In many instances, you can check your case status online, by mail, over the phone or in person:
For Applications Filed in the U.S.
1. Have a receipt? Check your case status online:
If you have already gotten a receipt for your application, you can check your case status by going to the USCIS case status search page, and simply entering that receipt number.
If you do not have a receipt number, and you have been waiting 60 days or more, your American sponsor should contact the representative of Congress with jurisdiction over:
- The home zip code of your family sponsor,
or
- The office zip code of your employer sponsor.
The representative will usually submit a case status inquiry to USCIS on your behalf.
2. Regular Case Status Updates:
You can also sign up for regular updates on your case status via e-mail.
3. Check case status by phone:
Call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Follow the automated instructions and have your receipt number ready.
4. Inquire about your case status by postal mail:
For applications filed with a local USCIS office, you can write to that office. You will find local USCIS addresses on the USCIS Field Offices page. In your letter, be sure to include the following:
Your current name and address, and, if different, your name as it appears on your application;
Any A-number (Alien number), which is an 8 or 9 digit number following the letter "A," previously assigned to you (check any correspondence from the USCIS, former INS or BCIS). If you have no number, leave this blank;
Your date of birth;
The date and place where your application was filed;
Any receipt number issued by the USCIS (former INS, BCIS) for your application;
A copy of the most recent notice sent to you by the USCIS (formerly INS, BCIS) about your application, if you have received one; and,
The date and office where you were fingerprinted, as well as the location of your interview, if it has taken place or been assigned yet. If not, leave blank.
Note: Make sure to sign your request. Mark your envelope: ATTN: Case Status Inquiry.
5. Just walk-in:
Because of long lines and--sometimes--a lack of cooperation, we don't recommend this. But if you choose to go to the local USCIS office processing your application, take the following:
Any A-number (Alien number), which is an 8 or 9 digit number following the letter "A," previously assigned to you (check any correspondence from the USCIS, former INS or BCIS). If you have no number, leave this blank;
The date and place where your application was filed;
Any receipt number issued to you by the USCIS (former INS, BCIS) for your application;
A copy of the most recent notice sent to you by USCIS (or former INS or BCIS) on your application, if you have received one; and,
The date and office where you were fingerprinted, as well as your interview location, if this has been done.
~Exception to the above if your application is being handled locally:
If, although you applied through a Service Center, your most recent contact with the USCIS was from one of its local offices, contact the local office directly, not your Service Center.
Backlogged Green Card Case Status:
If you are waiting for a priority date to come current, you can check the status of your case online, with the Department of Labor's Backlog Public Disclosure System.
J-Waiver Case Status:
To see where your J-Waiver stands, submit your query online with the State Department. All you need is your file number.
Asylum, Removal Hearings:
If you have a pending application for asylum, or if you have a deportation/removal hearing before an Immigration Judge or Board of Immigration Appeals, call (800) 898-7180 to check your case status. Have any immigration or court related numbers, such as your green card number, A-number (alien number), and/or your court docket number.
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