Overview of Monitoring Application Progress
When you submit an application for a work permit, green card, or other immigration status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers several methods for tracking the progress of your application. The most straightforward method is through the USCIS website, using the case status online tracker tool or your myUSCIS account. Alternatives include checking your case status by phone or by sending a mail inquiry.
Essential Information: The Receipt Number
Before you can check your application status, you'll need to locate your receipt number. This 13-character identifier, issued by USCIS in your receipt notice upon application acceptance, consists of three letters followed by 10 digits. The initial three letters indicate the USCIS service center processing your case, such as WAC (California Service Center), LIN (Nebraska Service Center), SRC (Texas Service Center), EAC (Vermont Service Center), MSC or NBC (National Benefits Center), or IOE for applications processed online. This code precedes the 10-digit sequence that completes your unique case or receipt number. Always keep your receipt notice, as it includes this vital number. If you relocate, remember to update your address with USCIS to ensure you receive all correspondence.
How to Check Your USCIS Case Status Online
To efficiently monitor the status of your immigration application, use the online case status tracker on the official USCIS website, or log in to your myUSCIS account.Simply enter your receipt number in the "Enter a Receipt Number" form on the USCIS case status page and click "Check Status" to utilize the online tracker. Remove all hyphens and dashes from your receipt number, but make sure to include any unusual characters, such as asterisks (*).
Monitoring the status of your USCIS application is crucial to stay informed about its progress and to prepare for any additional steps required. With multiple ways to track your status, ensuring that you have your receipt number and keeping your contact information updated with USCIS are key practices for successful application processing.
Managing Your USCIS Application: Various Methods to Check Status
Accessing Case Information Online
If you've applied for an immigration benefit online, you already have a myUSCIS account. For those who applied by mail, creating an account is straightforward—simply visit myaccount.uscis.gov and select "Create an account" using a valid email address. Once logged in, navigate to the "My Account" dropdown menu to select and track the specific application or form you filed. Your account will not only display your current case status and typical USCIS processing times but also store any official notices you've received from USCIS.
Checking U.S. Citizenship Case Status by Phone
USCIS advises applicants to first attempt checking their case status online to avoid long wait times on calls to the USCIS Contact Center. However, if online access isn't possible, you can call the following numbers based on your location:
- Domestic inquiries: 1-800-375-5283
- International inquiries: 212-620-3418
- For hearing and speech impairments: 1-800-767-1833
When calling, be ready to provide your USCIS receipt number, full name, date of birth, and Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if applicable.
Checking USCIS Case Status by Mail
The slowest method to check your application status is by mail. To do this, send an inquiry letter to the USCIS field office where you filed your case, including your full name, date of birth, A-Number (if applicable), application filing date, and receipt number. Attaching a photocopy of your receipt notice can expedite this process. Regularly check your mail for any responses from USCIS and update your address with USCIS if you move.
In-Person Inquiries
Scheduling an in-person appointment with USCIS is generally reserved for specific needs that cannot be addressed online, by phone, or by email. Examples include needing proof of immigration status for citizenship applications, obtaining emergency travel documents, or accessing green card benefits like advance parole or employment authorization. To arrange an in-person visit, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or use the TTY number, 1-800-767-1833, for special accommodations.
USCIS provides multiple avenues for applicants to monitor and manage their case status, ranging from online tools to more traditional methods like phone calls and postal mail. Opting for digital methods typically offers quicker updates and saves time, but alternative options remain vital for addressing more complex or urgent needs.