Common USCIS Case Status Problems

1. What should I do if my case status has not been updated for a long time?


If your case status has not been updated for a long time, you should first try contacting the agency or organization responsible for processing your case. They may be able to provide an update on the status of your case and any potential delays. You can also check their website or social media pages for any relevant updates.

If you are unable to contact the agency or organization or have not received a satisfactory response, you can consider seeking assistance from a lawyer or reaching out to your local government representative.

You can also file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the agency handling your case to obtain more information about its status. This may provide you with valuable insights and help resolve any delays in processing.

Lastly, if your case is regarding a legal matter, it is important to make sure that all documents and information have been submitted correctly and in a timely manner. Any missing or inaccurate information can significantly delay the processing of your case.

2. How can I check the processing time for my specific case type?

The processing time for your specific case type can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the specific USCIS office processing your application, and any other factors that might affect the processing time. To check the processing time for your case, you can use the USCIS website’s Processing Time Information tool (https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/). Simply select your form or case type from the drop-down menu and enter your USCIS receipt number or USCIS office location. The website will provide an estimated processing time range for your application. It is important to note that these processing times are only an estimate and can change at any time. You can also contact USCIS customer service for more specific information about your case’s processing time.

3. Why is my case taking longer than the processing time listed on USCIS website?


There are a few possible reasons why your case may be taking longer than the processing time listed on the USCIS website.

1. High Volume of Applications: The USCIS receives a high volume of applications and petitions each year, which can lead to delays in processing times.

2. Complexity of Your Case: Every case is unique and some may require additional review or documentation, which can extend processing times.

3. Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): If USCIS requests more information or evidence from you, it can delay the processing of your case until they receive and review the requested documents.

4. Administrative Errors: Occasionally, there may be administrative errors such as lost documents, incorrect information entered into the system, or other issues that can cause delays in processing.

5. Backlog at USCIS Field Offices: Some regional offices may have a larger backlog of cases than others, which can result in longer processing times for applicants who live in those areas.

6. Increased Security Checks: In certain cases, additional security checks may be required before a decision can be made on an application. These checks can add significant time to the overall processing time.

If you are concerned about the status of your case, it is best to contact USCIS directly to inquire about any potential delays or issues that may be affecting your application.

4. Can I expedite my case if there is an emergency or urgent need to travel?

Yes, you can request for expedited processing of your case if there is an emergency or urgent need to travel. You must provide evidence of the emergency or urgent need, such as a medical document or proof of employment obligations. The decision to expedite your case will be at the discretion of the immigration officer handling your case.

5. How can I request a change of address for my pending application?


If your application is still pending, you can typically request a change of address by contacting the agency or organization handling your application. This may include filling out a form, submitting a written request, or contacting them directly by phone or email. It is important to provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or official document with your name and new address on it. Make sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the agency to ensure that your change of address is properly processed and does not delay your application.

6. My spouse received their Green Card, but mine is still pending. When will it be approved?


The Green Card application process can vary in length depending on various factors. It is possible that your spouse’s application was processed faster due to having a simpler case or being from a country with shorter processing times. Your application could also be delayed due to security checks or other administrative processes.

The best way to get an estimate for the processing time of your Green Card is to check the USCIS website for current processing times or contact them directly for more information. You can also track the status of your application online using your receipt number.

7. My employer filed a petition for me and it shows as “denied” on the USCIS website, what should I do?

If your petition has been denied, you should speak with your employer and/or an immigration lawyer immediately. They can help you understand the reasons for the denial and assist you in filing an appeal or a new petition. It is important to act quickly, as there may be important deadlines to meet in order to challenge the denial.

8. Can I get updates on my case through email or phone call instead of checking online constantly?


Yes, most states have online portals or case tracking systems where you can sign up to receive email or phone call updates on your case. You can also contact your attorney or the court clerk’s office to inquire about receiving updates through email or phone call.

9. My child turned 21 years old while waiting for their Green Card, what happens now?

>If your child turned 21 years old after you submitted your Form I-485 or Form I-130, but before your petition or application was processed, they may no longer be eligible for the immigration benefit as a child. They may still be eligible under a different category, such as a married son or daughter category. You should contact an immigration attorney to discuss your options and next steps.
If you had originally filed for their Green Card through the immediate relative category (parents of U.S. citizens), they may now fall under the preference category for unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, which typically has a longer waiting time. It is important to contact an immigration attorney to understand the potential impact on their immigration status and explore other options.

10. The USCIS website shows that my document was delivered, but I have not received it yet.


If the USCIS website shows that your document was delivered, but you have not received it yet, there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:

1. Check the delivery address: Make sure that the delivery address provided on your application or document is correct. If there is a mistake in the address, contact USCIS and provide them with the correct address.

2. Contact USPS: If your document was sent through USPS, you can contact their customer support to inquire about the status of your delivery. They may be able to provide more information on when you can expect to receive your document.

3. Request a re-delivery: If your document was returned to USCIS due to an incorrect or incomplete address, you can request for them to re-deliver it to you. This request can usually be made online through the USCIS website.

4. Submit a case inquiry: If none of the above steps work, you can submit a case inquiry with USCIS using their online tool or by calling their customer service line. They will be able to investigate and provide more information on the status of your document.

5. Consider filing a missing mail claim: If your document was sent through USPS and has not been delivered after a reasonable amount of time, you can file a missing mail claim with USPS. This will initiate an investigation into your missing item.

It is important to note that it may take some time for your documents to be processed and delivered by USCIS, especially during peak application periods. It is recommended that you wait at least 30 days before taking any action if your document was recently marked as delivered on the USCIS website.

