What an I-797 is
Form I-797 is a single-page document mailed by USCIS in response to every filing they accept. It is your evidence that USCIS has your case in its system. You should keep every I-797 you ever receive - they prove timely filing for status purposes.
Types of I-797
- I-797C, Notice of Action - receipt notice, biometrics appointment, transfer notice, RFE issuance, or rejection. The most common form.
- I-797A - approval notice with attached I-94. Used for in-country status approvals (H-1B extension, change of status).
- I-797B - approval notice for consular notification. Used when the beneficiary will get a visa abroad.
- I-797E - Request for Evidence (RFE) or other electronic notification.
What information is on it
- Receipt Number - 13-character tracking code.
- Priority Date - when USCIS received your underlying petition.
- A-number (USCIS#) - your permanent identification number.
- Form filed - I-130, I-140, I-485, I-765, etc.
- Notice Date - the date USCIS issued the I-797.
- Validity - for approval notices with I-94, the start and end of your authorized stay.
- Action Taken - what USCIS did (received, approved, transferred, RFE, etc.).
What to do if you lost yours
Sign in to myUSCIS to download a digital copy if your case was filed electronically. For paper filings, request a duplicate notice via the USCIS Contact Center. For older cases, file Form G-639 (FOIA) to retrieve your full A-file.