How to check your immigration status

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operates the official tool for checking your case status. Go to uscis.gov/case-status and enter your receipt number — a code that starts with three letters followed by ten digits, printed on your USCIS receipt notice. The system shows you where your case stands: whether it is pending, approved, denied, or ready for pickup.

If you do not have a receipt number, you cannot use this tool. Receipt numbers are issued only after USCIS receives and logs your process. If you submitted your case recently or by mail, it may not yet be in the system.

The status page tells you the last action USCIS took on your case and, sometimes, the next step. It does not show you the full file or explain why a decision was made. For detailed information, you may need to contact USCIS directly or request your file through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS case status is checked at uscis.gov/case-status using your receipt number, which appears on your USCIS notice.
  • The online tool shows whether your case is pending, approved, denied, or ready for collection, but not the reasoning behind decisions.
  • If you submitted your process recently or by mail, it may take weeks before the case appears in the system.
  • You can also call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit a local field office in person to ask about your case.
  • A FOIA request lets you see your full immigration file, though processing takes several weeks to months.

What your receipt number is and where to find it

Your receipt number is the identifier USCIS assigns to your case the moment it enters their system. It appears on the Notice of Action (Form I-797), which USCIS mails to you after receiving your process. The number has the format I-797 or similar, followed by a three-letter code and ten digits — for example, EAC24123456789.

Different process types produce different receipt numbers. An employment-based visa case, a family petition, and an asylum case each get their own code. If you filed multiple cases, each one has a separate receipt number.

If you lost your notice, check your email — USCIS sometimes sends receipt notices electronically. You can also request a replacement notice by calling USCIS or visiting a field office with proof of your identity and your original process.

When the online tool shows nothing

If you enter your receipt number and the system says it cannot find your case, one of several things may have happened. The most common reason is that USCIS has not yet processed your process into their database. Mail-in applications can take two to four weeks to appear in the system after USCIS receives them. Online applications submitted through the USCIS portal appear faster, sometimes within days.

A second reason is a typo in the receipt number. Receipt numbers are case-sensitive and must be entered exactly as printed on your notice. Double-check each character, including the letters.

If your case was denied or approved and closed, it may no longer appear in the active case status system. In that situation, you would need to contact USCIS directly or request your file through FOIA to see what happened.

Contacting USCIS by phone or in person

The USCIS customer service line is 1-800-375-5283. You can call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your receipt number ready. The line is often busy, and wait times can be long, but representatives can look up your case and tell you the current status.

You can also visit a USCIS field office in person. Find your nearest office at uscis.gov/field-offices. Bring your receipt number, your passport or other ID, and any notices USCIS sent you. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check the office website to confirm their hours and whether you need to schedule.

Field office staff can sometimes provide more detail than the online tool, including information about missing documents or next steps. However, they cannot make decisions or speed up processing — they can only tell you where your case stands.

Understanding what the status page tells you

The USCIS case status page shows a timeline of actions. Each entry lists a date and a brief description of what happened — for example, "process received" or "Interview scheduled" or "Decision mailed." The most recent entry is at the top.

A status of "Case pending" means USCIS is still working on your case. "Case approved" means the decision was favorable. "Case denied" means your process was rejected. "Case ready for pickup" means a document or decision is waiting for you at a USCIS office or your attorney's office.

The status page does not explain why a decision was made, what documents are missing, or what you should do next. For that information, you need to read the actual decision letter or notice that USCIS mailed to you, or contact USCIS directly.

Requesting your full immigration file through FOIA

If you want to see everything in your case file — all documents you submitted, all notes USCIS made, the full decision letter — you can request it through the Freedom of Information Act. Submit your request to the USCIS FOIA office at uscis.gov/foia or by mail to the address listed on that page.

Include your full name, date of birth, receipt number, and a description of what you are requesting. USCIS charges no fee for FOIA requests. Processing typically takes two to six months, though complex cases can take longer.

A FOIA request is useful if you were denied and want to understand the reasons, or if you believe USCIS made an error. It is also necessary if you are working with an immigration attorney and need to review your complete file.

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

Processing times vary widely by case type and by USCIS office. Some cases move quickly; others stall for months. If your case has shown no activity for longer than the published processing time for your case type, you have options.

First, check the USCIS processing times page at uscis.gov/processing-times. Enter your case type and your local USCIS office. The page shows how long cases typically take from start to finish. If your case is still within that window, it is likely still being reviewed.

If your case is past the published time, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and ask about a case review. You can also visit a field office in person. Bring documentation of when you filed and proof that you have not received a decision. USCIS may be able to investigate why your case is delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check someone else's immigration status?

No. Only the person whose name is on the case, or an authorized representative such as an attorney or accredited representative, can check the status. USCIS will not release information to family members or friends without written authorization from the applicant.

What if I filed my case before USCIS went online?

Very old cases may not appear in the online system. Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt number, or visit a field office. Staff can look up older cases in their archives and tell you the status.

Does the status page show whether I was approved or denied?

The status page shows the outcome — approved, denied, or pending — but not the reasons. The official decision letter, mailed separately, explains why USCIS made that decision and what you can do next.

How often does the status page update?

Updates appear within one to three business days of USCIS taking action on your case. The system does not update in real time. If you checked yesterday and nothing has changed, checking again today is unlikely to show new information.

What if I never received my receipt notice?

Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit a field office with your ID and proof of filing — such as a bank statement showing the filing fee was charged. USCIS can issue a replacement notice or provide your receipt number over the phone.