US Immigration - How to Contact USCIS and Other immigration offices

Friday, September 22, 2023
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First & Foremost;

To be able to Contact USCIS and Other Agencies for US immigration issues; you need your receipt &/or case number.


What is a receipt number?

  1. Your receipt number is a 13-character case number assigned to you by USCIS when your application was accepted.  
  2. You can find the receipt number - starting with three letters such as SRC, LIN, etc. - usually on your Form I-797 Receipt Notice.  
  3. Occasionally you may also see the number on other USCIS notices.
  4. If you have more than one case pending at USCIS, you can check the status of multiple applications by registering an account on the official USCIS.GOV website.
  5. You should receive a receipt notice within 30 days after filing at a Service Center or 30 days after filing at a Lockbox.


What is a case number?

  1. A case number is structured like this: AAA-XX-YYY-Z-MMMM:
  2. Here is an example: SRC-06-012-54321. Omit any dashes or spaces in the number when checking case status.
  3. For example, enter SRC0601254321 in the text box above. However, enter all other characters, including asterisks (*), if they are part of the receipt number.
  4. Case numbers are not sorted by application type.

AAA:The service center or office that received your case.
 SRC - Texas Service Center (TSC, formerly Southern Regional Center)
LIN - Nebraska Service Center (NSC, Lincoln, NE)
WAC - California Service Center (CSC, formerly Western Adjudication Center)
EAC - Vermont Service Center (VSC, formerly Eastern Adjudication Center)
MSC - Missouri Service Center (MSC, transitioned to NBC)
NBC - National Benefits Center (NBC, for N-400 Naturalization and other cases)
XX:The fiscal year of USCIS, from October 1 to September 30. Cases filed from 10/01/2006 to 09/30/2007 will have xx = 07
YYY:The working day of the fiscal year when your case is received. 10/01 = 001
Z:This digit is part of a serial number but may have certain meanings for USCIS internal use.
MMMM:A serial number assigned to your case based on the number of cases received, starting from 0001



What is Immigrant Data Summary?
When you attended your U.S. embassy or consulate appointment, you should have received an immigrant data summary stapled to the front of your immigrant visa package.


What is an Alien Number?

You can find your A-Number on your immigrant data summary, USCIS Immigrant Fee handout, or the Registration Number on your immigrant visa stamp. Your A-Number is the letter “A” followed by 8 or 9 numbers (such as A012345678). 

If your A-Number is fewer than 9 digits, insert a zero after the “A” and before the first digit to create a 9-digit number. For example, “A12345678” would become “A012345678.”


What is Department of State (DOS) Case ID?

Your DOS Case ID is 3 letters followed by 9 or 10 numbers (for example, XYZ0123456789). If you are a Diversity Visa immigrant, your DOS Case ID will have 4 numbers followed by 2 letters and 5 more numbers (for example, 0000AB12345).

Your DOS Case ID is identified as the IV Case Number on your visa stamp. However, please note the IV Case Number has two additional numbers at the end, such as 01 or 02. When entering the IV Case Number as the DOS Case ID, do not include the last two numbers. For example, if your IV Case Number is “ABC1234567801,” you would enter your DOS Case ID as “ABC12345678” (do not include the “01”).





0. What is USCIS?

USCIS stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS is the official government agency that handles applications and petitions for immigration benefit. Under the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS inherited a large portion of the functions from the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), which ceased to exist on March 1, 2003. Keep in mind that most search engines will direct you to the official USCIS.gov website if you use keywords such as USCIS or INS. They can also handle certain misspelled words such as UCIS, USICS, USCIC, UCSIS, etc. However, if you typed something else make sure you are at the uscis.gov website before you submit sensitive information or make a payment.



1. Check USCIS Case Status Online: 
Case Status Online - Case Status Search (uscis.gov)

If you have a  you can check the case status online. You can check one case at a time, or set up an account and list all your immigration cases in your portfolio. You may also set up an auto update in your account, which will send you an email when there is an action taken on your case. This is a very convenient method, but lacks critical details such as security check information. The USCIS database is updated frequently and if there is a major status change in your case, you can expect to see it within a day or less.

