After submitting your application for a visa, green card, or citizenship to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it’s natural to feel anxious and excited to learn about its progress. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to see where you are in the process – checking your USCIS case status online.
USCIS can take a long time to process your application, whether it is the U.S. citizenship application process, renewing a green card, or helping relatives become residents. Once you file an application, waiting for a decision can feel like an eternity. This guide to how to check your USCIS case status will help you keep current with your latest status updates.
Why USCIS Case Processing Times Matter
You should always know how long it will generally take to process your application or other requests through the USCIS. When you know how long the processing times are, you can get a better understanding of when you should file your paperwork so things get done on time.
One thing you don’t want is to get stuck with expired documents or end up waiting longer than you have to for critical things such as your green card or citizenship. By knowing how to check your USCIS case status, you can ensure that you have an ample amount of time to do what you need quickly and efficiently.
Checking Your USCIS Case Status Online
The USCIS allows you to check case processing times on their website. You cannot inquire about processing times over email. When you arrive at the USCIS website, you will see two boxes, one where you select the form you’re filling out and another for the field office or service center.
First, click on the name or number of the form you completed. For example, if you completed a green card renewal, you would select Form I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Once you click on the form you’ve submitted, you will need to choose the field office or service center your application is getting processed in. Then click on “Get processing time.” A window like this will appear:
This window clearly states the estimated time range for a green card renewal is 11 to 11.5 months.
The section called “Case Inquiry Date” is important because the USCIS states if your receipt date is before the Case Inquiry Date, you can request an “outside the normal processing time” service request online.
Checking processing time on the USCIS website gives you an approximate time it will take to process your application, however, if you need to know your current USCIS case status, you can use the Check Status tool.
Can I Also Check My USCIS Case Status Over the Phone?
If you have a smartphone, you can easily follow the same general steps above on your mobile browser. However, if you want to actually call in to learn about current processing times, you need to reach the USCIS at their toll-free number (800) 375-5283. Follow the instructions, and you’ll be able to find current wait times.
If needed, you can also talk to a representative for more information. Hold times tend to be very long when you call in, so we recommend sticking with the online option and finding out processing times through the USCIS website.
Why Are USCIS Case Processing Times So Long?
The USCIS handles hundreds of thousands of applications each year. With the sheer number of people trying to become U.S. citizens, a lot of work needs to get done in order to get them processed in a timely manner.
Because of the volume of applications that the USCIS receives, you need to be patient when you are checking your USCIS case status. The application process is long, but so long as you fill out all of the paperwork correctly, all you’ll need to do is sit tight and be patient while they work hard to process your application.
How We Can Help You Determine Your USCIS Case Status
It can be crushing to learn that your application got rejected after all this time of waiting. Avoid the common pitfalls and mistakes first-time applicants make by allowing the experts at FileRight to help you get started.
We provide you with all the resources and information you need to get on the path to citizenship today. Please reach out to us to learn more about how we can assist you on this journey.
