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March 2nd 2023

How to check your USCIS Case Status online

Manually checking your case status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be really stressful, but it's obviously important to stay up to date. We explain how you can check your status and get automatic updates when changes occur.

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This guide will discuss how to check your USCIS case status, sign up for automatic updates, and predict your case processing time, to ensure a smooth immigration process.

How to get automatic updates to your USCIS case status

The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the primary government agency that manages U.S. visa and Green Card applications. Once you submit your application, the USCIS will assign you a 13-digit case number, which you can use to track progress on your case’s review.

Fortunately, they have launched a service where you can sign up for regular updates to your case status—no SSN required. They also offer ways to follow-up on email, phone, and in person.

There are also several third-party providers that charge money for their case status checking services. In order to avoid these services, make sure to follow the steps below to automatically check your USCIS case status through the official government organization website.

How to check your USCIS case status online

To quickly check your USCIS case status online, you can visit the "Case Status Online" page of USCIS directly through the following steps:

  • Visit the “Case Status Online” page at the USCIS website

  • Insert your 13-digit receipt number in the box below "enter a receipt number"

  • Enter your number correctly with all 13 letters as printed on the receipt notice, and ensure that there are no spaces

  • Click the "Check Status" button

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

How to sign up for automatic USCIS case status updates

You can also create a free account with the USCIS in order to track multiple cases, view your case history, and receive automatic updates to your email and cell phone.

Creating an account is free and allows you to easily save your receipt numbers and view your entire case history.

Other options to check your USCIS case status

If you do not want to create an account or are struggling to check your case status online, there are other ways to contact USCIS for your case status.

‍Via email: Contact the appropriate USCIS Service Center to check your status. Here are the contact details for some of the most popular centers:

  • California Service Center: csc-ncsc-followup@dhs.gov

  • Vermont Service Center: vsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov

  • Nebraska Service Center: ncscfollowup.nsc@dhs.gov

  • Texas Service Center: tsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov

Via phone: You can also call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to inquire about your USCIS case status. Be prepared for a long wait if you call; depending on how many people are inquiring about their status, you may be on hold for several hours.

Direct mail: You can request a case status update by mail if you've filed your petition or application 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. 

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

When will my USCIS case status be approved?

The processing time of your case depends on the form you submitted. You can also find the typical case processing time on the USCIS website. Unfortunately, processing times can range from months to years depending on your case and the type of form you submitted.

New to the U.S.?

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Use your foreign credit history to start your U.S credit history

New to the U.S.? Check if you can use your country's credit history in the U.S. to apply for credit cards and start your U.S credit history using Nova Credit.

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