There are many ways for an applicant to check their immigration application, but the key is to remain attentive to the United States Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) processing timetables.
Usually, the USCIS will process the application in the order it is received.
However, the USCIS provides a chart with the average amount of time it takes certain field offices to review different forms.
You simply enter the field office or the service center where their forms are being processed and the site pulls up a list of forms with the average amount of time it takes the personnel to review them.
To use the chart, you will need to know the office where your forms are being reviewed as well as the form that is under review.
If you are unsure as to which forms you sent to where, the information is accessible on the receipt or notice you should have received when you submitted your form.
To access the USCIS processing time tables, and to gain an estimate for the amount of time the review of your forms should take, visit: www.uscis.gov and search “processing timetables.”
Then click on the first available link.
The estimates for certain submitted forms will be available to you after scrolling to the bottom of the page, entering the field office or service center, and then scanning the list of forms with their corresponding estimated lengths for processing until you find your particular form.
How Do I Investigate My Personal Case Beyond Estimated Processing Times?
To investigate your case beyond the estimated processing times, the USCIS makes available an individual personalized search for your case.
To do so, you will need your receipt number; the number you should have received through a notice from the USCIS when they accepted your application for review.
On the USCIS homepage, www.uscis.gov, there is a link titled, “Check My Case Status.”
After clicking this option, USCIS will redirect you to a page where you will be required to enter your receipt number. USCIS will make available the relevant information that they have regarding your case at that moment-in-time.
Remain Attentive to Your Personal Case Updates
To stay on top of your case you may even consider creating an account with USCIS. This account will provide you the option to receive case updates as they occur.
To enable this option, return to the “Check My Case Status” page. Simply click on the option labeled “Sign Up,” and fill in the required information.
If you so choose, you can select to receive updates, via email or text message, that will notify you of any changes or pertinent information regarding your case.
Are There Any Alternate Ways to Gain Information Regarding My Case?
If you still wish to know more about your application or the processing status of particular forms, there are additional ways to ascertain this information.
By Phone: To inquire about your application via phone, the USCIS Customer Service Center is 1-800-375-5283. For the operator to access your case and answer your questions you will need to have your receipt number ready.
In Person: To inquire about your application in person, you will be required to visit InfoPass (infopass.uscis.gov) to schedule an appointment. You will need to visit InfoPass online, and schedule an appointment from the options provided.
You should bring any government issued identification (can be anything such as driver’s license, passport, or Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record), all copies of submitted forms with their receipt notices, any letters relating to your application, and the InfoPass appointment confirmation.
If you need to reschedule for any reason, you can login to InfoPass, look up your scheduled appointment via the confirmation number at the bottom of your appointment notice, and change or cancel your appointment.
By Mail: To inquire about your application via mail, proceed to uscis.gov and search “Field Offices.”
Select the first link that you are directed to and a map of the United States will appear.
Select your state and obtain the address of the field office that would most accommodate you. Address your questions to that field office and request an update regarding your application.
To aid the USCIS Immigration officer in addressing your questions please provide: your name, your current address, your alien number (if you have one; you would only have one if you have previously interacted with the USCIS and were given one), your date of birth, the receipt number of your application, the date your application was filed, and the place your application was filed.
If you are experiencing problems regarding the process of your application, please seek legal assistance.
Your adjustment of status application depends on you following all steps to successfully complete the requirements in a timely manner.
Missed deadlines or improper filings can result in unfavorable consequences.
Through the ways noted above, you can remain aware of your application, inquire about any delays you experience, correct any issues, and continue to comply with future deadlines.
Be aware that USCIS is a very large bureaucracy and it can be difficult to find answers about your specific case.
When discussing processing times with clients, we try to make them aware that 3 months is what we would consider a “short” time.
Most applications take 6 months, 1 year, or even longer. Patience throughout your immigration process is key.
