What your USCIS case status means
TrackPetition reads the same case status you see on the USCIS site — straight from the official USCIS Case Status API. This page explains, in plain language, each status phrase you might see, along with the real wording variants USCIS uses for the same underlying step. It covers only statuses we've actually observed on real cases.
Informational — not legal advice
This glossary explains what each system status means. It is not legal advice and does not tell you what to do about your case. The statuses and their exact wording are defined by USCIS; we are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.
The statuses, grouped by step
- Positive
- In progress
- Action may be needed
- Negative
USCIS is working on the case
In progressHow USCIS shows it
“USCIS Is currently Processing the Case”
What it means: USCIS has your case and is actively working on it. They don't need anything from you right now, and they'll reach out by mail if that changes.
What usually comes next: The case usually moves on to a decision, a request for more evidence, or another step such as an interview or biometrics — depending on the case type.
Note: You may also see the same step phrased as "USCIS is still processing your case."
Case received
In progressHow USCIS shows it
“Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Sent”
What it means: USCIS received your form and mailed you a receipt notice confirming the case and how they'll handle it. This is the normal starting point after filing.
What usually comes next: From here the case moves into review; the next status is often active processing, a request for evidence, or a scheduling step.
Note: "Receipt Notice Not Sent" typically means the case was received in the electronic (ELIS) system, with nothing pending from you.
Wording we've seen
- “Case Was Received”
- “Case Was Received Receipt Notice Not Sent”
- “Case Was Received At My Local Office”
Case approved
PositiveHow USCIS shows it
“Case Was Approved”
What it means: USCIS approved the form and has sent, or will send, an approval notice by mail. What an approval unlocks depends on the case type.
What usually comes next: Depending on the form, an approval may lead to card production, a next filing, consular processing, or a scheduling step.
Wording we've seen
- “Case Approved”
- “Approval Case Decision Rendered”
Approval affirmed
PositiveHow USCIS shows it
“Case Approval Was Affirmed”
What it means: A previous approval was reaffirmed, typically after a review, and the case moves toward its final steps.
What usually comes next: The case continues to its remaining steps for that case type.
Request for Evidence (RFE) — USCIS asked for more
Action may be neededHow USCIS shows it
“Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent”
What it means: USCIS reviewed the case and needs more documentation before deciding. They mailed a letter — a Request for Evidence — that spells out exactly what's missing.
What usually comes next: Once USCIS logs the response, the status usually moves to "Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received," and the case goes back into review.
Deadline: An RFE carries a response deadline. The real date is the one printed on your letter. Missing that date can lead to a decision made without the requested evidence. We can't tell you the date — only the letter can.
Note: USCIS alternates wording: the outgoing status says "Additional Evidence" while the acknowledgment says "Request For Evidence." It's the same RFE.
Appears on
Your RFE response was received
In progressHow USCIS shows it
“Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received”
What it means: USCIS received your reply to the Request for Evidence and has started working on the case again. This is the step after the RFE, not the RFE itself.
What usually comes next: The case returns to review and moves toward a decision or another step.
Appears on
Case denied
NegativeHow USCIS shows it
“Case Was Denied”
What it means: USCIS reached an unfavorable decision on this application. A notice arrives by mail explaining the reasons for the decision.
What usually comes next: The mailed notice sets out the basis for the decision. Depending on the case type, later avenues — such as a motion or an appeal (Form I-290B) — may exist, each with its own requirements and deadlines.
Appears on
Card lifecycle (EAD / green card)
PositiveHow USCIS shows it
“Card Was Produced”
What it means: After an approval that comes with a card — a work permit (EAD) or a green card — USCIS produces the card, mails it, and then it's delivered. These statuses track the card's journey to you.
What usually comes next: The card moves from produced, to mailed, to delivered by the post office.
Note: "Card Was Returned To USCIS" means the post office returned the card; USCIS explains by mail how to update your address by the date shown.
