What every USCIS case status means

When you check a case online, USCIS answers with a short status and a sentence or two. The words are official, but they rarely say what happens next. Here is what the most common ones mean.

Early steps

• Case Was Received: USCIS has your form and fee, and sent a receipt notice. Keep it: the receipt number on it is how you follow the case.
• Fingerprint Fee Was Received: the biometrics part of your case is in the system. An appointment notice usually follows.
• Case Was Transferred: your file moved to another office to balance the work. It is common and not a sign of trouble.

While USCIS works on it

• Case Is Being Actively Reviewed: an officer has the file. This can last weeks or months, and the status often stays the same the whole time.
• Request for Evidence Was Sent: USCIS needs more documents before it can decide. The notice says what to send and by when. Do not miss that date.
• Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received: your answer arrived and the case is back in the queue.
• Interview Was Scheduled: the notice gives the date, time and office, and what to bring.

Decisions

• Case Was Approved: the form was approved. For a green card or work permit, the card is made next.
• New Card Is Being Produced: the card is being printed.
• Card Was Mailed To Me and Card Was Delivered To Me By The Post Office: the card is on its way, then delivered. The status often comes with a tracking number.
• Case Was Denied: the notice explains why, and whether you can appeal or file a motion. Read it closely and consider talking to an attorney.
• Case Was Rejected: the form was not accepted, often because of a missing signature or the wrong fee. You usually file again.

When to act

Most statuses need nothing from you. Act when you see a Request for Evidence, an interview or appointment notice, a denial, or a rejection. If the status has not changed for longer than USCIS's own processing time for your form and office, you can send a case inquiry.

Official sources

• Case Status Online (USCIS): check a case with your receipt number.
• Check Case Processing Times (USCIS): how long your form usually takes at your office.
• e-Request (USCIS): ask about a case that is outside normal processing times.

ImmigraMate checks your cases for you, explains each status in plain words, and tells you when a case moves.