When you’ve submitted an immigration application to USCIS, waiting can feel stressful. Whether you’re applying for a Green Card, a work permit, or U.S. citizenship, knowing how to check your USCIS case status online can help reduce the guesswork and give you peace of mind.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to track your case using your receipt number, what different case statuses mean, and what to do if something seems wrong. The goal? Keep you informed, prepared, and confident—without any confusion.

Why Checking Your USCIS Case Status Matters

Every USCIS Case Status applicant receives a unique receipt number. This number is your key to tracking your case. Whether you’re waiting for your first update or already mid-process, regularly checking your status helps you:

• Understand where your application stands
• Catch delays or errors early
• Know when to expect your next steps
• Stay prepared for things like interviews or requests for documents

It’s not about checking every day—it’s about checking smartly and knowing what the updates mean.

What You Need Before You Start

To check your status, you’ll need one thing: your 13-character USCIS receipt number. You’ll find this on the official Notice of Action (Form I-797C) that USCIS Case Status sends after receiving your application.

Your receipt number usually starts with three letters (like EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by ten numbers. Double-check to make sure you enter it exactly as shown—no spaces or dashes.

How to Check Your Case Status Online

The process is simple and takes less than a minute.

1. Visit the Official USCIS Case Status Page
   Go to https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus
2. Enter Your Receipt Number
   Type your number in the field without spaces. It should look something like WAC2290123456.
3. Click “Check Status”
   You’ll immediately see your case update. Read the message carefully. If it says “Case Was Received,” “Interview Scheduled,” or “Request for Evidence Sent,” these are all steps in the process.

This tool is free, official, and doesn’t require login. It’s available 24/7.

Want More Case Details? Use the myUSCIS Account

For deeper tracking, create a free myUSCIS account:

• https://my.uscis.gov

Inside your account, you can:

• Track your full case history
• Upload documents if USCIS requests them
• Get real-time alerts
• View letters and notices online
• Manage multiple cases in one dashboard

It’s a secure, easy way to stay organized and never miss an important step.

What Do the Case Status Messages Mean?

USCIS Case Status uses specific messages to update your case. Here are a few of the most common:

• Case Was Received – Your application has been accepted and logged into the system.
• Case Is Being Actively Reviewed – A USCIS officer is now reviewing your case.
• Request for Evidence (RFE) – USCIS needs more information. They’ll mail you a letter.
• Interview Scheduled – Your in-person appointment is confirmed.
• Case Was Approved – Your application was approved. Watch for a notice in the mail.

These updates might not come frequently, but each one is a step forward. Be patient, and always check for mail from USCIS that may include important next steps.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Sometimes you’ll see an error like “Case Not Found”. Don’t panic. Try these quick fixes:

• Recheck your receipt number (no spaces, exact letters)
• Make sure you’re using the official USCIS site
• Try again later—sometimes updates are delayed
• If the issue continues for days, contact the USCIS Contact Center at uscis.gov/contactcenter

Also, remember that some cases don’t update for weeks. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it just means USCIS hasn’t processed the next step yet.

Pro Tips to Stay Informed Without the Stress

• Check your case once per week, not daily
• Sign up for email and SMS alerts via your USCIS account
• Save all USCIS notices — they may be needed again
• Update your address if you move so you don’t miss anything important
• Never share your receipt number publicly — it’s private to your case

Final Thoughts

The immigration process can feel long and uncertain, but tools like the USCIS Case Status Tracker and myUSCIS account make it easier to stay in control.

You don’t need to guess. You don’t need to worry. You just need to track your case the right way — with reliable tools, clear instructions, and a little patience.

We’re not affiliated with USCIS Case Status, but our mission is to help real people understand the process in a simple and stress-free way. Always refer to the official USCIS site for the latest updates and guidance.