Maya Ellison
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security allows applicants to check the status of their immigration case online via the My Case Status webpage, which is also available in Spanish. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mails green cards to the address provided on the application. The USCIS recommends checking the status of your green card application online, as the process differs depending on whether you applied from within or outside the United States. Additionally, you can track your green card status by mail through a Case Status Online account and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to check the status of your green card application | Check online via the My Case Status webpage or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website |
| How to track your green card status | Sign up for a Case Status Online account and register for Informed Delivery through USPS |
| How to replace your green card | Visit the USCIS website for information on replacing your green card |
| How to spot a fake green card | Look for inconsistencies in font, alignment, layout, security features, and typos; compare with examples of valid cards in the I-9 Handbook for Employers; check for references to the INS (which ceased to exist in 2003) |
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What You'll Learn
Checking online
Checking the status of your plastic green card online is a straightforward process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides a "Case Status Online" tracker that allows applicants to monitor their application status.
To access the "Case Status Online" tracker, visit the official USCIS website at uscis.gov. On the Case Status Online landing page, you will be prompted to enter your receipt number. This unique identifier consists of three letters followed by ten numbers and can be found in the notification letter or Form I-797C ("Notice of Action") received upon acceptance of Form I-485. When entering the receipt number, omit dashes but include other characters, such as asterisks, if they are part of the number.
The online system will display the latest action taken on your case and provide information on the next steps, if applicable. Additionally, it offers helpful reminders to keep your address up to date and guidance on submitting inquiries.
If you applied from outside the United States, you can also check the status of your application through the National Visa Center (NVC). Visit the NVC's Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) and enter the computer-generated code provided to verify your identity.
For those who prefer mail updates, signing up for a Case Status Online account and registering for Informed Delivery through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) can provide case updates and tracking information directly to your email or mobile device.
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Tracking by mail
Tracking your green card status by mail involves several steps and considerations. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Signing Up for Relevant Accounts
Firstly, it is essential to sign up for a Case Status Online account. This account will provide you with case updates and your tracking number from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Additionally, registering for USPS's Informed Delivery service is beneficial. This service allows you to set up email and text alerts, provide delivery instructions for your postal carrier, and automatically track packages, including your green card. Make sure to provide a reliable mailing address and regularly check your mailbox.
Address Changes
If your mailing address changes after submitting your application, promptly update it with both the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and USPS. USCIS mails your green card to the address provided on your application, so address updates are crucial to ensure delivery to the correct location.
Tracking Packages
USPS tracking information is a valuable tool to stay up to date on the delivery status of your green card. You can use the tracking number obtained from your Case Status Online account to monitor the progress of your package.
Non-Receipt of Package
If the USPS tracking information indicates that your package was delivered, but you have not received it, follow the steps recommended by USPS on their Find Missing Mail webpage. Contact your local post office immediately and follow their guidance on locating missing mail. If you still have not received your green card, contact the USCIS Contact Center or submit a case inquiry in the "did not receive card by mail" category. In some cases, a second delivery attempt may be possible, or a reissue of the secure document may be necessary.
Timing Considerations
It is important to note that the timing of green card delivery may vary. For applicants who pay the immigrant visa fee after entering the U.S., USCIS has up to 120 days from the payment date to mail the green card, with an expected arrival time of 30 to 90 days.
Additional Resources
If you have an account with USPS, you can also utilise their Informed Delivery service to track your green card in the mail. Additionally, for applications originating from within the U.S., the Visa Status Check Page of the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) can be utilised. Ensure that the Visa Application Type is set to "Immigrant Visa (IV)," and enter your Case Number and the verification code to check your case status.
By following these steps and staying vigilant about address updates and tracking information, you can effectively track your green card status by mail.
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Application status updates
Checking the status of your plastic green card application can be done through various methods. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends checking your application status online as the first step. The specific website to use depends on whether you applied from within or outside the United States. If you are applying from outside the U.S., your Form I-130 ("Petition for Alien Relative") or Form I-140 ("Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers") must first be approved by the USCIS before the National Visa Center (NVC) takes over the processing of your application.
