1. What is a USCIS Case Status for I-539 Application?

A USCIS Case Status for I-539 Application is a status provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for individuals who have filed an application to extend or change their nonimmigrant status using Form I-539. This online system allows applicants to track and check the status of their case and see any updates or requests for additional evidence from USCIS.

2. How do I check my USCIS Case Status for I-539 Application?

You can check your USCIS Case Status for I-539 Application by accessing the USCIS website and using the online case status tool. To access your case status, you will need to enter your USCIS receipt number, which can be found on your receipt notice or other correspondence from USCIS. You may also create an account on myUSCIS (https://my.uscis.gov/) to track and manage all your immigration applications in one place.

3. How often should I check my USCIS Case Status for I-539 Application?

There is no set frequency for checking your USCIS case status. However, it is recommended to check it at least once a month or after any major update or action on your application. If you have created an account on myUSCIS, you can opt to receive email or text notifications when there are updates or changes to your case.

4. What does each USCIS Case Status mean?

There are several potential case statuses that may show up when checking the USCIS Case Status for I-539 Application:

– Acceptance: This means that your application has been received and accepted by USCIS.
– Initial Review: This indicates that your application is being processed by a USCIS officer.
– Request for Evidence: If additional evidence/documentation is needed from you, this status will indicate what specifically is required.
– Response Review: After submitting requested evidence, this status shows that a response from you has been received and is being reviewed.
– Decision: This status will show the final decision made on your application and it will be either approved, denied, or issued a notice of intent to deny.
– Post Decision Activity: If your application is approved, this status will indicate that the approval is being processed, and you should receive your documents/actions soon.
– Notice Explaining USCIS Actions Was Mailed: This indicates that USCIS has mailed you a notification about actions taken on your case. The notice should explain what action was taken and the reasoning behind it.

5. Can I expedite my USCIS Case Status for I-539 Application?

In some cases, you may be able to request expedited processing of your I-539 application. However, not all applications are eligible for expedited processing and the decision to grant an expedite request is at the discretion of USCIS. You can submit a request for expedited processing if you have an urgent need such as humanitarian reasons, severe financial loss, or a student/scholar with international travel deadlines. It’s important to note that expediting a case does not guarantee approval or faster processing time.

6. What should I do if my case status does not change?

If your case status does not change after several weeks or months, it could mean that your application is still under review by USCIS. You can try reaching out to USCIS through their customer service line at 1-800-375-5283 or by scheduling an appointment at a local field office through InfoPass (https://my.uscis.gov/appointment). Additionally, if you believe there is an error in your USCIS case status information, you can contact USCIS to inquire about any possible issues with your application.

2. How can I check the status of my I-539 application?

There are several ways to check the status of your I-539 application:

1. USCIS Online Case Status Checker:
You can check the current status of your application on the USCIS website by using the receipt number that was provided to you after submitting your application. Simply enter your receipt number into the “Check Your Case Status” tool on the USCIS website and click “Check Status.”

2. Email or Phone:
You can also contact USCIS directly by phone or email to inquire about the status of your application. You will need to provide your receipt number when contacting them.

3. In-Person Inquiry:
If you have not received a response within 75 days of submitting your application, you can schedule an appointment with a USCIS office through their InfoPass system to inquire about your case in person.

4. Attorney Representation:
If an attorney is representing you for your I-539 application, they may be able to check the status for you.

It is important to note that processing times for I-539 applications vary and it may take several months before receiving a decision on your case. It is recommended to wait at least 90 days before inquiring about the status of your application.

3. What information do I need to check my case status?

To check your case status, you will typically need to have the following information:

1. Your Receipt Number: This is a unique 13-digit number that is assigned to your case when it is received by USCIS.

2. Your Application or Petition Type: This is the type of application or petition that you have filed with USCIS, such as a green card application or a work visa petition.

3. Your Priority Date: For certain types of petitions, such as employment-based green card applications, you may also need to know your priority date. This is the date that your petition was filed with USCIS.

4. Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number): If you are a foreign national living in the United States, you will have an 8 or 9 digit number assigned to you by USCIS known as an A-Number.

5. Your Date of Birth: You will also need to provide your date of birth for authentication purposes.

It’s important to note that the information required may vary depending on the type of case and where it is in the process. It’s best to have all relevant documents and information available when checking your case status to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

4. Is there a fee for checking my case status?

There is no fee for checking the status of your case with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online. However, if you choose to check your status by phone, there may be fees associated with international calls or using a toll-free number. Additionally, if you are using an attorney or immigration service provider to handle your case, they may charge a fee for checking on the status of your case on your behalf.

5. Can I check the case status online or do I have to call USCIS?

You can check your case status online using the USCIS “Case Status Online” tool. This tool can be accessed through the USCIS website and will allow you to track the progress of your application without having to call USCIS.

6. How long does it take for USCIS to update the case status?

The processing times for USCIS case updates can vary depending on the type of application and workload of USCIS. Generally, it may take several weeks to several months for a case status to be updated. Applicants can check the average processing times for their specific application on the USCIS website.

