Navigating the U.S. immigration process can be overwhelming. Understanding how to check your immigration case status is critical to ensuring that your application is moving forward and that you respond promptly to any requests or decisions from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Whether you’re applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship, knowing how to track your case provides you with peace of mind and helps you stay informed about your application’s progress. This article will guide you through all the steps and methods available for checking your immigration case status.
Why Is It Important to Check Your Case Status?
Your immigration journey can take months, or even years, depending on the type of case and complexity. Keeping track of your case status allows you to:
- Stay informed about where your case is in the process.
- Identify any issues or delays early on.
- Ensure that you comply with any requests for evidence (RFEs) or additional information.
- Know when your case has been approved or denied.
When you keep track of your case status, you gain control over your immigration process. USCIS handles millions of applications every year, so it’s important to be proactive and aware of the timeline and possible outcomes for your case.
How to Check Your Immigration Case Status: Step-by-Step
There are several ways to check the status of your immigration case. Below, we’ll cover the most commonly used methods.
1. Checking Your Case Status Online
USCIS offers an online case status tool that allows applicants to check their case status through the agency’s website.
Step 1: Find Your Receipt Number
When you file any application or petition with USCIS, they send you a receipt notice. This receipt notice contains a unique 13-character code known as your receipt number. Your receipt number is critical because it’s what you’ll use to track your case online. It typically starts with three letters, followed by ten numbers. For example: “ABC1234567890.”
If you have filed multiple applications or petitions, each will have a different receipt number. It’s important to keep your receipt notices organized.
Step 2: Go to the USCIS Case Status Online Tool
Once you have your receipt number, go to the official USCIS website. Look for the “Check Your Case Status” option. This tool is free and accessible 24/7.
Step 3: Enter Your Receipt Number
In the designated field, enter your receipt number without spaces or dashes. After you’ve entered the number, click “Check Status.”
Step 4: View Your Case Status
The page will display the current status of your case, along with a brief description of what that status means. You may see statuses such as “Case Received,” “Request for Evidence,” “Case Approved,” or “Case Denied.”
USCIS updates case statuses regularly, so you should check the status periodically to stay informed.
2. Checking Case Status with USCIS by Phone
If you prefer not to use the online tool, or if you’re unable to access the internet, you can check your case status over the phone by calling USCIS.
Step 1: Call the USCIS Contact Center
The USCIS Contact Center number is 1-800-375-5283. Be sure to call during their operating hours, which are generally Monday through Friday.
Step 2: Provide Your Information
You will be asked to provide your receipt number and other identifying information, such as your date of birth or Alien Registration Number (A-Number), to verify your identity.
Step 3: Get Your Case Status
The USCIS agent will inform you of your current case status. The information provided should be similar to what you’d see online.
3. Checking Case Status by Mail
For those who prefer traditional mail or lack access to the internet or phone, you can request an update on your immigration case status by mailing USCIS directly.
Step 1: Write a Letter to USCIS
Write a formal letter to USCIS requesting your case status. Include the following information:
- Your full name
- Your receipt number
- Your Alien Registration Number (if applicable)
- Date of birth
- The type of application or petition filed
- Your mailing address
Step 2: Send the Letter to the USCIS Office Handling Your Case
Each USCIS service center handles different types of cases, so you’ll need to send your letter to the correct address. You can find the appropriate mailing address on the USCIS website by looking up the service center assigned to your case based on your receipt number.
Step 3: Wait for a Response
Once USCIS receives your letter, they will send a response with your current case status. Keep in mind that this method can be time-consuming due to mailing delays.
4. Using the USCIS Case Status Mobile App
USCIS offers a mobile app that allows you to check your case status and receive updates directly on your phone.
Step 1: Download the App
The USCIS mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. You can download it for free from your app store.
Step 2: Log in or Create an Account
To use the app, you’ll need to either log in to your existing USCIS account or create a new account. The app will guide you through the process of setting up your profile.
