After filing the U.S. immigrant green card application, depending on the type of form the applicant starts with, there are several ways for the immigrant applicant to check the status of the application, including the immigrant petition in I-485 status, I-140 status, or I-130 status. Today, Ruihong Overseas will introduce to you how immigration applicants can check the status of their green card application.
How do I track a green card I applied for in the U.S.?
If the immigrant applicant is residing in the U.S. and is applying for a green card, he or she will need to file a Form I-485, which will allow him to obtain a green card without returning to his home country or completing visa processing.
Check the status of your green card application online
The easiest way to track the status of your green card application is to check it online. Upon receipt of the applicant's green card application, USCIS will send a 13-digit receipt number document.
In November 2023, USCIS has extended the ability to search online to Form I-485, so immigration applicants can log in/register for a USCIS account and then check the status of their pending green card application in myProgress. Enter the receipt number in the search bar and submit it to check the status of your I-485.
Check the status of your application by email
When applying for a green card, the immigrant applicant needs to write a mailing address on the Form I-485. During the application process, USCIS will send all official notices to this address, including updates regarding the applicant's green card status/I-485 status, but there is a delay in this process.
For applications filed within the United States, there is no option to inquire about a green card via email or to go through a green card status check (or I-485 status check).
Check the status of your application by phone
If the immigrant applicant does not have access to the Internet, the immigrant applicant can check the status of the application by calling the USCIS Contact Center at +1-800-375-5283.
During the inquiry process, the immigrant applicant needs to prepare his/her name, date of birth, USCIS Receipt Number, alien registration number, and other information to ensure that USCIS can quickly confirm the applicant's green card application.
Check the status of your application in person
Immigration applicants need to call the USCIS Contact Center to make an appointment before they can visit in person, which is a time-consuming process.
How do I track a green card applied for outside the U.S.?
The National Visa Center (NVC) is the agency responsible for processing the final stages of green card applications from outside the United States. USCIS will forward petitions filed outside the U.S. to the NVC with the appropriate information.
During the application process, immigration applicants are required to contact the NVC at least once a year.
Check the status of your application online
Immigrant applicants traveling to the U.S. to work are required to file Form I-140 and Form DS-260 filed online. DS-261 is a form used to provide basic information such as the personal information of the immigration applicant and the purpose of immigration to the USCIS, and the person who receives the update throughout the application process is referred to as the agent of the immigration applicant. In the DS-261 form, the immigrant applicant can act as a representative and receive updates directly. Once all relevant forms are received, the NVC will send an email or notification letter, along with a Form I-797C.
Immigration applicants use the case number to go to the Visa Status Inquiry page of the Consulate Electronic Application Center (CEAC):
Please make sure that the visa application type is set to "Immigrant Visa (IV)";
Enter the case number into the search box;
Enter the verification code under the search box to check the NVC case status of the immigration applicant.
Check the status of your application by email
When applying for a green card, USCIS will send all official notices to the immigrant applicant through the mailing address in the immigrant applicant's Form I-130 or Form I-140 and Form DS-261 so that the immigrant applicant can stay up-to-date on the status of the NVC or I-140.
Check the status of your application via email
Immigration applicants can check the status of their NVC case through the online public inquiry form. Immigration applicants will need to provide information such as name, date of birth, email, NVC case number, and the name of your sponsoring relative (Form I-130) or employer (Form I-140). The NVC will respond via the email address entered in the online public inquiry form.
Check the status of your application by phone
Immigration applicants can contact the NVC directly by phone at +1-603-334-0700 to check the status of their case. Before making a call, you need to confirm the opening hours of the NVC. Because of the high volume of phone inquiries at NVC, the average waiting time can exceed 30 minutes.
Recently, all forces in the United States have been grinding their fists for this year's presidential election. The outcome of the election is difficult to predict, but it is certain that while Biden is still in office, it will still be a favorable window for immigration to the United States. Applicants who are interested in applying for a U.S. green card should seize the current window period as soon as possible.