U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Case Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that administers the country's naturalization and immigration system. Waiting to hear back from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an immigration related application can be stressful and frustrating. Especially when the wait times have increased dramatically due to increasing back logs created by COVID-19 lock downs, budget cuts, staffing shortages at the processing locations, etc. Keeping track of your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status can provide some relief and can keep you up do to date on the status of your application.

I-797 Notice of Action

The USCIS assigns a unique 13-digit case number for every visa and Green Card application submitted. You can find this receipt number on your latest Form I-797 Notice of Action. The USCIS will communicate with an applicant/petitioner by sending the Form I-797 Notice of Action. The USCIS will use this form to notify the applicant/petitioner for all of the following notices: receipt, rejection, transfer, re-open, and appointment (fingerprint, biometric capture, interview, rescheduled).

When will my USCIS case status be approved?

The processing time depends on the application type submitted and the length of back log at the USCIS processing centers. The typical case processing time can be found on the USCIS website. The USCIS also publishes the historical national median processing time (in months) for all USCIS offices for select forms by fiscal year. Unfortunately, depending on case type and the form submitted, processing times can range from months to years. Avoiding errors in your application is the best way to ensure your application gets approved in a timely manner. Errors in your application can cause outright denial or significant delays. We always recommend working with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the complex process.

Schedule a consult with a knowledgeable Houston immigration attorney for help on green card application.

Call (832) 604-6951 | Text (832) 272-4346 | Contact us online

Options to check your USCIS case status

Ask your Attorney:

If your submitted your application through an immigration attorney, your lawyer can be a great source to ask questions about your case status. Your attorney can see your case status and history through their Law firm account with the USCIS.

Check case status online:

This is the fastest way to check on your immigration case status.

Visit the "Case Status Online" page of USCIS by using the following link: Case Status Online

  • Enter the 13-digit receipt number in the box underneath "enter a receipt number"

  • Click the "check status" button

  • Once the page refreshes you will see the latest update about your case

    **Please make sure to enter all 13 letters as printed on the receipt notice, and ensure that there are no spaces** 

Write an e-mail to USCIS:

depending on which processing center your application was routed, so you can contact the appropriate USCIS Service Center to check your status. Every individual USCIS processing center has a different email address where your application will be reviewed. Here are the contact details for some of the most popular centers:

Try calling the USCIS:

You can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to inquire about your immigration case status. However, be prepared for a long wait. Depending on the number of people inquiring about their status, you may be on hold for hours or more.

Send a request in Mail to USCIS:

You can request a case status update by mail through a local USCIS field office. In your letter, provide personal information such as your full name, birth date, alien number (if applicable), the date and place your petition or application was filed, and receipt number (if you've received one). Include a copy of your receipt notice if you can.

Visit USCIS office near you:

You can schedule in-person appointments for updates on your visa or Green Card status. You can schedule in-person appointments regardless of whether you are currently in the U.S. To schedule an appointment, visit the USCIS appointment scheduling page.

Areas of Practice

RELATED RESOURCES