The Essentials of USCIS Receipt Numbers: What They Are and Where to Find Them

Guide to USCIS Receipt Numbers

A USCIS receipt number is a unique 13-character code used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to track and manage your case. This code begins with three letters, which indicate the USCIS service center processing your application, followed by a sequence of 10 digits. These digits represent the date your case was initiated and your specific case number.

You can find your receipt number on any official correspondence from USCIS related to your application. It is essential for checking the status of your application. This guide will explain the components of a USCIS receipt number, how to locate it, and how to utilize it to monitor the progress of your application.

Decoding Your USCIS Receipt Number

A USCIS receipt number is a specific 13-character identifier assigned to every application submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This identifier, also known as the case number, is essential for tracking and managing immigration cases. The initial three characters of the receipt number signify the USCIS service center responsible for processing your application. For example:

1. WAC: Your application is being processed at the California Service Center.
2. LIN: Your application is with the Nebraska Service Center.
3. SRC: The Texas Service Center is handling your case.
4. EAC: Your case is under the jurisdiction of the Vermont Service Center.
5. MSC or NBC: Your application is being processed at the National Benefits Center.
6. IOE: Indicates that USCIS is processing your application online.

Following these service center codes, the receipt number includes a sequence of 10 digits. These digits integrate the date your case was initiated with a unique case number, making each receipt number distinct. This comprehensive structure not only helps in accurately tracking the progress of individual applications but also facilitates efficient communication and processing by USCIS. Understanding your receipt number is crucial for checking your case status and ensuring your application is progressing smoothly through the immigration system.

Locating and Understanding Your USCIS Receipt Number and Notice

When you submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency acknowledges its receipt by sending you a Form I-797C, known as the Notice of Action. This is your official USCIS receipt notice, confirming that USCIS has received your application for processing. It is sent to the mailing address listed on your application, typically arriving two to three weeks after submission. It's important to note that the Form I-797C is not an indication of approval; it merely signifies that your application is being processed.

The USCIS receipt notice prominently displays your 13-character receipt number at the top left corner. This number, which begins with one of the service center identities (EAC, LIN, WAC, IOE, NBC, MSC, or SRC) and is followed by ten digits, is essential for monitoring the status of your application. You will need this receipt number to check the status of your application online or through other USCIS services.

The time it takes to receive your USCIS receipt number can vary. Generally, you should expect to receive it within two to three weeks of your application submission. However, the exact timing can depend on the specific forms filed and the service center processing your application. To get a better idea of current processing times, you can visit the USCIS website and check for updates specific to the form and service center related to your application.

Understanding the receipt number and the receipt notice is essential for navigating the USCIS application process efficiently. Keeping track of these details will help you stay informed about the status of your application and any further actions you may need to take.

Obtaining and Decoding Your USCIS Receipt Number

Can I Get My Receipt Number by Calling USCIS? 

Yes, you can contact USCIS directly to obtain your receipt number. You can reach them at 1-800-375-5283. When you call, a USCIS representative will assist you in retrieving your receipt number after you describe your situation. Additionally, this phone number can also be used to request an in-person appointment, as online appointment requests are no longer accepted.

How Do I Understand My USCIS Receipt Number?

While it's not necessary to understand the details of your USCIS receipt number to use it for checking your immigration application status, knowing what it represents can be interesting and helpful. Each receipt number consists of a few key components: the USCIS service center code that is processing your application, the fiscal year, the workday your case was opened, and your unique case number. Here’s a breakdown of each component in your USCIS receipt number:

1. Service Center Code: Indicates which USCIS service center is handling your application (e.g., WAC, LIN, SRC).
2. Fiscal Year and Workday: These digits represent when USCIS officially started processing your case.
3. Unique Case Number: A sequential number unique to your application.

Understanding these components can give you insights into how your case is being processed and might also help in communications with USCIS if needed. This knowledge enhances your ability to track the progression of your case through the USCIS system.

