Understanding USCIS Case Status and Processing Times: What Each Status Means
Your online case status says "case received" for months. Here's what each USCIS status means and when to worry about delays.
Quick Answer
Track case status at uscis.gov/casestatus using receipt number. Status messages include "case received," "case is being actively reviewed," "request for evidence," "approved," and others. Normal processing times vary: I-485 (8-20 months), I-765 (3-6 months), N-400 (6-12 months). If processing exceeds normal timeframe, file inquiry or contact congressman. Premium processing ($2,805) available for some petitions guarantees 15-day processing.
Key Takeaways
Check status online at uscis.gov/casestatus with receipt number
"Case received" status can last months - this is normal
Processing times vary by form type and service center
File inquiry if processing exceeds posted timeframes
Set up text/email alerts for status changes
Premium processing available for I-129, I-140 (15 days guaranteed)
Key Takeaways
Check status online at uscis.gov/casestatus with receipt number
"Case received" status can last months - this is normal
Processing times vary by form type and service center
File inquiry if processing exceeds posted timeframes
Set up text/email alerts for status changes
Premium processing available for I-129, I-140 (15 days guaranteed)
Table of Content
Common Case Status Messages
"Case Was Received" First status after filing. Case logged into USCIS system and assigned receipt number. Can remain this status for months while case sits in queue. This is normal for most applications.
"Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS" Officer has begun reviewing application. Doesn't mean decision is imminent - can stay in this status for weeks or months while officer works through it.
"Request for Evidence Was Sent" / "Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent" USCIS needs more documentation. You'll receive physical RFE letter explaining what's needed. Must respond within deadline (typically 30-90 days) or application may be denied.
"Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received" Your RFE response was logged into system. Case returns to review queue. Can take weeks or months for officer to review response.
"Case Was Approved" Application approved. Approval notice sent by mail. For I-485, green card produced and mailed. For I-765, EAD card mailed.
"Case Was Denied" / "Case Was Rejected" Application denied or rejected. Denial letter explains reasons. You may have appeal rights.
"Interview Was Scheduled" / "Interview Was Completed" For applications requiring interviews (I-485, N-400). Interview scheduled or completed, waiting for decision.
Normal Processing Times
USCIS posts processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Times vary by service center and form type.
Form Type | Typical Processing | Where Filed |
|---|---|---|
I-485 (AOS) | 8-20 months | Based on residence |
I-765 (EAD) | 3-6 months | Based on residence |
I-131 (Advance Parole) | 3-6 months | Based on residence |
I-129 (H-1B) | 2-6 months (15 days premium) | Based on employer location |
I-140 (Immigrant Petition) | 4-8 months (15 days premium) | Based on employer location |
N-400 (Citizenship) | 6-12 months | Based on residence |
These are estimates. Actual times vary by workload, service center efficiency, and case complexity.
When Cases Get Delayed
Cases exceed normal processing for various reasons including incomplete applications requiring RFE, security background checks (name check, FBI check), high volume at service center, case transferred between offices, or officer discretion requiring additional review.
Some applicants wait years beyond posted timeframes, especially for I-485 with security check delays.
What to Do About Delays
If case is within normal processing:
Be patient
Check status weekly online
Wait for USCIS to process
If case exceeds normal processing by 30+ days:
Call USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283
File online inquiry at uscis.gov
Request case status through Emma (USCIS chatbot)
If case exceeds normal processing by 90+ days:
Contact local congressman's office for case inquiry
File complaint with CIS Ombudsman (dhs.gov/cisombudsman)
Consider mandamus lawsuit (last resort, requires attorney)
Congressional Inquiry
Congressional offices can submit inquiries to USCIS on behalf of constituents. This often expedites review.
Process:
Contact your U.S. Representative or Senator's office
Complete privacy release form
Provide case details and receipt numbers
Congressional staffer submits inquiry to USCIS
USCIS typically responds within 30-60 days
Congressional inquiries don't guarantee approval but often push stalled cases forward.
Premium Processing
For I-129 (H-1B, L-1, O-1) and I-140 petitions, premium processing available for $2,805 fee. USCIS guarantees 15-day processing or refunds premium fee (application still processed, just refund of premium).
Premium processing available for initial petitions, extensions, and amendments. Not available for I-485, I-765, or N-400.
Setting Up Case Alerts
USCIS offers free text and email notifications when case status changes.
To set up:
Visit uscis.gov/casestatus
Enter receipt number
Click "Get Case Updates"
Provide phone number or email
Receive alerts when status changes
This prevents need to check manually daily.
