USCIS case status explanations

USCIS has your application and created a case file. This is the starting line — they have not decided anything yet. A re…

Case Was Received

USCIS has the biometrics fee for your case. Next they typically schedule a fingerprint / photo appointment at an Applica…

Fingerprint Fee Was Received

USCIS scheduled your biometrics appointment. At the ASC they take fingerprints, a photo, and a signature used for backgr…

Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled

USCIS recorded that your biometrics were taken. Background checks can now move forward while an officer reviews your fil…

Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken

An officer is working on your case right now — or recently touched it. This is progress, not a decision. Next steps vary…

Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS

USCIS needs more information before they can decide. An RFE (or NOID) was mailed — the clock is running against a deadli…

Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent

USCIS got your response and put it back in the queue for an officer. There is usually no new timeline estimate — wait fo…

Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received

USCIS wants to meet with you (and sometimes a petitioner or family member) before deciding. Bring originals of the docum…

Interview Was Scheduled

Your interview is done. An officer still needs to finish reviewing the file — sometimes the same day, sometimes weeks la…

Interview Was Completed And My Case Must Be Reviewed

Good news: USCIS approved the benefit that comes with a card (green card, EAD, or travel document) and sent it to produc…

New Card Is Being Produced

USCIS approved your case. What happens next depends on the form: you may receive a card, an approval notice to take to t…

Case Was Approved

USCIS decided against approving this filing. The denial (or rejection) notice explains why and whether you can appeal, f…

Case Was Denied

Your card left USCIS and is with the Postal Service (or was delivered). Check your mailbox and any tracking number shown…

Card Was Mailed To Me

USCIS moved your file to a different office. This is common for workload balancing. Your receipt number stays the same; …

Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction

USCIS updated the name on your case file — often after a marriage, divorce, or correction. Your case otherwise continues…

Name Was Updated

USCIS mailed you a notice or document. Check your mailbox and myUSCIS documents tab — the paper letter still matters for…

Document Was Mailed To Me

USCIS logged an expedite request on your case. Approval of an expedite only means faster processing consideration — it i…

Expedite Request Received

USCIS reopened a previously closed or decided case — often after a motion, appeal remand, or agency error correction. Re…

Case Was Reopened

For naturalization cases, this means you are at or past the final ceremony stage — the last step before you become a U.S…

Oath Ceremony Will Be Scheduled