I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolHow to Check Your I-797 Status
Updated on April 10, 2024
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At a Glance: To check your I-797 status online, you need your 13-digit case number, which consists of 3 letters followed by 10 numbers.
Visit the USCIS case status page, enter your case number (without dashes), and click “Check Status.”
The page will refresh, displaying your I-797 status.
The Form I-797 is a Notice of Action used by USCIS for various communication purposes, including approval notices, replacement of I-94 forms, petitions for alien workers, important information notices, requests for evidence, letters with benefits cards, and travel permits.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has many different forms and numbers, and, quite frankly, it can be confusing and often intimidating. Don’t worry, though. The USCIS just uses this numbering system to identify its various documents.
The USCIS uses different types of Form I-797 to communicate with applicants. One most people know is the Form I-797 approval notice. We’ll take a look at Form I-797 and how to check your I-797 status online, below.
How to Check Your Form I-797 Status Online?
Checking your I-797 status online is quite simple. All you need is your 13-digit case number. It will have 3 letters followed by 10 numbers.
Make sure you save your 13-digit number so you can use it in the future. If you lose your 13-digit case number, arrange an appointment with a USCIS officer who can communicate with you about your case status.
To check your I-797 status, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the USCIS’s case status page
- Enter your 13-digit receipt number. Make sure you omit any dashes but include all other characters, including asterisks, if it forms part of your receipt number.
- Double-check that you’ve entered the correct information and click the “Check Status” button.
- After clicking the button, the page will refresh and you will see an update with your I-797 status.
When Will Your I-797 Be Approved?
The Form I-797 approval notice is usually issued 2 to 3 weeks after you’ve submitted your application to the USCIS.
Can You Check the Status of Other I-797 Forms Online?
You can check the status of your USCIS petition online. You can’t check the status of other I-797 Forms online.
What is Form I-797?
The different Form I-797’s are documents used by the USCIS to communicate with visa applicants. They’re also known as a Notice of Action. It isn’t a form you can fill in, but it may require you to provide information or take a specific action. It may also contain important information about your case, so make sure you read it carefully and always store a copy.
There are 7 types of Form I-797’s in total, the most common of which is the Form I-797 Approval Notice. Let’s take a look.
Who Needs Form I-797?
People receive I-797 Forms from the USCIS for various reasons. Whether you need a Form I-797 will depend on whether any of the Form I-797’s apply to you.
Most people are acquainted with the Form I-797 Notice Action, which is also known as an Approval Notice. The USCIS issues this Notice of Action when it approves a petition. It is basically a formal letter of approval. It can serve as proof of immigration benefits or even evidence in some cases. You can learn more about the Form I-797 Approval Notice here.
Here is a quick breakdown of the other Form I-797’s you may encounter.
Form I-797A, Replacement for an I-94 Form
If you’ve applied for an adjustment of status or you’ve changed your address, you will be issued with a Form I-797A Notice of Action. The purpose of this form is to replace your existing Form I-94 and will serve as proof of your lawful presence in the U.S. If you apply for an adjustment of status, you are allowed to remain legally in the U.S. while your application is being adjudicated, so the dates listed on your original Form I-94 will probably be extended. At the bottom of the Form I-797A, you will find the Form I-94. This functions as the official document, and you can continue your stay in the U.S. through the date listed on this I-94. You will also find other information on this document, such as your date and class of admission.
Form I-797B, Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140)
When you submit a Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), the USCIS will issue a Form I-797B Notice of Action once your application has been approved. Take note this form does not contain a Form I-94 (arrival/departure record). It is issued to applicants applying from within or from outside of their home country. If you are not in the U.S. when you receive this Form I-797 status, you have to go for a visa stamping before you will be allowed to enter the U.S.
Form I-797C, Notice of Important Information
The Form I-797C Notice of Action is one of the most commonly issued notices. The purpose is to communicate important information to you, such as the next steps in your application. Make sure you read this Form I-797 status carefully to make sure you don’t miss anything important. It can also inform you of an appointment, a transfer, or even a rejection. If the I-797C is issued as a receipt notice, it will contain a receipt number which you can use to check the status of your case.
Form I-797D, Letter with Benefits Card
When you receive a Form I-797D Notice of Action, you will receive a benefit card with it. This is typically a green card or another official document. Even though you don’t have to do anything with this form, make sure you still keep a copy for your records.
Form I-797E, Request for Evidence
You will receive a Form I-797E Notice of Action if the USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE). This form notifies you that the USCIS requires additional evidence to process your application. In the form, there should be an explanation of the issues they have with the evidence you’ve already submitted. This will guide you to know what else you need to submit. Make sure you read this form carefully as it will often contain a time limit for you to respond and will also have specific instructions. If you are unsure how to respond to the RFE, consult an immigration attorney.
Form I-797F, Travel Permit
The Form I-797F is the only I-797 status that is not a “Notice of Action”. The purpose of the document is to allow applicants to travel abroad, and it can be used as its own proof.
Read More
- How Do I Speak to a Live Person at USCIS?
- How Many Citizenships Can You Have?
- How Do I Know Which USCIS Service Center?
- How Do I Know If USCIS Received My Application?
- What “Country of Residence” and How to Know Yours When on a Visa
- How to Check Dropbox Eligibility with the App
Final Thoughts
If you receive a Form I-797, make sure you read it carefully and understand what its purpose is. If you need to take any action, make sure you do it within the specified timeframe. Checking your I-797 status online is also simple. Just follow the steps we’ve laid out above.
Checking the Status of an I-797 FAQ
How can I check the status of my Form I-797 online?
To check your I-797 status online, follow these steps:
- Go to the USCIS’s case status page.
- Enter your 13-digit receipt number, omitting any dashes but including all other characters, including asterisks if they are part of your receipt number.
- Double-check that you’ve entered the correct information and click the “Check Status” button.
- The page will refresh, and you will see an update with your I-797 status.
What is the purpose of checking the I-797 status?
Checking the I-797 status allows you to track the progress of your application or petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It helps you stay informed about any updates or changes in your case.
How long does it take for the I-797 to be approved?
Typically, the Form I-797 approval notice is issued 2 to 3 weeks after you’ve submitted your application to the USCIS. However, processing times may vary depending on the specific case and workload of the USCIS.
Can I check the status of other I-797 forms online?
No, the online case status check is specifically for the Form I-797 approval notice. Other types of I-797 forms may have different methods for checking their status, if available. It is recommended to refer to the specific instructions provided with each form.
What should I do if I lose my 13-digit case number?
If you lose your 13-digit case number, you should arrange an appointment with a USCIS officer who can assist you in communicating about your case status. They will be able to provide guidance and help you retrieve the necessary information.
What should I do if there is an issue with my I-797 status?
If you encounter any issues or discrepancies with your I-797 status, it is recommended to contact the USCIS directly. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your case.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.