How Often Does USCIS Update its Case Status?
Are you eagerly awaiting a status update about your Form I-130, Form I-129F, Form N-400, Form I-485, or other immigration applications? The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—the government agency responsible for processing immigration forms—publishes status updates and average processing times on its website. You can also sign up for email or text alerts. Here’s what you need to know about USCIS case updates.
Create a USCIS Account
While not required to file an immigration application, many applicants choose to create an account on the USCIS website. By providing your receipt number and registering your email address and phone number, you’ll receive occasional USCIS updates regarding your status.
Average USCIS Processing Times
Once you file an immigration application, you obviously want your case processed as quickly as possible. However, USCIS receives hundreds of thousands of applications every year. To handle this enormous volume of paperwork, USCIS employs numerous service centers and field offices nationwide. Even so, wait times can range from a few months to over a year, depending on the type of application you file and how backed up the USCIS office is.
For processing estimates, head to the USCIS website. Select the form you filed, the form category, and the office you sent it to from the drop-down lists. Be aware that USCIS updates its average processing times once a month.
What to Do if You’ve Waited Longer Than the Average Processing Time
If your case is well outside the processing time listed on the USCIS website, here are your options:
Double-check your USCIS case status online.
Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
File a case inquiry to find out why your application is taking so long to process.
Keep an Eye on Your Text Messages and Email Inbox
If you have created a USCIS account, you may receive the status updates such as:
We are still reviewing your case and there are no updates at this time. We will notify you when your case status changes. We last took action on your case on [date].
This system-generated message is sent to applicants who opt to receive email notifications. It does not mean your case has been approved or denied.
We have taken an action on your case. Sign in to your account to view your case status.
This update could indicate approval, denial, request for evidence (RFE), or another status update. If you receive this email but find no further information online, check back later. Sometimes the USCIS website takes time to reflect status updates.
For more help performing a USCIS status check, turn to Hurtubise Weber Law LLP. We can help you navigate the immigration application process. Call us today at (415) 849-1199 or contact us online to speak with our immigration lawyers in San Francisco and San Jose, California.