How to Find Your USCIS Case Status Online?
Updated on 11/05/2023
It can be quite an undertaking to put together an immigration or related application package, complete with all necessary forms and accompanying evidence. However, once you submit the paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may feel helpless. Whether you are trying to be on the safe side, or you are truly getting worried about the status of your USCIS case, there are ways that you can find your USCIS case status online by going to the USCIS’s website.
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1. Check Case Status through USCIS My Case Status
To check a case status on the USCIS website, go to uscis.gov. The only information that needs to be provided is the receipt number. Applicants can find their receipt number on the I-797C Notice of Action that they will receive once the USCIS has accepted their applications or petitions. The receipt number is a 13-digit number begins with three letters. The first three letters can be IOE, WAC, EAC, LIN, MSC, NBC, etc. Generally, a Notice of Action on a case is issued out within 30 days of submitting an application package.
To find out the case status of a USCIS application or other submission, petitioners or applicants can use the online lookup tool provided on the service’s website. This amenity is available during all stages of the application process, from initial petition until approval.
If the USCIS ends up issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) because there are further items that the adjudicators need to lawfully approve a case, that information will appear on the webpage when a foreign national enters their receipt number. Additionally, after an immigration applicant supplies the service with the necessary documents listed in the RFE letter, the status will state that the items have been received, and the USCIS will continue processing the case.
In practice, USCIS might fail to update the case status timely online, thus don’t be surprised that the online tool indicated it does not recognize the receipt number. In addition, it is not unusual that applicants receive the paper notice with the case status while no case status updated on USCIS’s website. As such, it is very important to keep the address updated with USCIS after filing the application. If moving, applicants will need to report change of address to USCIS in a timely manner.
2. Check Case Status through MyUSCIS Account Case Status
Some persons may prefer to have all of their communications with the USCIS in one place. One handy feature that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides for applicants to organize their case is the MyUSCIS account.
Creating a MyUSCIS account to check case status involves 13-15 steps:
(1) Go to the Sign Up page.
(2) Enter your email address and click “Sign Up.”
(3) Confirm the account after your receive an email.
(4) Agree to the Terms of Use.
(5) Create a password.
(6) Choose how to receive a verification code.
(7) Enter the verification code after receiving it.
(8) Receive a two-step verification backup code.
(9) Select password reset questions and answers.
(10) Choose MyUSCIS as the service you want to log into.
(11) Indicate that you are an applicant, petitioner, or requestor.
(12) Receive confirmation that you now have an account.
(13) Add receipt numbers from your applications to your account.
After signing up for MyUSCIS and entering the receipt numbers, it is easy to check the case status via the online personal account.
3. Report My Case outside Normal Processing Times to USCIS
Another handy tool that is offered on the USCIS website is a page that indicates the normal processing times for an immigration or related case. To check the typical timeline, an applicant will need the name of the form that they submitted to the USCIS and the location of the service center where the application was processed.
After checking the normal processing times of a case, if the status is outside regular timelines, an applicant can file an online inquiry with the USCIS. The person making online inquiry will need to provide the names of the form, receipt number, date filed, full name, date of birth, and address.
Once an online case inquiry has been made, the applicant will need to wait a few days, or possibly 2-6 weeks, to get an update from the USCIS on the status of their case. Generally, the USCIS provides a reasonable explanation for why the case status is showing that it is outside normal processing times.
4. Check Case Status with National Visa Center (NVC) Case Status
When the USCIS approves an immigrant petition for an immigrant visa applicant who is residing outside the United States, the USCIS will transfer the case file to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing. NVC will assign a case number upon its receipt of the case file.
To check on the status of this type of case, an applicant would no longer be dealing with the USCIS. Instead, the applicant can log on to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using their assigned case number to check their case status. In addition, they can Ask NVC if they have any questions or inquiry to their case.
5. Case Status for Persons without Access to the Internet
If you do not have access to the internet for some reason, you might be thinking, “How do I find out about my USCIS case status without going online?” Fortunately, you call always give the USCIS a call with your questions and concerns.
The main phone number for USCIS inquiries about your case status is (800) 375-5283 if you are present in the United States. TTY for the deaf, hard of hearing, or person with a speech disability is 800-767-1833. However, if you are residing out of the country, you can try calling (212) 620-3418.
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Related Topics:
USCIS I-797 Notice of Action Explained
Report a Change of Address to USCIS
How to Apply for a Green Card?
I-130 Processing Time-What Happens after Filing
What Happens after I-130 Approved?
What Happens after Filing Form I-485?
I-485 Adjustment of Status Interview FAQ
How to Prepare For Citizenship Test?
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