Enter your receipt number and get instant, up-to-date USCIS case status with plain-English explanations of what each status means for your timeline.
Enter the 13-character receipt number from your Form I-797. Format: 3 letters + 10 digits — e.g. EAC2390123456.
Your receipt number (also called a case receipt number or AR-11 receipt number) is the 13-character identifier on every USCIS notice. It's how USCIS tracks your petition through the system.
Look for it on any of these documents:
The format is always the same:
| Part | Format | Example | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAC | 3 letters |
EAC |
Service center code |
| WAC | 3 letters |
WAC |
California Service Center |
| LIN | 3 letters |
LIN |
Nebraska Service Center |
| SRC | 3 letters |
SRC |
Texas Service Center |
| IOE | 3 letters |
IOE |
Online filing via myUSCIS |
| Remaining digits | 10 digits |
2390123456 |
Unique case identifier |
Do not include dashes or spaces. Enter it exactly as shown — all caps, 13 characters total.
USCIS case statuses can be cryptic. Here's a plain-English guide to what the most common statuses actually mean for you and your immigration timeline.
USCIS accepted your petition. It's in the queue for review. No action needed — just wait for the next update.
An officer is actively working on your case. Typically 2–6 weeks from a decision. Hang tight.
USCIS needs additional documents. You have a deadline — usually 87 days. Respond completely and promptly.
Your benefit was granted. For EAD: card arrives in 1–2 weeks. For green cards: card mailed to you.
Your petition was denied. The notice explains why. You may have options: appeal, motion to reopen, or refile.
USCIS withdrew a previously approved petition. Usually due to employer-initiated revocations or duplicate filings.
Your case is being moved to a different office or service center. Processing may pause briefly during the transfer.
USCIS received your RFE response. Your case re-enters the active review queue. Decision usually follows within weeks.
This is almost always the first status you'll see, and it's good news. USCIS has your petition, assigned it a receipt number, and is counting processing time from this date. Nothing to do but wait for the next status update. This status alone doesn't tell you anything about approval odds — it simply confirms receipt.
An RFE is one of the most common statuses in employment-based immigration. It means the officer reviewing your case found something they couldn't verify with the documents you submitted. The RFE notice will list exactly what they need and give you a response deadline — typically 87 days. Common RFEs include: employer-employee relationship documentation, beneficiary qualifications, wage level evidence, and specialization requirements. Respond to every item listed. Partial responses often trigger a second RFE.
This status means an adjudicator is currently examining your file. If you've had an RFE response received, this often follows as the officer processes your additional evidence. This status can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks before a final decision. In most cases, a decision follows within 30–60 days of this status appearing.
Approval triggers depend on the form filed. For I-765 (EAD): your work authorization card is produced and mailed to the address on your form — allow 1–2 weeks. For I-140 (employment-based immigrant petition): the approval enables your employer to take the next step in the green card process (PERM if not already done, or I-485 if priority date is current). For I-485 (adjustment of status): your green card is mailed to you — this can take 2–4 weeks after approval. For I-129 (H-1B, L-1, O-1): your employer receives the I-797 and can begin consular processing or extension filing.
Denial doesn't always mean the end. Options include: Motion to Reopen — submit new evidence or correct a factual error; Motion to Reconsider — argue the decision was wrong based on the evidence; Appeal — administrative review by AAO (Administrative Appeals Office); Refile — correct the deficiency and submit a new petition (watch for new filing dates and prevailing wage requirements). The denial notice explains the specific reason — read it carefully before deciding on next steps. Consider consulting an immigration attorney for complex denials.
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