Manually checking your case status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be really stressful, but it’s obviously important to stay up to date. We explain how you can check your status and get automatic updates when changes occur.
How to get automatic updates to your USCIS case status
There are easy ways to check your case status manually, but it may be more efficient (and less stressful) to sign up for automatic updates to your case status. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a new service where you can sign up for regular updates to your USCIS case status. No U.S. Social Security Number is needed to subscribe to the service.
It’s very easy to confuse the new DHS service with an older version of status tracking from USCIS. There are also tools from third-party providers that charge money for case status checking services which you may want to stay away from. To get a full guide on how to set up automatic updates to your USCIS case status, including tips on what to avoid, enter your details below.
How to check your USCIS my case status online
For an immediate check-in on your USCIS case status, you can visit the “Case Status Online” page of USCIS directly. Follow the instructions below:
- Visit the online search page.
- Insert your 13-digit receipt number in the box below “enter a receipt number”
- Enter your number correctly with all 13 letters as printed on the receipt notice, and ensure that there are no spaces
- Click the “check status” button
- Once the page refreshes you will see the latest update about your case
What to know about USCIS status changes
Whether it’s applying for a visa, residency, or citizenship, navigating the U.S. immigration system can intimidate many newcomers to the United States. If you want to ensure that your path to a life in America is going smoothly, keeping track of your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status is a good first step.
USCIS is a government agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the primary organization that manages visa and adjustment of status (“Green Card”) applications. You may have to reach out to USCIS if your status changes unexpectedly, so check it regularly to avoid surprises due to unexpected delays.
For each visa and Green Card application submitted, the USCIS assigns a unique 13-digit case number. You can find your latest receipt number on your Form I-797 Notice of Action. Check your visa or immigration application filed with USCIS case status online using this receipt number.