7. Why does my case status say “initial review” or “pending”?

The terms “initial review” or “pending” typically indicate that your case is still being processed by the appropriate agency or department. This could mean that they are reviewing your application, conducting background checks, conducting interviews, or waiting for additional information from you. It is not uncommon for cases to remain in this status for several weeks or even months as the processing of immigration cases can be lengthy and involve multiple steps. If you have any concerns about your case, it is best to reach out to the agency handling your case for more specific information.

8. Is there a way to expedite the processing of my I-539 application?

Unfortunately, USCIS does not have a process for expediting the processing of I-539 applications. However, if you have an urgent need to travel or an emergency situation, you may request expedited processing by contacting the USCIS Customer Service line at 1-800-375-5283. You will need to provide a valid reason for the request and any supporting documentation. Please note that expedited processing is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of USCIS.

9. My case status says “request for evidence.” What does that mean?

When your case status says “request for evidence,” it means that the USCIS officer processing your case requires additional information or documentation to continue with the evaluation of your application. This may be due to missing or incomplete information, or if the officer requires more evidence to make a decision on your case. You will receive a notice in the mail specifying what documents are needed and how to submit them. You should provide the requested evidence as soon as possible to avoid delays in the processing of your application.

10. Can someone else check the case status on my behalf?

Yes, but only if they have written authorization from you. If you want someone else to check the case status on your behalf, you can provide them with a signed letter or form that authorizes them to access your case information. This can also be done through an attorney or legal representative who is handling your case. They will need to provide proof of their authorization and identification when requesting information.

11. Do I need an attorney to check the case status of my application?

No, you do not need an attorney to check the status of your application. You can log into your account on the immigration agency’s website or contact their customer service hotline to inquire about your case status. However, if you have hired an attorney for your immigration case, they may be able to provide you with more detailed information and updates on the status of your application.

12. Does a change in my case status mean my application has been approved or denied?

Not necessarily. A change in case status could mean that your application is being processed, or that there is an update to your case, such as a request for additional information. It is best to wait for official notification from the relevant agency or organization handling your application.

13. How do I request an extension on my current immigration status while waiting for a decision on my I-539 application?

If you have applied for a change of status using the Form I-539 and are waiting for a decision, you may request an extension of your current immigration status by filing an additional Form I-539 with USCIS. This form is used to extend or change nonimmigrant status and must be filed prior to the expiration of your current authorized stay. It is important to note that the decision on your extension request will be based on your current immigration status and not on the pending change of status application.

To submit a request for an extension of stay, you should:

1. Fill out and sign another Form I-539.

2. Include all required documentation and evidence to support your request for an extension, such as proof of financial support, reasons for extending your stay, and any other relevant documents.

3. Pay the filing fee (if required) in the form of a check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

4. Make copies of all forms, documents, and payments before submitting them to USCIS.

5. Mail your completed application package to the appropriate USCIS address listed in the Form I-539 instructions.

It is important to note that filing an extension does not automatically grant you authorized stay beyond the expiration date of your current visa or authorized period of stay. You must wait for USCIS’s decision on both your original change of status application and the extension request before taking any further actions.

If approved, USCIS will send you a new paper Form I-94 reflecting your extended period of admission. If denied, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason(s) for denial.

14. Will a pending I-539 application affect my ability to travel outside of the US?

Yes, a pending I-539 application can affect your ability to travel outside of the US. If you leave the country while your application is still pending, it will be considered abandoned and you may not be able to re-enter the US until a decision is made on your application. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney before making any international travel plans while your I-539 application is pending.

15. What should I do if there is an error in the online case status information?

If you notice an error in the online case status information, you should contact the court directly for assistance. They will be able to investigate the issue and provide you with updated or corrected information. It is important to address any errors as soon as possible to avoid any delays or misunderstandings in your case.

16. Can multiple individuals use one receipt number to check their individual cases?

No, each individual’s case has a unique receipt number associated with it. Each person should use their own receipt number to check the status of their case.

17. What happens if USCIS needs more information from me during their review process?

If USCIS needs more information from you during the review process, they will typically issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). This notification will outline the specific information or documentation that USCIS is requesting and provide a deadline for submission. It is important to respond to any requests for additional information promptly and accurately in order to avoid delays or potential denial of your application.

18. Can I make changes or updates to my application after submitting it?

It depends on the specific application and submission process. In some cases, you may be able to edit or update your application after submitting it, while in other cases, the application may be final and no changes can be made. It is important to carefully review all application instructions and guidelines before submitting to understand the specific policies and procedures. If you are unsure, you can reach out to the organization or program administering the application for more information.

19. Is there a limit on how many times you can check your case status in a day?

There is no specific limit on how many times you can check your case status in a day. However, it is recommended to only check once or twice a day to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety. The processing time for cases can vary, and checking too frequently may not provide any new updates. It is best to be patient and wait for official notifications from USCIS regarding your case status.

20. What should I do if my I-539 application is denied?

If your I-539 application is denied, you can file a motion to reopen or reconsider the decision. You must include new information or evidence that was not previously considered and explain why it was not available at the time of the initial decision. You may also file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). It is important to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on how to proceed. If your stay has expired and you no longer have legal status in the U.S., you may need to leave the country immediately to avoid any negative repercussions for future visa applications.