USCIS Case Status Check

How Do You Check Your USCIS Case Status Online?

You check your USCIS case status online by entering your receipt number in Case Status Online at egov.uscis.gov. It is free and needs no login for a single case. The result appears on the same page in seconds. Bookmark the official address so you never land on a copycat site that asks for payment.

Using your receipt number

Have your notice in hand, then follow these steps:

1. Find the number on your Form I-797C notice.
2. Remove dashes and spaces. Keep any asterisks.
3. Open Case Status Online: egov.uscis.gov and enter it.
4. Select Check Status.

Reading the status result

The bold title is only a summary. The paragraph under it gives the date of the last action and often says what USCIS will send or do next, so read it in full before you act.

How Do You Check Status in Your USCIS Online Account?

A USCIS online account shows more than the public search box. As of October 2026, USCIS lists these benefits: Free USCIS online account: case status updates, notices, link paper-filed cases. Sign up free at myaccount.uscis.gov/create-account. One login can track every case you link to it.

Create an account and link your case

Online filings appear on their own. Paper filings can be linked with the online access code on your Account Access Notice. Your account also has an Online Account Number, which is not a receipt number; see the uscis online account number.

What the account adds

Beyond the latest step, a linked account gives you:

• Full case history, not just the latest step
• Digital copies of most notices
• Secure upload for some evidence requests
• The myProgress estimate for certain forms

Can You Get Case Status by Text, Email or Phone?

Yes, by phone, through the USCIS Contact Center. As of October 2026, we found no official uscis.gov page describing email or text alerts. Your online account posts every update. Ignore any text claiming to be a USCIS status alert that asks for money or a password; check the official tool instead.

Automated case information and live agents

Call 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833). Callers abroad use 212-620-3418 (callers outside the U.S.). An automated menu answers first and can read automated case information if you have your receipt number. Live calls and chat: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.

Can You Check Your USCIS Case Status Without a Receipt Number?

The public tool cannot search without a receipt number. Instead, find a copy of the notice, sign in to your online account, or ask the Contact Center, your attorney or your employer to help you find it. Never pay a website that claims it can look up a case by name.

Find a copy of the notice

• Check your mail, scanned files and emails from your attorney.
• Every Form I-797 notice for a case shows the same number.
• Our uscis receipt number hub shows where it sits on each notice type.

Ask someone who can see the case

• Online account: linked cases list their receipt numbers.
• Contact Center: an agent may find the case after verifying your identity.
• Attorney, accredited representative or employer: they get copies of notices for cases they filed.

Can You Search by Name or A-Number?

No. Case Status Online does not search by name, birth date or A-Number (Alien Registration Number). It accepts only a receipt number, which points to one filing. Agents and many forms still use your A-Number to identify you. Keep both numbers on hand when you call.

Where the A-Number helps

Your A-Number is the 'USCIS#' printed on the front of green cards issued after May 10, 2010. It also appears on many notices and covers your whole file. See how the alien registration number differs from the green card number.

USCIS Receipt Number Format, Explained

A USCIS receipt number follows one pattern: 3 letters + 10 digits (13 characters), e.g. EAC2512345678; leave out dashes. The letters are the prefix, and the digits identify your filing. Enter it as one unbroken string in the status tool; the decoder above checks that the length and prefix look right before you search.

Dashes, spaces and asterisks

• Notices may print the number as EAC-25-123-45678.
• USCIS says to drop the dashes but keep other characters, including asterisks.
• If a pasted number fails, type it by hand to remove hidden spaces.

What Do the Digits in a Receipt Number Mean?

USCIS does not officially document what the ten digits mean, so the decoder does not read them. Third-party sites say the first two digits show the fiscal year, but that pattern is unofficial, so we do not rely on it. See our receipt number guide for what is known.

What Does the 3-Letter Receipt Prefix Mean?

The prefix shows which USCIS office or channel first received your case. A 2021 USCIS Office of Legislative Affairs guide maps each prefix to an office. The prefix does not change when a case moves, and it does not reveal how fast the case will be decided. Use it to recognize which service center first logged your filing, then follow the newest notice.

