Published by Mei in Resources | Updated 2024
The USCIS Case Status Online Checking System
We all knew to check the USCIS system everyday to check on our application. It is fantastic – they update here to say when they have received your application and have sent responses or receipts! This immigration process may seem scary but you should know that the USCIS, the government agency responsible for processing immigration applications is on your side. They have an excellent website full of information and instructions to empower you. You may or may not know that the USCIS also have a login system and a separate case status online checking system.
Sign up here for access to USCIS site here: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do
Checking your Green Card petition status:
- Go to the USCIS website click on “Check Your Case Status“
- Enter your case number: You’ll need to enter your Green Card petition case number into the appropriate field. This number should have been provided to you when you submitted your petition. If you don’t have your case number, you can also enter your receipt number or your Alien Registration Number (A-Number). *see below
- Click “Check Status”: Once you’ve entered your information, click the “Check Status” button. You’ll be taken to a page that shows the current status of your petition.
- Interpret the results: The USCIS case status page will provide you with detailed information about your petition, including when it was received, if any action was taken, and whether additional evidence or documentation is needed. Make sure to read the information carefully and follow any instructions provided.
The case status tool displays seven steps:
Acceptance, Initial Review, Request for Evidence (RFE), Testing and Interview, Decision, Post Decision Activity, and Document Production or Oath Ceremony(only for citizenship).
Enter your case number
Your case number is generally structured like this: AAA-XX-YYY-Z-MMMM:
AAA: The service center or office that received your case.
SRC – Texas Service Center (TSC, formerly Southern Regional Center)LIN – Nebraska Service Center (NSC, Lincoln, NE)
WAC – California Service Center (CSC, formerly Western Adjudication Center)
EAC – Vermont Service Center (VSC, formerly Eastern Adjudication Center)
MSC – Missouri Service Center (MSC, transitioned to NBC)
NBC – National Benefits Center (NBC, for N-400 Naturalization and other cases)
XX: The fiscal year of USCIS, from October 1 to September 30. Cases filed from 10/01/2024 to 09/30/2024 will have xx = 24
YYY: The working day of the fiscal year when your case is received. 10/01 = 001
Z: This digit is part of a serial number but may have certain meanings for USCIS internal use.
MMMM: A serial number assigned to your case based on the number of cases received, starting from 0001
Benefits of the USCIS Checking Case Status System
- Confirms the date that your application was received by the USCIS. This is especially important if you were relying on an attorney to process your application.
- This allows you to identify the current processing steps of an immigration case, i.e. lets you know what has been processed, what is currently being worked on and what to expect next for your application.
- Provides an estimated waiting time before your case can be adjudicated, i.e. let you know “how many people are waiting in line or how long it may be before USCIS can process and approve the current status of your application.”
- Certain fees can also be paid here too.
- For all future dealings you have with the USCIS including citizenship if you decide to apply later will be through this portal.
The benefit of checking this is that all processing steps are displayed in one area.
The new status update replaces the old one, and when the case has reached the next step, previous ones will be grayed out.
Most are not familiar with the immigration process you will now be able to figure out what steps have been completed and to prepare for what is likely to come next.
The waiting time is a guesstimate so don’t rely on it too much.
G-1145 Form
When submitting your form submit the electronic notification system form G-1145 | E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance. This will keep you actively in control and up-to-date on your case in the eventuality that you don’t receive or miss postal notifications.
General estimation times on processing of forms
The USCIS also have a section devoted to estimation of current processing times of forms for EB1 check here for O1 check here.
Regarding the EB1 Green Card
We’ve heard of answers taking at over 14 months. The pandemic and regime changes affect processing times. How to speed up an application. Have a read here on ideas of how you can speed up your EB1 Green Card application.
What to do if there are any issues
If you encounter any issues when checking your Green Card petition status, don’t panic. There are several reasons why your petition might be delayed or denied, and there are steps you can take to address these issues.
- Missing or incomplete information: If the USCIS needs additional information or documentation from you, they will send you a Request for Evidence (RFE – guide here). Make sure to respond to the RFE promptly and provide all the requested information.
- Security checks: Sometimes, a Green Card petition may be delayed while the USCIS performs additional security checks. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to speed up this process, but you can contact the USCIS if your petition has been pending for an unusually long time. *see below
- Denial: If your Green Card petition is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons for the denial. Depending on the reason, you may be able to appeal the decision or submit a new petition with additional evidence.
Read our article on most common Reasons for RFE & Denials here.
USCIS Outside Normal Processing Time
You might consider submitting this form if you feel you are waiting an inordinate amount of time here Outside Normal Processing Time. Before you do this check out the USCIS estimated processing times. It might give you more of an idea OF WHEN TO EXPECT hearing a decision.
NOTE
Make sure that you are receiving your mail at the address you submitted on your forms! You don’t want to miss any updates or instructions.
This is such an anxious wait – we know, we’ve been through this ourselves. Checking your Green Card petition status is an important step in the immigration process, and it’s crucial to stay informed about the status of your petition. It can empower you by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily check your case status online and take the appropriate action if there are any issues. At Extraordinary Visa, we’re committed to helping you navigate the complex world of immigration with confidence. If you need any assistance with your Green Card petition or any other immigration matter, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will continue to populate this site with more helpful articles.
—
All articles are written from our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues. These are fantastic visas and we wish to empower others in applying. This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues that we have left out let us know – it is important that others are aware. Email here!
FAQ
What do I need to access the USCIS Case Status Online Checking System?
Click here for the USCIS Case Status Checking System: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do You only need your receipt number. No login is required.
What do I need to complete the USCIS Outside Normal Processing Time form?
The USCIS Outside Normal Processing Time form is available here: https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/displayONPTForm.do?sroPageType=onpt
What you’ll need:
Receipt Number
A-Number (if applicable)
Date when filed
Application or Petition filed
Email Address