How Can I Verify What is My Immigration Status?
If you recently filed an immigration application with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may be eager for an immigration case update. Keep in mind that USCIS processes hundreds of thousands of applications every year, so there may be a prolonged waiting period. Still, you can check your case status at any time. Here’s how.
Get Your Receipt Number
To check your immigration application status, you first need your receipt number. This 13-character number is assigned to your application when it arrives at the USCIS office. Know that it can take a few weeks to receive your receipt number. If it hasn’t arrived within 30 days of filing your application, contact USCIS to find out why.
Make a USCIS Account
While not required, you can create an account on the USCIS website to stay informed about your immigration status, update your address, submit inquiries, and more.
Check Your Immigration Status
There are multiple ways to check your immigration status. Here are your options:
Check your USCIS case status online: The easiest method is to enter your receipt number on the USCIS website. This gives you the most recent status update of your application.
Check your case status by phone: Don’t have internet access? Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Be prepared to provide your receipt number to the representative who takes your call.
Check the status of an application mailed to a lockbox: Did you send your immigration application to a lockbox in Chicago, Dallas, or Phoenix? Email USCIS at lockboxsupport@uscis.dhs.gov. You’ll need the form number, your receipt number (if you have it), the applicant’s name, and your mailing address.
Check your status with the NVC: If the National Visa Center is handling your immigration case, visit the NVC website for more information.
What is the Average Immigration Application Processing Time?
Every applicant wants their paperwork processed as quickly as possible, but the wait times can range from a few months to years. It all depends on the type of application you submitted and how backed up the USCIS office is at the time of filing.
Fortunately, USCIS provides processing estimates. Simply select the form you filed, the form category, and the office you sent it to from the drop-down lists. If you have been waiting longer than the estimated time shown and haven’t received case updates through your USCIS account, reach out directly by phone or email for more information.
Checking your immigration case status should be straightforward, but if you run into issues, reach out to Hurtubise Weber Law LLP. We can help you avoid problems with your immigration application and provide regular status updates. Call us today at (415) 849-1199 or contact us online to speak with our immigration lawyers in San Francisco and San Jose, California.
Who Can You Sponsor as a US Citizen or Permanent Resident?
The United States government offers many benefits to its citizens and permanent residents. Those born in the States or living in this country as naturalized citizens or lawful permanent residents are permitted to bring foreign-born relatives to the US. Family-sponsored green cards and immigrant visas are issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as well as the US Department of State. Not every family member can immigrate to the US through family sponsorships. Below is more information about who you can sponsor as a US citizen or permanent resident and the requirements and restrictions that apply.
Sponsoring an Immediate Relative
Most family-sponsored immigrant visas are obtained for close family members. USCIS defines “immediate relatives” as the spouses, children, and parents of US citizens. The US government does not limit the number of immigrant visas and green cards that can be issued to immediate relatives each year, which means these petitions may be processed more quickly than others.
Sponsoring Other Family Members
A US permanent resident or “green card” holder is eligible to sponsor family-based green cards for relatives in the “family preference categories.” US citizens are also eligible to sponsor their adult children and siblings under these categories. The number of green cards and immigrant visas that may be issued each year in each of these categories is limited. The categories include:
Unmarried sons and daughters over age 21 of US citizens
Spouses and unmarried children under age 21 of permanent residents
Unmarried sons and daughters over age 21 of permanent residents
Married sons and daughters of any age of US citizens
Siblings of US citizens (if the US citizen filing the petition is over age 21)
Things get a bit more complicated in situations with adoptive parents, stepparents, and children who “age out” due to the extensive delays in immigration processing times. However, working with a good immigration attorney can help ensure a fair outcome.
The Application Process
Sponsoring a family member to join you in the US can be quite a lengthy process. Even a spouse, who is generally accorded a shorter processing time, may have to wait as long as two to three years. The fastest way to secure a family-based green card is to work with Hurtubise Weber Law. We’ll assist you every step of the way to help you remain with your loved ones or to reunite you with them as soon as possible!
For more information about family-based green cards and immigrant visas and to speak with an immigration lawyer in San Francisco or San Jose about your situation, please call us at (415) 413-8760 or contact us online today.
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.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the February 2022 Visa Bulletin
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for February 2022 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for February 2022 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in February.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is operating fully virtually and is here for you.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the January 2022 Visa Bulletin
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for December 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for January 2022 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in January.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is operating fully virtually and is here for you.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the December 2021 Visa Bulletin
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for December 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for December 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in December.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is operating fully virtually and is here for you.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the November 2021 Visa Bulletin
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for November 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for November 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in November. USCIS has announced that the Final Action Dates chart may be used for F2A applicants next month.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is operating fully virtually and is here for you.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the October 2021 Visa Bulletin
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for October 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for October 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in October. USCIS has announced that the Final Action Dates chart may be used for F2A applicants next month.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
USCIS Creates New Webpage for Lockbox Filing Location Updates
USCIS has created a new Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on their website to provide updates they make to lockbox filing locations, where immigration applications are mailed.
USCIS has created a new Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on their website to provide updates they make to lockbox filing locations, where immigration applications are mailed. The filing locations are periodically adjusted to balance incoming workload for timely processing. That means that even if your application was mailed to one location, it could end up being processed in a different one.