Receipt prefix table

Find the three letters at the start of your number in the left column.

If your prefix is missing here, check our receipt number guide or the notice itself.

IOE receipt numbers

An IOE receipt number usually means the case was filed online or sits in USCIS's electronic system, so it also shows in your online account; see IOE case status.

Prefixes on transferred cases

For any prefix, a "Case Was Transferred" update means a new office now has the file and will send the next notices. The prefix itself stays the same after the move.

Where Is the Receipt Number on Your Notice?

Your receipt number is near the top left of Form I-797C, the Notice of Action, labeled "Receipt Number." Later notices for the same case repeat it, including biometrics letters, requests for evidence and the approval notice. Copy it exactly as printed.

Form I-797C, the Notice of Action

I-797C = Notice of Action (receipt, rejection, transfer, appointment, re-open); not proof of status by itself. Each form gets its own notice and number. Our Form I-797C notice of action guide explains every box on it.

Checking that a notice is genuine

Scammers copy USCIS letterheads. If a letter looks odd, enter its receipt number in Case Status Online and learn how to verify a USCIS notice is genuine before you pay or send anything.

Receipt number vs other USCIS numbers

Only one of these four numbers works in the status tool, as the table shows.

If a number fails, confirm it is a receipt number and not your A-Number.

What Does Your USCIS Case Status Mean?

Your USCIS case status is a short label for the last action recorded on your case, such as received, under review, approved or mailed. It is only a decision when it says approved or denied. Every other USCIS case status describes a step along the way.

Most common status messages

These nine messages cover most cases from filing to card.

Our full list of uscis case status meanings covers every message.

Early Statuses: From Received to Active Review

Early statuses confirm that USCIS has your filing and has started work. They include Case Was Received, Case Is Still Being Processed and Case Is Being Actively Reviewed. None is a decision, and long gaps between them are normal. Save the Form I-797C that arrives by mail, since its receipt date is what any later delay inquiry is measured from.

Case Was Received

This first update means USCIS accepted your filing and issued a receipt number. The paper notice follows by mail, so check that your name and birth date are correct. See the Case Was Received status guide.

Case Is Still Being Processed

This message often appears when the case is pending with nothing new to report, such as right after biometrics. It is not a warning sign by itself; see what "still being processed" means.

Case Is Being Actively Reviewed

The case is in an officer's queue. It does not promise approval and can appear more than once. Read about Case Is Being Actively Reviewed by USCIS. Keep watching your mail and account.

Mid-Case Statuses: Evidence, Interviews and Transfers

Mid-case statuses show that USCIS needs something from you or has moved your file. A request for evidence, an interview or a transfer can appear before a decision. Each comes with a notice that matters more than the label. Find the response deadline printed on any request first, because the online status line does not show it.

Request for Evidence Was Sent

A Request for Evidence (RFE) asks for more documents before USCIS decides. The notice lists what to send and the deadline. Missing that deadline can lead to a denial; see our request for evidence guide.

Interview Was Scheduled

Many I-485 and N-400 cases need an in-person interview. The notice gives the date, time, office and documents to bring. See the Interview Was Scheduled status guide. Read the notice the day it arrives.

Case Was Transferred

A transfer means another office now has your file, often to balance work. It is usually not a problem, and the new office sends the next notices; see Case Was Transferred.

We have taken an action on your case

This vaguer message means USCIS recorded a step without naming it online, and details will follow by mail. Read what we have taken an action on your case usually covers.

Decision and Card Statuses

Decision statuses tell you whether USCIS approved or denied your form. Card statuses then follow a green card or work permit through production and mail. If your form produces a card, expect several updates after approval before it arrives. Confirm that USCIS has your current mailing address before approval, because cards go only to the address on file.

Case Was Approved

USCIS granted the form. An approval notice follows, and a card may come later. The Case Was Approved status page covers card and non-card forms. Check the notice for typos right away, and report any USCIS error through e-Request.

New Card Is Being Produced, then Card Was Mailed To Me

New Card Is Being Produced means printing has started. Card Was Mailed To Me means the card left USCIS. Read about new card production and the card mailed update.

