USCIS Case Status Decoder

USCIS has accepted your application and assigned it a receipt number. Your case is now in their processing queue.

Save your receipt number (starts with IOE, EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC). You'll use it to check status at my.uscis.gov. Await a biometrics appointment notice or further update.

An officer is currently reviewing your application file. This is a normal mid-processing status.

No action required. USCIS officers review cases in batches. This status can last from a few days to several months — it does not mean something is wrong.

Your case has been moved from one USCIS office to another, typically to the office closest to where you live.

No action required. Transfers are routine. The receiving office will continue processing. Check USCIS processing times for the new office to gauge expected timelines.

Something in your case record was changed — this could be an address update, officer reassignment, or internal system note. It does not mean a decision was made.

Log into my.uscis.gov to view any new notices or correspondence. If you requested an address update, this may confirm it was processed.

A previously closed or decided case has been officially reopened for further review. This happens after a successful appeal, motion to reopen, or administrative correction.

Check my.uscis.gov for any new notices. If you filed a motion or appeal, this confirms USCIS accepted it and your case is active again.

Your case has been pending longer than USCIS's published processing time for your form type and service center.

You may now submit a case inquiry online via the USCIS Contact Center (1-800-375-5283) or submit an e-request at egov.uscis.gov. You can also contact your congressional representative's office for a status inquiry.

You are waiting for a visa number to become available. The State Department controls priority dates based on country of birth and visa category.

Check the Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov each month to see when your priority date becomes current. No USCIS action is needed until your date is current.

Your application is undergoing additional administrative review — often a deeper background check or security clearance. This is separate from regular USCIS processing.

No action required unless USCIS requests documents. Administrative processing timelines vary widely (weeks to years). Contact your congressional representative if it exceeds 12 months.

USCIS mailed a notice to your address but it was returned because the postal service could not deliver it.

Update your address immediately at my.uscis.gov or by filing Form AR-11. Then contact USCIS to request the notice be resent. Failure to act quickly may cause delays or missed deadlines.

USCIS has scheduled you for a fingerprints and photo collection appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC).

Watch your mail for an appointment notice with the date, time, and location. Bring your appointment notice and a government-issued photo ID. Missing biometrics can delay or jeopardize your case.

Your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) have been collected and submitted to the FBI and other agencies for background checks.

Background check results typically return within a few weeks. After biometrics clear, your case usually advances to active review or interview scheduling.

An interview has been scheduled at your local USCIS field office. This is a major milestone — most green card and naturalization applicants must attend.

An appointment notice will arrive by mail with the date, time, location, and required documents. Prepare thoroughly: review your application, gather supporting documents, and consider consulting an attorney.

Your USCIS interview has taken place. An officer reviewed your application in person.

The officer may approve at the interview or indicate a decision will come by mail. Expect a written decision within days to several weeks. Do not travel internationally if your I-485 is pending.

USCIS has decided your case does not require an in-person interview. This is typically good news and can speed up processing.

Your case will be decided based on documents submitted. Ensure all your supporting documents are current and complete. Await a decision notice.

USCIS needs additional documentation or clarification before they can decide your case. This is not a denial — it is a formal request you must respond to.

You have 87 days to respond (check your notice for the exact deadline). Respond completely — a partial response may result in denial. Strongly consider consulting an immigration attorney for your response.

USCIS has received your RFE response and it is under review. Your case is active again.

No action required. USCIS will review your response and issue a decision. Processing can take 60–120 days after an RFE response is received.

USCIS intends to deny your application but is giving you a chance to respond before a final decision is made.

This is serious. You typically have 33 days to respond. Consult an immigration attorney immediately. Address every point in the notice — failure to respond or an inadequate response usually results in denial.

USCIS has received your response to the Notice of Intent to Deny and is reviewing it.

No further action is required unless USCIS requests more information. A final decision will be issued.

USCIS has approved your petition or application. Your immigration benefit has been granted.

An approval notice (Form I-797) will arrive by mail. For green cards and EADs, a separate notice will follow when your card is produced. Save all approval notices permanently.

Your physical card (Green Card, EAD, or travel document) has been printed and is ready for mailing.

Your card will be shipped within 1–2 business days via USPS. Delivery typically takes 7–10 days. Track it using the tracking number in your USCIS online account.

