How to check my USCIS Case Status
CASE STATUS
ONLINE
Use this tool to track the status of an
immigration application, petition,
or
request.
Enter a Receipt Number
Why sign up for an account?
After the daunting task of completing a visa application, it can be unnerving to sit and wait for a result. While you can confirm normal processing times for applications on the USCIS website, it is possible to check updates on your case status, whether it is a visa petition (for example, a H1B visa), a green card petition, or a visa transfer or extension application.
Where can I check my USCIS case status?
The most convenient way to check your case status is by the USCIS website www.uscis.gov. Not only does the website provide most forms you need for application and extra sources to research them, it can also allow you to check your case status (to go directly on the relevant page you can visit https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do). Simply go to the USCIS Case Status Checker, enter your 13 digit receipt number, click Submit and wait for the page to reload. It is important that you know your receipt number, and enter all the digits correctly, without any spaces.
Return to MenuWhat is a receipt number?
Your receipt number can be found on form I-797C, or Notice of Action, which is a receipt notice USCIS sends you on the mailing address listed in the application to confirm that they have received your application. The receipt notice, depending on the service centre and the forms submitted, can take about 2-3 weeks to arrive after submission of the application. It is also possible to acquire your receipt number by calling the customer service helpline at 1-800-375-5283*.
Return to MenuHow do I read my receipt number?
Your receipt number will be the 13 character number listed at the top left corner of the receipt notice. The first three letters will represent the service centre you applied at, followed by the fiscal year and date when your case was opened(for example, if the case was opened on 13th of October of 2018, it would be SRC 18 013 XXXXX, signifying that it was opened on the 13th day of the fiscal year), and finally your own unique case number that USCIS assigns you. Follows some examples of the codes for the different service centres:
Vermont Service Center - EAC
Texas Service Center - SRC
Nebraska Service Center - LIN
National Benefits Center - NBC
Missouri Service Center - MSC
ELIS - IOE
California Service Center - WAC
Are there other ways I can check my case status?
If for some reason you are unable to check your status online, you can call the customer service helpline at 1-800-375-5283 and follow the automated instructions. You should have your receipt number for this process to go smoothly.
It is possible to e-mail the USCIS service centre you applied to. This however, does not apply for certain applications that have been transferred to the National Visa Centre. The individual emails for the specific centres can be found below:
For the Vermont Service Center: [email protected].
For the Texas Service Center: [email protected].
For the Nebraska Service Centre: [email protected].
For the California Service Center: [email protected].
In the case of missing cards, documents and notices, or for cases outside normal processing times, you could file individual e-requests for these queries using the USCIS E-request Portal at https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/Intro.do. An e-request can also be made for correcting typographic errors or to make special accommodations for an appointment. You need documentary evidence along with the case number and date of filing to file a request.
For checking case updates on application of H1B visas, you can visit https://www.trackitt.com/usa-immigration-trackers/h1b, where you can make a profile and can track your progress, and recent trends of applications by discussing with other applicants.
Return to MenuHow do I check my case status if it gets sent to the National Visa Centre?
After the USCIS sends your application to the National Visa Centre, they will communicate
with the relevant embassy or US consulate overseas where you have applied for a green
card. It should be noted that all communication with the National Visa Centre must be
done via mail or phone (1-603-334-0700). You can email them ([email protected]) asking for an update on
your application, but must follow the guidelines set by the Department of State: there
should be only one inquiry per email; your NVC Case Number should be the subject of the
email; the applicant’s and the petitioner’s name and date of birth must be provided (if
you are an attorney, the name of the requesting law firm must be included); and if the
petition is based on employment, the employer’s name must be mentioned. You can also
send in mail at:
National Visa Center
Attn: WC
31 Rochester Ave. Suite 200
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2915.
What if I have extenuating circumstances?
If you have special circumstances such as severe financial loss or extreme emergency situation, a humanitarian situation, a requesting non-profit organisation in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States, a Department of Defense National Interest Situation, a potential loss of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, a USCIS error or a situation that might be of compelling interest of USCIS, you can request expedited handling by calling the customer service helpline. Any requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and approved by the director of USCIS.
Return to MenuProcessing Times
To find out a specific estimate of processing times for your forms, it can be useful to visit https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. From the first drop-down menu, you need to select the relevant form. After the form, is selected, you need to select the service centre - this will change according to the form selected. For example, the only option for form I-526 is the Immigrant Investor Program Office. The site will then display the estimated processing times.
It is also possible to pay for faster processing of some specific forms, by filling out form I-907. For further information on this please visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-907.
Return to MenuMaking Changes to my Immigration Application
It is a good idea to visit the USCIS website if there are any changes in your application, such as a change in mailing address, if you need more information on processing times, or if you have more questions on immigration laws and revenues. You can call the customer service helpline if you need to fill out a change in address form and are unable to do so via the website, or if you absolutely cannot appear for a scheduled appointment, or have not received a receipt notice after the usual waiting period, or want to have the original documents submitted for the case returned to you.
*For Hearing Impaired TDD Customer Service call 1-800-767-1833.
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