Although major status changes, such as "approval notice sent," are provided by the system, certain information may not always be updated in the database. For example, USCIS may or may not change the case status if they have received your response to RFE (Request for Evidence). This is particularly frustrating for immigrants because responding to RFE is a time sensitive issue.

USCIS don't display a log of status changes for your case. What you see in the status checking system is the last action taken by the USCIS. Sometimes you might see that the last updated date (LUD) changed, but the message (case status) remained the same.

The online checking system does not tell you why your case hasn't been approved if its pending.



2. Check other USCIS Website links for Info:

3. What information is provided by USCIS case status check system?

Here is an example of a typical status update:

Receipt Number: EAC09xxxxxxxx

Application Type: I765, APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On May 15, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I765 APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.


The case status checking system on the USCIS.GOV website displays seven processing steps. Each step contains one or more administrative actions or procedures. Your current status is highlighted in green.

Step 1: Acceptance

USCIS reviews new applications and petitions, sends out receipt notices for properly filed cases, and rejects applications that are incomplete or filed with incorrect fees.

The acceptance step usually takes a few days. An applicant can expect to receive a written notice along with a receipt number within 30 days.

USCIS Case Status Acceptance

Step 2: Initial Review

This step includes mostly security checks, such as FBI fingerprint check, FBI name check, IBIS name check and other background investigations. USCIS must determine whether there are national security concerns or potential fraud.

USCIS Case Status Initial Review

Step 3: Request for Evidence (RFE)

USCIS may send you a request for evidence when certain required documentation/evidence is missing, or when the adjudication officer needs additional information. RFE may be issued at any stage. RFE must be responded before a deadline.

USCIS Case Status Request for Evidence

Step 4: Testing and Interview

Sometimes an interview is required, either by regulation or at the discretion of the adjudication officer. Marriage-based green card applicants, for example, usually must go through the interview process. Beneficiary of an employment-based adjustment of status petition may be required to attend an interview as well, but not very often. Testing is referring to English and Civics tests for naturalization applications.

USCIS Case Status Testing and Interview

Step 5: Decision

A formal decision (approval/denial) is made during this step and a notice is mailed to the applicant/petitioner.

USCIS Case Status Decision

Step 6: Post-Decision Activity

For certain cases, USCIS may send notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State for further processing. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal, motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

USCIS Case Status Post-Decision Activity

Step 7: Document production or Oath Ceremony

During this step a card or document (such as green card, EAD card, travel document, naturalization certificate, etc.) is produced and mailed to the applicant. Naturalization applicants can expect to be scheduled for an oath ceremony, usually within 45 days.

4. Call a Service Center (TSC, NSC, etc.) Directly
An alternative to visiting a local USCIS office is to call the service center directly. By calling the national customer service line (800-375-5283), you will hear a long list of options. Choosing the right ones that fit your situation will lead you to the service center that is processing your case.

Note: The entire sequence has now changed since USCIS updated the phone menu on 8/29/2011. We must verify the method still works before posting it again. Stay tuned...

Even if you reach TSC or NSC, your call may be automatically transferred back to general customer service. But if someone picks up the phone, you should explain your situation briefly and ask about your case status. As with the IO's at local offices, they do know a lot of details about your case. Just a friendly reminder: no matter how frustrated you are with the processing delay, please be polite and professional during the conversation. If an officer is unwilling to help, you can always call back at a later time.



5. Call National Customer Service Center

Unfortunately, USCIS representatives at (800) 375 - 5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833) don't know much more than the online system. So in many cases this method is not very helpful. However, they should be able to help you if you have a relatively straightforward question, or if you have received a USCIS notice which directs you to call this number.

Automated information is available 24/7. Live assistance is available Monday through Friday, usually 8am to 6pm local time. 8am-5pm for Alaska residents, and 8am-4pm for Hawaii. 

