How to check your USCIS case status

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.

This guide will walk you through the process to get a USCIS status check and allow you to get USCIS case status alerts. That way, you’re always aware of where you stand in the USCIS case process. 

How to get automatic updates to your USCIS case status

There are easy ways to check your case status manually, but it may be more efficient (and less stressful) to sign up for automatic updates to your USCIS check case status. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a new service where you can sign up for regular updates to your USCIS case status. No U.S. Social Security Number is needed to subscribe to the service.

It's very easy to confuse the new DHS service with an older version of status tracking from USCIS. There are also tools from third-party providers that charge money for case status-checking services which you may want to stay away from.

Following these steps will give you USCIS automatic case status updates from the official government organization website. 

How to check your USCIS case status online

For an immediate check-in on your USCIS case status, you can visit the "Case Status Online" page of USCIS directly and check your case status online for USCIS. Follow the instructions below:

• Visit the online search page.

• 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

What to know about USCIS status changes

Whether it’s applying for a visa, residency, or citizenship, navigating the U.S. immigration system can intimidate many newcomers to the United States. If you want to ensure that your path to a life in America is going smoothly, keeping track of your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status is a good first step. 

USCIS is a government agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the primary organization that manages visa and adjustment of status ("Green Card”)  applications. You may have to reach out to USCIS if your status changes unexpectedly, so check it regularly to avoid surprises due to unexpected delays.

For each visa and Green Card application submitted, the USCIS assigns a unique 13-digit case number. You can find your latest receipt number on your Form I-797 Notice of Action. Check your visa or immigration application filed with USCIS case status online using this receipt number.

Other options to check your USCIS case status

‍Via email: 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:

• 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. You don’t need your receipt number to get an update, but 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 two hours or more.

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 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.

Who can check their USCIS Case Status?

Anyone who submitted a visa application (for example an H-1B petition), visa transfer, or visa extension can check their USCIS case status. Green Card petitions (Form I-130) for employees or family members as well as Forms I-140, I-485, I-765, AOS, Advance Parole, Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and citizenship can also be checked online for an update on USCIS case status.

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.

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