To track your green card status by mail, you must first sign up for a Case Status Online account, which will provide you with case updates and your tracking number from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Additionally, registering for Informed Delivery through USPS allows you to set up email and text alerts, provide instructions for your mail carrier, and automatically track any expected packages or mail, including your green card.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also allows applicants to check the status of their immigration case online via the My Case Status webpage, which is available in both English and Spanish.
If you prefer more regular updates, including the complete application history and next steps, you can refer to the "How to Get Electronic Updates" section on the USCIS website. While you cannot inquire about your application via email, you may submit questions about the status of your application to the NVC using their online form, and they will respond through email.
In-person appointments are generally not available for checking the status of your green card application, as these appointments are limited to certain types of services and are evaluated by the USCIS on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances. However, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center or the NVC by phone for further assistance.
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In-person appointments
Checking your green card status in person is not a service that is widely available. In-person appointments outside the United States are limited to certain types of services, and you may not be able to schedule an appointment to check on the status of your green card application at a specific location.
However, there are some instances where in-person services are provided. For example, if you are applying for Returning Resident status, you must provide evidence of your continuing, unbroken ties to the United States, and your intent to always return to the United States. This evidence may include continuous compliance with US tax law, ownership of property and assets in the United States, and maintenance of US licenses and memberships.
Additionally, if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States who has stayed abroad for less than a year or within the validity of I-327 (re-entry permit), you must present your green card to be permitted to board a flight back to the United States.
To check the status of your re-entry permit application, you can visit the USCIS website or the Embassy or Consulate in your location. For those in Japan, you can check the Re-entry Permit Receipt Status Check page at the Embassy in Tokyo, or submit an online inquiry form at the Consulates in Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, or Naha.
While in-person appointments may not be available for checking your green card status, you can track the progress of your application online. The steps to do so depend on whether you are applying from within or outside the United States, and you can visit the USCIS "Case Status Online" tracker or the NVC's "Consular Electronic Application Center" (CEAC) to check your application status.
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Replacing your Green Card
If you need to replace your Green Card, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, online or by mail. You can use the Check Naturalization Eligibility tool to see if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen before filing Form I-90. If you are a conditional resident, you must submit Form I-751 or Form I-829 instead.
You may need to replace your Green Card if:
- You received your card before you were 14 and have since turned 14 (unless your card expires before your 16th birthday).
- You have been a commuter and are now taking up residence in the United States.
- You have been a permanent resident residing in the United States and are now taking up commuter status.
- Your status has been automatically converted to permanent resident status (this includes special agricultural worker applicants).
- You have a previous version of the alien registration card (e.g., USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103, or Form I-151), which are no longer valid to prove your immigration status.
- You legally changed your name or other biographic information on the card.
- You never received the card that was issued to you.
If you have a previous version of the alien registration card, you must replace it with a current Green Card. Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states:
> Every alien in the United States . . . shall be issued a certificate of alien registration or an alien registration receipt card in such form and manner and at such time as shall be prescribed under regulations . . . Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him.
If you are applying to renew your Green Card, your Form I-90 receipt notice can be used with your expired Green Card as evidence of your lawful permanent resident status for 12 months from the expiration date. This notice, presented with your expired Green Card, demonstrates your status and work authorization. If you no longer have your Green Card, you will need evidence of your lawful permanent resident status while waiting to receive a new one, and you may be issued an Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after filing this form.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check the status of your plastic green card online via the My Case Status webpage.
To track your green card status by mail, you must first sign up for a Case Status Online account, which will provide you with case updates and your tracking number from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
Contact your local post office immediately.
In-person appointments are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances, such as emergency travel documents or proof of immigration status for work or travel.
To receive regular updates, including complete application history and next steps, refer to the "How to Get Electronic Updates" section on the official website.
