When you file nearly any application or petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they will issue a Form I-797C, Notice of Action, typically within 1 to 4 weeks. This timeframe may extend for certain forms, such as Form I-751. The I-797C Notice contains your USCIS receipt number, which is why it is often referred to as a receipt notice. This receipt number, also known as a permanent resident card number or green card number in some contexts, is crucial as it uniquely identifies your immigration case.
If there are errors in your submission, such as incorrect filings or payment issues, you will receive a rejection notice instead, informing you that your case was not accepted and advising you to refile. Conversely, a correct and complete application will result in a receipt notice that confirms USCIS has accepted your case for processing. At this point, USCIS will commence the review of your application.
Your USCIS receipt number is a distinctive 13-digit identifier, also referred to as a case number. This number is essential for tracking the status of your application and managing your case with USCIS. Keeping this number accessible will help you monitor progress and communicate effectively with USCIS throughout the processing of your application.
Identifying Your USCIS Green Card and Permanent Resident Card Number
When you possess a green card, different organizations might refer to your USCIS receipt number by other names, such as your permanent resident card number or simply your green card number. This number, which is crucial for identifying the case related to your permanent residency, is printed on the newer versions of the card.
On the most recent version of the permanent resident card, your green card number is located on the back side. In older versions, this number may have appeared in various places or might not have been included at all. It's important to note that possessing a USCIS receipt number does not necessarily require having a green card; USCIS assigns a receipt number for almost every type of form processed by the agency.
Understanding Your USCIS Receipt Number
While it's not essential for everyone to know the details of interpreting a USCIS receipt number, having a basic understanding can be quite beneficial. This knowledge helps you track the status of your application, whether it’s for a visa, green card renewal, citizenship, DACA, or nearly any other form submitted to USCIS.
Each USCIS receipt number is a unique 13-digit code, structured to convey specific information about your application. Here's how to decode an example receipt number:
Example: WAC 16 012 50960
Service Center (WAC 16 012 50960)
The receipt number starts with three letters which identify the service center that initially received the case. Each set of letters corresponds to a different service center, such as:
- CSC – California Service Center
- EAC – Vermont Service Center (formerly Eastern Adjudication Center)
- IOE – USCIS Online Account (efile)
- LIN – Nebraska Service Center (formerly Lincoln Service Center)
- MSC – National Benefits Center (formerly Missouri Service Center)
- NBC – National Benefits Center
- NSC – Nebraska Service Center
- SRC – Texas Service Center (formerly Southern Regional Center)
- TSC – Texas Service Center
- VSC – Vermont Service Center
- WAC – California Service Center (formerly Western Adjudication Center)
Fiscal Year (WAC 16 012 50960)
The next two digits after the service center code indicate the fiscal year during which USCIS received the case. The fiscal year for government agencies starts on October 1 and ends on September 30 of the following year. For example, a case number starting with '16' indicates the case was received in the fiscal year 2016.
Computer Workday (WAC 16 012 50960)
The subsequent three digits denote the computer workday on which the case was recorded, excluding weekends and federal holidays. In our example, '012' signifies that the case was opened on the twelfth workday of the fiscal year, which corresponds to October 18, 2016.
Case Number (WAC 16 012 50960)
The final sequence of five digits uniquely identifies your specific case within the USCIS system.
Understanding these components of your USCIS receipt number not only helps you track the progress of your case but also ensures you can effectively communicate with USCIS regarding your application.
Checking Your USCIS Case Status Online
To monitor the progress of your application, you can easily check the status of your USCIS case online. Here's how to do it:
- Navigate to the USCIS Website
Visit the official USCIS website and access the 'Check Your Case Status' page. - Input Your Receipt Number
Carefully type your full 13-digit USCIS receipt number into the designated field, ensuring there are no spaces. - View Your Status
Click on the "Check Status" button to receive the current status of your application.
Retrieving a Lost USCIS Receipt Number
You can get your USCIS receipt number back if you misplace the receipt letter containing it. Contact USCIS directly by calling 1-800-375-5283 to explain your situation. The customer service representative may arrange an InfoPass appointment for you, which is typically required for in-person assistance at USCIS facilities. At your InfoPass appointment, bring your passport or another form of valid identification, ask any questions you may have about your case, and request a reprint of your receipt number if needed.
Navigating the USCIS Online Account System
When filing certain forms, such as the Form I-90 to replace a Permanent Resident Card, USCIS may utilize the USCIS Online Account System to process your application. Upon submission, you will be provided with a "Welcome" letter containing instructions for setting up and accessing your new online account. With a USCIS online account, you gain the ability to:
- Monitor Application Progress: Check the status of your application anytime.
- Stay Updated: Receive real-time notifications and updates on your case.
- Update Personal Details: Easily manage and update your contact information.
If you decide not to use the online account, your application will still be processed through the USCIS Online Account System, and all correspondence will be sent to you via the U.S. Postal Service. Engaging with the USCIS online system can enhance your experience by providing direct access to your case information and ensuring you receive updates more promptly.