You can easily track your green card application online using your USCIS receipt number or NVC case number. Be sure to sign up for electronic case updates to receive real-time notifications about any changes to your status.
Avoid traveling outside the U.S. without advance parole — leaving the country before approval may lead to your application being considered abandoned by USCIS.
If your green card hasn’t arrived after 120 days, file a USCIS service request or contact the USCIS Contact Center to investigate possible delays.
Waiting for your green card can feel stressful, especially when delays occur due to embassy backlogs or requests for additional evidence. Staying informed about your case status can provide peace of mind during this process. This guide explains how to track your green card application, the tools available for updates, travel rules while you wait, and more. As always, consulting an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help ensure your case is handled efficiently and accurately.
Ways to Track Your Green Card Process
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States indefinitely.
You can follow your application’s progress through multiple stages. The easiest method is online tracking via USCIS. You may also receive updates by mail or, in some cases, by phone.
The agencies that provide green card status updates include:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- U.S. Department of Labor (NVC)
- Your local U.S. embassy or consulate (for applicants abroad)
Green Card Process Stages
Stage 1: Petition for Alien Relative or Worker
The process starts when a petitioner files Form I-130 (for family-based immigration) or Form I-140 (for employment-based immigration).
Stage 2: Green Card Application
Applicants inside the U.S. file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), while those abroad complete NVC consular processing.
Stage 3: Green Card Delivery
After approval, USCIS produces and mails your physical green card. You can track shipment and delivery updates online.
Each applicant’s case is unique, and certain agencies may handle later stages differently. For detailed guidance, speak with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to better understand what to expect in your case.
How to Track a Green Card Application from Inside the U.S.
If you’re applying within the United States, you’ll file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This allows you to receive your green card without returning to your home country. USCIS refers to your green card progress as your I-485 case status.
1. Check Status Online
The most convenient way to track your application is through the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
After submitting your application, USCIS will send a Notice of Action (Form I-797C), which includes a 13-digit receipt number (three letters followed by ten numbers).
To check your case online:
- Visit the USCIS Case Status Online page.
- Enter your Receipt Number (include all letters and numbers, but no dashes).
- Click “Check Status” to view your case updates.
2. Use the USCIS Virtual Assistant – “Ask Emma”
You can also track your status by chatting with Emma, the USCIS virtual assistant. Visit the USCIS website and select “Need help? Chat with Emma.” Type “Case Status” in the chat, then provide your case number when prompted. Emma can share live updates and, if needed, connect you with a human representative.
3. Check Status by Mail
When filing Form I-485, you’ll list your mailing address. USCIS will send official notices and updates to that address throughout the process. Because mail delivery can take time, this method is best used as a backup if you lack internet access.
If you already paid the immigrant visa fee after entering the U.S., USCIS generally mails your green card within 30 to 90 days, but it may take up to 120 days in some cases.
4. Check Status by Phone
If you prefer to check by phone or don’t have internet access, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Be ready to provide your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- USCIS receipt number
- Alien registration number
5. Check Status in Person
You may request an in-person appointment if your issue cannot be resolved online or by phone. First, call the USCIS Contact Center. A Tier 1 representative will attempt to help; if necessary, your inquiry will be escalated to a Tier 2 officer who can schedule a field office visit.
While effective, this option can be time-consuming and is recommended only when other tracking methods fail.
Traveling While Waiting for a Green Card
If you wish to travel internationally while your green card application is pending, you must first obtain advance parole by filing Form I-131.
Do not leave the U.S. before receiving USCIS approval. Exiting without permission can result in your application being considered abandoned. Once approved, advance parole allows you to travel abroad for personal or business reasons and return legally to continue your immigration process.
Staying in the U.S. While Your Green Card is Processing
Yes, you are allowed to remain in the United States while your green card application is pending. Applicants who have already entered the country legally do not need to leave for consular processing.
However, if you applied before arriving in the U.S., make sure to update USCIS with any address changes to ensure you receive all official mail, including your green card.
How to Track Your Green Card Application from Outside the United States
After your immigrant petition (Form I-130 or Form I-140) is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your case is transferred to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing.
At this stage, the primary platform to monitor your case is the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) online portal, where you can follow every update—from document submission to your final visa interview decision.
Step 1: Receive Your NVC Welcome Letter
The NVC will contact you via email or mail with a Welcome Letter that includes your NVC Case Number and Invoice ID Number. You’ll need these identifiers to log in to your case through the CEAC portal.
Step 2: Submit Form DS-261 – Online Choice of Address and Agent
Your first action inside CEAC is to complete Form DS-261, which designates who will receive official communication about your case.
