How to Check the Status of My Green Card Application

Once you've filed an application for a green card with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the waiting begins. According to USCIS, all green card applications are processed in the order that they are received to keep the process fair. Your processing time depends on what type of green card you are applying for. While you are waiting for your case to be decided, you can use your case receipt to determine the status of your application.

Things You'll Need

• Green card application receipt
• Computer with Internet access
• Telephone

Instructions

1. Check your green card case status online by visiting the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov. From the left-hand navigation bar, under "After I File," click on "Check my case status." Enter your 13-digit receipt number in the field provided and click the "Check status" button.

2. Sign up for automatic green card case updates by visiting the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov. From the left-hand navigation bar, under "After I File," select "Sign up for case updates." Click on "Register as an applicant customer." Read the terms and conditions and click on "Accept." Enter your information in the required fields to create an account and click "Submit." Regular case updates will be sent to the email address you provide.

3. If you do not have access to a computer, call the National Service Center at [phone] and have your receipt number available. Customer service operators will use your receipt number to locate your case and provide an update.

4. Should you need to speak with someone in person regarding the status of your green card application, schedule an InfoPass appointment with your local immigration office by visiting www.infopass.uscis.gov.

5. If you have completed all of the steps and are unable to determine the status of your application, you can submit a congressional inquiry by writing letters to your state senator or House representative. The letters should describe your case and include a copy of your case receipt. You will receive a response from your congressional office within three to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have access to a computer at home, visit your local library branch. You can check your approximate application processing time by entering your form type on the "Check my case status" page of the USCIS website.

• InfoPass appointments can only be scheduled online.

References

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Resources

• United States Senate
• United States House of Representatives