“What is the status of my case? How long will it take?”  These are the most frequently asked and most difficult questions to answer.  Processing times vary greatly depending on the caseload and staffing levels at USCIS at any given time.  To further complicate things, confusing and inaccurate information is often provided by USCIS.  Estimated processing times and case status information for the various types of applications are available from several different sources:

1. The USCIS Receipt Notice will often state a range of number of days for normal processing, however, this is usually not accurate.
2. The USCIS “Case Status Online” website provides basic case status information once you provide your 13 character CIS filing receipt number.
3. The USCIS National Call Center toll free number 1-800-375-5283 gives case status and the option of speaking to a live person.
4. Bi-monthly processing reports by application type are available from each USCIS Service Center and local district office on the CIS website and provide the most accurate estimates since they are updated by USCIS every 2 to 3 weeks.  Close and frequent monitoring of your pending applications will alert you to backlogs, and will allow you to better plan the timing for filing any extension applications.

A new feature offered by USCIS is the option to establish a “portfolio” of your cases using your and your family's application receipt numbers by registering a user ID and password.  You can then check status of the entire portfolio of cases by logging into a secure area online.  Furthermore, you can choose to have USCIS automatically send you an e-mail informing of any status change for a pending case.  The information can be provided in English or Spanish. 
If you should have any questions regarding a USCIS status notification that you receive (especially a “Request for Additional Evidence”), please call our office immediately.

NOTE : A change of address while your application is pending may result in a delay in processing, especially if you fail to timely report the address change.  You must notify our office in writing of any change of address or contact information so that we may be able to contact you at all times.  Although USCIS must send duplicate copies of all correspondence to both you and our office, this often does not happen.  If we are not sent important correspondence and you have moved without notifying the immigration, this may result in denial of an application.  We will notify the appropriate USCIS office where your application is pending on your behalf.  However, you and all non-citizen members of your family must also, by law, complete and file a Form AR-11.  Instructions and the form are available at http://www.uscis.gov/ under “How do I" / "Change of Address ? ”.  We strongly advise that the AR-11 form be submitted to USCIS by certified mail, return receipt requested so that you will have proof of compliance.