Where to check your case status online
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operates a case status tool on their website at uscis.gov. This is the primary place to look up where your case stands. You will need your receipt number, which appears on the receipt notice (Form I-797) that USCIS sent you when they received your process.
Go to uscis.gov/case-status, enter your receipt number, and the system will show you the current status of your case. The status updates as your case moves through different stages — from "Case received" through "Decision" or other outcomes. This tool works for most visa applications, green card petitions, naturalization cases, and other USCIS matters.
If you do not have your receipt number, you can search by your name and date of birth instead, though the receipt number search is faster and more reliable. Keep your receipt notice in a safe place so you can check status whenever you need to.
Key Takeaways
- Check your case status on uscis.gov/case-status using your receipt number from your Form I-797 notice.
- Status updates typically appear within 24 hours of a change in your case, though some updates may take longer.
- If the online tool shows no results, contact USCIS by phone at 1-800-375-5283 or through their online inquiry form.
- Different case types have different processing times, which USCIS publishes on their website by office location.
- If your case is taking longer than the published timeframe, you may request case review through USCIS's case review process.
What the status updates actually mean
USCIS uses standard status labels that appear the same way for most case types. "Case received" means USCIS has logged your process into their system. "Case is being reviewed" means an officer has opened your file and is examining the documents you submitted. "Request for additional information" means USCIS needs more documents or clarification from you — this is called a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).
"Case decision" means an officer has made a information on your case. This status does not tell you whether the decision is approval or denial — you will receive a separate notice in the mail with the actual decision. "Case approved" or "Case denied" appears only after the decision notice has been mailed to you.
Some cases show "Case transferred" if your file has been sent to another USCIS office or another agency. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. Processing times vary widely by case type and by the specific USCIS office handling your case.
How long updates take to appear online
USCIS updates the online status tool within 24 hours of most changes to your case. However, some updates take longer, particularly if your case involves background checks or security clearances. Do not assume your case has stalled just because the status has not changed for a week or two — many cases sit in review for weeks or months before the next status update appears.
The processing times published on uscis.gov show how long cases typically take from receipt to decision at each office. These times are updated quarterly and vary by location. For example, I-485 (green card process) processing times might be 8 to 12 months in one office and 18 to 24 months in another. Check the timeframe for your specific case type and office to know whether your case is on track.
When to contact USCIS about your case
If your case has been pending longer than the published processing time for your office, you can request a case review. USCIS allows you to request review if your case is at least 30 days past the normal processing time. You can submit an inquiry through uscis.gov/case-status by clicking "Get case review status" or by calling 1-800-375-5283.
Have your receipt number ready when you call. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times can be long, especially early in the week. If you reach an agent, they can tell you whether your case is delayed and sometimes can escalate it for priority review.
If you received a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny, do not wait — respond within the important date shown on the notice. Missing the important date can result in denial of your case. Send your response by the method specified in the notice (usually mail or online upload).
Using USCIS's online inquiry system
In addition to the case status tool, USCIS offers an online inquiry form at uscis.gov/field-offices. This form lets you submit questions about your case without calling. You will need your receipt number and a detailed description of your question. USCIS typically responds to online inquiries within 30 days, though responses can take longer during busy periods.
The online inquiry system works best for specific questions — for example, if you need to know whether a particular document was received, or if you want to report a change of address. For general status checks, the case status tool is faster. For urgent matters, calling is usually your best option.
What to do if you cannot find your case online
If you search for your case and get no results, first double-check that you entered your receipt number correctly. The receipt number is 13 characters long and starts with three letters (usually EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by 10 digits. Look at your Form I-797 to confirm the exact number.
If the number is correct and still no results appear, your case may not yet be in the system. USCIS can take up to two weeks to enter a newly received process into their online system. If you submitted your process more than two weeks ago, call 1-800-375-5283 to confirm that USCIS received it.
Another possibility is that your case was transferred to a different agency. Some visa types, such as employment-based visas, may be handled by the Department of State instead of USCIS. Check your receipt notice to see which agency is handling your case, then look for status tools on that agency's website.
Tracking your case by mail
USCIS sends all official notices by mail to the address you provided on your process. If you are expecting a decision or a Request for Evidence, check your mailbox regularly. Do not rely solely on the online status tool — sometimes the mail notice arrives before the online status updates, or vice versa.
If you moved after submitting your process, contact USCIS when ready to update your address. You can do this by calling 1-800-375-5283 or by submitting a change of address form online. If USCIS sends a notice to your old address and you do not receive it, you may miss an important important date.
Keep all notices from USCIS in a safe place. You will need them if you have to follow up on your case, explore for work authorization, or prove your immigration status to an employer or school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does USCIS update case status?
USCIS updates the online status tool within 24 hours of most changes to your case. However, not every change appears as a status update — some work happens behind the scenes without a visible change online. If your status has not changed for several weeks, that does not necessarily mean nothing is happening.
Can I check someone else's case status?
No. You need the receipt number to check a case, and only the person who filed the case or their authorized representative should have that number. If you are a family member or friend, ask the applicant to check their own status and share the information with you.
What does "case is being reviewed" mean?
It means an officer has your file and is examining your documents and supporting evidence. This stage can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of your case and the current workload at your office.
What should I do if I received a Request for Evidence?
Read the notice carefully and note the important date — usually 12 or 15 days from the date on the notice. Gather the documents requested and send them by the method specified (mail or online upload). Send your response before the important date. If you miss the important date, USCIS may deny your case without reviewing the additional documents.
Can I speed up my case processing?
Standard cases cannot be expedited. However, if your case is delayed beyond the normal processing time, you can request a case review by calling 1-800-375-5283. Some case types, such as those involving humanitarian concerns, may may have access to for expedited processing if you submit a written request with supporting evidence.