Wording we've seen
- “Card Was Mailed To Me”
- “Card Was Delivered To Me By The Post Office”
- “Card Was Personally Delivered To Me”
- “Card Has Been Re-Ordered”
- “Card Order Was Returned To The Approving Office”
- “Card Was Returned To USCIS”
Appears on
Fingerprints / biometrics
In progressHow USCIS shows it
“Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken”
What it means: Your fingerprints have been applied to the case. Biometrics are a routine step for many case types.
What usually comes next: The case continues in review after biometrics are on file.
Note: "Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled" means USCIS set an appointment and is notifying you by mail.
Wording we've seen
- “Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled”
Appears on
Interview scheduled
In progressHow USCIS shows it
“Interview Was Scheduled”
What it means: USCIS scheduled an interview for your case and is notifying you by mail with the details.
What usually comes next: After the interview, the case moves toward a decision.
Note: "Interview Cancelled" means the interview was taken off the calendar; USCIS says it will notify you if it's rescheduled.
Wording we've seen
- “Interview Cancelled”
Appears on
Case transferred to another office
In progressHow USCIS shows it
“Case Transferred And New Office Has Jurisdiction”
What it means: Your case moved to a different USCIS office, which now has jurisdiction over it. A notice explains why. A transfer is an administrative move, not a decision.
What usually comes next: Processing continues at the new office; the next status reflects that office's work.
Wording we've seen
- “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction”
- “Case Transferred To Another Office”
Fee refund mailed
UpdateHow USCIS shows it
“Fee Refund Was Mailed”
What it means: USCIS mailed a refund of a fee to whoever paid it. A fee refund does not, by itself, change how the case is processed.
Sent to the Department of State
In progressHow USCIS shows it
“Case Was Sent To The Department of State”
What it means: The case moved to the U.S. Department of State to continue through consular (visa) processing, which happens outside USCIS.
What usually comes next: Later steps take place with the Department of State and the relevant consulate or embassy.
Appears on
Changed to premium processing
In progressHow USCIS shows it
“Case Was Changed To A Premium Processing Case”
What it means: The case was placed into premium processing, an optional faster-handling service. USCIS's premium-processing clock has started.
What usually comes next: The case is handled under the premium-processing service for eligible case types.
Note: A "clock stopped" status pauses the premium-processing timer — USCIS mails a notice explaining what's needed to resume — and "clock restarted" resumes it.
Wording we've seen
- “45-Day Premium Processing Clock Stopped for My Case”
- “45-Day Premium Processing Clock Restarted for My Case”
Appears on
Naturalization — oath and certificate (N-400)
PositiveHow USCIS shows it
“Case Is Ready For Oath Scheduling”
What it means: For a citizenship case, USCIS finished its quality review and the case is ready for the oath ceremony to be scheduled. Notice comes by mail.
What usually comes next: The oath ceremony is scheduled; after the oath, the Certificate of Naturalization is issued.
Wording we've seen
- “Certificate Of Naturalization Was Issued”
Appears on
Travel document (I-131)
PositiveHow USCIS shows it
“Travel Document Was Mailed”
What it means: For a travel-document case (such as advance parole or a reentry permit), USCIS mailed the document to you.
What usually comes next: Delivery of the mailed document follows; USCIS also posts related travel-authorization decisions to your account.
Wording we've seen
- “Travel Document Was Mailed But I Did Not Receive It”
- “Travel Document Was Returned to USCIS And Will Be Held For 180 Days”
- “Travel Authorization Decision Posted”
- “Reentry Permit Was Produced”
Appears on
Revocation or termination
NegativeHow USCIS shows it
“Case Was Terminated”
What it means: USCIS ended or reversed a case. For some case types (such as an I-131) this reflects a denial after review; in others it withdraws a benefit or a prior approval. A notice by mail explains the reasons.
What usually comes next: The mailed notice explains the basis and any next steps described there.
Note: "I-765 Automatically Revoked" means a work permit was revoked automatically because of the outcome of the underlying case.
Wording we've seen
- “I-765 Automatically Revoked”
- “Intent to Revoke Notice Was Sent”
- “Revocation Notice Was Sent”
- “Intent To Rescind Notice Was Mailed”
- “TPS Country Designation Terminated by FRN”
Appears on
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Rare statuses we've also seen
Statuses that show up far less often. Same rules apply — this is the plain meaning of the phrase, nothing more.