11. How can I track the progress of my asylum application?


You can track the progress of your asylum application through various methods:

1. Online Case Status Check: You can check your case status online by entering your USCIS receipt number on the USCIS website.

2. USCIS Contact Center: You can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and provide them with your receipt number to inquire about your case status.

3. Infopass Appointment: You can schedule an Infopass appointment with the USCIS office to inquire about your case status in person.

4. Asylum Office: If your case is being processed by an Asylum Office, you can call or visit the office directly to inquire about your case status.

5. Legal Representation: If you have hired a lawyer to handle your asylum application, they should be able to update you on the progress of your case.

6. Email Updates: If you filed a Form G-56, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, your representative (attorney or accredited representative) will receive email updates from USCIS on the status of your case.

It is important to note that processing times for asylum applications can vary and there is no guaranteed timeline for a decision. It is recommended to regularly check for updates and contact USCIS with any questions or concerns about your application.

12. What do I do if there is an error in my submitted application or document?

If there is an error in your submitted application or document, you should contact the relevant authority or organization immediately to inquire about their policies and procedures for correcting errors. They may have a specific process in place for addressing errors, which could include submitting a revised application or document. It is important to act quickly, as some organizations may have deadlines for correcting errors.

13. My travel document has expired while my adjustment of status application is still pending, what should I do?


If your travel document (such as Advance Parole or Employment Authorization Document) has expired while your adjustment of status application is still pending, you should apply for a renewal as soon as possible.

To renew your travel document, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can either file it by mail or submit it online through the USCIS website.

You will need to include the following documents with your application:

1. A copy of your expired travel document;
2. Proof of your pending adjustment of status application, such as a copy of Form I-485 receipt notice;
3. A copy of any additional supporting documents submitted with your original application (if applicable);
4. The filing fee for Form I-131; and
5. Any other required documents or evidence specific to your situation.

It is important to note that while your application for renewal is pending, you will not be able to travel outside of the United States without obtaining a new valid travel document.

If you have an urgent need to travel outside of the United States while your renewal application is pending, you may request an expedited processing from USCIS by contacting their customer service center at 1-800-375-5228. Please note that expedited processing requests are granted on a case-by-case basis.

It is important to keep track of any expiration dates for your travel document and plan accordingly to avoid any disruptions in your travels or immigration status. If you have any further questions or concerns about renewing your travel document, it is best to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance.

14. Can I schedule an appointment at the local USCIS office to discuss my case in person?


Yes, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your case in person at the local USCIS office. This can be done by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or by using the InfoPass system on the USCIS website. However, appointments are limited and may not be available for all types of cases.

15. My DACA renewal was denied, can I reapply?


Yes, you can reapply for DACA if your renewal was denied. However, it is important to understand the reasons for the denial and address any issues before submitting a new application. You may also want to consult with an immigration lawyer for assistance with the process.

16. Is there a way to check the status of a petition filed by someone else on my behalf?


Yes, you can check the status of a petition filed on your behalf by someone else by contacting the relevant government agency responsible for processing and approving the petition. This could be the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigration-related petitions or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax-related petitions.Every agency has its own process for checking the status of a petition, so it is advisable to visit their website or contact their customer service department for specific instructions. In most cases, you will need certain identifying information such as receipt number, confirmation number or case number to check the status of a petition.

17. How long does it take to receive an initial receipt notice after filing an immigration benefit application with USCIS?

The time frame for receiving an initial receipt notice can vary, but typically it takes 2-3 weeks after filing the application with USCIS. In some cases, it may take up to 4-6 weeks if there are processing delays or if the case requires additional review. If you do not receive a receipt notice within a reasonable amount of time, you can contact USCIS to inquire about the status of your application. It is important to note that processing times may also vary depending on the type of immigration benefit being applied for and any current backlogs at USCIS.

18. How do I know if USCIS has sent out any notices or requests for additional information regarding my case?

There are a few ways to check if USCIS has sent out any notices or requests for additional information regarding your case:

1. Online Case Status: You can check the status of your case online by logging into your USCIS account. This will show you any updates or actions taken on your case, including notices or requests for additional information.

2. Email or Text Notifications: You can sign up to receive email or text notifications from USCIS when there is an update on your case, including if they have sent out any notices or requests for additional information.

3. Mail: If you have not signed up for email or text notifications, USCIS will send all communication regarding your case through mail. Make sure to regularly check your mailbox for any correspondence from them.

4. Contact USCIS: If you are unsure if USCIS has sent out any notices or requests for additional information, you can contact them directly to inquire about the status of your case.

Please note that it may take several weeks for USCIS to send out a notice or request for additional information after they have processed your case. It is important to keep your contact information updated with USCIS so that you do not miss any important notifications regarding your case.

19.I have not received any updates on my naturalization application, how can I find out what’s happening with it?


You can find out the status of your naturalization application by checking the USCIS website or by contacting the USCIS customer service hotline at 1-800-375-5283. You will need your receipt number, which can be found on any correspondence received from USCIS, to check your status online or provide it to the customer service representative when calling. In some cases, contacting an immigration attorney may also be helpful in getting updates on your application.

20.Can I schedule an interview at a different USCIS office if I am unable to attend my scheduled interview?


Yes, you may be able to reschedule your interview at a different USCIS office if you are unable to attend your scheduled interview. You will need to make a request for a new interview location by contacting the USCIS Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Your request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may not be granted depending on the availability of appointments at the requested location. It is important to note that rescheduling an interview may delay the processing of your application or petition.