Card Was Returned to USCIS

If USPS cannot deliver the card, you may see Card Was Returned to USCIS. An outdated address is the usual cause, so update it first. Our guide to a card returned to USCIS covers next steps.

Case Was Denied

The decision notice explains why and lists any appeal or motion options. Those deadlines are short and start on the notice date; see the Case Was Denied message. Talk to an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative before you act.

USCIS Case Status by Form

USCIS case status works the same way for every form, but the steps and final result differ. Form I-485 ends with a green card, Form N-400 with an oath ceremony, and Form I-130 with an approval notice. Find your form in the grid below.

Form guide grid

Each row shows a commonly checked form, what a successful case ends with and the guide for it.

Forms that end with a card add production and mailing steps after approval.

Tracking several forms at once

A family green card package can include an I-130, I-485, I-765 and I-131. Each has its own receipt number and moves on its own schedule. The work permit often arrives before the green card. Browse every form in our uscis forms hub.

Form I-485 and AOS Tracking

Form I-485 is the application for adjustment of status (AOS), which means getting a green card from inside the United States. AOS tracking, or a permanent residence application tracker, covers receipt, biometrics, a possible interview, the decision and card mailing.

What to watch on an I-485

Watch for the biometrics notice, any RFE and any interview notice. Your status of PR (permanent residence) is final only when the approval notice arrives. Our I-485 adjustment of status guide covers each stage.

New I-485 edition and online filing

As of October 2026, USCIS requires Form I-485 edition 09/18/26 (01/20/25 and 09/04/26 editions rejected on/after Sept. 18, 2026; no grace period). Form I-485 can now be filed online, which gives you an IOE receipt and puts the case straight into your account.

Can You Leave the U.S. While Your I-485 Is Pending?

Form I-131 requests a travel document such as advance parole. Leaving the country with a pending I-485 and no advance parole can end your case. Read our I-131 advance parole guide and travel with a pending I-485, and ask an immigration attorney before any trip.

Form I-130 Family Petition Status

Form I-130 is the petition a U.S. citizen or permanent resident files for a relative. Approval does not grant a green card. It lets the relative take the next step: Form I-485 inside the United States, or a visa interview abroad.

What Happens When an Approved I-130 Goes to the NVC?

For relatives abroad, the approved petition goes to the National Visa Center (NVC), part of the State Department, and USCIS status stops changing. See our Form I-130 petition guide, and the marriage green card page for spouses. Track it on the State Department's side.

Form I-765 Work Permit (EAD) Status

Form I-765 requests an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or work permit. Its status usually moves from received to approved, then to card production and mailing. Each I-765 has its own receipt number, so check it separately from any related I-485. The approval is not complete for you until the card arrives, so keep your address current while it is produced and mailed.

Which Form I-765 edition USCIS accepts

As of October 2026, USCIS accepts only I-765 edition 08/21/25 (the 09/15/26 edition is NOT accepted because of a Sept. 14, 2026 court order). See our I-765 work permit guide before you download the form.

EAD automatic extension changes

The automatic EAD extension also changed: Ended: renewals filed on or after Oct. 30, 2025 no longer get the up-to-540-day automatic extension (exceptions: TPS by law/Federal Register notice; STEM OPT 180 days). Our page on the EAD automatic extension rules explains who still qualifies.

Form N-400 Citizenship Application Tracker

Form N-400 is the application for naturalization. A citizenship application tracker covers receipt, biometrics, the interview and civics test, the decision and the oath. You become a citizen only after the Oath of Allegiance, not when the status says approved.

From filing to the oath

You can file the N-400 up to 90 days before you reach 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) as a permanent resident. Our N-400 citizenship application guide explains each status, and the uscis interview hub covers the interview and test.

Form I-751 and Form I-90 Card Cases

Forms I-751 and I-90 both end with a new green card. Form I-751 removes conditions on a 2-year card, and Form I-90 renews or replaces a card. For both, the receipt notice plus your card serves as temporary proof of status.