- “Fees Were Waived”
- The case was received and its filing fee was waived.
- “Case Remains Pending / Visa Bulletin Not Current Or Case Held In Abeyance”
- A temporary pause because a visa number isn't available (visa-bulletin retrogression); the case resumes when a number becomes available.
- “Notice Explaining USCIS' Actions Was Mailed”
- USCIS began reviewing the case and mailed a notice describing the action it intends to take, with a window to respond.
- “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It”
- USCIS received correspondence from you and is reviewing it.
- “Case Under Supervisor Review Completed”
- A supervisor's review of the case is complete; the final decision comes by mail.
- “Document and Letter Was Received”
- A document and accompanying letter were received. Related mail-handling statuses cover documents mailed but not received, or documents destroyed.
- “Reminder Notice To Submit I-751”
- A reminder that a Form I-751 needs to be filed. I-751
- “Expedite Request Denied”
- A request to speed up handling was denied. This refers to the expedite request only — not to the case itself.
Quick answers
- What does "USCIS Is currently Processing the Case" mean?
- USCIS has your case and is actively working on it. They don't need anything from you right now, and they'll reach out by mail if that changes.
- What does "Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Sent" mean?
- USCIS received your form and mailed you a receipt notice confirming the case and how they'll handle it. This is the normal starting point after filing.
- What does "Case Was Approved" mean?
- USCIS approved the form and has sent, or will send, an approval notice by mail. What an approval unlocks depends on the case type.
- What does "Case Approval Was Affirmed" mean?
- A previous approval was reaffirmed, typically after a review, and the case moves toward its final steps.
- What does "Request for Additional Evidence Was Sent" mean?
- USCIS reviewed the case and needs more documentation before deciding. They mailed a letter — a Request for Evidence — that spells out exactly what's missing.
- What does "Response To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was Received" mean?
- USCIS received your reply to the Request for Evidence and has started working on the case again. This is the step after the RFE, not the RFE itself.
- What does "Case Was Denied" mean?
- USCIS reached an unfavorable decision on this application. A notice arrives by mail explaining the reasons for the decision.
- What does "Card Was Produced" mean?
- After an approval that comes with a card — a work permit (EAD) or a green card — USCIS produces the card, mails it, and then it's delivered. These statuses track the card's journey to you.
- What does "Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken" mean?
- Your fingerprints have been applied to the case. Biometrics are a routine step for many case types.
- What does "Interview Was Scheduled" mean?
- USCIS scheduled an interview for your case and is notifying you by mail with the details.
- What does "Case Transferred And New Office Has Jurisdiction" mean?
- Your case moved to a different USCIS office, which now has jurisdiction over it. A notice explains why. A transfer is an administrative move, not a decision.
- What does "Fee Refund Was Mailed" mean?
- USCIS mailed a refund of a fee to whoever paid it. A fee refund does not, by itself, change how the case is processed.
- What does "Case Was Sent To The Department of State" mean?
- The case moved to the U.S. Department of State to continue through consular (visa) processing, which happens outside USCIS.
- What does "Case Was Changed To A Premium Processing Case" mean?
- The case was placed into premium processing, an optional faster-handling service. USCIS's premium-processing clock has started.
- What does "Case Is Ready For Oath Scheduling" mean?
- For a citizenship case, USCIS finished its quality review and the case is ready for the oath ceremony to be scheduled. Notice comes by mail.
- What does "Travel Document Was Mailed" mean?
- For a travel-document case (such as advance parole or a reentry permit), USCIS mailed the document to you.
- What does "Case Was Terminated" mean?
- USCIS ended or reversed a case. For some case types (such as an I-131) this reflects a denial after review; in others it withdraws a benefit or a prior approval. A notice by mail explains the reasons.
TrackPetition is an independent case-status notification service by Startup58 LLC — not a law firm, and not legal advice or legal assistance. This glossary is general information about USCIS status wording, not guidance on your specific case. For advice on your case, consult a licensed immigration attorney. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or speaking for USCIS or any government agency. We read case status through the official USCIS Case Status API; the statuses and their wording are set by USCIS.
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