
- Visit the website. You can check your visa status by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center website.
- Select your Visa Application Type. There are two choices: "Immigrant Visa (IV)" and "Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV)."
- Select your interview location. If you applied for a "nonimmigrant visa," then you will need to select your location where you interviewed.
- Enter your Immigration Visa Case Number. When you applied for a visa, the embassy or consulate should have given you an Immigrant Visa Case Number or an Application ID.
- Enter a code. The CEAC website also requires that you enter a CAPTCHA code so that they know you are not a spam bot.
- Call instead. If you don’t want the hassle of trying to find out your visa status online, then you can call (603) 334-0700.
How can I Check my US visa application status?
On this website, you can check your U.S. visa application status. Please select a location and enter your Application ID or Case Number. Embassy or Consulate may have given you a case number. It looks similar to: 2012118 345 0001
How do I check the status of my court case?
Checking Your Case Status Online Enter your receipt number. Omit the dashes, but include all other characters including asterisks if they are listed on your notice as part of the receipt number. The online system will show the last action taken on your case and will let you know the next steps, if applicable.
How do I contact USCIS about a case?
Email us at [email protected], or Visit case status online if you are asking about a related application or petition.
What to do if your visa application is denied?
Also, learn what you can do if your visa application is denied. To check on the status of your U.S. Visa application: United States: Contact the National Visa Center (NVC) at 1-603-334-0700 for immigrant visas. For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

How long is the wait for U visa?
between 12 to 18 monthsAfter you submit your application, the U visa waiting time can range between 12 to 18 months. However, this process can be prolonged if you fail to correctly fill out the application or are required to submit additional documentation.
How do you know if U visa is approved?
Talk to an immigration lawyer.If the embassy or consulate approves your case, they put the U visa on a page in your passport.When you get to the U.S., show the immigration officials your passport and visa. ... If the immigration officials let you enter the U.S., then they grant you U nonimmigrant status.
How long is the U visa backlog?
USCIS caps the number of U visas each year at 10,000, even though tens of thousands of applicants apply every year. Once the cap is reached, the remaining applicants are placed on a waiting list. This creates a backlog that stretches back approximately five years.
Can I check my case status with my alien number?
An alien number cannot be used to check on your immigration status. Instead, use the application receipt number printed on the application noticed provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to verify your status.
Can I travel with approved U visa?
Once USCIS has approved your U visa application, you may only enter the U.S. with an official visa from the consulate or with advance parole if you have filed your application for lawful permanent residence.
Why is U visa taking so long?
One reason it takes so long is that Congress limited the number of U visas the government can give out to 10,000 per year,1 but far more than 10,000 people apply for U visas each year, so the line of applications waiting to get reviewed gets longer and longer every year.
What percentage of U visas are approved?
Adjudicative outcomes have remained relatively constant over time: the approval rate is about 84% for principal petitioners (and 83% for derivatives) for petitions submitted in 2014 (the last year for which data are available).
What is the current U visa backlog?
The TVPA only authorizes 10,000 visas annually. This cap has been reached every year since fiscal year 2011, and the visa backlog as of the end of FY 2021 stands over 170,000, growing on average by over 16,000 applications annually between FY 2011 and FY 2021.
What is the new law for U visa?
On June 14, 2021, USCIS announced a new “bona fide determination” process whereby certain U petitioners and their family members with pending U petitions can receive four-year work authorization and deferred action while they wait for full adjudication.
How long does it take USCIS to review a case?
AAO appellate review: The AAO strives to complete its appellate review within 180 days from the time it receives a complete case record after the initial field review. Some cases may take longer than 180 days due to factors beyond the AAO's control.
How long does an actively reviewing case take?
How long does it take for USCIS to complete an active review case? Ideally, it takes 120 days to process if no document is missing. But it can take months (sometimes years, depending on the case to get in the hand of someone that will handle it.
What does it mean if USCIS is actively reviewing your case?
1:092:32What does "case is being actively reviewed" mean? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you're in the adjustment of status. Process the forefront of the process is very much the sameMoreWhen you're in the adjustment of status. Process the forefront of the process is very much the same uscis receives your file prepares it and then goes ahead and sends it off to the relevant team
Can U visa be denied?
