Source www.immi-usa.com
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for adjudicating immigration applications and petitions. If you have filed an application or petition with USCIS, you may be able to inquire about the status of your case by writing a letter to USCIS. The letter should be addressed to the USCIS office that is processing your case. The USCIS website provides a form letter that you can use to request a case status update. You can also include any additional information that you believe may be helpful in processing your request. Once you have completed the letter, you should mail it to the USCIS office that is processing your case.
How to Write a Letter to USCIS About Case Status
Checking your case status with USCIS is important to stay updated and make sure your application is moving along as expected. If you need to correspond with USCIS about your case, it’s essential to write a clear and well-organized letter.
Also Read
Structure of the Letter
1. Opening Paragraph: Start with a formal greeting and state your full legal name, USCIS receipt number, and the type of application you submitted.
2. Reason for Writing: Clearly state why you are writing and what action you are requesting (e.g., requesting a case update, requesting a duplicate notice, etc.).
3. Supporting Information: Provide any relevant information that supports your request, such as copies of previous correspondence or evidence of eligibility. If there were any errors on the original application, state the corrected information on your follow-up letter in this section.
4. Closing Paragraph: Summarize your request, restate your contact information, and express your appreciation for their attention.
5. Signature and Date: End the letter with your handwritten signature and the date.
Formatting Guidelines
* Use clear and concise language.
* Use a standard font and font size (e.g., Arial or Times New Roman, 12 pt).
* Double-space the letter.
* Leave one-inch margins on all sides.
* Include your return address and phone number in the header or footer.
* Make copies of all correspondence for your records.
Addressing the Letter
Address the letter to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox address based on your case type and location. You can find the correct address on the USCIS website.
Tracking Your Request
Once you have submitted your letter, you can track its status online through the USCIS website using your receipt number.
Sample Letters to USCIS for Case Status Inquiries
Request for Case Status Update on Pending Application
Dear USCIS,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I am writing to inquire about the status of my case, reference number [Case Reference Number].
I submitted my application for [Type of Application] on [Date]. I have not yet received any updates or notifications regarding the progress of my case. Could you please provide me with an update on its current status?
- Reason for Inquiry: Pending Application Status
Request for Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling
Dear USCIS,
I am writing to reschedule my biometrics appointment for case reference number [Case Reference Number]. My original appointment was scheduled for [Original Date] but I am unable to attend due to [Reason for Rescheduling].
I would appreciate it if you could provide me with available dates and times for rescheduling. I am available on [List of Available Dates and Times].
- Reason for Inquiry: Biometrics Appointment Rescheduling
Inquiry Regarding Denied Application
Dear USCIS,
I am writing to inquire about the denial of my application for [Type of Application], reference number [Case Reference Number]. I received a notice of denial dated [Date].
I would like to request a review of the decision and understand the reasons for the denial. Please provide me with any additional information that may be helpful in understanding the outcome.
- Reason for Inquiry: Denied Application Review
Request for Address Change Notification
Dear USCIS,
I am writing to notify you of a change of address for case reference number [Case Reference Number]. My new address is [New Address].
Please ensure that all future correspondence and updates are sent to my new address. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
- Reason for Inquiry: Address Change Notification
Inquiry Regarding Processing Time
Dear USCIS,
I am writing to inquire about the estimated processing time for my case, reference number [Case Reference Number]. I submitted my application on [Date] and have not received any updates since then.
Could you please provide me with an estimate of how long it will take for my application to be processed? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
- Reason for Inquiry: Processing Time Estimate
Request for Expedited Processing
Dear USCIS,
I am writing to request expedited processing for my case, reference number [Case Reference Number]. I am experiencing [Reason for Expedited Processing] and believe that my request meets the criteria for expedited processing.
I have attached supporting documentation to support my request. I would be grateful if you could consider my request and grant me an expedited review of my case.
- Reason for Inquiry: Expedited Processing Request
Inquiry Regarding Employment Authorization Document
Dear USCIS,
I am writing to inquire about the status of my Employment Authorization Document (EAD), reference number [Case Reference Number]. I submitted my application on [Date] and have not yet received the document.
My current EAD expires on [Expiration Date] and I am concerned that I will not be able to continue working if it is not renewed in time. Could you please provide me with an update on the processing status of my EAD?
- Reason for Inquiry: Employment Authorization Document Status
How to Write a Letter to USCIS About Case Status
Is there a specific way to format a letter to USCIS to make a case status inquiry?
Answer:
USCIS prefers that case status inquiries be made online, but you can also write a letter. The letter should include the following information:
- Your full name and alien registration number (A-number)
- Your current address and phone number
- The type of application or petition you filed
- The date you filed the application or petition
- The receipt number for the application or petition
- A request for the current status of your case
- A signature and date
Your letter should be clear and concise, and it should be written in a professional and respectful tone. You can also include any relevant documents, such as a copy of your receipt notice or a copy of your passport.
What is the best way to address a letter to USCIS?
Answer:
The best way to address a letter to USCIS is to use the following format:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address]
[USCIS City, State, Zip Code]
[Subject: Case Status Inquiry]
Dear USCIS,
[Body of Letter]
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
How do I send a letter to USCIS about case status?
Answer:
You can send a letter to USCIS about case status by mail or fax. If you are sending the letter by mail, you should send it to the following address:
USCIS
P.O. Box 648015
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
If you are sending the letter by fax, you should fax it to the following number:
(816) 254-2447
And that’s that! I hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, the key to a successful USCIS inquiry letter is to be polite, concise, and provide all the necessary information. Also, don’t forget to follow up if you don’t hear back within a reasonable time.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to check back with us later for more immigration-related tips and advice. Take care!