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

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 your first step.

Most visa and status applications go through USCIS, so that is where most people check. However, if you are in removal proceedings or your case involves border enforcement, you will need a different system. Your approval notice, receipt notice, or any official correspondence will show which agency is responsible.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS cases can be tracked online using your receipt number (a code starting with three letters followed by ten digits) at uscis.gov/case-status.
  • You can also call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt number, though wait times are often long.
  • If your case is in removal proceedings, check the EOIR online system at eoir.justice.gov or call the immigration court handling your case directly.
  • CBP and ICE cases require contacting those agencies directly by phone or visiting a local office, as they do not offer public online tracking.
  • Your receipt notice (Form I-797) contains your receipt number and the agency handling your case — keep this document accessible.

How to find your USCIS receipt number

Your receipt number is the key to checking your case online. It appears on your receipt notice, officially called Form I-797, which USCIS mails to you after you submit your process. The number has a specific format: three letters followed by ten digits (for example, EAC2412345678). Do not confuse this with your case number or your A-number (alien number), which are different identifiers.

If you filed your process online through USCIS's online portal, you may have received a receipt number when ready after submission. If you filed by mail, the receipt notice typically arrives within two to three weeks. If you have not received it and more than three weeks have passed, contact USCIS before checking online status, because without the receipt number you cannot access the system.

If you have lost your receipt notice, you can request a copy by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or by visiting a local USCIS office with your passport and identification. Having the receipt number saved in a safe place prevents delays later.

Checking your status on the USCIS website

Go to uscis.gov/case-status and enter your receipt number in the search box. The system will show you the current status of your case, the date of the last update, and sometimes next steps. Common statuses include "Case received," "Case is being reviewed," "Decision is being mailed," and "Case approved" or "Case denied."

The USCIS system updates periodically but not in real time. If you checked yesterday and nothing has changed, checking again today will likely show the same status. Updates typically appear within one to two business days after USCIS processes your case, so checking more than once a day is not necessary.

If the system shows an error message or says it cannot find your receipt number, double-check that you entered the number correctly. If the number is correct and the system still does not find it, your case may not yet be in the system (if you filed very recently) or there may be a processing delay. In that case, call USCIS.

Calling USCIS for case status by phone

Call 1-800-375-5283 to speak with a USCIS representative. Have your receipt number ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are often 30 minutes to several hours, especially during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon).

When you reach a representative, provide your receipt number and ask for the current status of your case. They can tell you what stage your case is in, whether any documents are missing, and what to expect next. If there is a problem with your case, they may be able to tell you what it is and how to fix it. Write down the representative's name and the time of your call in case you need to reference it later.

If you cannot reach USCIS by phone, you can also submit a case inquiry through the USCIS website at uscis.gov/field-offices. This option allows you to request a callback or submit a written question, though responses typically take longer than a phone call.

Checking removal proceedings cases through EOIR

If you are in removal proceedings (also called deportation proceedings), your case is handled by the Executive Office for Immigration Review, not USCIS. Check the status at eoir.justice.gov/case-search. You will need your A-number (alien number), which appears on your Notice to Appear or any immigration court documents.

The EOIR system shows your hearing date, the immigration court handling your case, and the status of your case. If you cannot find your case online, call the immigration court directly. The court's phone number appears on your Notice to Appear. Courts are typically open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

Removal cases move through the court system, not through USCIS, so checking USCIS will not help. If you have a lawyer, they can also check your case status and may have access to more detailed information than the public system shows.

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

If your case has shown the same status for several months and you have not received any communication from USCIS, there may be a delay or a problem. First, check that you are using the correct receipt number and that you are looking at the right agency's system. Then call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to ask whether your case is still being processed or whether something is holding it up.

Common reasons for delays include missing documents, background check delays, or a high volume of cases at your local USCIS office. If documents are missing, USCIS will usually send you a notice requesting them, but sometimes notices get lost in the mail. A representative can tell you whether your file is complete and what to do if it is not.

If USCIS cannot explain the delay, you may be able to file a case inquiry or request information from your U.S. representative's office. Your representative's office has staff who can contact USCIS on your behalf to ask about delays. Find your representative at house.gov.

CBP and ICE case tracking

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) do not offer public online case tracking systems. If your case involves border enforcement, detention, or an ICE investigation, you will need to contact the agency directly.

For CBP cases, contact the port of entry or border facility where your case was handled. For ICE cases, call the local ICE office in your area or visit ice.gov/contact to find the office nearest you. Have your case number, A-number, or name and date of birth ready when you call. Response times vary, and some offices may require you to visit in person.

If you are detained or a family member is detained, you can search for them in the ICE online detainee locator at ice.gov/detainee-locator. This system shows whether someone is in ICE custody and at which facility, but it does not show case status or next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does USCIS update case status online?

USCIS updates the online system periodically, typically within one to two business days after processing your case. The system does not update in real time. If your case has not changed, checking multiple times per day will not show new information.

What does "case is being reviewed" mean?

This status means USCIS is actively working on your case. It does not indicate how much longer the review will take. The length of review varies widely depending on the type of case, background checks, and the workload of your local office.

Can I check someone else's case status?

No. USCIS requires the receipt number to access case status, and only the person who filed the case should have that number. If you are a lawyer or authorized representative, you may be able to access the case through your own USCIS account if the applicant has designated you.

What if I never received a receipt notice?

Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to request a copy of your receipt notice. Bring your passport and identification to a local USCIS office if you prefer to request it in person. Without the receipt number, you cannot check your status online.

Does checking my case status online affect my process?

No. Checking your status does not change your case or delay it in any way. You can check as often as you want without any negative effect on your process.