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

The agency processing your case determines where you look for updates. 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), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), each has its own tracking method. Knowing which agency has your case is the first step—check your receipt notice or initial paperwork to find out.

Most people filing visa applications work with USCIS, so that is the most common starting point. However, if your case involves deportation proceedings, asylum, or border inspection, the agency will be different. Once you identify the right agency, the process becomes straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS cases are tracked online using your receipt number (a code starting with three letters followed by ten numbers) at uscis.gov/case-status.
  • You will need either your receipt number or your A-number (your alien registration number) to look up your case in any system.
  • Processing times vary widely by case type and location, and the online status may show "case received" for weeks or months before moving to the next stage.
  • If your case shows no updates for longer than the posted processing time for your location, contact the agency directly rather than waiting.
  • Some cases require you to check multiple systems if they involve both USCIS and another agency like the Department of State.

How to find your receipt number and A-number

Your receipt number is printed on the receipt notice (Form I-797) that USCIS mailed to you after receiving your case. It looks like this: EAC2401234567. The first three letters identify the service center that received your case, and the ten numbers that follow are unique to your process. Keep this notice in a safe place—you will need the receipt number every time you check your status.

Your A-number (alien number) is a nine-digit code assigned to you by immigration. It appears on your green card, work permit, or any official immigration document you have received. If you do not have a receipt notice or A-number yet, you cannot check your status online. In that case, contact USCIS by phone or mail to confirm they received your case.

If you lost your receipt notice, you can request a copy by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or by visiting a local USCIS office in person with a photo ID. Have your name, date of birth, and country of birth ready when you call.

Checking USCIS case status online

Go to uscis.gov/case-status and enter your receipt number in the search box. The system will show you the current stage of your case—for example, "case received," "case approved," or "interview scheduled." The page also displays the last update date and, in some cases, the next expected action.

The online system updates once per day, usually overnight. If you checked yesterday and nothing has changed, checking again in a few hours will not show new information. Refreshing the page multiple times in the same day will not speed up the process.

If the system says "case received" but weeks have passed since you submitted your process, that is normal for many case types. USCIS processes cases in the order they arrive, and initial review can take several weeks before the status changes to the next stage. Check the posted processing times for your case type and location at uscis.gov/processing-times to see whether your case is still within the normal range.

What different case statuses mean

Case received: USCIS has your process and is reviewing it. No action is needed from you yet. This stage can last from a few weeks to several months depending on the case type.

Case approved: Your process has been approved. If you are waiting for a visa, the next step depends on your case type—some go to the Department of State for visa issuance, and others may require you to pick up a document at a USCIS office.

Interview scheduled: USCIS has scheduled you for an in-person or video interview. The notice will include the date, time, and location. Bring all documents listed in the notice.

Request for additional evidence (RFE): USCIS needs more information or documents from you. The notice will specify what is needed and the important date to submit it. Missing the important date can result in your case being denied, so respond promptly.

Case denied: Your process has been denied. The notice will explain the reason. You may be able to appeal or file a new process, depending on the reason for denial.

Checking status for cases with other agencies

If your case involves asylum or removal proceedings, check the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) at eoir.justice.gov. You will need your A-number. The system shows your hearing date, the immigration court handling your case, and whether a decision has been made.

If your case involves work permits or travel documents issued by USCIS, use the USCIS case status tool. However, if you are waiting for a visa to be issued by the Department of State after USCIS approval, you will need to check the State Department's visa status tool at travel.state.gov/visa-status. That system uses your passport number and visa process case number.

If you are in removal or deportation proceedings, ICE may be involved. Contact your local ICE office or your immigration attorney for status updates, as ICE does not maintain a public online status tool.

What to do if your case is taking longer than expected

Compare your case status update date to the posted processing time for your case type and location. USCIS publishes these times at uscis.gov/processing-times. If your case has not been updated for longer than the posted time, or if the online status seems stuck on one stage, contact USCIS directly.

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt number ready. Have your name, date of birth, and the case type written down. The phone line can be busy, so call early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also visit a local USCIS office in person and ask to speak with someone about your case.

If you filed your case more than 30 days ago and the status still shows "case received," or if the last update was more than 60 days ago, USCIS may have lost your process or it may be delayed. Calling to confirm receipt is reasonable at that point.

Understanding processing time variations

Processing times are not the same everywhere. USCIS operates multiple service centers across the country, and each one has a different workload. The service center handling your case depends on where you live and the type of case you filed. Check the processing times for your specific service center, not the national average.

Processing times also vary by season. Cases filed in January may move faster than cases filed in September because of workload fluctuations. Additionally, background checks, security reviews, and requests for more information can add weeks or months to your case.

The posted processing time is the time it takes USCIS to make a decision on 80 percent of cases. This means 20 percent of cases take longer. If your case is in that slower group, it does not mean something is wrong—it may straightforward mean your case requires additional review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my case status by phone without calling USCIS?

No. The online system at uscis.gov/case-status is the only way to check without speaking to someone. If you cannot access the internet, you can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and provide your receipt number to a representative, but expect a wait.

What does it mean if the system says my case is not found?

The system may not find your case if you entered the receipt number incorrectly, if USCIS has not yet processed your process into their system (which can take a few days after mailing), or if you are using the wrong receipt number. Double-check the number on your receipt notice and try again. If the case still is not found after a week, call USCIS to confirm they received it.

Will checking my status online slow down my case?

No. Checking your status as many times as you want does not affect processing. The online system is read-only and does not interact with the actual case file.

What should I do if my case status has not changed in three months?

First, check the posted processing time for your service center and case type to see if three months is still within the normal range. If it is, wait. If it is longer than posted, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt number to ask about delays. Have documentation of when you filed ready to provide.

Can my immigration attorney check my case status for me?

Yes. If you have an attorney, they can check your status using your receipt number and A-number. Many attorneys check regularly as part of their service. If you do not have an attorney but want help understanding your status, you can contact a local legal aid organization or an accredited representative through the Board of Immigration Appeals.