If you've filed something with USCIS, a green card application, a work permit, a petition for a family member, you've probably already wondered what's happening with it. The good news is you don't have to call anyone to find out. You can look it up yourself, any time, with one number. Here's how to check USCIS case status online in about a minute.
What you need first
Just your receipt number. It's printed on the notice USCIS mailed you after they accepted your filing (Form I-797C, “Notice of Action”). It's 13 characters: three letters followed by ten digits, like EAC1234567890. If you can't find it, our receipt number guide shows exactly where to look.
Checking on the USCIS website
- Go to the Case Status Online page on uscis.gov.
- Type your receipt number in the box. Leave out dashes and spaces. Asterisks and other characters aren't needed.
- Press Check Status.
You'll see the current status along with a short explanation, and the date it last changed. That's the official answer, so if the website and anything else ever disagree, trust the website.
Getting updates by email or text
You can also create a free USCIS online account and have updates sent to you. It's worth doing if you're going to be waiting a while, since USCIS will also use the account for notices and appointment reminders. If you filed online, you already have one.
How to automatically track USCIS case status
Here's the honest truth: statuses often sit unchanged for weeks or months. A lot of people end up opening the page every morning, then every evening, then every hour. It doesn't make the case move faster, and it's exhausting.
Instead of checking manually every day, you can track USCIS case status automatically with the USCIS Case Tracker app. You add your receipt number once, and it keeps your status up to date, saves a history of every change, shows how far along your case is and gives you an estimated timeline. It also sends a push notification when something changes. If you're following a spouse's or a parent's case too, you can add those as well and track all your cases side by side.
If your status doesn't make sense
USCIS statuses use their own wording, and it's not always obvious what they mean for you. We've written a plain-language explanation of the most common ones in what each case status means.
A few things worth knowing
- Check your processing time. USCIS publishes typical processing times by form and office. Knowing the range helps you tell “still normal” from “worth a call”.
- Keep your address up to date. A returned notice is one of the most avoidable reasons for delays.
- Be careful who you share your receipt number with. It isn't a password, but it's tied to your case. Only use sites and apps you trust, and never pay a third party just to look up a status. Checking it is always free.