If you filed an immigration request, application, or petition with the USCIS, you can check your USCIS case status online using the tool below. Processing times for USCIS cases can vary depending upon a number of factors, including the location of your case’s processing, type of form submitted, current backlog or demand, and more. Use this tool to track the status of your case with USCIS using your receipt number.
Staying informed in regards to your USCIS case status can help give you some peace of mind while you wait for updates during the process. Below, enter in your receipt number, the unique 13-character number which can be found on your application or petition receipt notice, to check the current status of your application.
Check your Immigration Case Status Online
immigration application, petition, or request.
Using this tool can help you better understand the status of your application, whether an approval/denial notice has been sent, and by which date you should expect to receive a notice for your case.
What is a USCIS Receipt Number?
After you submit your USCIS visa application, petition, or request, you can check the status of your application online using your receipt number located on the receipt notice you’ll receive from USCIS. Your receipt number is also referred to a your USCIS case number. Your USCIS receipt number is a unique 13-character identified which will be found on your Form I-797, Notice of Action, which is sent to you from USCIS once they receive your petition or application.
The first 3 characters of your receipt signify the particular service center where the application is being processed. There are 6 USCIS service centers that handle visa applications. For instance, applications submitted to California will have a receipt number starting with WAC.
For some forms which can be submitted online, you’ll receive a receipt notice immediately after submission including your receipt number.
How to Check USCIS Case Status Online
You can also check your USCIS Case Status online through the USCIS website. All you will need is your USCIS case number, or receipt number. This will help you understand the status of your application and where it is in the process. You can check USCIS case status for immigration forms such as Form I-130, Form I-140, Form I-485, Advance Parole, EAD, Citizenship, and much more.
Follow the steps below to check your USCIS case status online:
- Go to the USCIS Check Case Status website.
- Enter your 13-digit receipt number in box below “Enter a Receipt Number”.
- Be sure to enter your number correctly with all 13 letters as printed on your receipt notice.
- Enter the number without any spaces.
- Do not enter any dashes.
- Click on the “Check Status” button.
- Once the page refreshes, you will see information about your case.
After submitting your receipt number, USCIS will provide an update on your case status. It may still be in the review stages, or you may have been sent an approval or other notice in the mail. If anything is needed on your end, you’ll see this mentioned here.
You may register for an account to receive e-mail notifications whenever your case status changes. Just create an online account and enter in your receipt number to add your case to your account. Turn on alerts to receive alerts about your case either by e-mail or phone.
Check USCIS Case Status by Phone
You may also check your USCIS case status by calling +1 (800) 375-5283 and following the automated instructions. Be sure to have your receipt number ready.
This phone service is completely automated, so expect to hear an electronically recorded message stating your date of application filing and the approximate timeframe for approval.
Note
Checking case status via email has been discontinued by USCIS.
USCIS e-Request Portal
The USCIS e-Request Portal is a resource for applicants with certain case inquires and services requests, such as:
- Case outside normal processing time
- Did not receive notice by mail
- Did not receive card by mail
- Appointment accommodations
- Typographic error
Change of address can be submitted online through your USCIS account.
Applicants can make an individual e-request for any of these inquiries. Applicants using the USCIS e-Request Portal are required to include basic information such as case number, date of filing, documentary evidence, and other relevant case information. USCIS will respond to the applicant’s inquiry via email.
USCIS Case Processing Times
USCIS maintains a detailed list of expected processing times on its website. Applicants just need to know the following in order to check their estimated USCIS case processing time:
- Petition/form type
- Processing center
- Classification or basis of filing
For example, at a California service center, an H1B visa holder filing Form I-129 seeking a change of status may have a USCIS processing time of 2 months.
For a detailed list of all such classifications and visa form types, visit USCIS Case Processing Time Information.
Checking H1B Petition Status
To track the progress and processing trends of H1B petitions and approvals, visit Trackitt’s H1B Tracker to share and learn from other applicants.
