Where to check your case status

The way you check your immigration case status depends on which agency is handling it. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) handles most visa and green card cases. DOS (Department of State) handles cases processed at U.S. consulates abroad. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) handles cases at ports of entry. You need to know which agency has your case before you can look it up.

If you filed through a USCIS office in the United States, use the USCIS case status tool. If your case is being processed at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the country, contact that specific consulate or use the DOS case status system. The receipt notice you received when you filed will tell you which agency to contact and will include a case number you will need.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS cases are tracked online using your receipt number (a 13-character code starting with three letters) at uscis.gov/case-status.
  • The USCIS online tool updates every 24 hours and shows the last action taken on your case, not a prediction of when it will be approved.
  • If you filed at a U.S. consulate abroad, contact that consulate directly by phone or email rather than using the USCIS system.
  • Processing times vary widely by case type and location; the USCIS website publishes average times for each office, but your case may take longer.
  • If your case shows no updates for longer than the published processing time, contact USCIS by phone or through their online request system.

Using the USCIS case status tool online

Go to uscis.gov/case-status and enter your receipt number in the search box. Your receipt number is a 13-character code printed on the notice you received when you filed. It always starts with three letters (usually EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by 10 numbers. If you cannot find your receipt number, check your filing confirmation email or the top of your I-797 notice.

The tool will show you the last action USCIS took on your case and the date it occurred. It does not show a predicted approval date or tell you how much longer you will wait. The status updates once every 24 hours, so checking multiple times in one day will show the same information. If the status has not changed in weeks, that does not mean your case is stuck — it may mean USCIS is reviewing documents or waiting for information from another agency.

The USCIS system works for cases filed at USCIS offices inside the United States. It does not work for cases filed at consulates abroad, cases filed by your employer through an immigration attorney, or cases handled by other agencies.

Checking status by phone and mail

You can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833 for deaf or hard of hearing callers). Have your receipt number ready. Wait times are often long, especially early in the morning and on Mondays. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

You can also submit a case inquiry through the USCIS website if your case has been pending longer than the published processing time for your office and case type. Go to uscis.gov/field-offices, find your local office, and look for the "Case Inquiry" link. You will need your receipt number and will be asked to describe why you are inquiring. USCIS typically responds within 30 days.

If you filed your case through an immigration attorney or your employer, contact them first — they may have access to information you do not and can often reach USCIS faster than you can.

Understanding processing times for your case type

USCIS publishes processing times for each office and case type on its website. Go to uscis.gov/processing-times, select your case type (such as I-485 for green card, I-539 for extension of stay, or I-765 for work permit), and select your local USCIS office. The site shows the range of time it typically takes — for example, "8 to 14 months" — not a specific date your case will be done.

Processing times are averages and vary based on how complete your process is, whether USCIS needs to request more documents from you, and whether your case requires a background check or interview. Some cases move faster than the published time. Others take longer. If your case has been pending longer than the published time and the status tool shows no recent updates, that is when you should contact USCIS.

What to do if your case is at a U.S. consulate

If you are explore for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States, the USCIS case status tool will not work. Instead, contact the consulate directly. Find the consulate's phone number and email on the DOS website at travel.state.gov. Most consulates have a specific email address or phone line for visa case inquiries.

When you contact the consulate, have your case number (printed on your receipt notice) and your passport number ready. Processing times at consulates vary widely depending on the visa type and the country. Some consulates post average processing times on their websites. If you have not heard back within the published timeframe, follow up by email or phone.

What the status messages mean

The USCIS case status tool uses standard messages that appear for most cases. "Case received" means USCIS has logged your process into the system. "Case is being reviewed" means USCIS is examining your documents or conducting background checks. "Request for additional information" means USCIS needs more documents or clarification from you — check your mail and email for the specific request, called an RFE (Request for Evidence).

"Interview scheduled" means you have been assigned a date and time to meet with a USCIS officer. "Decision" means USCIS has made a final information on your case — approved, denied, or other outcome. The status tool does not always update when ready when a decision is made, so you may receive a notice in the mail before the online status changes.

If your status has not changed for longer than the published processing time for your office, or if you received an RFE and submitted the documents but the status has not updated in 30 days, contact USCIS using the phone number or case inquiry form listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the USCIS case status tool update?

The tool updates once every 24 hours. Checking it multiple times in one day will show the same information. If you check in the morning and the status has not changed since yesterday, checking again in the evening will not show new information until the next day.

What does it mean if my status says "case received" but it has been months?

It usually means USCIS is still reviewing your documents or conducting background checks. The status tool does not update every time USCIS takes an action — only when a major step is completed. If the status has not changed in longer than the published processing time for your office, contact USCIS by phone or through the case inquiry form.

Can I check my case status if someone else filed it for me?

Yes, if you have your receipt number. You do not need to be the person who filed the case to look it up online. If you do not have the receipt number, contact the person or organization that filed it on your behalf — they can provide it to you.

What should I do if the USCIS website says my office is closed?

USCIS offices sometimes close for holidays or emergencies. Check the office status page on uscis.gov/field-offices to see if your office has posted closure information. If it is closed temporarily, your case is still being processed, but you may not be able to visit in person. You can still call the national line or submit a case inquiry online.

How long does it take to get a response after I submit a case inquiry?

USCIS typically responds to case inquiries within 30 days. If you have not heard back after 30 days, you can submit another inquiry or call the national phone line. Response times may be longer during periods of high volume.