How to check your case
Open egov.uscis.gov/casestatus in any browser. Enter your 13-character receipt number with no spaces or dashes. Click 'Check Status'. No login is required. You can also see the same information in your myUSCIS dashboard if you have an account.
Every common status message decoded
| Status | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Case Was Received | USCIS opened your envelope and entered the case into the system | Wait - you will get an I-797 receipt notice in 2-4 weeks |
| Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken | Biometrics appointment complete | Wait for the next step |
| Request for Initial Evidence Was Sent | USCIS issued an RFE for additional documents | Respond by the deadline on the notice (typically 87 days) |
| Case Is Being Actively Reviewed | An officer is working on your case | Nothing - wait |
| Interview Was Scheduled | USCIS will interview you in person | Prepare originals of all documents and attend on date |
| Case Was Approved | Decision made - you won | Wait for the physical card or approval notice |
| Card Was Mailed To Me | USCIS sent your card via USPS Priority Mail | Watch the mailbox - 5-10 days |
| Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service | USPS has your card and is in transit | Track via USPS using the tracking number USCIS sent |
| Case Was Denied | Application rejected | Read denial notice carefully; consult an attorney; consider appeal or motion |
| Notice Was Sent Requesting Additional Evidence | Same as RFE | Respond by the deadline |
| Response To USCIS Request For Evidence Was Received | Your RFE response is in | Wait - USCIS will resume review |
| Notice Of Intent To Deny Was Sent | USCIS plans to deny unless you respond | Rebut within 33 days - do not ignore |
| Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction | Case moved to a different USCIS office | Receipt number does not change; new office will continue |
| Case Was Reopened | USCIS reopened a previously closed case | Wait - usually means they will issue a new decision |
| Case Was Sent To USCIS Field Office For Interview | Your case left the service center for local interview | Wait for an interview notice from your local field office |
When the status has not updated in months
USCIS only updates the status when an officer takes a specific action. Long silences are normal - many I-485 cases sit in 'Case Is Being Actively Reviewed' for 6-12 months. If processing has exceeded the USCIS-published time for your form type, you can submit an online service request or call the USCIS Contact Center.