What does “On Hold” mean?

Informational
Direct answer

Your case has been put on hold temporarily. This is typically due to an internal USCIS process or a background check.

What comes next

No action is needed from you. Holds can last from a few weeks to several months. Contact USCIS only if the hold has lasted more than 6 months with no explanation.

Typical timeline

Administrative holds typically last 1-6 months. Some holds related to security clearances can last 12+ months, particularly for applicants from certain countries.

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If you're stuck on this status

If your case has been on hold for more than 6 months, submit a service inquiry through my.uscis.gov. Your congressional representative's office can also submit a case inquiry on your behalf, which sometimes prompts USCIS to resolve administrative holds faster.

What to do now
  • 1No action needed at this time
  • 2If the hold lasts more than 6 months, contact USCIS for an explanation
  • 3Consider submitting a service request at my.uscis.gov for a status update
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

Why would USCIS place my case on hold?+
Cases are placed on hold for several reasons: (1) a pending FBI background check or name check, (2) a security advisory opinion (SAO) requested from the State Department, (3) a legal question requiring review by USCIS counsel, or (4) a hold related to a related pending case (e.g., a visa retrogression).
Is an administrative hold the same as being denied?+
No — a hold is a pause, not a denial. Your case is still active and will resume processing once the hold is lifted. Most holds are lifted automatically when the underlying issue resolves (e.g., background check clears).
How long can an administrative hold last?+
Holds vary widely in duration. Name check holds typically resolve in weeks to a few months. Security Advisory Opinions (SAOs) can take 6-24 months. USCIS is legally permitted to hold cases during these checks without a set deadline.
Can I do anything to get the hold lifted faster?+
Limited options exist: (1) contact your congressional representative's office for a case inquiry, (2) submit an e-Request after the hold exceeds published processing times, (3) consult an attorney about whether a Mandamus lawsuit is appropriate for extreme delays. Calling USCIS frequently generally doesn't help.
What should I do if the hold is affecting my work authorization or travel?+
If a hold is preventing you from working (expired EAD) or traveling (expired Advance Parole), this is urgent. Consult an immigration attorney about emergency options — these may include applying for emergency travel authorization or exploring other work authorization pathways.

Related status messages

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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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.