Form I-751: removing conditions

File in the 90 days before your 2-year card expires. I-751 receipt notice extends conditional status and work authorization for 48 months, so keep the notice with your card for travel and work. Our I-751 removal of conditions guide covers interviews and waivers.

Form I-90: renewing a green card

Most green cards are valid for 10 years; conditional green cards for 2 years. Renewal tip: I-90 receipt notice + expired card = proof of status for 36 months from the card's expiration date. See our I-90 green card renewal guide and our lost green card guide.

Other Forms and Programs

USCIS case status also covers employment, humanitarian and citizenship-document cases. The same Case Status Online tool works for each, though some cases start with another agency, such as the Department of Labor, before USCIS ever sees them. Find your program in the list below.

Form I-140 and PERM labor certification

Employers file Form I-140 for immigrant workers. Many I-140 cases first need a Department of Labor (DOL) certification. See our Form I-140 immigrant petition guide and PERM case status guide.

H-1B petitions

Employers file the H-1B petition for specialty workers, and notices go to the employer or its attorney. The worker can still track it with the receipt number; see our H-1B visa status page.

Asylum and TPS cases

Humanitarian cases have their own guides:

• Asylum: our asylum application status guide.
• TPS: countries designated as of October 2026 are El Salvador, Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine; see our TPS status guide.

DACA requests

DACA: renewals processed; initial requests accepted but not processed (as of October 2026). A pending initial request may show no change for a long time; see our DACA status guide.

Family and citizenship documents

These related forms and documents each have a dedicated guide:

• K-1 fiancé visa petition
• Form I-864 affidavit of support
• Form N-600 for a certificate of citizenship
• Replacing or getting a naturalization certificate
• The temporary I-551 stamp

How Long Does Each Step Take?

Each step's length depends on the form, office and category. USCIS posts current estimates in its official processing times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Compare your receipt date with the time shown there. The USCIS tool shows how long it took to finish 80% of cases in the past 6 months.

Typical case timeline from receipt to card

Our uscis processing times hub explains the tool, and the green card processing time page covers I-485 cases.

How Often Does USCIS Update Case Status?

USCIS updates your status when an action happens, not on a schedule. Some cases change several times a month; others stay quiet for months. A quiet page usually means the case is waiting in line, not that something went wrong.

Can USCIS Work on Your Case Without Changing Its Status?

Yes. Officers can review files or run background checks without changing the label. So apps promising daily updates rarely show anything new. If your case passes the posted time, see uscis case status not updating. Watch your mail and account meanwhile.

USCIS Case Tracker Apps and Case Information Tools

A USCIS case tracker app is a third-party app that checks the public status page for you and sends alerts. None we found is run by USCIS. Official tools give the same case info free, so apps add convenience, not access.

Official tools vs third-party case trackers

The table compares official tools with private trackers on who runs them, cost and data source.

Trackers never know more than USCIS publishes, so the official tools stay the reference.

What Is a GC Tracker, and How Accurate Is It?

A GC tracker (green card tracker) often shows other users' cases with nearby receipt numbers. That hints at office trends but is unofficial and can be wrong. "Best tracker app" lists are mostly marketing, so choose an app on privacy, not ranking.

Is a USCIS Case Tracker App Safe to Use?

A USCIS tracking app can be safe if it reads only public status data and has a clear privacy policy. Never give an app your USCIS password, and never pay to see a status you can check free. Delete apps you no longer use.

Privacy questions to ask

• What data does it collect beyond the receipt number?
• Does it share data or track your location?
• Can you delete your data?
• Does it say clearly that it is not USCIS?

Red flags that point to a scam

Delete the app and report it if you see any of these:

• Charges to "speed up" a case
• Claims a special link to USCIS
• Asks for your account login

Read about common USCIS scams first.

Common USCIS Case Status Problems

Most USCIS case status problems come from a mistyped receipt number, a case too new to show online, a short outage, or a case that is simply waiting. Match your symptom below to a likely cause and a first fix.

Quick-fix table

Find your symptom in the first column, then try the first fix before contacting USCIS.

