U.S. Cizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns a unique receipt number to every application or petition it receives. This number is a critical part of your immigration journey, offering a way to track the status of your case. But how do you get the number, recognize it, and put it to use?
This guide will break it all down, helping you understand and effectively use your USCIS receipt number.
Importance of a USCIS Receipt Number
Your USCIS receipt number is a critical tool in your immigration journey, acting as a unique identifier that helps you track progress, access updates, and communicate effectively with USCIS about your case. The receipt number allows you to:
- Track Your Case Online: Use the number to check the status of your case on the USCIS website.
- Communicate with USCIS: When contacting USCIS for updates or submitting evidence, your receipt number serves as a reference.
- Monitor Case Progress: You can stay informed about processing times and any updates to your case.
How to Find Your Receipt Number
Losing track of your USCIS receipt number can feel stressful, but don’t worry — it’s often easier to find than you think. Whether it’s on your Form I-797, in an email or text from USCIS, or stored in your USCIS online account, there are several ways to locate this crucial case tracking number.
Initial Receipt Notice
USCIS initially provides you with a receipt number after you file a form. If your application or petition is accepted for processing, USCIS mails you a receipt notice. Officially, this letter is labeled as Form I-797C, Notice of Action. Generally, the agency mails you this document approximately 2-4 weeks after filing.
For applicants who have incorrectly filed, a rejection notice (instead of a receipt notice) will indicate that USCIS has rejected your case. You will need to refile. A rejection notice will not include the receipt number.
Other Ways to Locate Your Receipt Number
USCIS will always mail a receipt notice. If didn't receive it, or you've lost the letter, there are other ways to obtain this number.
- Form G-1145: If you filed Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, when submitting your application, USCIS may have sent your receipt number via text or email. Check your email inbox and text message history for a notification from USCIS, typically sent shortly after they accept your application. This e-notification provides the receipt number and is a convenient way to retrieve it if you've misplaced the physical Form I-797.
- Online Account: If you filed online or linked a paper application to your USCIS online account, you can find your receipt number in your account. In fact, an online account will often be automatically created for you. Visit my.uscis.gov and log in using your email address and password.
- Contact USCIS: You may also call the USCIS Contact Center if you no longer have your receipt number. Their toll-free number is 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
How to Read Your Receipt Number
A USCIS receipt number is a unique 13-character identifier that consists of three letters and 10 numbers. It's also known as a case number. Each of the 13 characters in a USCIS receipt number has a specific purpose.
It’s not necessary that you understand the details of how to read a USCIS receipt number. But you may be curious. It can be very helpful to understand the basics so that you are aware of your case’s location and timeline. Let’s take an example receipt number to explain it:
WAC 22 012 50960
Service Center (WAC 22 012 50960)
Every receipt number begins with three letters that represent the service center that received the case. There are several codes for USCIS service centers. They include:
CSC - California Service Center
EAC - Eastern Adjudication Center (now known as Vermont Service Center)
IOE - USCIS online account (efile)
LIN - Lincoln Service Center (now known as Nebraska Service Center)
MSC - Missouri Service Center (now known as National Benefits Center)
NBC - National Benefits Center
NSC - Nebraska Service Center
SRC - Southern Regional Center (now known as Texas Service Center)
TSC - Texas Service Center
VSC - Vermont Service Center
WAC - Western Adjudication Center (now known as California Service Center)
YSC - Potomac Service Center
Fiscal Year (WAC 22 012 50960)
The second set of digits represent the fiscal year that the case was received. Government agencies use a fiscal year that is different from the calendar year. It begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. So our example case number was opened between October 2021 and September 2022.
Computer Workday (WAC 22 012 50960)
The third set of digits indicates the computer workday that the case was opened. The computer workday is basically the same thing as a workday. Therefore it excludes most weekends and holidays. Our example case was opened on the 12th workday of the 2022 fiscal year (October 18, 2021).
Case Number (WAC 22 012 50960)
The final set of five digits is the case number.
How to Check USCIS Case Status Online
When you receive your receipt number, you can also verify and track your case by entering the number online. It's easy to track the status of your case on the USCIS website. Follow these simple steps to check your case status with your USCIS receipt number:
Visit the USCIS Case Status Page
Go to the Check Your Case Status page on USCIS.gov.
Enter your USCIS receipt number
Type the 13-character receipt number into the provided box (without dashes).
Review Your Case Status
Click the “Check Status” button and view the results. The system will display the most recent updates about your case.
Permanent Resident Card Number and Green Card Number
By the way, various agencies may ask for your USCIS receipt number with a different name if you have a green card. For example, some may call it a permanent resident card number or a green card number. The case associated with the grant of permanent residence is printed on newer cards.
Your green card number is printed on the back side of newer editions of the permanent resident card (pictured above). On prior editions of the card, the number may have been printed in different locations (or was not used at all).
However, you don’t need to have a green card in order to have a receipt number from USCIS. As mentioned, USCIS provides a receipt number for virtually any form filed with the agency.
Receipt Number is Not an A-Number
Your receipt number from USCIS is different than an alien registration number (A-Number). They have a different purpose and look different. As mentioned, your USCIS receipt number will contain 13 characters. An A-number is generally 8 or 9 digits that follow the "A."
Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS Receipt Numbers
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