Yes, you can check your visa status online using the official Immigration Case Tracker provided by USCIS or the Department of State.

Why the Immigration Case Tracker Matters

Every year millions of applicants lose sleep wondering where their petition stands. The **Immigration Case Tracker** removes the guesswork by giving you a real-time snapshot of your case. Instead of calling the National Customer Service Center and waiting on hold, you can pull up the same data that officers see on their screens.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the USCIS Tracker

1. Gather Your Receipt Number

Your **receipt number** starts with three letters such as EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, or MSC, followed by ten digits. You will find it on:

• Form I-797, Notice of Action
• Any biometrics appointment notice
• USCIS online account dashboard if you filed electronically

2. Navigate to the Correct Portal

Go to **uscis.gov** → Tools → Check Case Status. Bookmark the page; it is updated every fifteen minutes during business hours.

3. Enter the Number and Solve the CAPTCHA

Type the receipt number without spaces or dashes. Solve the CAPTCHA to prove you are human. If you fail three times, the system locks you out for an hour.

4. Read the Status Language Carefully

The tracker returns one of several phrases:

• Case Was Received – initial filing accepted
• Request for Evidence Was Sent – prepare documents quickly
• Interview Was Scheduled – check your mail for the notice
• Card Was Produced – approval is imminent

How to Check CEAC Status for Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas

1. Identify Your CEAC Barcode

For consular processing, you need the **CEAC barcode** from your DS-160 or DS-260 confirmation page. It starts with AA followed by eight digits.

2. Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center

Navigate to **ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker**. Select the visa class (immigrant or non-immigrant) and enter:

• Case number (for immigrant visas) or DS-160 barcode (for non-immigrant)
• Location of the embassy or consulate
• Captcha response

3. Decode the CEAC Status Codes

The CEAC tracker uses different wording:

• Ready – documents received, waiting for interview
• Administrative Processing – additional security checks
• Issued – passport with visa is on its way
• Refused – denial letter explains next steps

Common Roadblocks and Quick Fixes

My Receipt Number Returns “Error: Invalid Number”

Double-check that you typed the letters in **uppercase** and did not mix up 0 (zero) with O (letter O). If the error persists, wait twenty-four hours; sometimes the database lags behind the physical mail.

Status Has Not Changed in Months—Is That Normal?

Yes, for certain categories like **I-130 for siblings** or **EB-3 employment-based green cards**, the tracker may show the same message for over a year. Cross-reference the **USCIS processing times** page to see if you are still within the posted range.

Can I Sign Up for Automatic Updates?

Absolutely. Create a free USCIS online account and add your case. You will receive **email and *** S alerts** every time the status changes. The CEAC portal also offers email notifications once you enter your case number.

Pro Tips for Power Users

1. Use the “Last Updated” Timestamp

Both USCIS and CEAC show when the record was last touched. If the date jumps suddenly, an officer likely took action even if the wording looks the same.

2. Save Screenshots

Before traveling to an interview, **print or save a PDF** of the tracker page. Officers sometimes ask for proof of status history.

3. Track Multiple Cases in One Spreadsheet

Create columns for:

• Receipt or case number
• Current status
• Last updated date
• Next milestone (interview, RFE deadline, etc.)

Sort by the last updated column to prioritize follow-ups.

What If the Tracker Shows an Unexpected Denial?

First, Do Not Panic

Denials can be **procedural**—for example, failing to submit a required form rather than being ineligible for the benefit.

Check Your Mail the Same Day

USCIS and consulates always send a **written explanation**. The tracker will not display the legal reasoning; the letter will.

Understand Your Appeal or Motion Options

Depending on the form type, you may file:

• Form I-290B – Notice of Appeal or Motion
• Form N-336 – Request for Hearing on a Naturalization Decision
• Reconsideration with the consulate – for 221(g) refusals

Mobile Apps vs. Official Websites

Third-Party Apps: Pros and Cons

Apps like “Case Tracker for USCIS” or “Lawfully” offer push notifications and prettier interfaces. However, they rely on **scraping public data**, so outages can occur. Never enter sensitive information such as your Social Security number.

Stick to HTTPS URLs

Whether on desktop or mobile, confirm the address bar shows **https://uscis.gov** or **https://ceac.state.gov** to avoid phishing sites.

Final Checklist Before You Click “Check Status”

• Receipt or CEAC barcode in hand
• Stable internet connection
• Device clock set to the correct time zone (some CAPTCHAs are time-sensitive)
• Quiet environment to read the results carefully

By mastering the Immigration Case Tracker and CEAC portal, you turn uncertainty into clarity and reclaim control over your immigration journey.