Receipt Number Format
Receipt numbers format: XXX-YY-ZZZ-NNNNN
XXX = Service center (SRC, LIN, EAC, WAC, NBC, etc.)
YY = Fiscal year
ZZZ = Computer workday
NNNNN = Case number
Example: SRC2190051234 = Texas Service Center, fiscal year 2021, case 51234
Common Case Status Messages
"Case Was Received" First status after filing. Case logged into USCIS system and assigned receipt number. Can remain this status for months while case sits in queue. This is normal for most applications.
"Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS" Officer has begun reviewing application. Doesn't mean decision is imminent - can stay in this status for weeks or months while officer works through it.
"Request for Evidence Was Sent" / "Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent" USCIS needs more documentation. You'll receive physical RFE letter explaining what's needed. Must respond within deadline (typically 30-90 days) or application may be denied.
"Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received" Your RFE response was logged into system. Case returns to review queue. Can take weeks or months for officer to review response.
"Case Was Approved" Application approved. Approval notice sent by mail. For I-485, green card produced and mailed. For I-765, EAD card mailed.
"Case Was Denied" / "Case Was Rejected" Application denied or rejected. Denial letter explains reasons. You may have appeal rights.
"Interview Was Scheduled" / "Interview Was Completed" For applications requiring interviews (I-485, N-400). Interview scheduled or completed, waiting for decision.
Normal Processing Times
USCIS posts processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Times vary by service center and form type.
Form Type | Typical Processing | Where Filed |
|---|---|---|
I-485 (AOS) | 8-20 months | Based on residence |
I-765 (EAD) | 3-6 months | Based on residence |
I-131 (Advance Parole) | 3-6 months | Based on residence |
I-129 (H-1B) | 2-6 months (15 days premium) | Based on employer location |
I-140 (Immigrant Petition) | 4-8 months (15 days premium) | Based on employer location |
N-400 (Citizenship) | 6-12 months | Based on residence |
These are estimates. Actual times vary by workload, service center efficiency, and case complexity.
When Cases Get Delayed
Cases exceed normal processing for various reasons including incomplete applications requiring RFE, security background checks (name check, FBI check), high volume at service center, case transferred between offices, or officer discretion requiring additional review.
Some applicants wait years beyond posted timeframes, especially for I-485 with security check delays.
What to Do About Delays
If case is within normal processing:
Be patient
Check status weekly online
Wait for USCIS to process
If case exceeds normal processing by 30+ days:
Call USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283
File online inquiry at uscis.gov
Request case status through Emma (USCIS chatbot)
If case exceeds normal processing by 90+ days:
Contact local congressman's office for case inquiry
File complaint with CIS Ombudsman (dhs.gov/cisombudsman)
Consider mandamus lawsuit (last resort, requires attorney)
Congressional Inquiry
Congressional offices can submit inquiries to USCIS on behalf of constituents. This often expedites review.
Process:
Contact your U.S. Representative or Senator's office
Complete privacy release form
Provide case details and receipt numbers
Congressional staffer submits inquiry to USCIS
USCIS typically responds within 30-60 days
Congressional inquiries don't guarantee approval but often push stalled cases forward.
Premium Processing
For I-129 (H-1B, L-1, O-1) and I-140 petitions, premium processing available for $2,805 fee. USCIS guarantees 15-day processing or refunds premium fee (application still processed, just refund of premium).
Premium processing available for initial petitions, extensions, and amendments. Not available for I-485, I-765, or N-400.
Setting Up Case Alerts
USCIS offers free text and email notifications when case status changes.
To set up:
Visit uscis.gov/casestatus
Enter receipt number
Click "Get Case Updates"
Provide phone number or email
Receive alerts when status changes
This prevents need to check manually daily.
Receipt Number Format
Receipt numbers format: XXX-YY-ZZZ-NNNNN
XXX = Service center (SRC, LIN, EAC, WAC, NBC, etc.)
YY = Fiscal year
ZZZ = Computer workday
NNNNN = Case number
Example: SRC2190051234 = Texas Service Center, fiscal year 2021, case 51234
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is case status updated?
Varies. Can go months without update, then change suddenly. Check weekly, not daily.
What if status doesn't change for 6 months?
Check if processing time exceeds normal for your form type and service center. If yes, file inquiry or congressional request.
Does calling USCIS help?
For simple questions, yes. For expediting cases, rarely helps unless case significantly exceeds processing times.
When should I contact congressman?
If case exceeds normal processing by 90+ days or if you have genuine emergency (job loss, health emergency) requiring expedited processing.
Can I check someone else's case status?
Only with their receipt number. Status is public information if you have receipt number.
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