Form I-797 is the Notice of Action that USCIS sends about your case, and it comes in several versions. USCIS lists seven: I-797 (receipt or approval), I-797A (a replacement Form I-94), I-797B (approval of a worker petition), I-797C (receipt, rejection, transfers, appointments and other actions), I-797D (accompanies benefit cards), I-797E (a request for evidence), and I-797F (a transportation letter issued overseas). The letter after the number tells you which kind you are holding.
What Form I-797 is
USCIS says something simple but easy to miss: "Form I-797 is NOT a form you can fill out." It is a notice that USCIS issues to you. You do not file it. USCIS says it "uses numerous types of Form I-797 to communicate with applicants/petitioners or convey an immigration benefit." Its page has a chart that gives "a brief description of each," and that chart has the seven rows below.
The seven versions, as USCIS describes them
| Notice | What USCIS says it is for |
|---|---|
| I-797, Notice of Action | "Issued to communicate receipt or approval of an application or petition." |
| I-797A, Notice of Action | "Issued to an applicant as a replacement Form I-94." |
| I-797B, Notice of Action | "Issued for approval of an alien worker petition." |
| I-797C, Notice of Action | "Issued to communicate receipt or rejection of an applications or petitions; transfer of files; fingerprint biometric, interview and re-scheduled appointments; additional actions, and re-opening of cases." |
| I-797D | "Accompanies benefit cards." |
| I-797E, Notice of Action | "Issued to request evidence." |
| I-797F, Transportation Letter | "Issued overseas to allow applicants to travel." |
Reading the versions in plain English
The base I-797
USCIS describes the base I-797 as issued "to communicate receipt or approval of an application or petition." Note that the I-797C row also mentions receipt, so the version letter on your own notice is the thing to read, not a guess from what the notice is about.
I-797C: the widest list
The I-797C row has the longest list on the USCIS page. USCIS lists receipt or rejection of applications or petitions, transfer of files, fingerprint biometric, interview and re-scheduled appointments, additional actions, and re-opening of cases. So receipts, appointment notices and file transfers appear together in that one row. Our pages on case was received, notice was mailed, and a case transferred to another office explain those events.
For the format of the receipt number printed on a receipt notice, see our article on the USCIS receipt number.
I-797A and I-797B
An I-797A is described as a replacement Form I-94. An I-797B is described as the approval notice for an alien worker petition.
I-797D and I-797F
USCIS says the I-797D "accompanies benefit cards." The I-797F is a transportation letter issued overseas, to allow applicants to travel.
I-797E
The I-797E is "issued to request evidence." If that is the notice in your hands, the version letter says USCIS issued it to request evidence. Our RFE explainer and the guide on what to do after a request for evidence cover the next steps.
What this page does not say
The USCIS page describing these notice types does not say whether any version of Form I-797 serves as proof of immigration status. Because of that, this article does not say it either. Many people ask whether a receipt notice lets them work, travel, or stay. That depends on the specific form, category, and rules involved, and it is exactly the type of question for a licensed immigration attorney or, for students, a designated school official (DSO).
USCIS also does not list every possible notice on this page. It describes the seven above and notes that it uses numerous types.
Common questions
Do I fill out Form I-797?
No. USCIS says: "Form I-797 is NOT a form you can fill out." It is a notice USCIS issues.
What is the difference between I-797 and I-797C?
According to USCIS, the I-797 is for receipt or approval of an application or petition, while the I-797C is for receipt or rejection, transfer of files, appointments, other actions, and reopening of cases.
What is an I-797F?
USCIS describes the I-797F as a Transportation Letter, "issued overseas to allow applicants to travel." It does not say more than that on this page.
Which version asks me for more evidence?
USCIS says the I-797E is issued to request evidence.
Is my I-797 proof that I can stay in the U.S. or work?
The USCIS page on I-797 types does not say that. Ask a licensed immigration attorney, or a DSO if you are a student, about your own situation.
Official sources
GreenLight is not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.