Where to check your immigration status

You can check your immigration status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, by phone, or in person at a local USCIS office. The method you use depends on what document you hold and what you need to know — whether you're tracking a pending process, confirming your current visa type, or verifying your work authorization.

USCIS maintains a case tracking system online at uscis.gov that works for most pending applications and petitions. If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) during business hours, or visit a local field office in person with your documents.

Your immigration status is also recorded in your physical documents — your visa stamp, I-94 arrival/departure record, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or green card. These documents show your current status and expiration dates. If you've lost documents or need official confirmation for an employer or school, you can request a status verification letter directly from USCIS.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS case tracking at uscis.gov works for pending applications if you have a receipt number (starts with three letters followed by numbers).
  • Your visa, I-94 record, work permit, or green card itself shows your current status and when it expires.
  • Call 1-800-375-5283 if you need to speak with USCIS directly or don't have your receipt number.
  • A status verification letter from USCIS can be requested if you need official proof for an employer, school, or government agency.
  • Your status depends on the document you hold — visa type, work authorization, green card, or citizenship — and each has different rules about what you can do.

Using USCIS case tracking online

To track a pending case online, go to uscis.gov and look for "Check Your Case Status" or "Case Status Online." You will need your receipt number, which appears on the notice USCIS sent you when they received your process. The receipt number looks like this: WAC2401234567 (three letters followed by ten digits). If you filed by mail, this number is on the I-797 notice. If you filed online through an USCIS portal, you received it by email.

Enter your receipt number and date of birth, and the system will show you the current stage of your case — whether it's pending review, in queue for an interview, approved, or denied. The system updates regularly but not when ready; there can be a delay of several days between when USCIS processes your case and when the online status changes. If your case shows no updates for longer than the expected processing time (which varies by case type), call USCIS to confirm the status by phone.

The online tracker does not work for all cases. If you filed a green card process through a consulate abroad, or if your case is with a different agency (such as the Department of State for visa processing), you will need to use that agency's tracking system instead. USCIS will tell you in your receipt notice which system to use.

What your visa, I-94, and work permit tell you

Your current immigration status is printed on the documents you carry. A visa stamp in your passport shows the type of visa (H-1B, L-1, F-1, B-2, etc.), the country that issued it, and the expiration date. The expiration date on the visa itself does not mean you must leave the country on that date — it means you cannot use that visa to re-enter the United States after that date. Your actual legal status depends on your I-94 record, not the visa expiration.

Your I-94 arrival/departure record is the official record of when you entered the U.S. and how long you are permitted to stay. You can view your I-94 online at cbp.gov/i94 by entering your passport number and date of birth. The I-94 shows your status category (such as H-1B, F-1, or tourist), your admission date, and your "status expires" date — the date by which you must leave or change your status. This date is what matters for your legal stay, not the visa expiration date.

If you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), it shows your work permit number, the dates it is valid, and any restrictions on the type of work you can do. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) shows your name, photo, and expiration date, but the expiration date is for the card itself, not your status — your status as a permanent resident does not expire. You can renew the card before it expires, but you remain a permanent resident even if your card has expired.

Requesting an official status verification letter

If you need written proof of your immigration status for an employer, school, or government agency, you can request a status verification letter from USCIS. This letter is official documentation that confirms your current status, work authorization, or pending case. You cannot print or create this letter yourself — it must come from USCIS.

To request a status verification letter, contact your local USCIS field office by phone or visit in person with your receipt number (if you have a pending case) or your green card or visa (if you want confirmation of current status). Some field offices allow you to request the letter online through their website. Processing time is usually one to two weeks, though it can be longer during high-volume periods. There is no fee for this letter.

If you need the letter urgently, ask the USCIS office whether they can provide it the same day or within a few days. Some offices can print a letter on the spot if you visit in person and have all your documents. If you are in removal proceedings or have a pending case with a court important date, mention this when you request the letter — USCIS may prioritize it.

Understanding your status category

Your immigration status is defined by the visa or document you hold. Common status categories include nonimmigrant visas (temporary status, such as H-1B for work, F-1 for students, B-2 for tourists, L-1 for intracompany transfers) and immigrant visas (permanent status, such as a green card or citizenship). Each category has different rules about what you can do — work, study, travel, sponsor family members — and how long you can stay.