If you are outside the US you can call 785-330-1048 to check your case status.

If your case is 30 days outside the current processing dates, you can call customer service ( 800-375-5283) and place an official inquiry. The service center will respond to your inquiry by postal mail, usually in a few weeks, to explain why your case hasn't been adjudicated. For most people, the answer is usually "in process" or "pending security checks."

You may also call Customer Service if you have not received your green card, EAD, AP or other immigration documents two weeks after you received an approval notice. A representative can provide you with the USPS tracking number and delivery status.

The USCIS phone menu is massive, with numerous options. It takes quite a few steps to find certain topics or reach a customer service representative. To help you, We have captured and listed their main options below, which should help if you have a specific question to ask. Please understand that USCIS may change their phone menu at any time, and it is impossible for us to always keep up. Please listen carefully if the options have changed.

Dial USCIS contact phone number 1-800-375-5283. You will hear a message with instructions on what options are available. You don't have to wait for the message to finish if you know where to go next. During the phone call you can generally press 7 to repeat the current message, or press 9 to return to the main menu.



6. SCIS Customer Service Phone Menu

  1. English
    1. Check Case Status - Latest Information on Application or Petition Already Submitted
      1. Check case status if you know your receipt number
      2. If you don't know what a receipt number is, where to find it, or have lost it
        1. If you've located your receipt number
        2. Reach a customer service agent if you call during business hours (see above)
      3. Request the return of an original document
        • Download Form G-884, or press 6 to speak to a USCIS representative
    2. Other Options
      1. Find a USCIS office, or to sechedule an appointment including InfoPass
        1. Make or reschedule an appointment including infopass
        2. Request special accomadation due to disability
        3. Find a USCIS local office
        4. Find an Application Service Center
      2. For permanent residents, refugees, asylees and TPS
        1. Info for lawful premanent resident
        2. Info for refugees and asylees
        3. Info for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
      3. Obtain USCIS Forms
        • Download from USCIS Wwebsite
        • Press 2 to speak to a USCIS representative
      4. Report Change of Address
      5. Info for US Citizens
        1. Proof of Citizenship
        2. To correct errors on Natualization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship, or to replace a certificate
        3. Sponsorship
        4. Petition for a fiancé
        5. Adoption
      6. If you're attorney, or want to check FOIA status, report scam, or find a civil surgeon
        1. If you're an attorney
        2. Check FOIA request status
        3. Report immigration law violation
        4. Report being a victim of scam
        5. Find a civil surgeon
      7. Other Services
        1. Recent announcement, or info on DACA
          1. DACA
          2. Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers
        2. Naturalization, or being a visitor
          1. Info on Natualization
          2. Info for foreign visitors and students
        3. Employers
          • press 2 to check priority date
          • Press 6 to speak to a USCIS representative
        4. Priority Dates
          1. Learn how visa priority date or visa lottery works
          2. US citizen to sponsor family member
          3. LPR to sponsor family member
          4. Employer to sponsor employee
          5. Entrepreneur to self sponsor
          6. Cutoff numbers for visa lottery
        5. Technical difficulties
          • Enter your 13 digit receipt number
          • Press # to speak to a USCIS representative
  2. Spanish
  3. Other languages - check Website


7. Contact Service Centers by Email

USCIS established a new process to contact the service centers to check case status, as described in a August 6, 2009 USCIS Update:

Step 1: Contact USCIS national customer service by phone (1-800-375-5283);

SteP 2: If your issue is not resolved within 30 days, you may email the service center that has jurisdiction over your case:

  • California Service Center: csc-ncsc-followup@dhs.gov
  • Vermont Service Center : vsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
  • Nebraska Service Center: ncscfollowup.nsc@dhs.gov
  • Texas Service Center: tsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov

Step 3: If the issue is still not resolved after 21 more days, email the Office of Service Center Operations: SCOPSSCATA@dhs.gov.



