How to Check Your I-140 Status, Without receipt number
You've probably heard of the Form I-140 if you're applying for an employment-based visa. And, because you're excited to begin your new adventure in the United States, you're probably wondering how long it will take the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process your I-140.
Instead of wondering, you can check the status of your I-140.
Check out the information below to learn more about I-140 processing times and how to check your I-140 status.
What is an I-140?
Form I-140 is the immigration form filed by an employer in an employment-based visa petition. Your new potential employer in the U.S. acts as your visa sponsor, and your visa is based on the job opportunity they are offering you. There are certain instances where you could file this form for yourself, but your employer most commonly files it.
The Form I-140 petition is also known as an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. You can read more details about the Form I-140, how to fill it out, and what documents you’ll need here.
How to Track Your I-140 Status
Once you’ve filed your Form I-140, the wait begins. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can check the status of your specific case. As with most status checkups, you will need a receipt number to track your case. Your receipt number is the 13-digit case number the USCIS issues to you once your application is filed. You will find this number on your Form I-797.
Let’s take a look at the specific steps you need to take to track your I-140 status.
How to Track Online
You can check your I-140 status online by visiting this website. When you land on the website, you will see a box with the title “Enter your receipt number”.
Fill in your unique receipt number in this box and select the “Check Status” button.
It is essential to enter the 13 digits of your case number correctly. Don’t use any spaces. The field isn’t case sensitive, so don’t need to go through the usual backspacing effort if you accidentally had caps lock on!
Once you’ve filled in your receipt number and selected “Check Status”, the page will refresh and load new information. Your case information should appear after the page has loaded. You should also be able to register an account on the website which will enable you to receive email notifications as soon as your I-140 status changes.
If you are having trouble using the website or your information doesn’t appear, double-check that you entered the correct case number. Otherwise, give it some time and try again later. If it still doesn’t work, try one of the other options below or contact the support team.
How to Track by Phone
You can track your I-140 status by calling 1 (800) 375-5283. Make sure you have your case number ready!
Unfortunately, you won’t be talking to a human over the phone. There will be automated instructions taking you through the process. Once you’ve punched in your case number, an electronically recorded message will state your date of initial filing, and the approximate time you will need to wait before you get approval.
Keep in mind these telephone lines are generally quite busy, so you might have to try a few times or wait a while before you are connected.
How to Track by Email
You can also email the applicable USCIS service center to find out what your I-140 status is. Keep in mind the service centers are generally quite busy, and emails have to be tended to by USCIS employees, so you might not get an immediate response via email.
If your application has been moved to a National Visa Service Center (NVC), you will have to check your case status directly with the NVC to get updates about your case.
USCIS Electronic Immigration System
The USCIS has an online system where you can create an account to receive electronic notifications of decisions and receive real-time case updates. You can also use this system to submit and file certain forms. As you may already know, the Form I-140 is included in this list of petitions you can file through the USCIS Electronic Immigration System.
For guidelines on how to create your USCIS Online Account, follow the steps set out here.
USCIS e-Request Portal
You can use the USCIS e-Request Portal if you have specific inquiries about your case, or you have certain services requests.
You can use the e-Request Portal if:
- You did not receive your notice by mail
- You did not receive your card by mail
- You need to change your address
- Your case is falling outside standard processing times
- You’ve made a typographic error in any part of your application
- You need your appointment to be adjusted.
To use this portal, you will need to provide basic information such as your case number and date of filing. The USCIS will respond to your inquiry via email, so keep an eye on your email.
I-140 Processing Time
On average, reports indicate the I-140 processing time to be about six months. The exact processing time of your I-140 will, however, depend on a wide range of factors. It may take longer and could, in certain cases, take over a year.
Let’s take a look at the three most significant factors that will influence your I-140 processing time.
1. Your Priority Date
Your priority date is the date the USCIS received your application. Before the USCIS can issue your visa, your priority date needs to be “current” with a final action date listed in the Department of State’s visa bulletin. Various factors influence whether your petition is current. These include your green card preference level and your country of origin. You can read more about the factors that influence your priority date here.
2. The Service Center
The service center processing your petition can have a big impact on your I-140 processing time. If they have a lot of cases to work through, the process will probably be delayed.
3. A Request for Evidence (RFE)
If the USCIS issues an RFE, you have a second chance to boost your case by providing all the information the USCIS requires. If you respond properly to an RFE, you could avoid the dismissal of your application. Make sure you respond within the timeframes provided. The sooner you respond, the sooner the USCIS can continue processing your petition, and the sooner you will get an outcome!
Premium Processing
If you can’t afford to wait six months or more for your visa, you can find out whether your visa qualifies for I-140 premium processing.
With premium processing, you pay an additional premium processing fee to receive your outcome within 15 calendar days. If they don’t process your petition within 15 calendar days, they will refund your premium processing fee. You can read more about premium processing here.
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