Where to check your case status depends on which agency is handling it

The agency that processes your case determines where you check its status. If you filed through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you use their online system. If your case went through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the process is different. Knowing which agency has your case is the first step.

Most visa applications and green card petitions go through USCIS, which maintains an online case tracker. You will need your receipt number — a code that starts with three letters followed by ten digits — to look up your case. This number appears on your receipt notice, which USCIS mails to you after they receive your process.

If you cannot find your receipt number or are unsure which agency is handling your case, you can contact USCIS directly by phone or through their office locator to confirm before you search online.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS cases are checked online using your receipt number, which appears on the notice they mail you after receiving your process.
  • The USCIS case status tool shows you the last action taken on your case and tells you what documents or steps are pending.
  • If your case is with ICE or CBP instead of USCIS, you will need to contact those agencies directly because they do not have the same public tracking system.
  • Response times vary by case type and location, so the tracker will show you whether your case is still being reviewed or waiting for your next step.

How to use the USCIS case status tracker online

Go to the USCIS website and select "Check Your Case Status" from the main menu. Enter your receipt number in the search box. The system will display the last action taken on your case, the date of that action, and what is currently pending.

The status page shows one of several possible messages. "Case received" means USCIS has logged your process but has not yet begun reviewing it. "Case is being reviewed" means an officer is examining your documents. "Decision is pending" means the officer has finished reviewing and is preparing a decision. "Case approved" or "Case denied" shows the final outcome.

The tracker updates within 24 hours of any action USCIS takes on your case. If you checked yesterday and nothing has changed, checking again today will likely show the same status. Checking more frequently does not speed up the process.

What to do if your case status has not changed in a long time

Processing times vary widely by case type, location, and current workload. A family-based green card petition may take 18 months or longer, while some employment-based cases move faster. Before you contact USCIS, check their published processing times for your specific case type and your local USCIS office to see whether the delay falls within the normal range.

If your case has been pending longer than the published time, you can file a request for case review. This is called a case inquiry or expedite request, depending on your situation. You submit this through the USCIS website or by mail. Include your receipt number, a brief explanation of why you are requesting review, and any supporting documents that show hardship or changed circumstances.

USCIS will respond to your inquiry within 30 days. They may provide an update, request additional documents, or explain why the case is still pending. If your case is genuinely stuck due to an error, they may prioritize it.

How to contact USCIS if you cannot find your receipt number

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Have your name, date of birth, and country of birth ready. The automated system will ask you to enter your receipt number, but you can press zero to speak with a representative who can look up your case using your personal information instead.

Wait times are often long, especially in the morning. Calling in the afternoon or on a Wednesday or Thursday typically means shorter hold times. Have your process details written down so you can answer questions quickly.

You can also visit your local USCIS office in person. Find the office nearest you on the USCIS website, then check their hours and whether they accept walk-ins. Some offices require an appointment; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your receipt notice and a photo ID.

Cases handled by ICE or CBP instead of USCIS

If your case involves deportation proceedings, detention, or border enforcement, ICE or CBP may be handling it rather than USCIS. These agencies do not have a public online tracker like USCIS does.

For ICE cases, contact the local ICE office that has your case. You can find the office location through the ICE website or by calling 1-844-363-1423. Have your A-number (alien number) ready, which appears on any immigration documents you have received.

For CBP cases, such as those involving inspection at a port of entry, contact the specific port where your case is being handled. CBP does not maintain a centralized case tracker, so you will need to reach out to the individual office.

Understanding the documents USCIS may request while your case is pending

While your case is under review, USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). An RFE asks you to submit documents or information that USCIS needs to make a decision. A NOID tells you that USCIS is leaning toward denying your case and gives you a chance to respond.

Both documents include a important date, usually 12 to 15 days from the date on the notice. Missing this important date can result in denial. If you receive either notice, respond as quickly as possible with the requested documents or explanation. Keep copies of everything you send.

The case status tracker will show you when USCIS receives your response. After they receive it, the status may change to "case is being reviewed" again as they examine your new documents.

What happens after your case is approved or denied

If your case is approved, USCIS will mail you an approval notice and any documents you are may have access to to, such as a green card or visa stamp authorization. The case status tracker will show "case approved" and the date the decision was made. Processing the physical documents may take a few weeks after approval.

If your case is denied, USCIS will mail you a detailed denial notice explaining the reason. The notice will tell you whether you can file an appeal or motion to reopen. Some denials can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals; others cannot. The denial notice specifies your options and any important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my case status?

Checking once a week is reasonable if you are waiting for a decision. Checking daily will not speed up the process. The tracker updates within 24 hours of any action USCIS takes, so checking more than once a day is unnecessary.

What does "case is being reviewed" mean?

It means an immigration officer is examining your process and supporting documents. This stage can last weeks or months depending on the complexity of your case and current office workload. You may receive requests for additional documents during this time.

Can I call USCIS to ask why my case is taking so long?

Yes, but USCIS will likely tell you the published processing time for your case type and location. If your case is within that timeframe, they cannot expedite it. If it is significantly overdue, you can request a case inquiry or expedite request through their website.

What if I lost my receipt number?

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and speak with a representative. Provide your name, date of birth, and country of birth. They can look up your case and provide your receipt number. You can also visit a local USCIS office in person with your ID and process documents.

Does checking my case status affect my process?

No. Using the online tracker or calling USCIS to check your status does not change your case or slow it down. You can check as often as you want without any negative effect.