If the first fix fails, the sections below explain each problem in more detail.

Why Does It Say "Error Retrieving Case Status"?

The error retrieving case status message usually means the tool could not match your number or reach its records. A typo, a very new receipt or a brief system issue causes most cases. Work through the checks below in order before contacting USCIS.

Check the number first

1. Count the characters: you need exactly 13.
2. Watch for the letter O versus zero and I versus one.
3. Remove spaces copied from a PDF.
4. Paste the number into the decoder above.

Brand-new receipt numbers

A just-issued receipt may not appear online yet. Give it a little time, and rely on the dates on your paper notice while you wait. Your online account may show the case sooner if it was filed online.

Errors that last several days

If the error lasts several days, try your online account. If both fail, contact USCIS with your number and notice date, or report account errors through its technical support page.

Why Is Your Case Status Not Updating?

A status that is not updating usually means your case is waiting for an officer. Updates appear only when an action is recorded. Silence is a concern only when your case is older than the time posted in the official processing times tool.

Normal quiet periods

The longest gap often falls between biometrics and a decision or interview. Many forms wait months at that point. Check the posted time for your form and office before you worry.

When silence may signal a problem

Act if your case passes the posted time, an expected notice never came, or you moved without updating your address. Our uscis case help hub covers escalation, and the stuck case status guide lists the steps.

Why Is the My Progress Tab Missing?

The My Progress tab is missing when your case is not linked to your account or your form is not covered. USCIS's description, from a November 2023 alert: myProgress: personalized estimates in your USCIS online account (I-130, I-485, I-765, I-131, I-821, N-400, I-90). Coverage may have changed since then.

Which cases show myProgress

Two conditions must both be true for the tab to appear:

• Cases filed online, or paper cases linked with an online access code
• Covered forms only; USCIS says the estimates are not guaranteed

Fixes to try

If your case qualifies but the tab is still missing, try these steps:

• Confirm the case is linked in your account.
• Sign out, clear your cache and sign in again.
• Try another browser or device.

Is the USCIS Website Down?

The USCIS website is sometimes down for scheduled maintenance or a short outage, which can stop the status tool from loading. Check USCIS alerts on uscis.gov and try again later. Retry in a few hours before assuming anything is wrong with your case.

When uscis.gov loads but the tool does not

If uscis.gov itself loads but Case Status Online does not, the problem is likely on the USCIS side, not yours. Retry later rather than changing settings. Your paper notices stay valid meanwhile.

Ruling out your browser and network

If nothing loads, check your connection. A private browser window skips old cache data that can break the page, and a phone on mobile data rules out your home network.

What to do during an outage

• Wait and retry later; outages block the view, not your case.
• Use paper notices for dates and deadlines.
• If an RFE deadline is close, follow the notice and call USCIS.

What If the USCIS Tracking Number Is Unavailable?

Tracking number unavailable means USCIS has not posted a USPS tracking number for your card, or it was not added to the status. It often appears with New Card Is Being Produced or Card Was Mailed To Me. Many cards still arrive without tracking.

Card produced or mailed with no tracking

1. Wait a few business days and check again.
2. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to preview incoming mail.
3. If the card does not arrive in the window your status gives, contact USCIS.

EAD card tracking number unavailable

• The same steps apply to an EAD card.
• Make sure USCIS has your current address before the card ships.
• Our USCIS change of address guide explains how to update it.

When Should You Contact USCIS?

Contact USCIS when your case is outside the posted processing time, a notice or card never arrived, a notice has a typo, or you need an appointment or accommodation. Before calling, check your case inquiry date in the processing times tool, because USCIS generally accepts delay inquiries only after it. Have your receipt notice ready.

Good reasons for a case inquiry

• Your case is older than the posted processing time.
• A card or notice is missing or has wrong information.
• You need temporary proof of status. I-551/ADIT stamp: temporary proof of green card status; request through the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283).

When an inquiry will not help

If your case is within normal time, a case inquiry will not speed it up. Wait until your receipt date is earlier than the case inquiry date shown in the processing times tool.

