Where to Check Your Case Online

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operates a case tracking system called Case Status Online at uscis.gov. This is the official place to look up the status of your visa process, green card petition, or naturalization case. You will need your receipt number — a 13-character code that starts with three letters (usually EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by 10 numbers. This number appears on your receipt notice, which USCIS mails to you after they receive your process.

To search, go to uscis.gov/case-status, enter your receipt number, and the system will show you the last action taken on your case and the date it occurred. The status updates when USCIS takes a step — such as receiving your process, requesting more documents, scheduling an interview, or making a decision. If your case is pending, the system will not show a decision date; it will only show what has happened so far.

If you do not have your receipt number, look in your email for the receipt notice USCIS sent you, or check any letters from USCIS in your mail. The receipt number is printed at the top of the notice. If you have lost all copies, you can request a replacement receipt by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283, though this may take several weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS Case Status Online at uscis.gov/case-status is the official system to track your visa or immigration case, and it is free to use.
  • You will need your receipt number (a 13-character code starting with three letters) to search, which appears on the receipt notice USCIS mailed to you.
  • The system shows only what USCIS has already done on your case, not how much longer it will take or what happens next.
  • If you cannot find your receipt number, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to request a replacement, though processing takes several weeks.
  • Some cases, such as those at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, do not appear in the USCIS online system and require contacting the specific office handling your case.

What the Status Messages Actually Mean

USCIS uses standard status messages that can be confusing because they describe what has already happened, not what comes next. "Case received" means USCIS has logged your process into their system and assigned it a receipt number. "Notice to appear" or "interview scheduled" means USCIS has set a date for you to come in person or has sent you a notice with next steps. "Decision" means USCIS has made a final choice — approved, denied, or other outcome — and you should receive a formal notice in the mail within days.

A status that says "case is pending" or shows no recent activity does not mean something is wrong. It means USCIS is still working on your case, or your case is waiting in a queue. Processing times vary widely depending on the type of case, the USCIS office handling it, and current workload. A visa petition for a family member may take months or years; a work visa extension may take weeks. The online status will not tell you an expected completion date.

If the status has not changed in longer than the published processing time for your case type, you can contact USCIS to ask about a delay. Go to uscis.gov/field-offices to find the phone number for the office handling your case, or call the general line at 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt number ready when you call.

Checking Cases at U.S. Embassies and Consulates

If your visa case is being processed at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States — for example, you are explore for an immigrant visa or a work visa from abroad — the USCIS online system will not show your status. Instead, you must contact the specific embassy or consulate where you applied. Each embassy and consulate has its own website with contact information and case status procedures.

To find the right office, go to state.gov/visas and look for the country where you are explore. The embassy or consulate website will list how to check your case status — some allow you to email a request, others ask you to call during business hours, and a few have their own online tracking system. You will typically need your passport number or case number to provide when you inquire.

Processing times at embassies and consulates vary by location and visa type. Some offices post average wait times on their websites. If you have not heard back after the posted timeframe, contact the consulate directly to ask about your case. Be prepared to wait on hold or for a response email, as many consulates are understaffed.

What to Do If Your Status Has Not Updated

If your case status has not changed for several months, or if the last update was much longer ago than the published processing time for your case type, you have a few options. First, verify that you are searching with the correct receipt number — a single wrong digit will return no results or the wrong case. Double-check the number on your receipt notice letter.

If the receipt number is correct and the status is genuinely stalled, contact the USCIS office handling your case. Call 1-800-375-5283 and explain that your case has not been updated since a specific date. Have your receipt number, case type, and the date of the last status update ready. USCIS staff can sometimes see more detail in their internal system than appears online and can tell you whether your case is delayed or straightforward waiting in queue.

Some cases experience delays because USCIS is waiting for you to provide additional documents or information. Check your email and mail carefully — USCIS may have sent a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) that requires a response by a important date. If you miss the important date, your case may be denied. If you find such a notice, respond when ready with the requested documents.

Using a Case Status Alert Service

USCIS offers a free email notification service called Case Status Online Alerts. When you search your case on uscis.gov/case-status, you can choose to receive an email whenever the status changes. This is useful if you check your case infrequently and want to be notified automatically when USCIS takes action.

To set up alerts, search your case on the USCIS website, and look for the option to subscribe to notifications. You will provide your email address, and USCIS will send you a confirmation email. After that, you will receive an email each time your case status updates. The email will include the new status and the date of the update, but not detailed explanation — you will still need to log back into the website to see what the status means.

This service is free and does not require you to create an account or provide personal information beyond your email. It is a straightforward way to stay informed without having to manually check the website every week.

Getting Help If You Cannot Find Your Case

If you have searched the USCIS system multiple times and cannot find your case, it may not have been entered into the system yet, or it may be in a different system entirely. Some applications — such as asylum cases, cases at immigration court, or cases pending with a specific USCIS office — do not appear in Case Status Online.

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and explain that you cannot locate your case. Have ready the date you submitted your process, the type of process (visa petition, green card, naturalization, etc.), and any receipt numbers or case numbers you have. USCIS staff can search their records by your name and date of birth if you do not have a receipt number.

If your case is at immigration court, you can search the court's system directly. Go to immigration.courts.doj.gov and use the case lookup tool. If your case is with a specific USCIS office or a consulate, contact that office directly using the phone number on their website.

Understanding Processing Times for Your Case Type

USCIS publishes average processing times for each case type and each field office on uscis.gov/processing-times. These times are updated regularly and show how long it typically takes from the date USCIS receives your process to the date they make a decision. Processing times are estimates, not guarantees, and your case may take longer or shorter depending on complexity and workload.

To use the processing times tool, select your case type (for example, "I-485, process to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status") and the USCIS office where you filed. The page will show the range of time — for example, "8 to 12 months" — and the date the estimate was last updated. If your case has been pending longer than the upper end of that range, you may contact USCIS to ask about a delay.

Keep in mind that processing times are based on cases completed in the past and do not account for sudden changes in workload or staffing. During periods of high volume or staffing shortages, actual processing times may be longer than published estimates. Checking the processing times regularly can help you understand whether your case is on track or experiencing an unusual delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my case status if I do not have my receipt number?

You can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and provide your name, date of birth, and the date you submitted your process. USCIS staff can search by this information and tell you your receipt number and current status. You can also request a replacement receipt notice by mail, though this takes several weeks.

What does it mean if my status says "case is pending"?

It means USCIS is still working on your case or your case is waiting in a queue. It does not indicate how much longer the process will take. Check the published processing times for your case type and office to see whether your case is on track or delayed.

My case status has not changed in six months. Is something wrong?

Not necessarily. Some cases move slowly through the system without visible updates. However, if the time exceeds the published processing time for your case type, contact the USCIS office handling your case by phone. They can tell you whether your case is delayed or straightforward waiting in queue, and whether USCIS is waiting for documents from you.

How do I check my visa case if I am explore from outside the United States?

Cases at U.S. embassies and consulates do not appear in the USCIS online system. Go to state.gov/visas, find the country where you are explore, and contact the specific embassy or consulate. Each office has its own procedures for checking case status, which may include email, phone, or an online tracking system.

Will USCIS tell me if my case will be approved or denied?

No. The online status system only shows what USCIS has already done on your case, not what they will decide. You will not know the outcome until USCIS sends you a formal decision notice in the mail.