8. Check USCIS Case Status in Person

As of September 2019, you can no longer make an appointment online to visit a USCIS office. From USCIS' standpoint, they probably believe that most of the issues can be taken care of over the phone, and people don't need to visit an office, which occupies more resources than necessary.

Instead, you must call USCIS Customer Service first. If USCIS cannot answer your question or resolve your issue over the phone, they may, under their discretion, schedule an appointment for you.

Immigration applicants can also submit online requests for in-person meetings. USCIS will review your request and decide whether to arrange an appointment.

If you feel like you must visit a USCIS office, you may still be able to do it. It's just a lot more complicated:

  • First call USCIS;
  • You can bypass the automated voice system by using our USCIS phone menu shown above;
  • Once you reach a live person at USCIS, you can ask your question and the USCIS Tier 1 operator will try to address it over the phone;
  • If your issue cannot be resolved, you can request to be transferred to a Tier 2 or Level 2 operator;
  • The Level 2 operator is often a USCIS agent and has access to more information than Level 1 can provide, which is basically your online case status anyway;
  • The Level 2 operator may not be available right away, but can call you back. Make sure you leave the right phone number;
  • If at this point they still cannot resolve the issue over the phone, USCIS will schedule an appointment for you to visit a local office. For example, if you need an I-551 stamp to prove your permanent resident status (temporary proof for green card), you'll most likely receive an appointment because only a field office can stamp it on your passport.
  • If you truly have an emergency, you can still walk in and request to meet a USCIS officer. They may just let you in, at their discretion.

If you are outside the United States, you can actually schedule an appointment with an USCIS international office. Please go to this page and make an appointment. Keep in mind that USCIS is planning to close most overseas offices and will keep open only seven: Beijing and Guangzhou, China; San Salvador, El Salvador; Guatemala City, Guatemala; New Delhi, India; Nairobi, Kenya; and Mexico City, Mexico.



9. Place a Congressional Inquiry

The FBI has clearly stated that congressional inquiries do not expedite processing name checks. In fact, FBI has expressed concerns that too many inquiries would only tie up vital resources, thus further slowing down the process. This is understandable. However, for people who have been waiting for multiple years, contacting their senators and/or house representatives for help does appear to be justified. This is especially true when neither the USCIS nor the FBI offers any information regarding those pending name check cases.

To find the congressional representatives for your region, simply go to these two websites:

Then write a personalized letter to one or all of them, briefly explaining your case details and asking for their help to inquire about your case status. You may want to enclose a copy of your i485 receipt notice. Not all congressional offices are willing to contact the FBI or USCIS (some will do if your case has been pending for one year or more), but if they do, you can expect a written response in about 3-6 months. The FBI letter will include the date your case was received, and whether it is still in process or has been completed.



10. Submit a case inquiry

USCIS now accepts online inquiries if you fall into one of the following situations:

  • Your case is outside USCIS normal processing time and you haven't heard from them.
  • You did not receive notice by mail that you were expecting.
  • You did not receive the card that you had been waiting for.
  • You did not receive a document that USCIS sent you.


11. Contact CIS Ombudsman (Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services)

You can submit a case problem to the CIS Ombudsman using DHS Form 7001. There is no fee for submitting a problem. Although the Ombudsman cannot adjudicate your application or offer any legal advice, he may be able to provide assistance if you have an ongoing or urgent issue with the USCIS. DHS has an excellent website that contains all the important information on one page. The website is www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman and the email address is cisombudsman@dhs.gov



12. Call FBI Fingerprint Line

You will need your A-number when calling the FBI at 304-625-5590. A representative may be able to tell you when the fingerprint check result was sent back to the USCIS. Since a fingerprint check is relatively straightforward and usually completed within 24 - 48 hours, calling them is only useful when you have reasons to believe that your FP result may have been lost.


