GreenLight and Lawfully are both free USCIS case tracking tools, but they work differently. GreenLight is built for applicants who want privacy-first tracking: your receipt number stays on your device, while account sync is limited to the general case details needed for history and alerts. Lawfully connects to your USCIS account and offers a mobile app with AI-powered processing time predictions. This guide compares both tools honestly so you can decide which fits your situation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | GreenLight | Lawfully |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (Pro tier optional) | Free (Premium tier available) |
| Data privacy | Case data stored in your browser only — nothing sent to a server | Requires USCIS account login; data stored on Lawfully servers |
| Status decoder | Yes — plain-English explanation of any USCIS status message | Limited — shows status from USCIS directly |
| Community benchmarks | Yes — compare your timeline to real applicants at the same field office | Yes — timeline data from the Lawfully community |
| Status alerts | Yes — email and browser push notifications | Yes — mobile push, email |
| Processing time estimates | Community-based benchmarks | AI-powered predictions based on historical data |
| Document checklist | Yes — I-485, I-765, I-131 checklists with downloadable guides | Limited checklist features |
| Mobile app | Web-based (mobile-optimized) | Yes — iOS and Android apps |
| Receipt number required | No — enters decoder without sending it to a server | Yes — links to your USCIS account |
Where GreenLight Wins
Privacy-first architecture
GreenLight was designed from the ground up so that your case data stays on your device. When you enter a status message into the GreenLight decoder, nothing is sent to a server — the decoding happens locally. Your receipt number, case type, and timeline are stored in your browser's localStorage and never leave your device. For applicants who are cautious about sharing immigration case data with third-party services, this is a meaningful distinction.
Status decoder
GreenLight's decoder translates any USCIS status message into plain English — explaining what the update means, what typically comes next, and what (if anything) you should do. You can try it at greenlighttrack.com/decoder. Lawfully displays your status directly from USCIS but does not provide the same level of plain-language explanation.
Document checklists
GreenLight includes downloadable checklists for I-485 (adjustment of status), I-765 (work permit), and I-131 (travel document). Each checklist maps to the specific evidence requirements for that form. Lawfully's checklist functionality is more limited.
Where Lawfully Wins
Native mobile apps
Lawfully has dedicated iOS and Android apps with push notifications. If you prefer a native mobile experience over a web browser, Lawfully has the advantage here. GreenLight is a web-based application, though it is fully optimized for mobile browsers.
AI processing time predictions
Lawfully uses historical case data to generate AI-powered predictions for how long your specific case type may take. GreenLight shows community benchmarks from real applicants but does not currently generate individual predictions.
Which Should You Choose?
If privacy is your top priority — or you don't want to link your USCIS account to a third-party service — GreenLight is the better choice. If you want a native mobile app and AI-powered processing predictions, Lawfully has those features.
Many applicants use both: GreenLight for the status decoder and community timeline, Lawfully for mobile push notifications. Both are free at the base level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GreenLight free?Yes. GreenLight's core features — the status decoder, timeline visualization, community benchmarks, and checklists — are all free. A Pro tier is available with additional features like multi-case tracking and priority alerts, but free users have access to all essential tools.
Does GreenLight store my receipt number?No. GreenLight does not store your receipt number on any server. Common decoder results are handled locally, and fallback decoder requests are not logged by default. If you create an account, the general case details you save can sync securely for history and alerts, but your receipt number remains local-only.
Which is better: GreenLight or Lawfully?It depends on your priorities. GreenLight is better for privacy-conscious applicants who want a status decoder and community benchmarks without sharing data with a third party. Lawfully is better if you want a native mobile app or AI-powered processing time predictions. Both are free to start. Many applicants use both tools for different purposes.
Try GreenLight
You can use GreenLight's status decoder right now — no account required, no receipt number sent to any server. Paste your USCIS status message and get a plain-English explanation in seconds.
Try the GreenLight decoder → greenlighttrack.com/decoder
GreenLight is not affiliated with USCIS, Lawfully, or any government agency. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult an immigration attorney for guidance specific to your case.