Step 3: Enter Your Receipt Number
Once you’re logged in, you can enter your receipt number to check your case status. The app also allows you to set up notifications so that you’re alerted when your case status changes.
5. Contacting Your Immigration Attorney
If you are working with an immigration attorney, they can check your case status for you. Immigration attorneys typically have access to additional tools and resources that the general public doesn’t, including the ability to directly inquire with USCIS on your behalf.
Step 1: Provide Your Attorney with Your Receipt Number
Make sure your attorney has your receipt number and any other documentation related to your case. This will allow them to check the status and provide you with updates.
Step 2: Request Regular Updates
It’s a good idea to ask your attorney to provide you with regular updates on your case status, especially if there have been any delays or if USCIS has requested additional information.
6. Checking Your Case Status with the National Visa Center (NVC)
If your case has been approved by USCIS and is being processed for a visa, you can check your status with the National Visa Center (NVC).
Step 1: Find Your Case Number or Invoice ID
Once USCIS forwards your case to the NVC, they will send you a letter or email with your NVC case number and Invoice ID number. These numbers are necessary to check your case status with the NVC.
Step 2: Go to the NVC’s Online Status Check Tool
Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website and navigate to the “Consular Electronic Application Center” (CEAC) portal. This tool allows you to check the status of your immigrant visa application.
Step 3: Enter Your Case Number
In the designated field, enter your NVC case number to view the current status of your case.
7. Using the Immigration Court System to Check Asylum or Removal Cases
If you have a case pending in immigration court, such as an asylum application or a removal case, the process for checking your case status is different.
Step 1: Call the EOIR Automated System
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) provides an automated case information system that allows you to check your court case status. Call 1-800-898-7180.
Step 2: Enter Your A-Number
You’ll be prompted to enter your Alien Registration Number (A-Number), which is a 9-digit number assigned to noncitizens when they apply for immigration benefits.
Step 3: Receive Case Information
Once you’ve entered your A-Number, the system will provide you with information about your court case, including upcoming hearing dates and current case status.
Common Immigration Case Status Updates
Understanding the different statuses your case may go through will help you anticipate the next steps. Here are some of the most common case statuses you might encounter:
Case Was Received
This is the first status you’ll see after USCIS receives your application. At this stage, USCIS is acknowledging that they have your application and are beginning to process it.
Request for Evidence (RFE) Was Sent
If USCIS needs additional information to make a decision on your case, they will send you a Request for Evidence (RFE). It’s crucial to respond to this request promptly to avoid delays.
Case Was Approved
When USCIS approves your application, this means that your immigration benefit has been granted. However, additional steps may still be required, depending on the type of benefit you’re seeking.
Case Was Denied
A denial means that USCIS has decided not to grant your requested immigration benefit. If your case is denied, USCIS will explain the reason and provide information on whether you can appeal the decision.
Case Was Transferred
Sometimes USCIS transfers cases to different offices for processing. This typically doesn’t indicate a problem with your application but is rather an internal administrative action.
What to Do If You Encounter Problems
If you encounter issues while checking your case status or if you believe your case is experiencing delays, you can take several steps to resolve the problem:
Submit a Case Inquiry: If your case is outside the normal processing time, you can submit a case inquiry through the USCIS website.
Contact USCIS Ombudsman: The USCIS Ombudsman’s office helps resolve issues with cases that are delayed or facing problems.
Request Congressional Assistance: In some cases, contacting your local congressional representative can expedite your case or help resolve issues with USCIS.
see also: Can Foreigners Buy Property in the UK?
Conclusion
Checking your immigration case status is a straightforward yet essential task to ensure that your application is on track. With several methods available—including online, by phone, through mail, and via the mobile app—you have multiple ways to stay updated. If you encounter issues or delays, there are resources such as your immigration attorney or the USCIS Ombudsman’s office that can assist you.
Staying informed and proactive in your immigration journey helps ensure that you meet all deadlines and requirements, bringing you one step closer to achieving your immigration goals.