Where to check your visa status
The U.S. State Department runs a tool called Visa Check that tells you where your process stands. You go to travel.state.gov, find the visa status checker, and enter your case number and passport number. The system shows you whether your process is still being reviewed, approved, denied, or ready for pickup.
If you applied through a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States, that specific location also has its own status page. For example, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, the Consulate General in Toronto, and the Embassy in London each maintain separate visa appointment and status information. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country where you applied.
You can also call the National Visa Center (NVC) at 1-603-334-0700 if you applied through family or employment sponsorship. They handle immigrant visa cases and can tell you the current stage of processing. Have your case number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The State Department's Visa Check tool at travel.state.gov is the main place to look up your status using your case number and passport number.
- Each U.S. embassy and consulate maintains its own status information, so check the specific location where you applied.
- The National Visa Center handles family and employment-based visa cases and can provide status over the phone at 1-603-334-0700.
- Processing times vary widely depending on visa type, country, and current workload at the consulate.
- Some visa categories show limited status information online; the consulate may need to tell you details by phone or email.
What information you need to check status
You will need your case number and your passport number to use the State Department's online tool. Your case number appears on the receipt you got when you submitted your process, or in confirmation emails from the consulate. If you cannot find it, the consulate can look it up using your name and passport number.
For family-based visas, you may also have an NVC case number, which is different from your consulate case number. The NVC number appears in correspondence from the National Visa Center and is used to track your case through the immigrant visa process before it moves to a consulate for an interview.
Keep these numbers in a safe place. You will need them not only to check status but also to reschedule appointments, respond to consulate requests, and follow up on any missing documents.
Understanding what each status means
process received means the consulate has your paperwork and has started the initial review. This is the first stage and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the visa type and the consulate's current volume.
Administrative processing is a holding stage that happens after your interview (if you had one) or during the review of your documents. It does not mean something is wrong; it means the consulate is conducting additional background checks or waiting for information from another U.S. government agency. This stage can last from a few weeks to several months.
Approved means your visa has been granted. The next step is usually to pick up your passport with the visa stamp, or in some cases the consulate will mail it to you. The status page or a separate email will tell you how to collect it.
Denied means your process was not granted. The consulate will send you a letter explaining the reason. You may be able to reapply, but you should understand the reason for denial first.
How often to check and what to expect
Check your status once a week rather than daily. The system updates on the consulate's schedule, not in real time, so checking multiple times a day will not give you new information. Most consulates update their records once or twice per week.
Processing times depend heavily on the visa category and the specific consulate. A tourist visa (B1/B2) at a busy consulate might take 2 to 4 weeks. A work visa (H-1B) can take 2 to 3 months. Family-based immigrant visas often take 6 months to over a year because they go through the National Visa Center first, then to a consulate.
If your status has not changed in longer than the posted processing time for your visa type, contact the consulate directly. Many have email addresses or phone lines for status inquiries. Have your case number ready.
What to do if you cannot find your status online
Some visa types do not appear in the online status checker. Diversity visa (DV) cases, for example, are tracked through a separate system called the Diversity Visa Lottery portal. If you applied for a DV visa, go to dvprogram.state.gov instead of the main visa status tool.
If you applied for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate and the online tool does not recognize your case number, call or email the specific consulate where you applied. They can confirm whether your process is in their system and tell you the current status by phone. Look up the consulate's contact information on the State Department website under the country where you applied.
If you applied through a U.S. immigration office inside the United States (for example, for adjustment of status), your case is tracked through a different system called USCIS. Go to uscis.gov and use their case status tool instead.
Contacting the consulate if status is delayed
If your case has been in administrative processing for longer than the posted estimate, send a polite email to the consulate's visa section. Include your full name, case number, passport number, and visa type. Ask for an update on your case. Most consulates respond within 5 to 10 business days.
Do not call repeatedly or send multiple emails in a short time. Consulates receive thousands of inquiries and may deprioritize cases with excessive contact. One email every two weeks is reasonable if you have not heard back.
If you have a time-sensitive reason for needing your visa (a job start date, a family emergency, a school enrollment important date), mention it in your email. The consulate cannot always speed up processing, but they may be able to tell you whether your case is likely to be approved soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's visa status?
No. The State Department's system requires the applicant's case number and passport number for security reasons. If you are a family member or employer helping with the process, ask the visa applicant to check their own status and share the information with you. Some consulates will speak to a designated representative if you have a power of attorney or written authorization from the applicant.
What does "administrative processing" mean and how long does it take?
Administrative processing is a security and background check that happens after your interview or document review. It does not indicate a problem with your process. Length varies from 2 weeks to several months depending on the visa type and the consulate's workload. Some cases clear in days; others take longer if additional information is needed from other agencies.
My status has not changed in three months. What should I do?
First, confirm that three months is longer than the posted processing time for your visa type at that consulate. If it is, send one email to the consulate's visa section with your case number and ask for an update. Include any time-sensitive information (job start date, school enrollment). If you do not hear back in two weeks, you can follow up once more.
Do I need to do anything while I wait for my visa?
No. Once you have submitted your process and completed your interview (if required), the consulate handles the rest. Do not travel, change your address, or change your job without notifying the consulate if your case is still pending. Keep your passport available in case the consulate needs to contact you.
What happens after my visa is approved?
The consulate will tell you how to pick up your passport with the visa stamp, either in person or by mail. Follow their instructions exactly. Once you have your passport with the visa, you can travel to the United States. The visa is valid for a set period (usually 6 months to 10 years depending on type), and you must enter before it expires.