Contact us today at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-548-7067 for assistance with a green card or employment-based visa application.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the September 2021 Visa Bulletin
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for September 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for September 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in September. USCIS has announced that the Final Action Dates chart may be used for F2A applicants next month.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the August 2021 Visa Bulletin
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for June 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for August 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in August. USCIS has announced that the Final Action Dates chart may be used for F2A applicants next month.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-548-7067 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the June 2021 Visa Bulletin
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for June 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for June 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in June. USCIS has not yet indicated whether the Dates for Filing or Final Action Dates chart may be used for applicants next month.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
USCIS Suspends Biometrics Requirements For H, L and E Visa Spouses
Starting on May 17th, 2021, USCIS will suspend biometrics requirements for certain I-539 applicants, including H-4, L-2, and E-1, E-2, and E-3 visa applicants, for at least two years.
Starting on May 17th, 2021, USCIS will suspend biometrics requirements for certain I-539 applicants, including H-4, L-2, and E-1, E-2, and E-3 visa applicants, for at least two years.
What does this mean for me?
This is good news! If you are filing a new H-4, L-2, E-1, E-2, or E-3 visa application, or you have an application currently pending and you do not receive your biometrics notice by May 17th, then you should not be required to appear for a biometrics appointment while your case is being processed. That means that your application should be approved sooner.
Need assistance with an application for a visa or green card? Contact us today at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-548-7067!
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the May 2021 Visa Bulletin
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for May 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for May 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in May. USCIS has stated that the Dates for Filing chart may be used for all family-sponsored applicants, except that F2A applicants may file using the Final Action Dates chart. All employment-based adjustment applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Pitfalls When Sponsoring a Parent for a Green Card, Updated
Are you looking to sponsor a parent for a green card? The process can be trickier than you think.
Editor’s Note: this post was originally published in April, 2019 and has been completely updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Are you looking to sponsor a parent for a green card? The process can be trickier than you think.
In addition to all of the possible issues that can come up when sponsoring any relative for a green card (see our blog post “Why you need a lawyer for your marriage-based green card case” dated May 24th, 2018), there are a number of things to watch out for when sponsoring a parent specifically.
1. You must be a U.S. citizen to sponsor a parent for a green card.
A common misconception is that a lawful permanent resident can sponsor a parent for a green card. That is not the case. You must first obtain U.S. citizenship in order to sponsor your parent.
2. A lawful entry to the U.S. is generally required for someone residing in the U.S. to be eligible to obtain a green card.
Commonly a parent of a U.S. citizen entered the U.S. many years ago, without a visa. In this scenario, that parent is not eligible for a green card through sponsorship by a U.S. citizen child, unless they can prove substantial hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative. Because a child is not considered a qualifying relative, this is impossible in many cases.
If this is true for your parent, then there may be another way for them to get their green card.
3. If your parent entered the U.S. lawfully as a visitor, but has only been here a short time, their intent at entry will be scrutinized.
Entering the U.S. with a visitor’s visa with the intent to remain permanently can be considered visa fraud. In this internet age, the U.S. government has access to more information than ever about a green card applicant, including social media accounts. It is important to consult an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that there is no indication of a misrepresentation at the time of entry.
4. Immigration officers now have more discretion in deciding whether to approve a green card application, and are directed to consider all possible factors including prior immigration violations, history of education and employment in the US, and current US investment or property ownership.
This may make the process more challenging for an elderly parent of a US citizen who has possibly overstayed a visa in the US and has never worked or owned property in the US.
How can Hurtubise Weber Law help? We have extensive experience representing U.S. citizens who sponsor their parents for green cards.
Contact us for a free 15 minute phone call to learn more about the process: theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040.
Green Card Public Charge Wealth Test Eliminated
We are writing with positive news for adjustment of status green card applicants - the public charge "wealth test" is no longer required as part of the green card process!
We are writing with positive news for adjustment of status green card applicants - the public charge "wealth test" is no longer required as part of the green card process!
The wealth test required USCIS officers to apply a totality of circumstances analysis to determine whether an applicant would be likely to become a public charge in the future. They were directed to review factors such as the applicant's age, health, family status, education and skills, and assets, resources, and financial status. You can find out more about the now defunct rule on our post from September 5, 2019 here: Defunct Rule: Green Card Public Charge Rule.
This totality of circumstances analysis is no longer required. Moving forward, officers are directed to apply the old public charge analysis that was created in year 1999. The old analysis focuses heavily on whether the green card applicant has a valid sponsor, and only allows for minimal discretion by the adjudicating officer.
To learn more and get help with your green card application, please contact us at 415-413-8760 or theteam@huwelaw.com.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the March 2021 Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for March 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for March 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in March. USCIS has stated that the Dates for Filing chart may be used for all family-sponsored applicants, except that F2A applicants may file using the Final Action Dates chart. All employment-based adjustment applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-548-7067 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the February 2021 Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
Check the February 2021 Visa Bulletin. Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for February 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in February. USCIS has stated that the Dates for Filing chart may be used for all family-sponsored applicants, except that F2A applicants may file using the Final Action Dates chart. All employment-based adjustment applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the January 2021 Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for January 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for January 2021 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in January. USCIS has stated that the Dates for Filing chart may be used for all family-sponsored applicants, except that F2A applicants may file using the Final Action Dates chart. All employment-based adjustment applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Can You Apply for a Green Card Next Month? Check the November Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for November 2020 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category?
You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for November 2020 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Good news: The F2A category for the spouses and children of permanent residents will remain current. That means that the spouse or child of a U.S. permanent resident will remain eligible to file their application to adjust status in November.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Our firm is fully operational and here for you during this challenging time.
Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
