This article was last updated and fact checked on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik.
Trying to figure out the status of your USCIS case can be a frustrating process. The agency is notoriously slow in updating its website, and often times phone calls will go unanswered. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can check the status of your case online.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). USCIS is responsible for administering programs that allow individuals to obtain citizenship and immigration benefits from the United States. The USCIS website allows you to perform a variety of searches, including checking your case status. You can also apply for certain immigration benefits online.
In this article...
Introduction: How to Check USCIS Case Status Online
The best way to check your USCIS case status is online. The official website for this is www.uscis.gov. You can create an account on the website and then login using your username and password. After you login, you will be able to see the status of your case.
Checking H1B Petition Status
To check the status of your H1B petition, you need to have the following information handy:
- Your social security number
- Your employer’s name and address
- Your alien registration number (if you have one)
You can check the status of your H1B petition online here.
To check the status of your H1B petition by phone, call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and follow the prompts for “case status.”
What USCIS Case Statuses Mean
There are a variety of case statuses that USCIS may assign to an individual’s application or petition. Each status indicates where the case is in the USCIS adjudication process.
How to Interpret Your USCIS Case Status
When you check your USCIS case status, it will be displayed in one of three ways:
Case Was Received and A Number Has Been Assigned
This means that your petition has been filed and accepted. You should receive a notice in the mail soon with your case number and information on your next steps.
This means that your petition has been filed and accepted.
You should receive a notice in the mail soon with your case number and information on your next steps.
Request for Additional Evidence Has Been Mailed
The USCIS may require additional evidence to make a decision on your application. You should receive a notice in the mail detailing what additional information is needed. The notice will tell you how to respond and how much time you have to provide the requested information.
The USCIS may require additional evidence to make a decision on your application.
You should receive a notice in the mail detailing what additional information is needed. The notice will tell you how to respond and how much time you have to provide the requested information.
Case Was Approved or Denied
Your case has been processed, and you should receive a notice in the mail with details about the decision. If your case was approved, the notice will include information about your next steps.
If your case was denied, the decision letter will include information about the type of evidence missing or deficient and how you can provide that evidence.
Interpreting Your H1B Petition Status
Here is what each of the various case status codes means:
Case was Received
- This means that your petition has been filed and accepted. You should receive a notice in the mail soon with your case number and information on your next steps.
- The USCIS may require additional evidence to make a decision on your application. You should receive a notice in the mail detailing what additional evidence is needed.
The notice will tell you how to respond and how much time you have to provide the requested evidence.
- If your petition is denied, the most common reason for denial is missing required information or documents. Make sure you include any required documentation with your application. If granted, this means that your employer can start recruiting American workers for your position. Your case may be converted to an LCA once enough work has been started on your EAD.
Case Was Approved or Denied
- You may receive a notice in the mail with details about the decision.
What to Do If Your USCIS Case Status Changes
If your case status changes to “Tentative Approval” or “Notice of Action,” you may receive a notice with instructions on how to proceed. If your case status changes to “Pending,” you should call the USCIS customer service number listed on your notice to find out what you need to do next.
How to Check USCIS Case Status for Other Types of Cases
If you have submitted a case to USCIS for an immigration benefit other than naturalization, there are several ways to check the status of your case:
Online Case Status Check for Other Types of Cases
To check the status of other types of cases, you will need to visit the USCIS website and create an account. Once you have created an account, you can either log in to your account or call the USCIS Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
Checking Your Case Status by Mail
To check the status of your case by mail, you will need to write a letter requesting the status of your case. The address of the USCIS office processing your case will be on the receipt notice that you received when you filed your case.
The following information should be included in your letter:
- Your name
- Your A-Number (if you have one)
- Your date of birth
- Your case number
- Your return address
- The address of the USCIS office processing your case
- The date of your inquiry
- A daytime telephone number where you can be reached
Make sure to sign and date your letter.
How to Check USCIS Case Status by Phone
The USCIS Contact Center is currently open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm EST. You may also check case status by phone by calling 1-800-375-5283. When you call, please have your receipt number ready for the customer service representative to assist you.
How long does it take to get a green card in 2020?
It takes approximately 15-17 months for a person to get an immigrant visa (and thus a green card) under the family-based immigration category. It takes approximately 13-15 months for a person to get an immigrant visa (and thus a green card) under the employment-based immigration category.
How can I check my green card status online?
To check on the status of your application or petition, you can:
Go to our Case Status Online page and enter your receipt number. This is the 13-character case number assigned to you when you filed your form, petition, or application. Sign in to your USCIS online account if you have one.
USCIS Processing Times
USCIS processing times are the amount of time it takes for the agency to process a particular type of case from start to finish. Processing times can vary depending on the type of case, the workload of the agency, and other factors.
The USCIS processing times for H1B visas can vary depending on the specific case. However, the average processing time for an H1B visa is around three to four months.