Only USCIS may grant or deny a U visa after a full review of the petition to determine whether all the eligibility requirements have been met and a thorough background investigation. An individual may be eligible for a U visa if: He/she is the victim of qualifying criminal activity.
What happens after visa is approved?
If your visa has been approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you. Carefully review After the Interview on usvisas.state.gov to learn what to do when you receive your visa, entering the United States, paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee, and other important information.
How long does it take to get passport after US visa approval?
It takes around 2-3 calendar days after the interview to get the passport and visa delivered.
How to check an additional case?
Remember to try the other online tools on the homepage or create an account with USCIS at my.uscis.gov. The personalized account allows you to receive your most recent case updates including up to the last five actions on your case, simplifies case management, and access to your electronically filed applications. It is free and easy to use!
How to contact USCIS?
It is free and easy to use! If you still have questions or concerns on any information you can check our website at uscis.gov or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Last Reviewed/Updated: 08/25/2020.
Do you put dashes in receipt number?
When entering your receipt number, you should omit dashes (”-“), but you can include all other characters, including asterisks (“*”) if they are listed on your notice as part of the receipt number. Checking Your Case Status Online. Enter your receipt number.
When will the NSC begin adjudicating the U visa petition?
The NSC will begin adjudicating the initial batch of transferred cases after training is completed . Once the NSC completes the adjudication of the initial set of transferred U visa petitions, the VSC will transfer more cases to the NSC. At this time, we do not have an anticipated timeline for subsequent transfers.
Who reviews U nonimmigrant cases?
During this time of training and mentoring, all decisions on U nonimmigrant status cases at the NSC will be reviewed by NSC and VSC supervisors.
How long does it take for USCIS to respond to an inquiry?
USCIS anticipates providing a response within 14 business days of receiving your inquiry.
Why is USCIS increasing processing times?
USCIS anticipates an initial increase in processing times to account for training of the new officers.
Where to email nsc.i-918?
Email your inquiry to [email protected].
Does Vermont retain all cases filed with the NSC?
All cases filed with the Vermont Service Center will remain there unless you receive a transfer notice indicating that the case is transferred to the NSC.
What is a U visa?
The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking ...
When was the U visa created?
Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, ...
How long is a nonimmigrant visa valid?
When U nonimmigrant status is granted, it is valid for four years. However, extensions are available in certain, limited circumstances if the extension is (PDF, 96.74 KB):
How old do you have to be to get a derivative U visa?
If you, the principal, are... Then... Under 21 years of age. You may petition on behalf of your spouse, children, parents and unmarried siblings under age 18.
What is a nonimmigrant U?
U Nonimmigrant Eligibility. You are the victim of qualifying criminal activity. You have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of criminal activity. You have information about the criminal activity. If you are under the age of 16 or unable to provide information due to a disability, a parent, guardian, ...
What form do I use to apply for a waiver for a nonimmigrant?
laws. You are admissible to the United States. If you are not admissible, you may apply for a waiver on a Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant.
Where to take fingerprints in Vermont?
Follow all instructions that are sent from the Vermont Service Center, which will include having your fingerprints taken at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
How to check status of US visa?
To check on the status of your U.S. Visa application: 1 United States: Contact the National Visa Center (NVC) at 1-603-334-0700 for immigrant visas. For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). 2 Abroad: Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate where you filed your application.
How to check on my visa status?
To check on the status of your U.S. Visa application: United States: Contact the National Visa Center (NVC) at 1-603-334-0700 for immigrant visas. For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). Abroad: Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate where you filed your application.
What to do if consular officer denies visa?
If the consular officer denies your application, ask them to explain why. While you are not eligible to reapply for a visa if the officer denies your application, you can apply for a waiver instead.
What to do if you lost your visa?
If you lost your visa or the Arrival/Departure Records (a Form I-94) to enter the U.S., the Bureau of Consular Affairs has guidance on reporting and re-issuance of travel documents: File a police report and get the number of the report and the officer's name.
Where to report lost I-94?
Report the lost/stolen visa or Form I-94 to your embassy.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Find out what visa type is appropriate for you
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Visa Appointment Wait Time
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
