a Service Center or the National Benefit Center, the applicant should bring the above documents to an INFOPASS appointment to be issued temporary evidence of permanent residence in the form of an I-551 stamp."
INFOPASS appointments can be scheduled at the following website: http://infopass.uscis.gov/
