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How can I check my immigration case status online? How much longer will it take? In this article we will help you navigate through the online tools to keep up with your application status.
When someone wants to immigrate to the United States, they have a few options available to begin their journey toward permanent residence. The most common way is to apply for an employment-based green card or a family-based green card, as long as certain specific requirements are met.
However, after completing the application process, there is usually a long wait until your immigration case is resolved and a decision is taken by the immigration authorities. It’s normal to get a bit impatient, and it is important to be updated with any changes or new information regarding your immigration case.
So, if you are wondering ‘How can I check my immigration case status?’, you have come to the right place. Here are some ways to quickly and easily check the status of your immigration case.
Check My Immigration Case Status through USCIS online tools
USCIS Case Status Online is a simple tool that allows you to check the status of your immigration case online. It is fast and efficient and helps monitor the stage each application is in, calculate processing times for different USCIS service centers, and evaluate a possible adjudication date for an immigration petition.
To use it you need to have your immigration case number or receipt at hand. This is the number you received after filing your visa application with USCIS using Form I-797, Notice of Action, notifying you that your petition was received. There you were provided with an immigration case number, which is what you should use now to check the status of your case.
My immigration case number: What is the USCIS application or receipt number?
USCIS assigns and issues a unique 13-digit immigration case number to each visa application submitted. This is the receipt number or application number, found on your Form I-797.
The first 3 characters of your receipt signify the particular service center where the request is processed. There are 4 USCIS service centers that handle visa applications. These include WAC, EAC, SRC, and LIN. For example, applications sent to California will have a receipt number that begins with WAC.
Step by Step: How to Check the Status of My Immigration Case Online
Follow the steps below to check the status of your USCIS case online.
- Go to the USCIS Case Status Online option.
- Enter your 13-digit receipt number in the box below
- Make sure you enter your number correctly with the 13 letters printed on the receipt notice. Enter the number without spaces. This field is not case sensitive, so you can enter your number in upper or lower case.
- Click the “Check Status” button and wait.
- Once the page refreshes, you will see the information about your case.
- You can sign up for an account to receive email notifications whenever your case status changes.
Can I verify my immigration case over the phone?
Yes, you can also check the status of your immigration case by calling 1 (800) 375-5283 and following the automated instructions. Make sure you have your receipt number handy.
However, take into account that at no time will a person answer the phone. All you will hear is a recorded message indicating the application submission date and an approximate time frame for approval. Unfortunately, these numbers are usually very busy so you have to be patient to communicate.
Can I verify my immigration case by email?
Yes, you can also email the appropriate USCIS Service Center with your inquiry to check the status of your case. Please refer to the specific email addresses of the corresponding center below:
- California Service Center: csc-ncsc-followup@dhs.gov
- Vermont Service Center: vsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
- Nebraska Service Center: ncscfollowup.nsc@dhs.gov
- Texas Service Center: tsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
Note: Case status verification may not be available for certain applications that are moved to the National Visa Service Center (NVC).
USCIS Electronic Immigration System: Filing and Verifying My Immigration Case Online
The USCIS Electronic Immigration System is an online system that allows you to submit and track the processing of certain forms that USCIS allows to be filed electronically. Forms that qualify for the USCIS electronic immigration system include forms I-90, I-131, I-140, I-539, I-765, I-821, and I-907.
Outside of these previous forms, I-539 and I-526 have limited availability, but applicants who have already submitted these through the USCIS electronic immigration system can:
- Respond to a request for evidence
- Check the status of the case
- Profile update
- USCIS electronic application portal
- USCIS electronic application portal
The USCIS electronic application portal is a resource for applicants with certain case inquiries and requests for services, such as:
- Case outside normal processing time
- I did not receive my notice in the mail
- I did not receive my Green Card in the mail
- Change of address
- Dating Accommodations
- Typographic error
Applicants using the USCIS electronic application portal must include basic information such as the case number, filing date, documentary evidence, and other relevant information about the case. USCIS will respond to the applicant’s inquiry via email.
How to check the processing time of my immigration case?
USCIS maintains a detailed list of processing times on its website. Applicants only need to know the following to verify their processing times.
- Request or type of form
- Processing center
- Classification or presentation basis
For example, at a California service center, an H1B visa holder who files Form I-129 and seeks a change of status would have a USCIS processing time of 2 months.
If you are in need of immigration legal advice, do not hesitate to contact us! At the Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon we have wide experience in immigration proceedings, family law, and personal injury and have successfully defended our clients for over 10 years. Contact us through our website or give us a call at 281-606-0800!