13. Write to the Section Chief of FBI Name Check Program

You can also try sending a letter to Mr. Cannon if you have a compelling case:

 Mr. Michael A. Cannon
Section Chief
National Name Check Program Section
Records Management Division, FBI
935 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20535



14. Initiate FOIPA Request

Filing a Freedom of Information-Privacy Acts (FOIPA) request will force the FBI to search your name in the database (main files only) and mail you the result. Most people will receive a written response in 1 to 2 months, indicating "no record" is found that matches their names. However, as we explained in the FBI Name Check section, this doesn't mean your name check is already cleared, because the FBI has to check the reference files as well for USCIS requests. It is reassuring nonetheless.

Go to the FBI's FOIA website, and check out the Privacy Act Instructions on the right side, which has the form as an embedded PDF file. Do not submit the FOIA request which is different from FOIPA. It is free of charge.



15. Use USCIS Service and Office Locators

16. Contact USCIS Premium Processing

  • Toll Free Phone Number: 1-866-315-5718
  • California Service Center (CSC): (949) 831-8550
  • Nebraska Service Center (NSC): (402) 474-5012
  • Texas Service Center (TSC): (214) 275-4415
  • Vermont Service Center (VSC): (802) 527-3192
  • Premium Processing E-mail (NSC): NSC-Premium.Processing@dhs.gov
  • Premium Processing E-mail (TSC): TSC-Premium.Processing@dhs.gov
  • Premium Processing E-mail (CSC): CSC-Premium.Processing@dhs.gov
  • Premium Processing E-mail (VSC): VSC-Premium.Processing@dhs.gov
  • Form I-140 Premium Processing E-mail (NSC): NSC-Premium.140@dhs.gov
  • Form I-140 Premium Processing E-mail (TSC): TSC-Premium.140@dhs.gov


17. Email FBI Name Check Program

The email address (fbinncp@ic.fbi.gov) is still open, but you will be really lucky to get a response from the FBI. However, it doesn't hurt to send an email, doesn't cost anything at least, and get in line. You never know if the FBI will be required to offer some types of communications in the future, and suddenly decide to read their old inbox again.


18. ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)

I hope you never have to use this tool, but the worst has happened, you can use this online locator to check if your loved one is in ICE custody: www.ice.gov/locator

  • "In custody" means the person is currently in an ICE detention facility;
  • "Not in custody" means the person was released within the last 60 days;
  • Some detainees, includes anyone under the age of 18, are not included in ODLS;
  • You will need the individual's country of birth, and either his/her A-number or first and last name to do a search;
  • You may contact ICE with related questions.


19. Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) was created in 1983, which combined the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA or Board) with the Immigration Judge function previously performed by the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS, now USCIS)

Contact EOIR regarding detained aliens, removal proceedings, disciplined practitioners, etc. You may also contact EOIR to review a list of recognized organizations and accredited individuals that may legally represent you when filing a petition or application.


20. USCIS Community Relations

USCIS Community Relations program develops and maintains collaborative relationships with immigrant-serving organizations, such as community-based organizations, English as a Second Language instructors, Civics instructors, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders who interact with immigrants. Contact USCIS Community Relations in your area by email.

USCIS Community Relations program develops and maintains collaborative relationships with immigrant-serving organizations, such as community-based organizations, English as a Second Language instructors, Civics instructors, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders who interact with immigrants.

Below is a list of their email addresses sorted by State (as of 2009):

21. USCIS Customer Service for Businesses

If you are a business, employer or school and need to obtain information other than inquires regarding case status, call 1-800-357-2099.



22. National Visa Center (NVC) - Department of State

NVC is the immigrant visa processing facility that handles all USCIS-approved immigrant visa petitions, collect fees, monitor visa cut-off dates, and schedule visa interviews for Consular Processing cases.

