Check your USCIS case status through the official USCIS website or by phone

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) offers two main ways to track your case: the online status tool at uscis.gov and a phone line. The online tool is faster and available 24 hours a day. You will need your receipt number, which appears on the I-797 notice USCIS sent you when they received your case. If you do not have your receipt number, you can search by your name and date of birth, though this takes longer and works only for some case types.

The phone line is 1-800-375-5283. Wait times are longest on Mondays and during morning hours. You will need your receipt number to use this service as well. Both methods show the same information: whether your case is pending, approved, denied, or in a specific stage like "initial review" or "background check."

Key Takeaways

  • Your receipt number (starting with three letters, then nine digits) is the fastest way to check status online at uscis.gov/case-status.
  • The online tool updates every 24 hours and shows your case stage, but does not explain delays or next steps you need to take.
  • If your case shows no updates for longer than the normal processing time for your case type, contact USCIS by phone or through their online inquiry form.
  • Processing times vary widely by case type and location — a green card process takes months longer than a work permit renewal.

Finding your receipt number on USCIS notices

Your receipt number appears on the I-797 Notice of Action that USCIS mails to you after they receive your case. It is in the top right corner of the first page and looks like this: ABC1234567890. The first three letters identify the USCIS office that received your case. The nine digits that follow are unique to your case.

If you filed online through the USCIS portal, you can also find your receipt number in your account under "My Cases." If you filed by mail and never received an I-797, contact USCIS through their online inquiry form at uscis.gov/field-offices to request it. Do not call the general line for this — the online form routes to the right department.

Using the online case status tool

Go to uscis.gov/case-status and enter your receipt number in the search box. The tool will show your case type (for example, "process to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status" for a green card), the date USCIS received it, and the current status. Common statuses are "Case received," "Case is being reviewed," "Background check in progress," "Interview scheduled," "Decision," and "Case approved."

The online tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight. If you checked this morning and nothing has changed, checking again in the afternoon will not show new information. The tool does not explain why a case is delayed, what you need to do next, or when you should expect a decision. For those questions, you need to call or file an inquiry.

Calling USCIS for status updates and next steps

The USCIS phone line is 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt number ready. The wait time varies — early morning and mid-week calls are usually faster. An agent will look up your case and tell you the same status the online tool shows, but they can also answer questions about what that status means and what you should do next.

If your case is delayed beyond the normal processing time, the agent may be able to see notes in your file that explain why. They can also tell you whether you need to send additional documents or schedule an interview. If the agent cannot resolve your issue, they can file a service request that routes to the office handling your case.

When to file a service request or inquiry

If your case has not moved in longer than the published processing time for your case type, you can file an online inquiry at uscis.gov/field-offices. Click "Submit an Online Inquiry" and select your case type. Describe what you are asking about — for example, "My green card process has been pending for 18 months and the processing time is 12 months" — and include your receipt number.

USCIS aims to respond to inquiries within 30 days, though some take longer. An inquiry does not speed up your case, but it creates a record that you contacted them and may prompt the office to review your file. If your case is truly stuck, an inquiry is worth filing. If your case is within the normal processing window, USCIS will likely respond that they are still reviewing it.

Understanding processing times by case type

USCIS publishes processing times for each case type and each field office on their website. These times are estimates, not guarantees. A green card process through adjustment of status might take 18 to 24 months in one office and 12 to 18 months in another. Work permits (EAD) usually process in 3 to 6 months. Travel documents (Advance Parole) can take 2 to 4 months.

Processing times also depend on whether your case requires a background check, an interview, or additional documents from you. If USCIS is waiting for something from you, the clock pauses. Check your case status regularly and read any notices USCIS sends — they will tell you if they need more information from you.

What to do if your status shows "decision"

If your case status changes to "Decision," USCIS has made a information but you may not have received the notice yet. Check your mail over the next few days. If you filed online, you may also see the decision in your USCIS account before the physical notice arrives. An approval notice includes your new document (green card, work permit, or travel document) or instructions for picking it up. A denial notice explains the reason and your options to appeal or reapply.

If your status shows "Decision" but you have not received anything in the mail after a week, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and ask them to confirm the decision and resend the notice if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does USCIS update case status?

The online tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight. Checking multiple times in one day will not show new information. If your case has moved to a new stage, you will see it the next day.

Can I check someone else's case status?

No. You need the receipt number to check status, and USCIS does not release receipt numbers to anyone but the person who filed the case. If you are a lawyer or representative, you must have a signed Form G-28 on file with USCIS to check your client's status.

What does "case is being reviewed" mean?

It means USCIS is examining your process, documents, and background check results. This stage can last weeks or months depending on the case type and complexity. It does not mean anything is wrong — it is the normal part of the process.

My case status has not changed in 6 months. What should I do?

First, check the published processing time for your case type and office on uscis.gov. If your case is past that time, file an online inquiry at uscis.gov/field-offices. Include your receipt number and explain how long you have been waiting. You can also call 1-800-375-5283 to ask whether USCIS is waiting for something from you.

Will checking my status online affect my case?

No. Checking your status does not change anything or slow down your case. You can check as often as you want without any effect.