Each year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) handles hundreds of thousands of immigration applications, and each one is a lengthy procedure. Many newcomers are left wondering how they may find out the status of their immigration applications.
Many candidates for immigration are eager to learn their status, and unfortunately, long wait times can hold them in limbo. While the procedure may be slow, it is not difficult to check the status of your immigration application. Here’s what you should do.
Get Your Receipt Number
When USCIS receives your application, they will issue you a receipt notice. The receipt notification includes your receipt number. The receipt message will have a 13-character receipt number in the top left corner. It will start with “EAC,” “LIN,” “WAC,” “IOE,” “NBC,” “MSC,” or “SRC,” then ten numbers. You will use your receipt number to check the status of your application.
When you submit your application to USCIS, they will confirm receipt of your application. This is accomplished by giving you an update on a form known officially as Form I-797C, Notice of Action. USCIS will send this form to the mailing address you provided on your application, usually 2 to 3 weeks after submitting it. Your USCIS receipt notice is Form I-797C. It is not proof that USCIS has given you any immigration benefit.
How Long Will It Take For Me to Receive My USCIS Receipt Number?
You should receive your USCIS receipt number within 2 to 3 weeks of submitting your immigration application to USCIS. The time it takes to obtain your receipt notification, and receipt number varies significantly depending on the paperwork you filed and the service center where you filed them.
The current USCIS form processing timeframes for your immigration application type can be seen on the USCIS website.
How to Check U.S. Citizenship Application Status Online?
On its website, the USCIS allows you to monitor the case status of any application. You only need your receipt number. When entering the receipt number, leave the dashes and include all other characters.
The USCIS website will provide the current status of your application if you enter your information accurately. This is the most convenient approach to find out the status of your immigration application.
How to Verify U.S. Citizenship Application Status by Mail?
Make sure to give a valid mailing address and check your real mailbox regularly. All official notifications are automatically mailed to the mailing address you specified on your Form N-400 or the mailing address in your MyUSCIS account, whichever was most recently updated.
You can update your mailing or contact information by logging in to or creating a MyUSCIS account and altering your mailing or contact information at any time. You can also go to USCIS rules for more information on altering your mailing address.
How to Check the Status of a U.S. Citizenship Application in Person?
InfoPass appointments, which allow you to check on the status of your case in person, are no longer available for U.S. citizenship applications. Instead, for applicants who require a service that cannot be given by phone or email, USCIS will schedule in-person appointments.
Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to schedule an in-person appointment. TTY 1-800-767-1833 if you are deaf or hard of hearing or have a speech impediment.
How to Check U.S. Citizenship Application Status by Phone?
You can also contact the USCIS directly to inquire about the status of your application. You must dial 1-800-375-5283 to reach the USCIS National Customer Service Center, and they will request your receipt number and offer you the most up-to-date information on your application.
How Long Will It Take To Process My Application?
Unfortunately, that is a question that all applicants want to know, but few can answer. It all depends on the type of application you filed, the number of pending applications, and how busy the USCIS office was at the time you filed.
Thankfully, the USCIS gives estimates! Go to the USCIS processing times page and choose the form and office to send it to from the drop-down menus. When you click “get processing time,” you will be given an estimate of how long it will take to complete your application.
If you’ve been waiting longer than this and haven’t seen any updates using the online tool, now is the time to contact USCIS directly by phone to inquire about the status of your immigration application.
Should I Create A USCIS Online Account?
The biggest reasons to create a USCIS online account include the ability to complete forms online and track your case from anywhere at any time. The first step is to sign up for an account.
If you work with an attorney or representative, they can set up their account to administer your case, but they cannot utilize yours.
Filing a form online is preferable to mail a paper form since it allows you to:
- Enter your information on your phone, tablet, or computer;
- Avoid typical errors (for example, you won’t be able to submit if you don’t sign);
- Save your draft application and complete it later.
- Pay your filing fee quickly and securely.
- Instead of waiting for the mail, you will receive immediate confirmation of receiving your form.
You Can Use Your Account After You File To:
- Obtain your current case status as well as the history of your case;
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs);
- Obtain access to all notices
- Send secure messages and receive responses.
You can link your case to your account even if you file on paper, and you will then be able to view the status and history of your case. You can also accomplish the same things as if you had filed them online for some forms.
Aside from completing paperwork and managing your cases online, your online account allows you to use other USCIS services such as FOIA FIRST and my-Verify:
- Use the Freedom of Information Act or the Privacy Act to request records.
- You can use your USCIS online account to request your immigration record or A-File, the immigration record of another person (with their permission), and non-A-file information such as USCIS regulations, data, or correspondence.
