USCIS case status explanations

Every common USCIS status, explained without legal jargon. Pick a message to learn what it means for your case.

• 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