1. What is the USCIS Case Status?

The USCIS Case Status is an online tool that allows individuals to track the status of their immigration applications and petitions with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It provides information on current processing stage, estimated completion time, and any issues or requests for additional evidence. It also allows users to receive email and text message notifications about their case.

2. How can I check my USCIS case status?

There are several ways to check the status of your USCIS case:

1) Online: You can check your case status online by visiting the USCIS website (uscis.gov) and entering your receipt number on the “Case Status Online” page.

2) Phone: You can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and follow the prompts to check your case status.

3) Email/Online Inquiry: You can submit an online inquiry or email to USCIS through their customer service page (egov.uscis.gov/cris/contactus) to request an update on your case status.

4) In-person: You can schedule an InfoPass appointment at a local USCIS office to speak with a representative about your case.

5) Mail: If you received a receipt notice for your application, it will contain information on how to check your case status by mail.

3. What are the different types of USCIS case statuses?

1. Acceptance: This means that USCIS has received and accepted your application or petition for processing.

2. Initial Review: This means that USCIS has started reviewing your case, but no decision has been made yet.

3. Request for Evidence (RFE) issued: USCIS may issue an RFE if additional information or documentation is needed to make a decision on your case.

4. Response to request for evidence received: This status will only appear if you have submitted a response to an RFE.

5. Name updated: This means that the name associated with your application or petition has been updated in the USCIS system.

6. Case transferred: Your case may be transferred from one USCIS office to another for various reasons, such as workload balancing.

7. Decision notice mailed: This means that a decision has been made on your case and a notice of decision will be mailed to you.

8. Card/Document Production: If your application or petition was approved, this status indicates that production of your physical green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or travel document is in process.

9. Case approved: This means that your application or petition has been approved and a final decision notice will be mailed to you.

10. Denied: If your case was denied, this status will indicate the reason for denial and any options you may have for appeal or motion to reopen/reconsider.

11. Administrative Processing: Usually applicable for immigration cases outside of the United States, this status means that further review or processing is required before a final decision can be made on your case.

12. Request for initial evidence mailed: Similar to an RFE, this status indicates that additional evidence is needed before a decision can be made on your case.

13. Fee Received: This status indicates that the filing fee for your application or petition has been received by USCIS.

14. Biometrics Appointment Scheduled: If biometrics (fingerprinting and photograph) are required for your case, this status will indicate the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment.

15. Fingerprints Applied: This status indicates that you have completed the biometrics appointment.

16. Interview scheduled: If an interview is required for your case, this status will indicate the date, time, and location of your interview.

17. Interview concluded: This means that an interview was held for your case and has been completed. A final decision on your case may still be pending.

18. Ready to schedule an interview: This means that USCIS is ready to schedule an interview for your case once available resources are allocated.

19. Case reopened: If a denied application or petition is reopened by USCIS for reconsideration or additional review, this status will appear.

20. Request for reconsideration received: If you requested reconsideration of a denied application or petition, this status indicates that USCIS has received your request and it is pending review.

4. What does it mean if my case status is “received”?

If your case status is “received”, it means that your application or petition has been received by the USCIS and is currently being processed. This status indicates that your application has been successfully submitted and is in the initial stages of processing. USCIS will then review your application, collect any required fees, and schedule appointments for interviews or services, if necessary. You can expect to receive updates on your case as it progresses through the system.

5. How long does it usually take for a case to change from “received” to “approved”?

The length of time for a case to change from “received” to “approved” can vary depending on the immigration agency processing the case and any potential complications or requests for additional information. Generally, it could take several months to over a year for a case to be approved, but this timeline can vary significantly. It is best to check with the specific agency handling your case for more accurate timelines.

6. What should I do if my case status has been stuck on “received” for a long time?

If your case status has been stuck on “received” for a long time (over several months), you should contact the USCIS Customer Service Center for an update on your case. You can reach them by phone at 1-800-375-5283 or through their online inquiry form at https://egov.uscis.gov/e-Request/Intro.do. Be sure to have your receipt number ready when contacting USCIS. If there are any issues or delays with processing your case, they will be able to provide more information and help resolve any problems.

7. Can my case status change from “approved” back to “received”?

Yes, it is possible for a case status to change from “approved” back to “received.” This could happen if additional information is requested by the agency or if there was an error in the initial approval decision. It is important to regularly check the status of your case and provide any requested information promptly to avoid delays or changes in status.

8. What happens if my case status changes to “denied”?

If your case status changes to “denied”, it means that your application or petition has been rejected by the immigration authorities. This could be due to several reasons, such as not meeting eligibility requirements, providing incomplete or inaccurate information, or a determination that you do not qualify for the benefit sought.

Typically, when a case is denied, USCIS will provide a written explanation for the decision and instructions on how to appeal the decision. Depending on the type of application or petition, you may have the option to file a motion to reopen or reconsider, file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), or file a complaint in federal court.

If your case is denied and you are unable to appeal or reopen the decision successfully, you may need to explore other options for legal status or consider reapplying in the future if circumstances change. It is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

9. Is there a way to expedite the processing of my USCIS case?

Yes, you may be able to expedite your USCIS case if you can demonstrate that you meet certain criteria. These may include urgent humanitarian or employment reasons, or requests from a government agency. You will need to submit a written request for expedition, along with evidence and any required fees, to the USCIS office handling your case. The decision to expedite a case is at the discretion of USCIS and is not guaranteed.

10. Why does my USCIS case status say “pending” even though it has been several months since I submitted my application?

There could be several reasons why your USCIS case status may still say “pending.” Some possible reasons include:

1. Your case is still being processed: USCIS processes a large number of applications and petitions every day, and it can take time to review each one thoroughly. It is common for cases to remain pending for several months, especially during peak processing times.

