Status Reference
USCIS Status Glossary: Plain English Guide
Every USCIS case status message explained in plain English: what it means, what happens next, how long it may last, and exactly what to do.
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Good news
Statuses that indicate positive progress: approvals, scheduled interviews, and issued documents.
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.
Interview Was Completed
USCIS recorded that the interview occurred. This status alone does not establish the decision or the internal review stage.
Case Was Approved
Your case was approved. USCIS has issued a positive decision on your application.
Card Was Mailed
USCIS posted that your physical card was mailed or delivered.
Employment Authorization Document
Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD / work permit) was approved. You're authorized to work in the U.S.
Advance Parole
USCIS approved your Advance Parole request. The status message alone is not the travel document.
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.
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.
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.
Travel Document Was Produced
USCIS recorded that your Advance Parole travel document was produced. Follow later mailing and tracking updates.
Interview Waiver
USCIS posted that an interview is not required at this time. The case remains subject to case-specific adjudication.
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.
Expedite Request Was Approved
USCIS approved your expedite request. Your case has been prioritized for faster processing ahead of similarly-aged non-expedited cases.
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.
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.
Fees Were Waived
USCIS approved your fee waiver request (Form I-912). You will not need to pay the filing fee for this application.
Informational
Routine processing updates. No action required. Your case is moving through the system.
Case Was Received
USCIS got your application and assigned it a receipt number. Your case is in the queue.
Fingerprints Were Taken
USCIS took your fingerprints and photos. This is a routine step. It does NOT mean approval or denial is imminent.
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.
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.
Notice Was Mailed
USCIS sent you an official Notice of Action. This is often your receipt, approval, or case update notice.
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.
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.
Additional Review
USCIS reports that your case is under additional review. The public status does not identify the internal process or predict the outcome.
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.
Naturalization
USCIS is processing your N-400 naturalization application to become a U.S. citizen.
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.
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.
Initial Review
USCIS posted an initial-review status. It does not disclose the internal checks completed or whether an officer has been assigned.
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.
Expedite Request Was Received
USCIS received your expedite request and is reviewing whether your case qualifies for faster processing.
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.
Attention needed
Something to watch carefully. May require action soon or monitoring more frequently.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Action required
These statuses require prompt action, often with strict deadlines. Read the notice immediately.
Request For Additional Evidence
USCIS needs more documents or information from you. This is NOT a denial: it's a request for more proof.
Case Was Denied
Your case was denied. You should receive a written decision explaining why.
Notice Was Returned
USCIS tried to mail you something but it came back undeliverable. They don't have your correct address.
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.
Case Was Withdrawn
Your case has been closed. This could be because you withdrew the application or USCIS administratively closed it.
Card Was Returned
Your physical card was mailed but came back to USCIS as undeliverable. Your card is waiting at USCIS.
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.
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GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.