How To Find Immigrant Visa Case Number

When applying for an immigrant visa, the case number is a crucial identifier. It allows you to track the progress of your application, communicate effectively with the immigration authorities, and stay informed about the status of your visa request. However, finding this case number can sometimes be a bit confusing, especially for those new to the immigration process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various ways to locate your immigrant visa case number, depending on the type of visa, the country you’re applying to, and the stage of your application.

Monitoring the Process

The case number is your key to monitoring the progress of your immigrant visa application. Different countries have different systems for tracking applications, but the case number is a common denominator. For example, in the United States, if you’re applying for a family – based immigrant visa, you can use the case number on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to check whether your application has been received, is under review, or if a decision has been made. This helps you plan your future, whether it’s making travel arrangements, finding accommodation in the new country, or notifying your employer or school.

Anticipating Next Steps

By knowing the status of your application through the case number, you can anticipate the next steps. If the tracking system shows that your application is in the “document review” stage, you know that the immigration officers are currently looking at your submitted paperwork. This gives you an idea of when you might expect to move to the next stage, such as an interview or a request for additional information.

Efficient Correspondence

When communicating with the immigration authorities, having your case number at hand is essential. Whether you’re inquiring about the status of your application, responding to a request for more information, or seeking clarification on a particular issue, the case number helps the immigration officers quickly locate your file. For instance, if you’re applying for a skilled worker immigrant visa in Canada and you need to send an email to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about a missing document, including your case number in the email subject line and body ensures that your message is directed to the right person handling your application.

Avoiding Confusion

Using the case number in all your communications with the immigration authorities helps avoid confusion. Since there are many applicants, without the case number, it can be difficult for the officers to distinguish your application from others. This can lead to delays in processing or miscommunication. By clearly stating your case number, you ensure that all communication related to your application is accurate and efficient.

United States

Petition Filing and Case Number Assignment

Finding the Case Number on USCIS Documents

Canada

Sponsorship Application and Case Number

Locating the Case Number in IRCC Communication

United States

Labor Certification and Petition Process

For employment – based immigrant visas in the US, the process often involves a labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) followed by a petition filed by the employer with the USCIS. The employer first files the Labor Condition Application (LCA) for H – 1B visas or the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) for green card applications. Once the DOL approves the labor certification, the employer files the I – 140 petition with the USCIS. The USCIS then assigns a case number to the I – 140 petition. Similar to family – based petitions, the case number starts with three letters indicating the service center and is followed by a series of numbers.

Case Number Retrieval from Employer and USCIS

The employer should receive a receipt notice from the USCIS for the I – 140 petition, which includes the case number. As the applicant, you can request this information from your employer. You can also check the USCIS online case status system using the case number provided by your employer to monitor the progress of your application. If you have any direct communication with the USCIS regarding your employment – based visa application, the case number will be mentioned in their correspondence.

Australia

Skilled Migration Application and Case ID

In Australia, for skilled migration visas, applicants lodge their Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. Once an invitation to apply for a visa is received, the applicant then submits a formal visa application. The Department of Home Affairs assigns a unique case ID to each application. This case ID is a combination of numbers and letters. For example, it could be something like “2023/001234ABC”.

Accessing the Case ID in the Application Portal

The applicant can access their case ID in the ImmiAccount, which is the online portal used for visa applications in Australia. When you log in to your ImmiAccount, the case ID will be displayed next to the details of your visa application. Any communication from the Department of Home Affairs regarding your application, such as requests for additional information or updates on the processing status, will also reference this case ID.

Initial Inquiries and Information Gathering

During the pre – application stage, you may not have a case number yet as the formal application has not been submitted. However, it’s important to start gathering information about the case number allocation process for the specific immigrant visa you’re interested in. For example, if you’re considering applying for an investor immigrant visa in the United Kingdom, research the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to understand how case numbers are assigned for this type of visa. This will give you an idea of what to expect once you start the application process.

Contacting Immigration Advisors or Embassies

If you have questions about the case number or the application process in general during the pre – application stage, you can contact immigration advisors or the embassy or consulate of the country you’re applying to. They can provide you with basic information about how the case number will be assigned, what it will look like, and when you can expect to receive it. For instance, if you’re inquiring about a student – to – work immigrant visa transition in New Zealand, the New Zealand embassy in your home country can offer guidance on the case number allocation process.