How to Contact USCIS About Your Case

You can reach USCIS by phone, by chat with Emma, through an online e-Request inquiry, or at an in-person appointment. Have your receipt number, your A-Number if you have one, and your notice dates ready before you start. Pick the channel that fits your question.

Contact Center phone numbers

The three official lines are below, including TTY for callers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Our contact USCIS guide has tips for reaching an agent.

Chat with Emma or send an e-Request

Two options work without waiting on a phone line:

• Chat: Emma, USCIS's online virtual assistant (English and Spanish), on uscis.gov.
• Online inquiry: e-Request on uscis.gov covers late cases, missing notices and typos.

Book an in-person appointment

• Request an in-person appointment online at my.uscis.gov/en/appointment/v2 or call 800-375-5283.
• Bring your notices and a photo ID.

An agent decides whether a visit is needed, so explain why the issue cannot be solved by phone or online, and arrive early for security screening.

Requests for Evidence, NOIDs and Denials

Requests for evidence, notices of intent to deny and denials each need a careful, timely reply. Read the full notice, not just the status, and consider help from an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative. Each one below links to a full guide.

Request for evidence (RFE)

An RFE asks for missing evidence and gives you a deadline. Send everything it lists in one package, with a copy of the RFE notice on top, before that date.

Notice of intent to deny (NOID)

A Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) warns that USCIS plans to deny unless you respond. Our guide to the notice of intent to deny explains how it differs from an RFE.

Denials, appeals and legal help

• Some denials allow a motion to reopen or appeal.
• Our case denied guide explains each choice.
• Deadlines are short, so speak with an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative quickly.

Expedites, Premium Processing and Escalation

If your case is urgent or stuck, you can ask USCIS to expedite it, pay for premium processing on eligible forms, or seek outside help. Each route has strict rules, and none guarantees approval. Pick the route that fits your situation, using the summaries below.

Expedite requests

An expedite request asks USCIS to move faster for reasons such as severe financial loss. USCIS decides each request case by case, so include proof of the urgency. A simple delay alone does not qualify.

Premium processing for employment forms

Premium processing is a paid service for certain employment forms with a shorter review window. It speeds up the review, not the outcome. Family forms such as Form I-130 and Form I-485 cannot use it.

Ombudsman and congressional help

• If normal channels fail, the CIS Ombudsman or your member of Congress may help.
• See when to use the ombudsman and congressional inquiries.
• Our USCIS service centers page explains which office has your case.

Keep Your Case on Track: Address, Biometrics and Fees

Three habits keep a case moving: a current address, attending every appointment and paying the right fee. A missed notice, missed biometrics or a wrong fee can delay or even end your case. Each habit below takes only a few minutes to get right.

Update your address after a move

Update your address with USCIS soon after you move. Missed mail is a common cause of delay, and a notice sent to an old address can carry a deadline you never see.

Attend biometrics or reschedule

Attend your biometrics appointment on the date shown, or follow the notice to reschedule. Missing it without rescheduling can lead USCIS to treat the case as abandoned. Bring your notice and photo ID.

Fees and the current fee schedule

Fees changed with Form G-1055, Edition 10/16/26, effective October 16, 2026. For example, Form I-485 costs $1,440 (paper) / $1,390 (online); $950 / $900 if under 14 and filing with a parent. Check every amount in our uscis fees hub.

Is This the Right Status Tracker for Your Case?

Case Status Online tracks only cases filed with USCIS. Visa applications abroad, immigration court cases and labor certifications use other agencies and tools. A number without a USCIS prefix may belong to one of these. Use the guides below to find the right tool.

NVC and visa application status

• After USCIS approves a petition for someone abroad, the State Department takes over.
• Our NVC case status guide covers that stage.
• Our US visa status guide covers consular visa checks.
• The visa bulletin shows when a category can move.

Is an Immigration Court Case Tracked by USCIS?

No. Removal cases belong to the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), part of the Department of Justice. Its case search uses your A-Number. See our immigration court case status guide and our green card basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

casestatuscompass.com is an independent publication and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal advice. For denials, court or asylum matters, consult an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.