The NVC must process this form before you can proceed to pay required fees and upload supporting documents.
Step 3: Check Your Case Status Online
You can track your green card case anytime using the CEAC Visa Status Check page:
- Visit the official CEAC Visa Status Check webpage.
- Select “Immigrant Visa (IV)” from the dropdown list.
- Enter your NVC Case Number (e.g., LND2025123456) and the verification code.
- Click Submit to view your case status, such as At NVC, Ready, Administrative Processing, or Issued.
Check Your Green Card Status by Mail
Make sure your mailing address is correctly listed on your Form I-130, Form I-140, and Form DS-261.
USCIS sends all official notices—including your green card—to this address.
If you paid the immigrant visa fee before entering the U.S., USCIS generally has up to 120 days after your entry to mail your physical green card.
How to Change Your Address
If you move after submitting your application, you must notify USCIS within 10 days:
- Visit the USCIS Change of Address page.
- Click “Change of Address Online.”
- Log in or create a USCIS Online Account.
- Complete Form AR-11 electronically.
- Update your address for each pending application or petition (e.g., Form I-485).
Be sure to check the box to update all pending cases and include your green card receipt number (starting with MSC, LIN, SRC, etc.).
Check Your Case Status by Email
You can contact the NVC directly using its Public Inquiry Form available on the official U.S. Visas website.
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- NVC Case Number
- Petitioner or employer’s name
- Email address
Responses will be sent to the email you specify.
Check Your Case Status in Person
If your case is being processed outside the United States, in-person status checks are currently not available.
Navigating the U.S. Immigration System
Working with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can make your process smoother and less stressful.
Our experienced legal team tracks your case, handles complex filings, and ensures no critical updates are missed.
Book a 20-minute consultation with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link today to discuss your case.
Setting Up Electronic Updates
Once USCIS accepts your Form I-485, you can opt in to receive email or text notifications by submitting Form G-1145 (E-Notification of Application Acceptance).
For ongoing case updates:
- Create a USCIS Online Account
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Select your preferred contact method (email, text, or both)
Applicants abroad (or their designated agent from Form DS-261) will receive NVC email and mail notifications automatically.
Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN)
When completing Form DS-260, select “Yes” when asked if you’d like to be issued a Social Security Number.
Doing so authorizes the government to process your SSN automatically using your immigrant-visa details.
After arriving in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, your SSN card will be mailed to your U.S. address within 3 to 6 weeks.
If you didn’t select “Yes” or encounter a delay, visit your local Social Security Administration office to apply in person.
Green Card Processing Delays – What to Do
If You Applied from Inside the U.S.
Check estimated processing times on the USCIS Case Processing Times page.
If your I-485 or I-130 exceeds the posted timeframe:
- Submit an “Outside Normal Processing Times” inquiry.
- Include your receipt number, A-number, filing date, case type, email, and last action taken.
If You Applied from Outside the U.S.
If you haven’t received an update within NVC’s standard timeframe:
- Log in to your CEAC account to confirm:
- All required fees (visa and affidavit of support) are paid.
- All civil documents are submitted and accepted.
- If everything is complete but your case isn’t progressing, submit the Public Inquiry Form to the NVC.
If the issue persists, speak with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link for personalized guidance.
Tracking Your Green Card Mail Delivery
You can track your green card shipment with USPS Informed Delivery, which provides daily email images of incoming mail.
This tool also allows you to set up text or email alerts for when your green card or EAD arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check the status of my green card replacement?
Go to the USCIS Case Status Online page and enter your receipt number under “Check Status.”
What if my green card is lost in the mail or has an error?
If your card was issued but never received, file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) and select “Card issued but never received.”
If USCIS made an error (e.g., misspelled name), file Form I-90 again and choose “Card issued with incorrect data due to USCIS error.”
No filing fee applies for USCIS errors.
How can I track my Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
You can use the same USCIS Case Status Online tool to track your EAD application.
What should I do if I haven’t received my green card after 120 days?
If more than 120 days have passed, submit a case service inquiry or call the USCIS Contact Center (1-800-375-5283).
Have your receipt number, A-number, and personal details ready.
If needed, request to speak with a Tier 2 officer for further assistance.
What happens after my green card interview is approved?
Once your case is approved, you’ll receive an I-551 (ADIT) stamp in your passport.
This temporary proof of permanent residency allows you to work and travel for up to one year until you receive your physical green card.
How Green Card Link Can Help
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys bring over a decade of experience helping individuals and families secure U.S. permanent residency.
We provide customized legal guidance, help monitor your case status, and ensure that no important step is missed in your journey to a green card.
💼 Schedule a 20-minute consultation today with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to get expert help on your application.