Where to Check Your Case Status

The place you check depends on which government body is handling your case. If you filed a visa petition or adjustment of status process, you check through USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). If you are waiting for consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, you check through the State Department. If you have an active immigration court case, you check through EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review). Each system has its own tracking tool and timeline.

Most visa applicants use the USCIS system because that is where initial petitions and green card applications are filed. The State Department system is used only if your case was transferred to a consulate for final visa issuance. Immigration court cases are tracked separately and move on a different schedule. Knowing which agency has your case is the first step—if you are unsure, check the receipt notice you received when you filed.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS cases are tracked using your receipt number (starting with EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) on the USCIS Case Status tool at uscis.gov.
  • State Department consular cases are tracked through the National Visa Center (NVC) website or by contacting the specific embassy or consulate handling your case.
  • Immigration court cases can be checked through EOIR's online system or by calling the court directly with your case number.
  • Status updates usually appear online within 24 hours of any action, though some cases may not update for weeks if no action has occurred.
  • If your case shows no movement for longer than the posted processing time, contact the agency directly rather than waiting.

Checking USCIS Cases Online

Go to uscis.gov and select "Check Your Case Status" from the homepage. Enter your receipt number exactly as it appears on your notice—this is a 13-character code that starts with three letters (EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by numbers. The system will display your case type, filing date, and the last action taken. If your case is pending, it will show the current processing time for that type of case at your service center.

The online tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If you filed your case yesterday, you may not see it in the system yet—USCIS typically enters cases within 2 to 5 business days. The status page will tell you whether your case is pending, approved, denied, or returned. It will not tell you exactly where your case is in the queue or when a decision will be made, but it will confirm that your case exists and is being tracked.

If you cannot find your case online, double-check your receipt number. If the number is correct and the case still does not appear after a week, contact USCIS by phone at 1-800-375-5283 or through their online inquiry form. Have your receipt number, your name, and your date of birth ready.

Checking State Department Consular Cases

If your case was transferred to a U.S. embassy or consulate for visa issuance, you track it through the National Visa Center (NVC) at nvc.state.gov. Enter your NVC case number (a seven-digit number) and your date of birth. The system shows whether your case is in pre-processing, awaiting interview scheduling, or ready for pickup.

The NVC website also displays any documents the consulate is requesting from you. If documents are needed, the site will list them and give you a important date. Missing a important date can delay your case by weeks or months. Check the NVC site at least once per week if your case is in active processing, because consulates sometimes request documents with short turnaround times.

If you cannot find your case on the NVC site, contact the specific consulate handling your case directly. The consulate's website lists phone numbers and email addresses for visa inquiries. Have your case number, passport number, and full name ready when you call.

Checking Immigration Court Cases

If you have a pending case in immigration court, check the EOIR Case Information System at eoir.justice.gov. Enter your case number and your date of birth. The system shows your hearing date, the judge assigned to your case, and any recent court actions. Some courts also allow you to check status by phone—the court's website will list the phone number.

Immigration court cases move slowly. It is normal for months to pass between hearings or between a hearing and a decision. The EOIR system updates when the court enters a new hearing date or issues a decision, but it may not update between those events. If you have a hearing scheduled, the system will show the date, time, and location.

If you cannot find your case online or by phone, visit the court in person during business hours. Bring your case number and a photo ID. The clerk's office can tell you the status of your case and answer questions about upcoming hearings.

Understanding Processing Times

USCIS publishes processing times for each type of case at each service center. When you check your case status online, the system shows you the current processing time for your case type. This is the time from filing to decision for cases completed in the last month. It is not a promise of when your case will be decided—it is a historical average.

If your case has been pending longer than the posted processing time, it may be stuck in a queue, waiting for additional documents, or under review by a supervisor. This does not mean your case is denied. Contact USCIS to find out why your case is taking longer than average. You can request a case review by phone or through the online inquiry form.

State Department and immigration court cases do not publish standard processing times because they vary widely by location and case type. If your case is taking much longer than you expected, contact the agency handling it and ask for an estimate based on the current workload.

What to Do If Your Case Status Does Not Update

If your case status has not changed for longer than the posted processing time, or if the status page shows an error, contact the agency directly. For USCIS cases, call 1-800-375-5283 or submit an inquiry through the USCIS website. For State Department cases, contact the NVC or the specific consulate. For immigration court cases, call the court or visit in person.

When you contact the agency, have your case number, receipt number (if applicable), and date of birth ready. Explain when you filed and ask whether your case is still pending or whether additional documents are needed. If documents are needed, ask for a important date and confirmation that the documents were received once you submit them.

Do not assume your case is lost if it does not update for a while. Many cases sit in a queue for weeks or months before the next action. However, if the status page shows an error, or if you have been waiting much longer than the posted time, reaching out to the agency is reasonable and will not harm your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the USCIS case status update?

The USCIS online system updates once per day, usually between midnight and 6 a.m. Eastern Time. If you check in the morning and see no change from yesterday, check again the next morning. The system does not update in real time, so refreshing the page multiple times in one day will not show new information.

What does "case received" mean?

It means USCIS has logged your case into their system and assigned it a receipt number. The case is now in the queue for initial review. This status can last for weeks or months depending on the case type and service center workload. It does not mean your case is being actively reviewed yet.

Can I check someone else's case status?

No. USCIS, the State Department, and immigration courts require you to enter the receipt number or case number and the applicant's date of birth. You cannot check a case without this information, and you cannot check someone else's case without their permission and their date of birth. If you are a lawyer or representative, you may be able to check a case if you have a signed power of attorney on file.

What if my case status says "decision mailed"?

Your decision letter is on its way to you by mail. USCIS mails decisions to the address on file, which is usually the address you provided in your process. If you do not receive the letter within 2 weeks of the status update, contact USCIS to confirm your address is correct. You can also request that they resend the decision or provide a copy by phone.

How do I know if my case was denied?

The case status page will show "decision mailed" or "case denied" depending on the agency. You will also receive a written decision letter by mail explaining the reason for the denial and any options you have, such as filing an appeal or reapplying. Do not assume your case is denied based on the online status alone—wait for the official letter.