How Can I Check the Status of My Citizenship Application?

After you submit your N-400, Application for Naturalization, you’ll have to wait anywhere from 6 to 12 months for it to be processed. The length of your processing time depends on multiple factors like how busy your United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office is, or if your USCIS office has enough staff members.

The USCIS offers a web page allowing users to input the immigration form they filed, along with the field office location where their form is being processed. The website then estimates their wait time based on the percentage of the applications they’ve successfully processed in the recent past.

However, if you want to know details regarding your personal case, there are 4 ways to check the details of your citizenship application:

• Online
• By Mail
• By Phone
• In-Person

In this guide we will cover these questions:

• How can I check my citizenship application online?
• Should MyUSCIS documents be translated into English?
• What if I forgot to upload an English translation on MyUSCIS?
• How can I check my citizenship application by mail?
• How can I check my citizenship application by phone?
• How can I check my citizenship application in person?

How can I check my citizenship application online?

Checking online for the status of your N-400 citizenship application is the most convenient and quick way to find the information you need. USCIS offers two ways to check your application status online, the case status online tool and MyUSCIS.

How to use the case status online tool

1. Locate your 13-digit receipt number in the upper left corner of your I-797C, Notice of Action. (The I-797C is a letter that USCIS mails to you within 10 days after they accept your citizenship application.)
2. Go to the USCIS Case Status Online Tool.
3. Enter your 13-digit receipt number.
4. Click the button which says “Check Status.”

The case status online tracker provides a quick overview of your application status, but it does not provide all the details. To find more information you should visit MyUSCIS.

How to use MyUSCIS

1. Log into MyUSCIS. Note: If you applied for naturalization online, you will already have a USCIS account. If you applied by mail, you can create an account by following the instructions online.
2. After you’ve logged in, you will see a tab which says “Case status.” Here you will find more details such as your estimated processing time, missing items, or supporting evidence you’ve added.
3. You can use MyUSCIS to change your address, upload additional documents, or access study materials for your citizenship test.

Note: As you enter your receipt number, you should not include dashes (“-“). However, you can include all other characters, including asterisks (“*”) if they are listed on your notice as part of the receipt number.

Should MyUSCIS documents be translated into English?

Yes, if you’ve submitted your citizenship application online through MyUSCIS, you will have to include several documents. According to USCIS, if you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must “upload an English translation along with the original.” To guarantee that your naturalization application is processed quickly, it helps to have a certified translation.

Some documents that commonly need to be translated for immigration purposes include:

• Criminal records
• Birth certificates
• Military service records
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Academic transcripts

You can order a certified translation of these documents from our online store:

Order Your Certified Translation

What if I forgot to upload an English translation on MyUSCIS?

Luckily, within MyUSCIS there is a function called “unsolicited evidence.” The purpose of the unsolicited evidence function is for applicants to upload any documents which they believe will be helpful to their immigration case. Applicants can submit unsolicited evidence at any time until USCIS makes a decision regarding their case.

This is helpful if you forgot to include an English translation, or found a helpful document after filing your citizenship application.

You can simply log onto MyUSCIS and use the unsolicited evidence function to upload an English translation of any document. To guarantee that your naturalization application is processed quickly, it helps to have a certified translation.

How can I check my citizenship application by mail?

One of the most important things to do if you are communicating with USCIS by mail, is to make sure the mailing address you’ve provided is correct. USCIS will automatically communicate with you using the address you provided on your N-400 application or the address you’ve provided in your MyUSCIS account. USCIS will use the address that you’ve provided most recently.

If you’ve changed your address be sure to update it as quickly as possible using your MyUSCIS account. If you have any questions, USCIS offers details about exactly how to change your address.

If your address is correct, USCIS will mail you all updates as soon as they can.

How can I check my citizenship application by phone?

The number for the USCIS Contact Center is 1-800-375-5283. This is the number you should call for details regarding your application. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call TTY at 1-800-767-1833.

When you call USCIS they will ask for the following information:

• Your 13 digit USCIS receipt number (which is located in the upper left corner of your I-797C, Notice of Action.)
• Your alien registration number.
• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.

How can I check my citizenship application in person?

The USCIS does not accept walk-in visits without an appointment. Additionally, USCIS field offices do not support in-person visits for any service that can be addressed online or by phone.

However, USCIS field offices do support in-person visits for some services if you have an appointment. For example:

• If a person needs proof of their immigration status for work or travel purposes.
• Emergency travel documents.

If you would like to schedule an in-person appointment, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call TTY at 1-800-767-1833.

Author: Aaron Randolph | LinkedIn