Amelia Blake

Understanding the "Case Was Received" Status for EB-5 Visa Applications

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency responsible for processing immigration applications, including the EB-5 investor visa. When you submit an EB-5 application, you may see a status update saying "Case Was Received." Here's what you need to know:

What "Case Was Received" Means

This status indicates that USCIS has received your application and is the first step in the process. USCIS will send you two important notifications:

1. Form I-797C (Notice of Action): This official receipt contains your receipt number. Keep this document safe, as you'll need the receipt number to check your case status.

2. Online Status Update: You can check your case status on the USCIS website (https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do).

Important Notes:
• "Case Received" is not the same as "Case Approved." It only means USCIS has started reviewing your application.
• The process can be lengthy, so patience is key.
• You can request electronic notifications by submitting Form G-1145 (https://www.uscis.gov/g-1145).

Timeline and Processing

• USCIS typically sends the receipt notice within 10 days, but it may take 2-3 weeks.
• EB-5 processing times vary. Recent averages for Form I-526 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-526) are:

FY 2018: 19.9 months
FY 2019: 19.0 months
FY 2020: 31.1 months
FY 2021: 32.5 months
FY 2022: 44.2 months

• The five-year average is about 29 months (2.4 years).
• Check current processing times on the USCIS website (https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/).

Other Status Updates You May See

As your case progresses, you may encounter these status updates:

• Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It
• Document and Letter Received
• Response to USCIS' Request for Evidence Was Received
• Expedite Request Received

Each update provides important information about your case. Some may require action within a specific timeframe, such as responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Staying Informed

• Check your case status regularly using the USCIS online tool.
• Keep all USCIS correspondence and follow any instructions promptly.
• If your application is taking longer than the normal processing time, you can contact USCIS (https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter).

For more detailed information on the EB-5 program, visit the official USCIS EB-5 page (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for specific legal counsel. OpenSphere is a technology company, not a law firm, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by USCIS or any government entity.