Where to check your case online

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) runs an online case status tool called Case Status Online at uscis.gov. You enter your receipt number — a 13-character code that starts with three letters — and the system shows you where your case stands. This is the fastest way to get current information without calling or visiting an office.

If you filed through USCIS, your receipt number appears on the notice they sent you after they received your process. Look for a document labeled "Notice of Action" or "I-797" form. The receipt number is in the top right corner. If you cannot find the original notice, check your email — USCIS sends a copy there too.

The online tool updates every 24 hours, so checking multiple times in one day will show the same information. Once you enter your receipt number, the system tells you whether your case is pending, approved, denied, or returned to you for more information.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS Case Status Online at uscis.gov is the official place to check your case, and you only need your receipt number to use it.
  • Your receipt number is a 13-character code starting with three letters, found on the "Notice of Action" form USCIS sent you after they received your process.
  • The online tool updates once per day, so checking multiple times in a few hours will show identical information.
  • If your case shows a request for more documents, you have a important date to respond — the notice tells you how many days you have.
  • If you filed through an immigration attorney or a consulate abroad, you may need to contact them instead, because not all cases appear in the USCIS online system.

What the status messages mean

When you check your case, the system displays one of several standard messages. "Case received" or "Case pending" means USCIS has your process and is working through it — no action is needed from you yet. This status can last weeks or months depending on the type of case.

"Request for additional information" or "Notice to appear" means USCIS needs something from you. The notice itself — sent by mail and sometimes by email — tells you exactly what documents or information they want and how many days you have to send it back. If you miss the important date, USCIS may deny your case or schedule a hearing without you.

"Case approved" means your process was granted. If it is a visa, the approval notice tells you next steps, such as when to go to the consulate for an interview or where to pick up your visa. If it is a green card or citizenship case, the notice explains what happens next.

"Case denied" means USCIS rejected your process. The denial notice explains the reason. You may be able to appeal or file a new process, but the rules depend on the type of case and the reason for denial.

How to respond if USCIS asks for more documents

When you see "Request for additional information" online, a formal notice is on its way to your mailing address. Do not wait for the paper notice to arrive — start gathering the documents USCIS is asking for as soon as you see the online status change.

The notice lists exactly what you need to send. Common requests include birth certificates, police clearance letters, medical exam results, or employment verification. Make copies of everything — send the copies, not originals, unless the notice specifically says otherwise.

Mail your response to the address shown in the notice, not to the USCIS office that is handling your case. Include a cover letter with your name, receipt number, and a list of what you are sending. Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

After you mail your response, check the online status again in a few days. It usually updates to show that USCIS received your documents. If the status does not change within two weeks, contact USCIS to confirm they got your package.

When to call USCIS instead of checking online

The online tool works for most cases, but some situations require a phone call. If your case is more than 30 days past the normal processing time for your type of process, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt number ready.

You should also call if the online status has not changed in months, if you received a notice with a important date and need to confirm USCIS got your response, or if you filed your case more than a year ago and the status still says "pending." USCIS phone lines are busiest early in the morning and on Mondays and Tuesdays, so calling mid-afternoon on a Wednesday or Thursday usually means shorter wait times.

When you call, be prepared to wait on hold. Have your receipt number, your name, and your date of birth ready. The representative can tell you whether your case is delayed, whether USCIS is still reviewing it, or whether there is a problem that needs to be fixed.

Cases filed through a consulate or embassy

If you filed your visa process at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the United States, the USCIS online tool may not show your case. Instead, contact the consulate where you filed. Most consulates have their own case status systems on their websites, and some allow you to check by appointment number or passport number.

You can find your consulate's website by going to state.gov and searching for the country and city where you applied. The consulate's visa section will have instructions for checking your case status. Some consulates require you to call during specific hours, while others let you check online.

If you cannot find the status online, email the consulate's visa section with your full name, date of birth, passport number, and the date you filed. Response times vary — some consulates reply within a week, while others take several weeks.

Cases filed through an immigration attorney

If an immigration attorney filed your case on your behalf, they may have access to information you do not see online. Your attorney can check the USCIS system using your receipt number and can also contact USCIS directly to ask about delays or missing documents.

Before you call USCIS yourself, ask your attorney whether they have already checked the status. If your attorney filed the case, they should be your first point of contact for updates. If you contact USCIS directly and your attorney is listed as your representative, USCIS may not discuss your case with you — they will only speak to your attorney.

What to do if your status has not changed in months

Processing times vary widely by case type and by USCIS office. A family-based green card case might take 18 months, while an employment visa might take 6 months. Check the USCIS processing times page at uscis.gov/processing-times to see what the normal wait is for your type of case and your local office.

If your case is within the normal range, waiting is the only option. If it is past the normal time, call USCIS. Sometimes cases get stuck because of a missing document, a background check that is taking longer than expected, or an error in the system. A phone call can uncover the problem and sometimes speed things up.

If USCIS cannot find a reason for the delay and your case is significantly overdue, you may be able to file a case with the federal court. This is a serious step and usually requires an immigration attorney. Most people wait until the case is at least 6 to 12 months past the normal processing time before considering this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a receipt number and where do I find it?

A receipt number is a 13-character code that starts with three letters, such as EAC, WAC, or LIN. It appears on the "Notice of Action" form (I-797) that USCIS mailed to you after they received your process. If you cannot find the paper notice, check your email — USCIS sends a copy there as well.

How often does USCIS update case status online?

The online system updates once every 24 hours. Checking your case multiple times in the same day will show the same information. If you check in the morning and again in the evening, you may see an update, but checking every few hours will not show anything new.

What does "case pending" mean and how long will it take?

Case pending means USCIS has your process and is reviewing it, but no decision has been made yet. How long it takes depends on the type of case — family-based green cards often take 18 months or more, while some employment visas take 6 to 12 months. Check the USCIS processing times page to see the average wait for your case type and office.

Can I check someone else's case status?

No. You need the receipt number to check a case, and USCIS does not release receipt numbers to anyone except the person who filed the process. If you are checking on a family member's case, ask them for their receipt number. If they filed through an attorney, the attorney can check the status.

What should I do if USCIS asks for documents and I cannot find them?

Contact the organization that issued the document — your employer for employment verification, your school for transcripts, your country's vital records office for a birth certificate. Explain that you need it for a USCIS case and ask how long it takes. If you truly cannot get a document, include a letter explaining why and send what you do have. USCIS may ask for something else instead.