  • Email: NVCINQUIRY@state.gov
  • Phone: 603-334-0700
  • Recorded message: 603-334-0700


23. USCIS FOIA Request Status Check

You may check the status of your USCIS FOIA request online or by phone:

  • Online (using the Control Number)
  • Phone: (816) 350-5785 from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. (Central Time)


24. ICE Office of Detention and Removal Operations Offices

Headquaters: 500 12th SW, 11th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20024

Phone: (202) 732-3100

List of field offices and contact information


25. Contact Information for Ports of Entry (POE)

CBP "Locate a Port Of Entry" page has contact information, including phone numbers, for CBP offices at airport, sea or land POE's.



26. Check PERM Status Online

To file a PERM labor certification, your employer must set up an account on DOL's Permanent Online System. Your company or attorney can also check the status of an existing PERM applications. If you wish to check the status yourself, you must obtain the User ID and Password from your employer - unfortunately not many employers are willing to do that.


27. USCIS Email for Canadian Customers

USCIS has set up an email address specifically for customers in Canada to ask about general immigration questions: USCIS.Canada@dhs.gov



28. Inquiries Regarding USCIS Lockbox Operations

For queries regarding USCIS lockbox operations, such as rejected applications based on incorrect fee payment: Lockboxsupport@dhs.gov



29. Visa Inquiries with the Department of State (DOS)

other U.S. government agencies, such as the Department of State (DOS), also handle immigration cases. These cases will not be found in the USCIS My Case Status system.
  • Visas and Application Process: 202-663-1225 or usvisa@state.gov
  • B-1 Visa: 202-663-3198 or businessvisa@state.gov
  • F-1, J-1 or J-1 Visa: fmjvisas@state.gov
  • Immigrant Visa (National Visa Center, see #19 above): 603-334-0700
  • Diversity Visa (Kentucky Consular Center): 606-526-7500


30. DOL Office of Foreign Labor Certification LCA Inquiries

  • LCA Help Desk at the Chicago NPC for general questions about the Labor Condition Application (LCA/ ETA Form 9035/ 9035E) for the H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 programs or for questions regarding a specific LCA:
    • Phone: (312) 353-8100
    • Fax: (312) 353-6757 Attention: LCA Program Unit
    • Email: LCA.Chicago@dol.gov
    • Mail: U.S. Department of Labor
      Office of Foreign Labor Certification
      Chicago National Processing Center
      536 South Clark Street, 9th floor
      Chicago, Illinois 60605-1509
      Attention: LCA Program Unit
    • For policy guidance: LCA.Regulation@dol.gov
    • For iCERT technical issues: OFLC.Portal@dol.gov



31. Adoption Inquires - Adopting a child under the Hague Convention

  • USCIS Children's Issues, Phone: 202-272-1663
  • DOS Hague Adoption Unit, Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov, Phone: 202-736-9089, Fax: 202-736-9080
  • National Benefits Center (NBC), Email: NBC.Hague@dhs.gov, Phone: 1-877-424-8374, Fax: 816-251-2799
  • National Visa Center (NVC), Email: NVCInquiry@state.gov, Phone: 603-334-0700
  • DOS Office of Children's Issues, Intercountry Adoption Presentation.



32. Contact Key Officers at Foreign Service Posts

Contact can be made via a list of U.S. embassies and consulates, completed with addresses, phone numbers, business hours and officers' names.


References:

  1. How to Check USCIS Case Status in Person (immigrationroad.com)
  2. Immigration: 12 Ways to Contact USCIS and FBI to Check Case Status (immigrationroad.com)
  3. 12 Ways to Contact USCIS and FBI to Check Case Status - Page 2 (immigrationroad.com)
  4. Contact Information for USCIS, DOS, FBI and Other Goverment Agencies - Page 1 (immigrationroad.com)
  5. Contact Information for USCIS, DOS, FBI and Other Goverment Agencies - Page 2 (immigrationroad.com)
  6. How to Check USCIS Case Status: Online, Phone, Email and InfoPass (immigrationroad.com)
  7. USCIS Case Status Update - Processing Steps (immigrationroad.com)
  8. USCIS Phone Number and Menu Options (immigrationroad.com)
  9. USCIS Community Relations - Email Addresses (immigrationroad.com)

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