Receiving the Case Number Immediately

In some cases, you may receive the case number immediately after submitting your application. For example, when applying for a work – to – permanent residency immigrant visa in Singapore, once you submit your application through the online portal, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) may generate a case number on the spot. This case number will be displayed on the confirmation page of your application submission and will also be sent to you via email.

Delayed Case Number Assignment

However, in other countries, the case number may not be assigned immediately. For a family – based immigrant visa in Germany, the embassy or consulate may take a few days to process your application and assign a case number. During this time, you may not be able to track the progress of your application as you don’t have the case number yet. But usually, you will receive a notification, either by email or mail, with the case number once it has been assigned.

Using the Case Number for Tracking

Once you have the case number during the application processing stage, you can start using it to track the progress of your application. As mentioned earlier, different countries have different online tracking systems. In the United States, you can use the USCIS Case Status Online tool. In Canada, you can log in to your IRCC online account. In Australia, you can check the status in your ImmiAccount. By entering the case number, you can see where your application is in the process, whether it’s in document review, background check, or if it’s waiting for an interview.

Case Number in Communication with Authorities

During the application processing stage, if the immigration authorities need to contact you, they will use your case number to reference your application. Similarly, when you need to communicate with them, always include your case number. For example, if the UKVI requests additional documents for your entrepreneur immigrant visa application, their letter will mention your case number. And when you respond, make sure to include the case number in your correspondence to ensure that your response is linked to the correct application.

Review Application Documents

If you can’t find your immigrant visa case number, the first step is to review all your application documents. Look for any receipts, acknowledgment letters, or correspondence from the immigration authorities. In the United States, if you applied for a diversity immigrant visa (DV lottery), the confirmation page you received after submitting your entry is an important document. The case number (also known as the confirmation number in this case) is usually printed on this page. In Canada, if you applied for a provincial nominee program immigrant visa, the letter from the provincial government or the IRCC acknowledging your application may contain the case number.

Check Your Email and Postal Mail

Check your email inbox, including the spam folder, for any emails from the immigration authorities. They may have sent you the case number via email. Also, check your postal mail. Some countries still send important application – related documents, including those with the case number, by regular mail. For example, in the United Kingdom, if you applied for a spouse immigrant visa by post, the initial acknowledgment letter from the UKVI, which contains the case number, will be sent to your mailing address.

By Phone

If you still can’t find your case number after reviewing your documents and checking your mail, contact the immigration authorities by phone. Find the appropriate contact number for the type of visa you applied for. For example, in Australia, if you applied for a business innovation and investment immigrant visa, you can call the Department of Home Affairs’ business migration hotline. When you call, be prepared to provide your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and passport number. The customer service representative should be able to locate your application and provide you with the case number.

By Email or Online Inquiry

You can also send an email or use the online inquiry form on the immigration department’s website. Write a clear and concise message stating that you’re unable to find your case number for your immigrant visa application. Include all your relevant personal and application details, such as the type of visa you applied for, the date you submitted the application, and any reference numbers you may have. For example, in New Zealand, if you applied for a skilled migrant category immigrant visa, you can use the online contact form on Immigration New Zealand’s website to ask for your case number.

Immigration Lawyers and Consultants

If you’re still having trouble finding your case number, consider seeking help from an immigration lawyer or consultant. These professionals have experience dealing with immigration applications and can often assist in retrieving the case number. They can communicate with the immigration authorities on your behalf, using their knowledge of the system to expedite the process. For example, an immigration lawyer in the United States can use their contacts and understanding of the USCIS procedures to help you locate your case number if you’ve lost it for your employment – based immigrant visa application.

Using Their Expertise to Resolve Issues

Immigration lawyers and consultants can also help you understand why you might be having trouble finding the case number. In some cases, there could be an administrative error, or the case number may have been assigned incorrectly. The lawyer or consultant can work with the immigration authorities to resolve these issues and ensure that you have the correct case number for tracking your application.

Finding your immigrant visa case number is an essential part of the immigration application process. Whether you’re applying for a family – based, employment – based, or other types of immigrant visas, the case number serves as a unique identifier that allows you to track your application, communicate effectively with the immigration authorities, and stay informed about the progress of your visa request. By understanding how case numbers are assigned, when they become available, and what to do if you can’t find yours, you can navigate the immigration process more smoothly. Remember to keep all your application – related documents in a safe place, check your communication channels regularly for updates from the immigration authorities, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you encounter difficulties. With the right approach, you’ll be well – equipped to manage your immigrant visa application and move closer to achieving your goal of immigrating to a new country.