If you hold a nonimmigrant visa, your status is temporary and tied to a specific purpose. An H-1B visa, for example, allows you to work for a specific employer; if you change jobs, you may need a new visa petition. An F-1 student visa requires you to be enrolled in school and maintain full-time status. A B-2 tourist visa does not permit work. If you do something outside your status (such as work on a B-2 visa), you are out of status and may face deportation.

If you hold a green card, you are a permanent resident and can work for any employer, travel outside the U.S. and return (with some limits), and sponsor family members for immigration. If you are a U.S. citizen, you have the highest immigration status and can do everything a permanent resident can do, plus vote and hold certain government jobs. Understanding which category you fall into is essential to knowing what you can legally do while in the United States.

What to do if you cannot find your receipt number

If you filed an process with USCIS but cannot find your receipt number, check your email for the receipt notice (I-797) — USCIS sends this by email if you filed online, or by mail if you filed by paper. The receipt number is printed clearly on this notice. If you filed years ago and no longer have the notice, you can request a copy from USCIS by visiting a field office in person or calling 1-800-375-5283.

When you call, have your name, date of birth, and passport number ready. Tell USCIS what type of process you filed (green card, work visa petition, citizenship, etc.) and approximately when you filed it. They can look up your case in their system and provide your receipt number over the phone. Once you have the receipt number, you can use the online case tracker.

If USCIS cannot locate your case, it may mean the process was never received, was filed under a different name, or was filed by someone else on your behalf (such as an employer or family member). Ask USCIS to clarify what happened and what your options are. If your process was lost, you may need to file again.

Checking status if you are outside the United States

If you are outside the U.S. and need to check your immigration status, the method depends on what you are checking. If you have a pending visa process at a U.S. consulate, you can check the status through the consulate's website or by contacting the consulate directly. Each consulate has its own tracking system and phone number; find yours at state.gov.

If you have a pending green card process filed through a consulate (consular processing), you can check the status at the National Visa Center (NVC) website at nvc.state.gov. The NVC processes green card cases for people outside the U.S. before they go to a consulate for a final interview. You will need your case number and passport number to check status online.

If you are a green card holder or permanent resident living outside the U.S., your status remains valid as long as your green card has not expired and you have not abandoned your residency. However, if you stay outside the U.S. for more than two years without a re-entry permit, you may lose your permanent resident status. Before traveling abroad for an extended period, consult with an immigration attorney or contact USCIS to understand how your absence affects your status.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see a status update online?

USCIS updates case status online regularly, but there is usually a delay of several days to a week between when your case is processed and when the update appears in the online system. If you do not see an update within the expected processing time for your case type, contact USCIS by phone to confirm the status. Processing times vary widely depending on the type of process and your location.

What does "status expires" mean on my I-94?

The "status expires" date on your I-94 is the important date by which you must leave the United States or change your status (such as extending your visa or explore for a green card). If you stay past this date without changing your status, you are out of status and may face deportation. This date is different from your visa expiration date and is what matters for your legal stay.

Can I check someone else's immigration status?

No. Immigration status information is private and protected. Only the person whose status it is can check it online or request information from USCIS. An employer, school, or government agency can verify your status only if you authorize them to do so or provide them with official documentation (such as your I-94 or work permit). Parents cannot check adult children's status without permission.

What if my status shows as "denied"?

If your case status shows as denied, USCIS will have sent you a formal denial notice by mail explaining the reason and your options. Read this notice carefully. In many cases, you can file an appeal or a new process. Some denials can be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO); others allow you to file a new petition. Contact USCIS or an immigration attorney to understand your next steps based on the reason for denial.

Do I need to print my I-94 or can I just show it on my phone?

You can show your I-94 on your phone by accessing cbp.gov/i94 and displaying it to an employer, school, or government agency. However, some organizations may ask for a printed copy or an official letter from USCIS. If you are unsure, ask the organization what form of proof they need before you show them your I-94. An official status verification letter from USCIS is always accepted.