Understanding USCIS receipt numbers

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns a 13-character code that is used to identify and track applications and petitions for immigration benefits called a "receipt number." The receipt number can be found on the I-797, Notice of Action (i.e., "receipt notice"). The receipt notice from USCIS confirms that they have received the application or petition and that it is currently in queue for processing.

When you can expect to receive a receipt notice can vary greatly depending on the type of immigration application or petition, whether you elect for premium processing (not all petitions and applications are even eligible), and USCIS's workload at the moment. You can check the average processing times for your petition or application type to give you a better idea of when you can expect to receive a decision.

When you do receive your receipt notice, is important to check your USCIS receipt number, which can be found at the top left of the form and will start with three letters. These three letters are indicative of the USCIS service center that is processing your application.

Once you receive your application receipt or petition number, you can decipher important information about your submission. The two numbers that follow these letters represent the fiscal year in which your application or petition was received and the next three numbers represent the workday that USCIS received your application or petition. The subsequent numbers are the unique case number assigned to your application or petition.

You can use your receipt number to check the status of your application or petition at any time. You will likely need to provide this receipt number in connection with future applications or petitions so it is important that you store your receipt notices and the subsequent approval notices in a safe place, preferably electronically or in a fireproof box.

Please reach out to the NP Immigration team if you have any questions or concerns.