Where to check your green card status

You can check your green card status through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using your case number, or by calling USCIS directly. The online tool is faster and available 24 hours a day. You will need your receipt number (the 13-character code that starts with three letters) to use either method.

The USCIS Case Status Online tool at uscis.gov is the primary way most people track their case. You enter your receipt number and the system shows you the current stage of processing — whether your case is pending, approved, or denied. The tool updates regularly as your case moves through the system.

If you do not have your receipt number or prefer to speak with someone, you can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. The phone line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Have your case number or A-number (your alien registration number) ready when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • The USCIS Case Status Online tool at uscis.gov is the fastest way to check your green card status and works 24 hours a day.
  • You need your receipt number (a 13-character code starting with three letters) to use the online tool.
  • If you cannot find your receipt number, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
  • Status updates in the online system usually appear within 24 hours of any change to your case.
  • If your case shows no updates for more than 30 days beyond the expected processing time, contact USCIS to ask whether your file needs attention.

How to find your receipt number

Your receipt number appears on the Notice of Action (Form I-797) that USCIS sent you when they received your process. This is the white form with the USCIS seal at the top. The receipt number is in the upper right corner and looks like this: EAC2401234567.

If you cannot locate your original notice, check your email for a copy. USCIS sends electronic versions to applicants who provided an email address. You can also request a copy by calling USCIS or visiting a local USCIS office with your identification and case details.

If you have your A-number instead (the eight-digit number on your green card or immigration documents), you can use that to search for your case on the USCIS website, though the receipt number is faster.

What the status updates mean

Case received means USCIS has logged your process into their system. This is the first update you will see and typically appears within a few days of submission.

Case pending review means your file is in the queue and waiting for an officer to examine it. This stage can last weeks or months depending on the type of green card process and your local office's workload.

Case approved means USCIS has granted your green card. You will receive a physical card in the mail within two to three weeks. The status update usually appears before the card arrives.

Case denied means USCIS rejected your process. You will receive a detailed notice explaining the reason. You may be able to reapply or appeal, depending on the grounds for denial.

Case transferred means your file has moved to a different USCIS office. This happens when jurisdiction changes or when your case requires review at a different location. Processing may pause briefly during the transfer.

Using the USCIS Case Status Online tool

Go to uscis.gov/case-status and enter your 13-character receipt number in the search box. Do not include spaces or dashes — type the letters and numbers exactly as they appear on your notice. Click the search button.

The system will display your case status, the date of the last update, and sometimes a brief description of what is happening with your case. If your case is pending, the page may show an estimated processing time based on cases filed around the same date.

Bookmark the page or save your receipt number so you can check back without searching for it again. The tool does not require you to create an account or log in.

When to contact USCIS if your status has not changed

If your case status has not updated for 30 days or more beyond the estimated processing time shown on the website, you can contact USCIS to ask about the delay. Have your receipt number and case details ready.

Call 1-800-375-5283 during business hours or visit your local USCIS office in person. Bring your receipt notice, identification, and any other documents related to your case. The office can check whether your file is stuck or needs additional information from you.

Do not assume a delay means your case is denied. Processing times vary widely by location and process type. Some offices move faster than others, and some cases require additional background checks or document review that extends the timeline.

Tracking your green card after approval

Once your case status shows approved, your physical green card is being printed and will be mailed to the address on your process. You do not need to do anything else — the card arrives automatically.

The card typically arrives within two to three weeks of approval, though it can take longer during periods of high volume. You can track the delivery using the tracking number that appears in your approval notice if you received one by mail.

If your green card does not arrive within four weeks of approval, contact USCIS to report it missing. They can issue a replacement card, though there is a fee for expedited replacement.

What to do if you cannot access the online tool

If the USCIS website is down or you are having trouble with the Case Status Online tool, try again in a few hours. The system occasionally undergoes maintenance, usually during evening hours.

If the tool says your receipt number is not found, double-check that you entered it correctly — the system is case-sensitive and does not accept spaces or dashes. If you still cannot find your case, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to verify your receipt number or search by A-number instead.

Some older cases filed before 2010 may not appear in the online system. If your case is very old and does not show up, calling USCIS is the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does USCIS update case status?

USCIS updates the Case Status Online tool as changes occur in your file, usually within 24 hours of any action. If your case is pending and no action has taken place, the status will not change. Checking multiple times per day will not speed up the process.

Can I check someone else's green card status?

No. The USCIS Case Status Online tool requires the receipt number, which is confidential. Only the person named on the process or an authorized representative with power of attorney can check the status. If you are helping someone with their case, ask them for their receipt number.

What does it mean if my status says "case transferred"?

Your file has been sent to a different USCIS office, usually because your case requires review at a location closer to where you live or work. Processing may pause for a few days while the file is in transit. Once it arrives at the new office, updates should resume within one to two weeks.

Is there a faster way to check my status than the online tool?

No. The online tool is the fastest method and is updated in real time. Calling USCIS will give you the same information but may involve wait times. Visiting an office in person requires an appointment and can take several hours.

What should I do if my case status has not changed in three months?

Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit your local office to ask about the delay. Bring your receipt notice and any documents related to your case. The officer can check whether your file is waiting for additional information from you or whether there is a processing backlog at your office.