Solovyova Law Firm
USCIS Receipt Notice Explained: What It Is, How to Track Your Case, & Next Steps
What Happens After You Receive a Receipt Notice from USCIS?
Once you submit your immigration application, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically issues a receipt notice within 2-4 weeks. This document, formally known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action, confirms that USCIS has received your application.
Your USCIS receipt notice contains important details about your case, including:
Receipt Number
- A 13-character tracking number that starts with three letters (e.g., LIN, SRC, EAC, WAC) followed by ten digits.
- This number allows you to track your case status on the USCIS Case Status Tracker.
Filing Date (Priority Date)
- This marks the official date USCIS received your application.
- The filing date is crucial for determining processing timelines and priority for certain visa categories.
Form Type
Service Center
- The USCIS facility handling your case, found at the bottom of your notice.
- Common service centers include:
- California Service Center (CSC)
- Vermont Service Center (VSC)
- Nebraska Service Center (NSC)
- Texas Service Center (TSC)
What Should You Do After Receiving Your USCIS Receipt Notice?
Receiving your receipt notice is an important milestone in your immigration journey. Follow these steps to stay on top of your case:
Track Your Case Status Online
- A 13-character tracking number that starts with three letters (e.g., LIN, SRC, EAC, WAC) followed by ten digits.
- This number allows you to track your case status on the USCIS Case Status Tracker.
Check USCIS Processing Times
- Curious about how long your case might take?
- Use the USCIS Processing Times Tool:
- Select your application type.
- Choose the service center listed on your receipt notice. View the estimated processing time for your case. When reviewing processing times, note that USCIS processes immigration cases in the order they receive them, but the listed processing times are only estimates. These estimates are based on how long it took to complete 80% of similar cases over the past six months. Each immigration case is unique, so some may take longer than others. The posted processing times serve as a general guideline, not a guaranteed timeframe for case completion. Read here to learn how Solovyova Law Firm can help if your case is significantly delayed beyond the normal timeframe.
Verify That All Information Is Correct
- Review your receipt notice for any errors (e.g., misspelled name, incorrect address).
- If you find a mistake, contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or submit a Request for Correction.
Keep a Copy of Your Receipt Notice
- Store both physical and digital copies for future reference.
- You may need it to:
- Respond to USCIS requests for evidence (RFE).
- Apply for a work permit if your case is pending.
Watch for Additional USCIS Notices
- Depending on your application type, USCIS may send:
- A biometrics appointment notice (for fingerprinting and photographs).
- A Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional documents are needed.
- An interview notice (for green cards, asylum, or other cases).
- Depending on your application type, USCIS may send:
Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS Receipt Notices
Does Receiving a Receipt Notice Mean My Case Is Approved?
No. A receipt notice only confirms that USCIS has received your application. It does not mean approval or denial. USCIS will process your case and notify you of the next steps.
What Should I Do If I Lose My USCIS Receipt Notice?
If you misplace your receipt notice, you can:
- Log into your USCIS online account (if applicable) to retrieve case details.
- Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to request a duplicate notice.
Ask your immigration attorney for a copy if they submitted your case.
My Receipt Notice Shows My Case Is at the National Visa Center (NVC). What Does That Mean?
If your family-based petition or employment-based green card case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), USCIS has approved the initial petition, and your case is now being processed for a visa interview.
Can I Work While My Employment-Based Petition Is Pending?
- If you filed an H-1B transfer or extension, you may continue working under H-1B portability rules.
- If you applied for a new work visa, you must wait for approval before starting employment.
- Certain green card applicants with a pending I-485 can apply for a work permit (EAD).
What If My USCIS Receipt Notice Has an Error?
If your receipt notice contains incorrect information:
- Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.
- If your address is incorrect, submit Form AR-11 (Change of Address) online.
What If My Case Is Taking Too Long After Receiving a Receipt Notice?
If your case is outside normal processing times, you can:
- Check the USCIS Processing Times Tool.
- Submit a case inquiry through USCIS e-Request.
- Consult an immigration attorney to explore Mandamus lawsuits for extreme delays.
How Do I Know Which USCIS Service Center Is Handling My Case?
Look at the first three letters of your receipt number:
- EAC – Vermont Service Center
- WAC – California Service Center
- LIN – Nebraska Service Center
- SRC – Texas Service Center
- MSC – National Benefits Center
- IOE – Online Filing System
How Can I Get Legal Help With My Immigration Case?
If you need assistance with:
- Tracking your case
- Responding to USCIS notices
- Delays or missing receipt notices
- Filing a Mandamus lawsuit if you experience extreme delays.
Contact our immigration law firm today for expert guidance.
Asylum Applications
What Does My USCIS Receipt Notice Mean for My Asylum Case?
