Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent (CBP BPA) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer is that an alien card should arrive by mail within 12 months after processing. This timeframe is set to ensure that applicants have a reasonable expectation for when they can receive their cards following the processing of their applications. It accounts for possible delays in processing due to various factors such as background checks, verification of information, and overall workload at the processing center.

The 12-month timeline allows for thorough processing while still being a practical standard for applicants to anticipate. Often, complex cases or those requiring additional documentation can lead to extended timelines, and this answer reflects a comprehensive period that accommodates such scenarios.

While options representing shorter timeframes like 3, 6, or 9 months may suggest a quicker delivery process, they do not account for the potential intricacies involved in processing applications for alien cards, making 12 months the most accurate estimate.