2. RFE or other request for additional information: If USCIS requires additional evidence or information from you to process your case, they will send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). Your case will remain pending until you respond to the request with the required information.

3. Background checks and security clearances: Many immigration applications require background checks and security clearances before a decision can be made. These processes can take a significant amount of time, which may result in your case status remaining as “pending” for an extended period.

4. Administrative processing: If you are applying for a visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, your application might go through administrative processing before a decision can be made. This process involves verifying the information provided in your application and conducting background checks, which may take several months.

5. Delays in mail delivery or updates in the USCIS system: Sometimes there may be delays in mail delivery, causing you not to receive updates on your case even though changes have been made in the USCIS system.

It is essential to remember that every case is different, and processing times can vary based on several factors such as workload, resources available, and nature of the application or petition. If you are concerned about your pending case status or need further clarification on why it is taking longer than expected, you can contact the USCIS customer service line at 1-800-375-5283 or visit their website for more information.

11. Can I appeal a decision if my USCIS case was denied?

Yes, if your USCIS case was denied, you may appeal the decision. The process for appealing a denial varies depending on the type of immigration benefit you applied for and whether or not you are in removal proceedings.

If you are filing an appeal for a denial of an adjustment of status case, refugee/asylee relative petition, or alien entrepreneur petition, you must file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion with USCIS within 30 days of receiving the denial.

If you are in removal proceedings and your application was denied by an immigration judge, you will need to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) using Form EOIR-26 within 30 days.

If your application was filed with a USCIS office overseas (such as a consular post), you will need to follow that office’s specific appeal instructions.

It is important to note that not all USCIS decisions can be appealed. Some types of cases may only have certain administrative remedies available such as filing a motion to reopen or reconsider. It is best to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on appealing a USCIS decision.

12. If my application was rejected, will my fees be refunded?

No, your fees will not be refunded if your application is rejected. Application fees cover the administrative costs of processing your application and are therefore non-refundable. It is important to carefully review all requirements and eligibility criteria before submitting your application to increase your chances of approval.

13. What should I do if I receive an update that says “request for evidence”?

If you receive a “request for evidence,” it means that USCIS needs additional information or documents from you in order to make a decision on your application. It is important to respond promptly and provide the requested information to avoid any delays or possible denial of your application. The request for evidence will specify what documents or information are needed, as well as a deadline for submission. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and submit all required documents before the deadline. If you have any questions or concerns, it may be helpful to consult with an immigration lawyer for assistance.

14. Can I still travel internationally while waiting for a decision on my USCIS case?

It depends on your specific circumstances and the type of application you have filed. If you have a pending adjustment of status application (Form I-485), you may travel internationally with an approved Advance Parole document. However, if you have a pending non-immigrant or immigrant visa application, it is generally not recommended to travel internationally until a decision has been made on your case. It is always best to check with an immigration lawyer or USCIS for specific guidance before making any travel plans while your case is pending.

15.THow often is the online USCIS Case Status updated

The online USCIS Case Status is updated daily, usually between the hours of 3:00 am and 7:00 am Eastern Time. However, some updates may not appear until a later time due to system maintenance or other technical issues. It is recommended to check the status of your case at least once per day for the most up-to-date information.

16.How can I track the progress of multiple cases with different receipt numbers?

One way to track the progress of multiple cases with different receipt numbers is by creating a spreadsheet or document where you can list all the relevant information for each case, including the receipt number, case type, filing date, and any updates or changes. You could also set up a system for tracking any correspondence or communication related to each case. Additionally, many government agencies provide online tools for tracking the status of your cases using the receipt numbers. By regularly checking these resources and updating your own tracking system, you can stay on top of the progress for each case.

17.What is the process once a Request For Evidence (RFE) is received and submitted by me?

Once you receive a Request For Evidence (RFE) from USCIS, you will need to carefully review it and identify the specific information, documents, or evidence that they are requesting. You should then gather all of the requested materials and prepare a response that clearly addresses each point raised by the RFE.

Your response should be submitted to USCIS in a timely manner, typically within 87 days from the date of the RFE. If you need additional time to gather the requested materials, you can request an extension from USCIS by submitting Form I-290B with appropriate fees.

Once your response is submitted, USCIS will review it and make a decision on your case. If they determine that your supporting evidence is sufficient and meets their requirements, they may approve your application or petition.

If your response does not adequately address the issues raised in the RFE or if USCIS determines that there is not enough evidence to support your case, they may deny your application or petition.

It is important to carefully follow any instructions provided in the RFE and provide all requested documentation. Failure to do so could result in a denial of your application or petition. It is also recommended to seek guidance from an immigration attorney if you are unsure about how to respond to an RFE.

18.Can other people check the status of my USCIS Case on their own account?

No, only the petitioner/applicant or their legal representative can check the status of a USCIS case on their own account. USCIS takes privacy and security very seriously and therefore, access to case status is limited to those directly involved in the case. Unauthorized individuals cannot access this information without the consent of the petitioner/applicant.

19.If my case was filed under premium processing, when can I expect a decision to be made?

If your case was filed under premium processing, you can expect a decision to be made within 15 calendar days of the USCIS receiving your case. This includes both the initial review and any request for additional evidence that may be issued. If no action is taken within this timeframe, USCIS will refund the premium processing fee and continue to process your case as a non-premium filing.

20.Can anyone else access or view information on my electronic form submission using Case Status Online?.

No, only authorized personnel within the appropriate government agency will have access to your information submitted through Case Status Online. Your personal information is protected and cannot be accessed by anyone else.