If you filed Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal), your receipt notice confirms case acceptance but does not indicate approval or denial. Asylum applications often involve long processing times, and USCIS may schedule you for a biometrics appointment and interview.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Receipt Notice for an Asylum Application?
USCIS generally issues a receipt notice within 3-6 weeks after receiving your asylum application. If you haven’t received it by then, check whether your filing fee (if applicable) was processed and contact USCIS for a status update.
How Can I Track My Asylum Application After Receiving a Receipt Notice?
You can track your case status using the USCIS Case Status Tracker. However, asylum cases often take months or years to process, and the case tracker may not provide frequent updates.
Can I Apply for a Work Permit While My Asylum Case is Pending?
Yes, but only after your asylum application has been pending for at least 150 days. Once eligible, you can file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and USCIS will process your request within 30 days if your case qualifies under the new expedited processing rules.
What If My Asylum Receipt Notice Has an Error or I Change My Address?
If your receipt notice contains errors (e.g., name misspellings or incorrect details), you should:
- Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to request a correction.
- If you moved, submit Form AR-11 (Change of Address) immediately, as failure to update your address could delay important notices.
Family Petitions (Green Cards, Fiancé(e) Visas, Sponsorships)
What Happens After Filing an I-130 or I-485 Family Petition?
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Your receipt notice confirms that USCIS has accepted your petition. Processing times vary by family relationship and country of origin.
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): Your receipt notice means USCIS has begun reviewing your green card application. Expect a biometrics appointment and possibly an interview.
How Can I Track My Family-Based Green Card Application?
- Use the USCIS Case Status Tracker with your receipt number.
- For applications moving to consular processing, check your National Visa Center (NVC) status.
What Should I Do If My Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) Receipt Notice Is Delayed?
- K-1 fiancé(e) visa cases usually receive a receipt notice within 4-6 weeks. If you haven’t received one, check your payment status or submit an online case inquiry with USCIS.
- You can also call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 for further assistance.
What If My Family Petition Receipt Notice Has the Wrong Information?
If you find an error (e.g., incorrect spelling, birth date, or mailing address), you should:
- Contact USCIS immediately to request a correction.
- Submit Form AR-11 if your address has changed.
What If My Family-Based Petition is Taking Too Long?
If your case is outside normal processing times, you can:
- Check the USCIS Processing Times Tool.
- Submit a case inquiry or seek help from an immigration attorney.
- If your case has been pending for an unreasonable amount of time, consider filing a Mandamus lawsuit to prompt a decision.
How Solovyova Law Firm Assists You
At Solovyova Law Firm, we offer comprehensive support to help you navigate the intricacies of your immigration case:
Personalized Case Tracking and Management
We monitor your case status using your receipt number and keep you informed about any updates or actions required. Our proactive approach ensures that no critical deadlines are missed, and you are always aware of your case’s progress.
Accurate Documentation and Communication
- We meticulously review all USCIS communications to verify the accuracy of your information. If any discrepancies are found, we promptly address them to prevent potential delays. Our team ensures that all your documents are correctly filed and that you receive timely updates.
- We meticulously review all USCIS communications to verify the accuracy of your information. If any discrepancies are found, we promptly address them to prevent potential delays. Our team ensures that all your documents are correctly filed and that you receive timely updates.
Preparation for Subsequent Steps
- Whether it’s preparing for a biometrics appointment, responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE), or getting ready for an interview, we provide expert guidance to ensure you are well-prepared. Our goal is to make each step of the process as smooth as possible.
Our Success Stories
Our firm has a proven track record of successfully handling complex immigration cases:
- Asylum for a Gay Man from Uzbekistan: We secured asylum for a client facing persecution in his home country due to his sexual orientation.
- Asylum for Unaccompanied Minors from El Salvador: Our team successfully obtained asylum for two minors fleeing gang violence, ensuring their safety and future in the United States.
- Reopening an Old Deportation Order: We effectively reopened a longstanding deportation order, allowing our client to pursue legal residency.
- Asylum for a Gay Man from Uzbekistan: We secured asylum for a client facing persecution in his home country due to his sexual orientation.
Client Testimonials
Contact Us
If you need assistance with your immigration case or have questions about your USCIS receipt notice, the Solovyova Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced team, led by Sophia Solovyova, offers personalized support to guide you through the immigration process.
Schedule a Consultation:
- Phone: 212-379-6471
- Email: sophia@solovyovalawfirm.com
- Address: 75 Broad St. Suite 2120, New York, N.Y. 10004
We offer initial consultations via Zoom or phone to accommodate your needs. Visit our Contact Us page to book your consultation today
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"Recently I’ve received my green card and I’m grateful to my attorney Sophia Solovyova. She is so professional and responsible. My case was very complicated but she did it excellent."
Olha Khromov