To inquire about a USCIS case, use USCIS's e-Request tool online for status questions, accommodation requests, or notice errors. You're eligible once your case has been pending longer than the estimated processing time for your form—or six months if your form type isn't listed. Before submitting, visit the Case Processing Times page and enter your receipt date. The system will confirm whether you can inquire now.
Table of Contents
- Verify Your Case Is Eligible for Inquiry
- Have Your Receipt Number Ready
- Submit Your Inquiry Online or by Phone
- Expect a Response Within 15 to 30 Days
- Frequently Asked Questions
Verify Your Case Is Eligible for Inquiry
You can inquire about your case once it has been pending longer than the estimated processing time for your form type, or after six months if uscis does not list your form. To check this, visit the Case Processing Times page and enter your receipt date. The system will display an estimated date when your case becomes eligible, or confirm immediately that you can inquire now. Do not submit an inquiry until your case meets this threshold; USCIS will not respond to early requests.
Have Your Receipt Number Ready
Your receipt notice contains a 13-character receipt number that you'll need to submit your inquiry—it looks like EAC-23-123-456789 or WAC-23-987-654321. check your paper notice or your online account on the USCIS website. If you believe USCIS mailed a notice but you haven't received it, check your case status online first; only submit a non-delivery inquiry if the notice appears in the system.
Submit Your Inquiry Online or by Phone
Use the e-Request tool to submit your inquiry online—the fastest method. Select your inquiry type (status question, accommodation request, or notice error), enter your receipt number, and provide details about your request. If you prefer a phone call, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) in English or Spanish. For lockbox applications, email [email protected] with your form number, receipt number, name, and mailing address—never include your Social Security number.
Expect a Response Within 15 to 30 Days
USCIS aims to resolve online inquiries submitted through e-Request within 15 business days. If you called the Contact Center, expect a response within 30 days, or 15 days for expedited requests. Check your email or online account for USCIS's reply; if you called, the Contact Center will reach you by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of inquiries can I make through e-Request?
You can submit inquiries about your case status, request accommodations for disabilities or language barriers, report errors on notices, or ask other questions about your pending application.
What if I don't receive the mail notice USCIS says it sent?
Check your USCIS online account first to see if the notice appears in the system. Only if the notice is listed but you haven't received it should you submit a non-delivery inquiry.
How long should I keep my receipt notice?
Keep your receipt notice for your records. You'll need the 13-character receipt number whenever you contact USCIS about your case.