What does “Case Was Withdrawn” mean?

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Direct answer

Your case has been closed. This could be because you withdrew the application or USCIS administratively closed it.

What comes next

Contact USCIS or your attorney to understand why the case was closed. If you want to continue, you may need to refile.

Typical timeline

After a case is withdrawn or closed, no further processing occurs. If you need to continue your immigration journey, you'll need to file a new application and pay new fees.

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If you're stuck on this status

If your case was closed unexpectedly (you didn't request withdrawal), contact USCIS immediately. Administrative closures can sometimes be reversed if they were made in error. Consult an immigration attorney to assess your options and timeline for refiling.

What to do now
  • 1Contact USCIS or your attorney to understand the closure reason
  • 2Determine if you can refile or if a motion to reopen is appropriate
  • 3Check if this affects your immigration status or work authorization
When to contact an attorney

Consider contacting an immigration attorney if the notice asks for evidence, includes a deadline, mentions denial, or you are unsure how to respond. Missing a USCIS deadline can seriously affect your case.

Frequently asked questions

Why would USCIS close my case without my requesting it?
USCIS may administratively close a case if: (1) you failed to respond to an RFE or NOID, (2) your biometrics appointment was missed, (3) a required fee was returned or unpaid, (4) USCIS determined you no longer meet eligibility requirements, or (5) a technical or administrative reason. Always read the closure notice carefully.
Can I reopen a withdrawn or closed case?
If you voluntarily withdrew your case, you generally cannot reopen it — you must refile. If USCIS administratively closed your case (e.g., due to a missed deadline), you may be able to file a Motion to Reopen with an explanation for the failure to respond. Success depends on the circumstances.
Does a closed case affect my immigration status?
It can. If you were on a nonimmigrant status (H-1B, F-1, etc.), a closed case may not immediately affect your status — you remain in status through your visa or I-94 expiration. If you were relying on the pending case for status (e.g., a pending I-485 provides status), closure can be more serious. Consult an attorney.
If I refile after a withdrawal, does my original priority date carry over?
In most family-based cases, the original priority date does NOT carry over if you withdraw and refile — you get a new priority date based on the new filing date. For employment-based cases, consult an attorney as rules vary by category.
What should I do if I think my case was closed by mistake?
Act immediately. Submit a formal inquiry through my.uscis.gov, call the USCIS Contact Center, and consult an immigration attorney who can file a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider. Courts have overturned erroneous USCIS closures, but quick action is critical.

Related status messages

Case Was Denied →Case Was Reopened →Request For Additional Evidence →
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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Related
Use the interactive decoder →See current USCIS processing times →Status: Case Was Reopened→Status: On Hold→Status: Additional Review→What Every USCIS Case Status Actually Means (2026 Guide)→USCIS Processing Times 2026: Every Form, Every Service Center→

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.