Checking on the Status of Immigration Cases

Whether you want to apply for citizenship in the United States, are seeking a green card or work visa, want to bring a family member to the U.S. adopt a child from another country, or you qualify for refugee status, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office offers resources to help navigate the immigration process. After you've filed for your particular situation, you can check your immigration case status online, where you can sign up for updates via text or email. You can also find out about your status by phone, or make an appointment to discuss your case with a USCIS official in person. 

Online

Create an account at USCIS My Case Status so you can check your status online. You'll need to sign up for either an account for yourself if you are seeking the status of your case, or as a representative of someone else if you are checking on a relative who is in the immigration process. Whether you're applying yourself or for a family member, you'll need basic information such as official name, date of birth, address, and the country of citizenship to answer security questions during the registration process. Once you've signed up, you can log in, enter your 13-character application receipt number, and track progress of your case.

From your USCIS account, you can sign up for automatic case status updates via email or text message to a U.S. cell phone number whenever an update has occurred.

By Phone or Mail

You can also call and send mail regarding your case status. Call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283, follow the voice prompts, and have your application receipt number ready. If you filed an application with your local USCIS Field Office, you can write directly to that office for an update. In your letter, be sure to include:

• Your name, address, and (if different) your name as it appears on your application
• Your Alien number, or A-number
• Your date of birth
• The date and place your application was filed
• Your application receipt number
• A copy of the most recent notice sent to you by the USCIS, if you have received one
• 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

In Person

If you want to talk to someone face-to-face about your case status, make an InfoPass appointment and bring:

• Your A-number
• The date and place your application was filed
• Your application receipt number
• Copies of any notices sent to you by the USCIS

Additional Resources

• Find out how long it will take to get your visa. You can also look up local processing times for USCIS applications and petitions.
• USCIS offers a toll-free military help line exclusively for members of the United States military and their immediate families.
• Looking for Diversity Visa green card lottery results? Starting with DV-2010, diversity visa status information has been available online.