How to check your immigration case status
If you filed an immigration application or petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you can check the progress of your case online or by phone.

Online: Use the case status online tool to check for updates about your immigration case. You will need your 13-character receipt number from your application or petition.

Check your immigration case status

By phone: If you are calling from the U.S., contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or TTY 1-800-767-1833. If you are outside the U.S., call 212-620-3418 or contact a USCIS international field office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is immigration?]V
Immigration refers to moving into one country from another. It involves leaving behind your old home, friends, school, job, church, community organizations, neighbors etc., getting rid of most possessions except the essentials you want to take along
What is a green card?]V
A Green Card is documentation that establishes permanent resident status for citizens who aren’t American. It is similar to but not the same as naturalized citizen rights which provide additional benefits like voting and running for public office. Naturalization requires five years of residency and proof of good character; these requirements can be waived if you are married to an American citizen though requirements lessen over time regardless. Green cards are renewed every ten years thereafter until one reaches retirement age where they no longer need renewal unless their status changes (divorce etc.) Exceptions such as minors and students only affect green cards requiring renewal at different times and under differing conditions than other adult green card holders. For example, children reach majority at 21 so their parents must either petition on behalf of them at age 21 or wait another decade assuming all eligibility criteria still apply before doing so unless other exceptions apply e.g.. marriage alters eligibility timing after two full years of residency without any incidents causing disqualification per USCIS.
What is USCIS?]V
USCIS stands for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security that administers the nation's lawful immigration system. USCIS is responsible for a wide range of immigration-related functions those include: -Administering the naturalization process for people who want to become U.S. citizens
Processing applications for permanent residency (green cards)
Adjudicating petitions for family-sponsored and employment-based immigration
Overseeing the enforcement of immigration laws
Providing information and assistance to the public on immigration matters
What is a lawful permanent resident?]V
Someone born elsewhere but now has official permission to stay here legally without needing continued renewals except under exceptional unforeseen events. If someone was a child when their parents qualified for legal entry then children grow into adulthood very quickly while still attending school with delayed minor status expiration dates. Unlike green cards, lawful permanent residents automatically filed for naturalized U.S. citizenship receive a certificate valid for federal elections balloting, run future campaigns
What is conditional permanent residence? ]V
Conditional Permanent Residence is a status granted to some immigrants allowing them to live and work in the country based on certain stipulations, referred to as "conditions," which they must meet in order to maintain their status beyond a specified deadline. Meeting these conditions typically involves proving compliance with existing laws or government regulations related to investments, job creation or various types of business developments in connection with commercial enterprises designed to benefit larger communities more broadly defined according to prevailing social values or national interests.
Why would a green card application be denied? ]V
Green Card applications can be denied due to several reasons such as failing to provide proper documentation, submitting incomplete forms, errors in information provided, criminal history or violation of US immigration laws, being outside of the designated family preference categories or employment-based categories, or not meeting required education, skills, or experience thresholds necessary for specific visa classifications reserved for highly skilled foreign workers contributing to American competitiveness via specialized services or exceptional abilities.
Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my green card?]V
Yes, you can work in the U.S. while waiting for your green card, but only if you have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). An EAD is a document issued by USCIS that allows you to work in the United States. You can apply for an EAD as part of your green card application, or you can apply for it separately.
What is the Visa Bulletin? ]V
The Visa Bulletin refers to the State Department's monthly publication that provides updates about availability of both employment-based and family-based permanent residence immigrant visas. It includes cutoff dates which show whether petition filers are eligible to apply immediately for adjustment of status, or if not yet qualified will need to wait longer for next possible chance upon reevaluation during following fiscal quarter
What is a biometric screening?]V
Biometric Screening refers to the process of collecting physical data measurements or images that capture distinctive traits used for identification or security purposes including fingerprints and facial recognition scans often accompanied by name checks matching individuals against various watchlists containing names and aliases suspected of posing risks.
What is deferred action?]V
Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. For purposes of future inadmissibility based on prior periods of unlawful presence in the United States, an individual is not considered to be unlawfully present during the period when deferred action is in effect.
What is DACA?]V
On June 15, 2012, the secretary of homeland security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of 2 years, subject to renewal, and, if approved, will then be eligible for work authorization if they can demonstrate economic necessity.
If my removal is deferred under the DACA final rule, am I eligible for employment authorization?]V
Yes. Under the regulations at 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(33) , if you receive DACA under the DACA final rule, you may obtain employment authorization from USCIS provided you can demonstrate an economic necessity for employment.
If my case is deferred, am I in lawful status for the period of deferral?
Can I renew my period of deferred action and employment authorization under DACA?
]V
Yes. Under the regulations at 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(33) , if you receive DACA under the DACA final rule, you may obtain employment authorization from USCIS provided you can demonstrate an economic necessity for employment.
Can I request consideration of DACA from USCIS if I am in immigration detention under the custody of ICE?]V
Yes. If you are currently in immigration detention, you may request consideration of DACA from USCIS. However, if we decide to grant you DACA, we will not approve your DACA request until you are released from detention. If you are requesting DACA, you should tell your deportation officer.
If I am about to be removed by ICE and believe that I meet the guidelines for consideration of DACA, what should I do to seek review of my case before removal?]V
If you believe you can demonstrate that you meet the guidelines and are about to be removed, you should immediately contact your case officer or the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line
What should I do if I meet the guidelines of the process and have been issued an ICE detainer following an arrest by a state or local law enforcement officer?]V
If you meet the guidelines and have been served a detainer, you should immediately contact the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line
Can I request consideration of DACA under this process if I am in a nonimmigrant status (for example F-1, E-2, H-4) or have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) at the time I submit my request?]V
No. You can only request consideration of DACA under this process if, at the time of submitting your request and at the time of adjudication of your request, you have no immigration status and were not in any lawful status on June 15, 2012.
Will USCIS conduct a background check when you review my request for DACA?]V
Yes. You must undergo biographic and biometric background checks before we will consider your DACA request.
What do background checks involve?]V
Background checks involve checking biographic and biometric information provided by an individual against a variety of databases maintained by DHS and other federal government agencies.
 
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