Understanding Your USCIS Receipt Number Components

Service Center Codes

The initial three characters of your USCIS receipt number are critical as they indicate the specific service center processing your case. These are not random letters but are abbreviations for the respective service centers:

1. EAC - Eastern Adjudication Center, commonly known as the Vermont Service Center.
2. WAC - Western Adjudication Center, or the California Service Center.
3. LIN - Lincoln Service Center, situated in Nebraska.
4. SRC - Southern Regional Center, located in Texas.
5. NBC - National Benefits Center, also referenced by the code MSC for the Missouri Service Center.
6. IOE - Represents filings made through the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (ELIS).

Fiscal Year

Following the service center code, the next two digits in your receipt number denote the fiscal year during which USCIS initiated processing your case. The U.S. government's fiscal year for immigration starts on October 1 and ends on September 30 of the following year. For instance, if your case is processed by the Texas Service Center and the application was received in November of the 2017 fiscal year, the receipt number would begin with "SRC 17."

Computer Workday

The subsequent three digits after the fiscal year represent the computer workday count when your case was opened. This count excludes weekends and holidays, focusing only on the active processing days. For example, "SRC 17 018" indicates that the case was opened on the 18th workday of the fiscal year 2017.

Unique Case Number

The final five digits of the receipt number are your unique case number. This number reflects the sequence in which your case was opened relative to other cases within the same fiscal year and service center. In the example "SRC 17 018 10000," the number signifies that this was the 10,000th case initiated at the Texas Service Center in the 2017 fiscal year.

Each component of the USCIS receipt number holds significant information about your immigration application's processing timeline and location. By understanding these elements, you can better track your application's progress and have more meaningful interactions with USCIS if needed. This detailed breakdown ensures transparency and helps manage expectations throughout the immigration process.

Utilizing Your USCIS Receipt Number to Track Your Application Status

Overview of Tracking Your Application Status

Your USCIS receipt number is a vital tool for monitoring the progress of your application throughout the immigration process. Understanding the typical processing times for various case types can help set realistic expectations. Our Learning Center offers detailed guides on immigration processes and their estimated timelines, which can be invaluable if your case appears to be delayed.

Online Case Status Check

The fastest way to check the status of your USCIS case is through their online case status tracker. Additionally, setting up a USCIS online account allows you to receive real-time updates via email. Here are the steps to check your status online:

1. Visit the USCIS case status online page.
2. Input your receipt number in the designated field, ensuring no spaces or dashes are included.
3. Click the “Check Status” button to view your case status.

Checking Status by Phone or Email

For those who prefer offline methods, USCIS offers options to check your case status via phone or email:

1. By Phone: Call USCIS at +1 (800) 375-5283. Be prepared for a potential wait due to high call volumes. You will not speak directly to an officer but will follow automated prompts. Have your receipt number ready.
2. By Email: You can request a status update via email, depending on which service center is processing your application:

1. Texas Service Center: tsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
2. California Service Center: csc-ncsc-followup@dhs.gov
3. Vermont Service Center: vsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
4. Nebraska Service Center: ncscfollowup.nsc@dhs.gov

Note: If your case has been transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing, USCIS will not be able to provide status updates via email. In such instances, you must contact the NVC directly to check your visa status.

These tools and methods ensure you remain informed about the status of your application, allowing for better planning and management of your immigration journey.

Navigating the USCIS Online Account System

The USCIS Online Account System is integral for managing certain immigration applications, such as the Form I-90, which is used to replace a Permanent Resident Card. If your case is managed online, USCIS will automatically generate an account for you. You will receive a welcome letter with all necessary login details. Once your account is set up, you will receive email notifications about any updates to your application. Additionally, USCIS will continue to send physical notices to your mailing address. This dual notification system ensures you stay informed of your application's progress every step of the way.

Utilizing the USCIS e-Request Portal

The USCIS e-Request Portal is an essential tool for addressing specific concerns about your case. It is advisable to use this portal if:

1. Your case processing has exceeded the normal time frame.
2. You need to update your address with USCIS following a move.
3. You have not received critical documents such as your biometrics appointment notice, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or green card.
4. There is a typographic error in your application that needs correction.

Submitting an e-Request is a straightforward way to initiate follow-ups on these issues without the need for more formal proceedings. This service ensures that any discrepancies or updates are handled efficiently, potentially speeding up your case processing time. Using the e-Request Portal effectively can help maintain the accuracy and timeliness of your immigration case management.

Last Updated 08/28/24 09:53:04AM