Wondering what happened to your visa or green card application? Did you know that you can check the status of your USCIS application ONLINE?
DISCUSSION
First let’s answer…How can you track your application’s status?
There are many ways to check the status of your application – by mail, email, phone, in person or online. AND OF COURSE, checking it online is among the easiest and fastest option.
The USCIS has designed a more straightforward online tracking system for your application process. This means you won’t have to deal with the hassle of waiting for a reply or lining up just to inquire. With a single click, you can get the latest update.
NOW… Where you apply or submit your application will be a factor in how you track your status.
If you apply within the United States, go to “Case Status Online,” in the USCIS website.
BUT… If you apply from outside the United States, you must follow your application through the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
And now, let’s discuss… What are the steps in tracking your application?
If you are applying from within the United States, follow these steps:
Step 1: Locate your Case Receipt Number
When you receive Form I-797C or Notice of Action, you should look for the case receipt number.
It is a unique 13-character assigned by the USCIS to each application or petition received, and it is used to identify and monitor cases. The 13 characters are made up of three letters followed by ten numerals.
This information is important because it will serve as your reference number in the tracking system.
Step 2: Enter the case number into the USCIS’ Case Status Online tracker
After securing your receipt number, you are ready to track your application.
TAKE NOTE that in entering your case number, you must remove the dashes BUT keep additional characters like asterisks (“*”) – if they are printed on your notification as part of the receipt number.
NOW… If you are applying from outside the United States, follow these steps:
Step 1: Locate your Immigrant Visa Case Number
This, similar to the Case Receipt Number, acts as your reference number.
BUT what’s the difference? The distinction is that your Immigrant Visa Case Number is issued by the National Visa Center (NVC) rather than the USCIS. Your case number can be found in the notification letter or email you got from the NVC.
Step 2: Enter your Immigrant Visa Case Number at the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)
When you arrive at the CEAC website, you will find a couple of options.
Select the “Check My Visa Application Status” option. After clicking, you will be sent to a website where you may input your case number.
In this portal, you will be asked to select your type of visa – whether Immigrant Visa or Non-immigrant Visa.
IF you select Immigrant Visa, you will just need to submit your case number.
IF you select Non-immigrant Visa, you will also have to specify your location aside from your case number or application I.D.
AFTER THAT, you will have to input the letter codes or “CAPTCHA” codes shown on the screen, before clicking “Submit”.
And there you go! The online tracking system should show you the latest update on your application and let you know the succeeding steps, if applicable.
Here’s an ADDITIONAL NOTE! If you live outside the United States, you must contact NVC at least once a year to prevent having your application “terminated.”
If your application was terminated, you would have to go over the hassle of filing for another application again and paying another fee.
If you have any concerns about your application process or need expert legal assistance in your immigration journey, please call us or schedule an appointment at our website: andresmejerlaw.com
