What does “Additional Review” mean?

Informational
Direct answer

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

What comes next

Follow any case-specific notice and continue monitoring the official case record. This status does not identify a security check, predict its duration, or by itself determine whether travel is appropriate.

Typical timeline

Additional review has no universal duration, and the public status does not identify a Security Advisory Opinion or other internal process.

If you're stuck on this status

Check inquiry eligibility using the official form, category, office, and receipt date. Submit an inquiry when eligible, and obtain case-specific legal advice if the delay remains unresolved.

What to do now
  • 1Follow any case-specific notice
  • 2Use the official processing-time tool to check inquiry eligibility
  • 3Get case-specific advice before travel or other decisions that may affect a pending filing
When to contact an attorney

You usually do not need an attorney for this status by itself. Consider legal help if your case is outside published processing times, you receive a confusing notice, or your facts are complicated.

Frequently asked questions

What triggers additional review or administrative processing?
The public status does not disclose what triggered the review. A case-specific notice or response to an eligible inquiry is more reliable than guessing from nationality, work, travel, or other personal facts.
Does additional review mean I'm suspected of something?
The status alone does not show suspicion, a security finding, or the eventual decision. Follow the official record and any notice rather than inferring an outcome.
Can I travel while my case is in additional review?
The review message alone cannot answer whether travel is safe. Travel consequences depend on the filing, current status, and documents. Review current USCIS guidance and obtain case-specific legal advice before leaving the United States.
Will I be notified when the additional review is complete?
USCIS may update the online status or send a case-specific notice. Continue monitoring both; the public message does not guarantee a particular next update.
What can I do to speed up additional review?
Use the official inquiry channel when the case becomes eligible and keep the response. A congressional office can request information, and an attorney can assess other case-specific options if the delay remains unresolved.

Related status messages

On Hold →Outside Normal Processing Time →Expedite Request Was Received →Case Is Taking Longer Than Expected →
Official and related resources
Check your official USCIS case status →Check USCIS processing times →Compare timelines by USCIS form →Browse the USCIS status glossary →

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Decode your own status →
Related
Use the interactive decoder →See current USCIS processing times →Status: On Hold→Status: Priority Date Is Current→Status: Biometrics Expired→What Every USCIS Case Status Actually Means (2026 Guide)→USCIS Processing Times 2026: How to Check the Official Tool→

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.