Your card has been handed off to USPS for delivery to your address on file.

Watch for delivery within 7–10 days. If it does not arrive within 30 days of the mail date, contact USCIS to request a replacement.

USPS has picked up your card for delivery. It is on its way to your mailing address.

Expect delivery within a few business days. If it does not arrive within 10 days, check with your local post office and then contact USCIS.

USPS was unable to deliver your card and returned it to USCIS.

Update your mailing address at my.uscis.gov immediately, then contact USCIS to request your card be re-mailed. Check that your address on file is correct.

Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD / work permit) has been printed and is being prepared for mailing.

Your EAD will arrive within 7–10 days. It allows you to work legally in the U.S. for the validity period shown on the card.

Your Advance Parole travel document has been printed. This allows you to travel internationally while your green card application is pending.

Your Advance Parole document will arrive within 7–10 days. Do not travel internationally before it arrives — departing the U.S. without it while your I-485 is pending will result in abandonment of your application.

USCIS or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has accepted your appeal for review. Your case will be reconsidered.

The appeals process can take months to years. Do not take any action that could affect your immigration status in the meantime. Consider retaining an immigration attorney if you have not already.

A motion to reopen has been filed asking USCIS to reconsider a closed case based on new facts or evidence.

USCIS will review the motion and either grant it (reopening the case) or deny it. Response times vary. Ensure you have strong new evidence to support the motion.

A motion to reconsider has been filed arguing that USCIS made a legal or procedural error in their decision.

USCIS will review the motion. Unlike a motion to reopen, this argues legal error rather than new facts. An immigration attorney should review your original denial and the motion.

USCIS has denied your application. The denial notice explains the reasons.

Read the denial notice carefully — it will explain why. Depending on the reason, you may be able to file a motion to reopen, motion to reconsider, or an appeal. Act quickly as deadlines are strict (usually 30–33 days). Consult an immigration attorney immediately.

Your case has been dismissed, typically meaning USCIS did not act on it (often in naturalization or removal proceedings contexts).

Review the dismissal notice for the specific reason and any available remedies. Consult an attorney to determine whether refiling or appealing is appropriate.

Your case has been terminated — meaning USCIS has ended processing, often due to changed circumstances, loss of eligibility, or a withdrawal.

Consult an immigration attorney. Depending on your situation, you may be able to refile or take other remedial action.

The applicant or petitioner voluntarily withdrew the application before a decision was made.

If this is unexpected, contact USCIS immediately — it may be an error. If intentional, note that filing fees are generally not refunded.

You have been scheduled for the naturalization oath ceremony — the final step to becoming a U.S. citizen.

You will receive a Form N-445 and appointment notice. Attend the ceremony, take the Oath of Allegiance, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You are then a U.S. citizen.

You took the Oath of Allegiance at your ceremony. You are now a U.S. citizen.

Apply for a U.S. passport immediately using your Certificate of Naturalization. Update your Social Security records. Congratulations — you're a U.S. citizen!

USCIS has approved your petition to remove the conditions from your two-year conditional green card (I-751). You now have a 10-year permanent green card.

Your 10-year Permanent Resident Card will be produced and mailed separately. Keep your I-797 approval notice as proof of your permanent resident status while you wait.

USCIS has received a response from you (to an RFE, NOID, or other notice) and is currently reviewing it.

No action required. Processing after a response typically takes 60–120 days. You will receive a decision notice by mail.

A duplicate copy of a notice was identified and discarded. This is an administrative housekeeping status — it does not affect your case.

No action required. Your case is unaffected.

USCIS approved your case and also lifted any 90-day conditional limitations on your status.

Your permanent resident status is fully valid. Expect your Green Card to arrive by mail within a few weeks.

USCIS has approved your fee waiver request. You will not need to pay the filing fees for this application.

USCIS will proceed with processing your application without a fee payment. Keep the fee waiver approval notice with your application records.

USCIS is asking you to submit additional evidence that you have lived continuously in the U.S. for the required period (usually for naturalization applications).

Respond within the deadline stated in the notice. Acceptable evidence includes tax returns, bank statements, lease agreements, employment records, and school records. Consult an attorney if your residence was interrupted.

USCIS is printing a new version of your card — typically a renewal, replacement, or corrected card.

Your new card will be mailed within 7–10 days of this status. No action is required unless you need to update your address.