How To Check Your Green Card Application Status: Legal Insights

Waiting for your Green Card can be exciting and stressful. After months of gathering documents and filing applications, the last thing you want is uncertainty about your case status.

In this guide, you will find the following:

• Information that will explain what your Green Card status updates mean
• Step-by-step instructions to check your application status
• Tips on what to do while waiting for your Green Card
• Information on how an immigration attorney can assist throughout the process

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

View Brad's Bio

Bradford H. Bernstein

Why Is It Important To Track Your Green Card Application Status?

Applying for a Green Card is an important step toward building a future in the United States and accessing benefits granted to U.S. residents — from the ability to live and work anywhere in the country to the opportunity to sponsor family members for immigration.

The Green Card process can take anywhere from several months to several years.

Tracking your Green Card application status ensures you:

• Receive important updates about your case progress.
• Respond promptly to requests for additional documents or evidence.
• Are aware of scheduled interviews and required preparations.
• Act if there are delays in processing.
• Know about the estimated timeframes and your next steps.

What Can Your Green Card Status Say?

Your Green Card application status provides information about where your case is in the USCIS’ adjudication process.

Here are some common status updates you may see in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) system.

• Case was received: USCIS received your application and will start the review process.
• Case was approved: Your application has been approved, and your Green Card will be delivered to you.
• Case is being actively reviewed: USCIS is currently reviewing your case.
• Request for evidence was sent: USCIS needs additional documentation, which you must submit within the given timeframe.
• Case transferred to another office: USCIS has moved your application to a different service center or field office for further processing. This could be due to workload distribution, jurisdictional changes, or the need for additional review. USCIS will notify you of the transfer and the new location handling your case.
• Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview: USCIS has reviewed your application and completed the initial processing but is waiting for an available interview slot at your local field office.
• Interview was scheduled: Your Green Card interview has been scheduled, and you will receive an appointment notice.
• Case was denied: USCIS decided that you are not eligible for a Green Card (you will receive a notice explaining the reason).
• Card was mailed: Your Green Card has been mailed to the address on file.
• Card was delivered: Your Green Card has been delivered to you.

How To Check Green Card Application Status

You can check your Green Card status in several ways — online, by mail, email, phone, or in person.

Online

1. Go to the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
2. Enter your receipt number, which you can see on Form I-797, Notice of Action.
3. Click “Check Status” to receive real-time updates.

By Mail

1. Opt for paper notifications.
2. Make sure USCIS has your up-to-date address to avoid missing important correspondence.

By Email

1. Visit the USCIS website.
2. Create a USCIS account.
3. Sign up for email alerts.
4. Check your email regularly for notifications from USCIS.

By Phone

1. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
2. Be prepared to provide your receipt number for verification.

In Person

To check your Green Card application status in person, use the USCIS InfoPass Appointment Scheduler system. This option is useful if you have complex concerns or need to provide additional information in person.

If you find the tracking process overwhelming or are unsure of how to interpret your case status, call our experienced immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein. We will update you on your case and take action when necessary.

What To Do While Waiting For Your Green Card

While your Green Card application is being processed, there are several things you can do:

• Keep USCIS informed about changes in your address using Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card.
• Check estimated wait times on the USCIS website to get an idea of when you may expect a decision.
• If you expect an interview, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready.
• If applicable, apply for a work permit by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, or a travel document using Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.

Green Card Application Status: Key Takeaways

Staying on top of your Green Card application process will help you avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Know what the different status updates mean so you can prepare for each stage.
• Regularly check your application status and respond to USCIS requests immediately.
• Consider working with an immigration attorney to facilitate your Green Card application process and tracking.

Need Help Tracking Your Green Card Status? Call Spar & Bernstein

Spar & Bernstein’s experienced immigration attorneys have helped thousands of people obtain a Green Card and establish a life in the United States.

We will be by your side throughout the entire process to analyze your situation, fill out and file your application package and prepare you for your USCIS interview to increase your chances of approval.

We will update you on your Green Card application status and handle any issue that might arise along the way, from additional requests for evidence to appealing denials and more.

Green Card Application Status: FAQs

For more Green Card application status insights, check out the section below.

What should I do if my case status has not changed for months?

If your case status remains the same for an unusually long time, you may:

• File an e-request with USCIS.
• Schedule an InfoPass appointment to ask about the reason for the delay.
• Contact Spar & Bernstein’s knowledgeable team of attorneys.

What should I do if USCIS requests additional documents?

If USCIS requests additional documents to support your Green Card application, submit them promptly to avoid delays. Failure to respond within the stated deadline can result in case denial.

What if I lost my Green Card receipt notice?

If you lost your receipt notice, you can request a duplicate copy by contacting USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. You can also check your status online using your Alien Registration Number (A-Number).

How can I check my Green Card delivery status?

Once USCIS has mailed your Green Card, they will provide a tracking number through USPS Priority Mail. You can track it using the USCIS Case Status Online tool or directly on the USPS website.

How can an immigration attorney help with my Green Card application?

Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys at Spar & Bernstein will help you prepare and file your application and handle any issues or delays, increasing the likelihood of approval.