USCIS case status: how to check it and what each one means
Updated: Author: Alina Kanametova
USCIS case status: definition
Key answer
The wording changes as the case moves. Response To USCIS Request Received means your RFE reply was received and the case is back in the queue. A long stretch without movement is not a denial by itself: many cases sit unchanged until an officer returns to them.
Open a USCIS online account: it links the case, sends notifications and stores documents - easier than checking every day. If the case is past the published processing times, file a Case Inquiry (outside normal processing time) via e-Request.
USCIS case status: the official source
USCIS case status: common questions
- Where do I check my USCIS case status?
- In the official Case Status Online service at egov.uscis.gov: enter the receipt number without dashes but with every other character, including asterisks if your notice has them. A free USCIS online account shows up to the last five actions on the case and sends notifications.
- What is a receipt number?
- A unique 13-character number: three letters and 10 digits. The letters show the centre that took the case, e.g. EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, MSC or IOE (online filing). It is printed on USCIS notices (I-797) - checked against uscis.gov on Sep 30, 2026.
- My status has not changed for months - is that bad?
- Not by itself: many cases sit unchanged until an officer returns to them. If the case is past the published processing times, file a Case Inquiry (outside normal processing time) via e-Request; beyond that comes escalation, covered on a separate page.
- What do the main statuses mean?
- Case Was Received - the case was accepted and numbered; Case Is Being Actively Reviewed - an officer is working on it; Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent - an RFE is on its way; Response To USCIS Request Received - your reply arrived and the case is back in the queue; Case Was Approved or Case Was Denied - the decision.
- How do I change my address with USCIS?
- Per the USCIS change-of-address page (checked Oct 2, 2026): the easiest way is the USCIS online account (My Account menu, the change-of-address tool) with the receipt number of each pending case; the paper route is Form AR-11 by mail. Noncitizens in the US must report a move within 10 days. Changing your address with USPS does not change it with USCIS, and USPS does not forward USCIS mail - update both.
I-140: USCIS processing times
USCIS completes 80% of I-140 cases within: Extraordinary ability (E11) - 32.5 mo; Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver (NIW) - 30 mo (as of Oct 2, 2026).
| Category | Office | 80% of cases within |
|---|---|---|
| Extraordinary ability (E11) | SCD | 32.5 mo |
| Advanced degree or exceptional ability (E21) | SCD | 3 mo |
| Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver (NIW) | SCD | 30 mo |
Source: USCIS Case Processing Times, read Oct 2, 2026. Categories in USCIS wording; SCD - service centers, NBC - National Benefits Center, FOD - field offices. All forms, month by month
I-485: USCIS processing times
USCIS completes 80% of I-485 cases within: Employment-based adjustment applications, FOD - 9.5 mo; Employment-based adjustment applications, SCD - 42.5 mo (as of Oct 2, 2026).
| Category | Office | 80% of cases within |
|---|---|---|
| Employment-based adjustment applications | FOD | 9.5 mo |
| Employment-based adjustment applications | SCD | 42.5 mo |
Source: USCIS Case Processing Times, read Oct 2, 2026. Categories in USCIS wording; SCD - service centers, NBC - National Benefits Center, FOD - field offices. All forms, month by month
I-129: USCIS processing times
USCIS completes 80% of I-129 cases within: O - Extraordinary ability - 14.5 mo (as of Oct 2, 2026).
| Category | Office | 80% of cases within |
|---|---|---|
| O - Extraordinary ability | SCD | 14.5 mo |
Source: USCIS Case Processing Times, read Oct 2, 2026. Categories in USCIS wording; SCD - service centers, NBC - National Benefits Center, FOD - field offices. All forms, month by month
USCIS case status: what to do - tools
USCIS case status: read next
USCIS case status: documents and templates from the library
USCIS case status: from community discussions
«If you're a member of an organization and attach this - it'll count toward well-advanced. Or it won't count, if the officer has a question about this organization. It's like with articles: it can be 0, or it can be 100.»
Anna · from public community chats
«Look at the criteria, they're written in general terms regardless of profession: leading role, contribution, media and publications, association membership, judging, salary. Are you satisfying them? Then go ahead. Then the variety begins: athletes can realistically satisfy judging and membership, scientists - publications and contribution through citations, media personalities - publications about them in the press.»
Irina · from public community chats
«I don't know how it is for makeup artists, but as a designer with an o1 I can picture more clearly how to get a visa as a photographer. You'll need wins/awards from competitions, publications of your work at exhibitions or in magazines with your name credited, recommendation letters from people in the industry - that's not hard to get if you're sociable enough.»
community member · from public community chats
Personal opinions of community members from public discussions, not legal advice.
USCIS case status: related terms
A reference definition, not legal advice. Requirements and procedures depend on your case - verify on uscis.gov.
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