What does Actively Being Reviewed mean?

USCIS posted an active-review status. It does not prove that an officer currently has the file open or reveal the internal stage.

What does Additional Review mean?

USCIS reports that your case is under additional review. The public status does not identify the internal process or predict the outcome.

What does Advance Parole mean?

USCIS approved your Advance Parole request. The status message alone is not the travel document.

What does Appeal Was Filed mean?

An appeal of a USCIS decision has been filed with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The appeal is now under review.

What does Biometrics Expired mean?

Your biometrics (fingerprints) on file have expired and USCIS needs to take them again. This is routine: it happens if your case has been pending for 15+ months.

What does Card Was Mailed mean?

USCIS posted that your physical card was mailed or delivered.

What does Card Was Picked Up By The Usps mean?

USCIS handed your card to USPS for delivery. The card is in the mail system and on its way to your address on file.

What does Card Was Returned mean?

Your physical card was mailed but came back to USCIS as undeliverable. Your card is waiting at USCIS.

What does Case Is Ready To Be Scheduled mean?

USCIS posted that the case is ready to be scheduled for an interview. This does not disclose whether every background or adjudicative step is complete.

What does Case Is Taking Longer Than Expected mean?

USCIS reports that your case is taking longer than expected. The public status does not identify the cause or predict when the case will move.

Quick reference

USCIS Status Glossary

A fast plain-English glossary of USCIS case status messages. Use this page for quick definitions, then open the full guide for next steps, timelines, FAQs, and official resources.

