Applying for a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) is an important step for many people living in the United States. Whether you applied through a family member, your job, asylum, or another way, it is important to track your USCIS case status.
Many applicants feel confused or worried because they don’t know how long the process will take or if something is wrong with their application. But don’t worry. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) gives you simple tools to check your case status online.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to track your Green Card application, what the different statuses mean, and what to do if there’s a delay.
What Is a Green Card?
A Green Card lets you live and work permanently in the United States. It’s also called a Permanent Resident Card. Once you have it, you can apply for jobs, open a bank account, and live freely in any state.
People apply for Green Cards in different ways, such as:
- Through family (spouse, parent, or child)
- Through work or job offer
- Through refugee or asylum status
- Through special programs like DV Lottery
After applying, you get a case number, which you will use to track your status.
What Is USCIS?
USCIS stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is the government office that processes your Green Card application.
Once they receive your application, they review it, request documents, do background checks, and finally give a decision. All updates on your case will be shared by USCIS.
How to Track Your Green Card Application Status Through USCIS
Tracking your application is very easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the USCIS Case Status Website
Go to:
https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do
This is the official USCIS case tracking tool. You don’t need to log in or create an account.
Step 2: Enter Your 13-Character Receipt Number
You’ll find your receipt number on the Form I-797C Notice of Action. It usually starts with three letters (like “MSC”, “EAC”, “WAC”, “LIN”, or “SRC”) followed by 10 numbers.
Example: MSC2198765432
Type the number without spaces and click the “Check Status” button.
Step 3: Read Your Case Status
USCIS will show your latest case update. It may say something like:
- Case Was Received
- Request for Evidence Sent
- Interview Was Scheduled
- Case Was Approved
- Card Was Mailed to Me
This tells you what stage your Green Card is in.
USCIS Case Status Terms: What Do They Mean?
Here are some common USCIS status messages and what they mean in simple English:
| USCIS Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Case Was Received | USCIS has your application and will start reviewing it |
| Case Was Updated | USCIS made a small change, like correcting your name |
| Biometrics Appointment Notice | You need to give fingerprints and photo at the USCIS office |
| Request for Evidence Sent | USCIS needs more documents from you to continue processing |
| Interview Was Scheduled | You have a Green Card interview scheduled at your local USCIS office |
| Case Was Approved | Good news! Your Green Card is approved |
| Card Was Mailed to Me | Your Green Card is printed and sent to your address |
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card?
Processing time depends on:
- The type of application
- Your visa category
- Your country
- USCIS office workload
Usually, it takes 8 to 14 months. You can check average times here:
https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
Use your form number (like I-485) and USCIS field office to check.
How to Track Green Card Application Without Receipt Number
If you lost your receipt number, you can:
- Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283
- Check your USCIS online account (if you created one)
- Contact your lawyer (if you applied with help)
- Look at your Form I-797C, which USCIS mailed to you
Create a USCIS Online Account (Optional)
You can also create a USCIS online account to:
- See your full case history
- Upload documents
- Get case updates
- Send messages
Visit: https://my.uscis.gov and sign up with your email.
What to Do If There Is a Delay?
If your case is taking longer than normal, you can:
- Submit an “Outside Normal Processing Time” request online
- Call USCIS for help
- Ask for help from your local Congress member
If your case shows “No Updates” for a long time, take action and follow up.
Tips to Stay Updated Easily
- Save your receipt number
- Check your email – USCIS sends updates
- Check your mailbox – you’ll get letters
- Sign up for text alerts on the USCIS website
- Download the USCIS app (if available in your country)
FAQs
Q: How often should I check my case status?
A: Once a week is good. If something changes, USCIS will update your status online.
Q: Is the USCIS website safe?
A: Yes. The site is official and secure. Always use the official .gov website.
Q: Can I track my Green Card delivery?
A: Yes. After USCIS mails your card, you’ll get a tracking number from USPS.
Q: Will USCIS email or call me?
A: USCIS may email you updates, but they never ask for money or personal info on a phone call. Be careful of scams.
Conclusion:
Tracking your Green Card application is very easy and helpful. It gives you peace of mind and helps avoid mistakes or delays. Just use your receipt number and visit the USCIS case status tool online.
If you stay alert, check your updates, and follow the steps, you’ll never miss any important notice.
This guide helps you understand your USCIS case clearly, even if you’re not from a tech or legal background. It’s written in easy English for everyone — students, parents, workers, or anyone waiting for their Green Card.
