Check your case status directly on the USCIS website using your receipt number

The fastest way to find out where your case stands is to visit the USCIS Case Status Online tool at uscis.gov. You will need your receipt number — a 13-character code that starts with three letters followed by 10 numbers. This number appears on your receipt notice (Form I-797), which USCIS mails to you when they receive your process.

Go to uscis.gov/case-status, enter your receipt number in the search box, and click "Check Status". The system will show you the current stage of your case, the date of the last update, and what happens next. The tool updates throughout the day as cases move through processing, though not every change appears when ready.

If you do not have your receipt number, you can search by your name and date of birth instead, but the receipt number search is more reliable because it pulls up only your case. The name search can return multiple results if you share a common name with another applicant.

Key Takeaways

  • Your receipt number appears on the Form I-797 notice USCIS mails after receiving your process, and it is the fastest way to check your case status online.
  • The USCIS Case Status Online tool at uscis.gov/case-status updates throughout the day but may not show changes when ready after they occur.
  • If you lost your receipt number, you can search by your full name and date of birth, though this method may return multiple results.
  • The online tool shows your current processing stage, the date of the last update, and what step comes next in your case.
  • If your case shows no updates for longer than the stated processing time for your process type, you can contact USCIS through their online inquiry form or by phone.

What your receipt number looks like and where to find it

Your receipt number is printed on the front of your Form I-797 receipt notice in the upper right corner. It always has the same format: three letters followed by 10 digits. For example, a receipt number might look like "MSC2312345678". The three letters indicate which USCIS service center processed your case.

If you filed your process by mail, USCIS sends the receipt notice to the address you listed on your process within 5 to 7 days of receiving it. If you filed online through an immigration portal (such as the I-765 or I-131 online filing system), you may see your receipt number in your account before the physical notice arrives.

Keep your receipt notice in a safe place. You will need the receipt number not only to check your status but also if you need to contact USCIS about your case or if you want to request a copy of your file.

How to search by name if you do not have your receipt number

If you cannot find your receipt number, the USCIS Case Status Online tool also accepts a search by your full name and date of birth. Go to uscis.gov/case-status and select the "Name and Date of Birth" search option instead of the receipt number field.

Enter your name exactly as it appears on your process, including any middle names or suffixes. The system is case-sensitive for some fields, so if your search does not return results, try entering your name in all capital letters or all lowercase letters. Enter your date of birth in the format shown on the screen.

This search method can return multiple results if you share a name with another applicant or if USCIS has records under slightly different name spellings. Review each result carefully to find your case. If you still cannot locate your case, contact USCIS through their online inquiry form at uscis.gov/field-offices to request help.

Understanding the status messages USCIS displays

When your case appears in the system, USCIS shows a status message that describes where your process is in the process. Common statuses include "Case received and pending review," "Case is being reviewed," "Decision is pending," and "Case approved" or "Case denied." Each status message also includes the date when that status was last updated.

The status does not always change every day, even if your case is actively being worked on. Some cases sit in a queue for weeks before an officer reviews them. If your status has not changed in longer than the published processing time for your process type, you can contact USCIS to ask about the delay.

USCIS publishes processing times for each process type and each service center on their website. You can find these times at uscis.gov/processing-times by selecting your process type and the office that is handling your case. If your case has been pending longer than the stated time, USCIS may investigate the delay if you request it.

What to do if your case does not appear in the online system

If you search with your receipt number and the system says "No records found," your case may not yet be in the online database. USCIS typically adds cases to the Case Status Online tool within 24 hours of receiving them, but delays can happen. Wait a day and search again.

If you search multiple times over several days and your case still does not appear, check that you are entering your receipt number correctly. A single wrong digit will return no results. If your receipt number is correct and your case still does not show up after a week, contact USCIS through their online inquiry form at uscis.gov/field-offices or call 1-800-375-5283.

Have your receipt number, process type, and the date you mailed or filed your process ready when you contact them. USCIS can tell you whether your process was received and when it will appear in the online system.

Contacting USCIS if your case is delayed

If your case status has not changed for longer than the published processing time, you can file an inquiry with USCIS. Go to uscis.gov/field-offices, select your state and local office, and look for the "Contact Us" or "Case Inquiry" option. Fill out the online form with your receipt number, process type, and a description of your concern.

USCIS typically responds to online inquiries within 30 days. You can also call 1-800-375-5283 to speak with a representative, though wait times are often long. Have your receipt number ready before you call.

If you are outside the United States and need to contact USCIS, you can reach the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 from most countries, though international calling rates explore. Some USCIS offices also accept inquiries by mail, which you can send to the address listed on the USCIS website for your local office.

Tracking your case through multiple stages

Some applications move through several stages before a final decision. For example, an employment-based green card process may show statuses like "Case received," "Case is being reviewed," "Request for additional evidence issued," "Additional evidence received," and finally "Case approved" or "Case denied." Each stage may take weeks or months.

When USCIS requests additional evidence (also called a Request for Evidence or RFE), the status message will tell you what documents they need and when you must submit them. The important date is usually 12 to 84 days from the date the request is issued. Submit your response before the important date, and then check your case status again after a few days to confirm USCIS received it.

Keep checking your case status regularly — at least once a week if your case is in active review. This way you will see requests for evidence or other updates as soon as they appear, giving you time to respond before important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does USCIS update case status online?

USCIS updates the Case Status Online tool throughout the day as cases move through processing. However, not every change appears when ready. A status update may take 24 hours or longer to show in the system after the change occurs. Check back every few days rather than multiple times per day.

Can I check someone else's case status?

No. The USCIS Case Status Online tool requires either the receipt number or the applicant's name and date of birth. Only the person whose case it is, or someone with legal authority (such as a lawyer or accredited representative), should search for case information. Do not share your receipt number with people you do not trust.

What does "case is being reviewed" mean?

This status means an officer has your file and is examining your process and documents. It does not mean a decision is coming soon — this stage can last weeks or months depending on how complex your case is and how busy the office is. If this status does not change for longer than the published processing time, contact USCIS to ask about the delay.

Will USCIS notify me by email or text when my status changes?

USCIS does not send automatic email or text notifications when your case status changes. You must check the Case Status Online tool yourself. However, some applications allow you to sign up for text or email updates through your USCIS online account if you filed through their portal. Check your account settings to see if this option is available for your process type.

What should I do if the status says "decision is pending"?

This status means an officer has finished reviewing your case and is preparing a decision. The decision could be approval, denial, or a request for more information. This stage typically lasts a few days to a few weeks. Continue checking your status regularly. When the decision is made, the status will change to "case approved," "case denied," or "request for additional evidence issued."