Decode your exact status →

Actively Being Reviewed: USCIS posted an active-review status. It does not prove that an officer currently has the file open or reveal the internal stage. Full guide →
Additional Review: USCIS reports that your case is under additional review. The public status does not identify the internal process or predict the outcome. Full guide →
Advance Parole: USCIS approved your Advance Parole request. The status message alone is not the travel document. Full guide →
Appeal Was Filed: An appeal of a USCIS decision has been filed with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The appeal is now under review. Full guide →
Biometrics Expired: Your biometrics (fingerprints) on file have expired and USCIS needs to take them again. This is routine: it happens if your case has been pending for 15+ months. Full guide →
Card Was Mailed: USCIS posted that your physical card was mailed or delivered. Full guide →
Card Was Picked Up By The Usps: USCIS handed your card to USPS for delivery. The card is in the mail system and on its way to your address on file. Full guide →
Card Was Returned: Your physical card was mailed but came back to USCIS as undeliverable. Your card is waiting at USCIS. Full guide →
Case Is Ready To Be Scheduled: USCIS posted that the case is ready to be scheduled for an interview. This does not disclose whether every background or adjudicative step is complete. Full guide →
Case Is Taking Longer Than Expected: USCIS reports that your case is taking longer than expected. The public status does not identify the cause or predict when the case will move. Full guide →
Case Was Approved: Your case was approved. USCIS has issued a positive decision on your application. Full guide →
Case Was Continued: Your interview happened, but the officer did not make a decision during the interview itself. Your case was continued for further review. Full guide →
Case Was Denied: Your case was denied. You should receive a written decision explaining why. Full guide →
Case Was Received: USCIS got your application and assigned it a receipt number. Your case is in the queue. Full guide →
Case Was Rejected Because It Was Not Properly Filed: USCIS rejected your application before processing it. A rejection is different from a denial: it means there was a filing error that prevented USCIS from accepting the application. Full guide →
Case Was Reopened: USCIS has reopened your case, either because you filed a motion to reopen or because they initiated it. Your case is active again. Full guide →
Case Was Sent To Department Of State: Your petition was approved by USCIS and sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) or a U.S. consulate abroad for the next stage of consular processing. Full guide →
Case Was Transferred: Your case was moved to a different USCIS office. This is routine and doesn't hurt your case: different offices handle different stages. Full guide →
Case Was Withdrawn: Your case has been closed. This could be because you withdrew the application or USCIS administratively closed it. Full guide →
Conditional Green Card: You've received a conditional (2-year) green card. This is common for applicants married to U.S. citizens for less than 2 years at the time of approval. Full guide →
Employment Authorization Document: Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD / work permit) was approved. You're authorized to work in the U.S. Full guide →
Expedite Request Was Approved: USCIS approved your expedite request. Your case has been prioritized for faster processing ahead of similarly-aged non-expedited cases. Full guide →
Expedite Request Was Denied: USCIS reviewed your expedite request and determined your case does not qualify for faster processing. Your case will continue in the normal queue. Full guide →
Expedite Request Was Received: USCIS received your expedite request and is reviewing whether your case qualifies for faster processing. Full guide →
Fees Were Waived: USCIS approved your fee waiver request (Form I-912). You will not need to pay the filing fee for this application. Full guide →
Fingerprints Were Taken: USCIS took your fingerprints and photos. This is a routine step. It does NOT mean approval or denial is imminent. Full guide →
I-751: Your I-751 petition to remove conditions on your green card is being processed. This is required if you received a conditional (2-year) green card through marriage. Full guide →
Initial Review: USCIS posted an initial-review status. It does not disclose the internal checks completed or whether an officer has been assigned. Full guide →
Interview Waiver: USCIS posted that an interview is not required at this time. The case remains subject to case-specific adjudication. Full guide →
Interview Was Completed: USCIS recorded that the interview occurred. This status alone does not establish the decision or the internal review stage. Full guide →
Interview Was Scheduled: USCIS scheduled your interview at a local field office. Check your mail for the official notice with the date, time, and location. Full guide →
Motion To Reopen Was Filed: A motion to reopen or reconsider a USCIS decision has been filed. USCIS will review the motion and either reopen the case or issue a decision on the motion. Full guide →
Naturalization: USCIS is processing your N-400 naturalization application to become a U.S. citizen. Full guide →
Notice Explaining Uscis Actions: USCIS has sent you a notice explaining an action they took on your case. This could be about a transfer, a hold, or an administrative action. Full guide →
Notice Of Intent To Deny: USCIS is considering denying your case and is giving you a chance to respond before they make a final decision. This is serious but not a denial yet. Full guide →
Notice Was Mailed: USCIS sent you an official Notice of Action. This is often your receipt, approval, or case update notice. Full guide →
Notice Was Returned: USCIS tried to mail you something but it came back undeliverable. They don't have your correct address. Full guide →
Oath Ceremony: Your naturalization interview was approved and your Oath of Allegiance ceremony has been scheduled. This is the final step to becoming a U.S. citizen. Full guide →
On Hold: USCIS reports that your case is on hold. The public status does not explain the reason or how long the hold will last. Full guide →
Outside Normal Processing Time: Your case has taken longer than USCIS's published processing time for your case type. You may be eligible to submit a case inquiry. Full guide →
Priority Date Is Current: Your priority date is now current in the visa bulletin. This means a green card number is available for your category and USCIS can process your case to completion. Full guide →
Request For Additional Evidence: USCIS needs more documents or information from you. This is NOT a denial: it's a request for more proof. Full guide →
Response To Request For Evidence Was Received: USCIS recorded receipt of your response to the Request for Evidence. This status does not reveal the internal review stage. Full guide →
Travel Document Was Produced: USCIS recorded that your Advance Parole travel document was produced. Follow later mailing and tracking updates. Full guide →
We Ordered Your New Card: USCIS approved your case and ordered production of your green card, EAD, or travel document. The card is being manufactured and will be mailed to you. Full guide →
Withdrawal Acknowledged: USCIS confirmed that your request to withdraw your application has been accepted. Your case is now closed and no further action will be taken. Full guide →

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GreenLight is independent and is not affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. This glossary is educational information, not legal advice. Always verify official status at my.uscis.gov.