Every time something happens on your case, USCIS updates the status you see when you check your case. The wording is short and a little formal, so it's easy to read too much into it, in either direction. These USCIS case status meanings are the ones people ask about most.
One important thing first: a status tells you what has happened, not how long it will take. Two people with the same status can be weeks apart in their timelines.
- Case Was Received
- USCIS has your filing and has entered it into their system. This is the first status you'll see and it usually appears within days of your receipt notice. It doesn't mean anyone has looked at your documents yet.
- Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS
- An officer has started working on your case, or it's in the queue for review. People often hope this means a decision is days away. It can sit like this for a while, depending on the form and the office.
- Fingerprint Fee Was Received / Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled
- USCIS wants to collect your fingerprints, photo and signature. You'll get an appointment notice by mail. Go to the appointment, bring the notice and a photo ID, and don't skip it.
- Request for Initial Evidence / Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent
- USCIS needs more documents before it can decide. This is common, not a disaster. The notice lists exactly what's missing and the deadline. Respond fully and on time, and consider talking to an immigration attorney if it's complicated.
- Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received
- Your reply arrived. The case goes back into review, so you may wait a while for the next update.
- Interview Was Scheduled
- USCIS has set an interview date and sent you a notice with the time and place. Read the notice carefully for what to bring.
- Case Was Approved
- Good news. USCIS approved your case. You'll get an approval notice in the mail, and any card or document is produced after that. This is not yet the card arriving.
- Card Is Being Produced / New Card Is Being Produced
- Your card has been ordered and is being made. Delivery usually follows in the next couple of weeks.
- Card Was Mailed To Me / Card Was Delivered To Me By The Post Office
- Your card has been sent or delivered. If the status says delivered and you don't have it, contact USCIS right away.
- Notice Was Returned To USCIS Because The Post Office Could Not Deliver It
- A notice came back as undeliverable. Check that USCIS has your current address, update it if not, and contact them so it can be resent.
- Case Was Rejected
- USCIS couldn't accept your filing, often because of a missing signature, the wrong fee or an incomplete form. A rejected case isn't the same as a denied one. You generally need to fix the problem and file again.
- Case Was Denied
- USCIS decided not to approve the case. The notice explains why and describes any options, such as an appeal or motion. This is the point to speak with an immigration attorney.
What if my status hasn't changed in a long time?
That's very common. Compare your wait with USCIS's published processing times for your form and office. If you're still inside the normal range, waiting is usually all you can do. If you're well outside it, you can submit a case inquiry with USCIS.
This is where an app helps. Instead of opening the page every day to see the same words, the USCIS Case Tracker app keeps a history of every change, and notifies you only when something is different.
A note on what this page is
This is general information written to be easy to follow. It isn't legal advice, and your own notice always has the final word. For anything about your specific case, check with USCIS or an immigration attorney.