USCIS Case Status: What “Case Was Received / RFE / Interview Scheduled” Mean + How to Enable G-1145 E-Notifications
Plain-English explanations of the most common case statuses in Case Status Online, what to do at each step, and how to get SMS/email updates via Form G-1145. Up-to-date guidance.
“Case Was Received” (or “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Sent”)
USCIS has logged your package/online filing and issued a Receipt Number. A paper I-797C Notice of Action is mailed with that number, the form type (e.g., I-130, I-485, I-765), the Receipt Date, and the initial processing center.
- Do now: keep the I-797C, verify your name/address, add the case to myUSCIS, and turn on alerts.
- Not a decision: this is only acceptance into the system, not substantive review.
- Timelines: check Case Processing Times for your form and center; cases may stay on “Received” for weeks/months.
Receipt Prefixes and Matching USCIS Centers
| Prefix | Service Center | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IOE | USCIS ELIS (online filings) | Often routed to NBC/other centers behind the scenes |
| MSC | National Benefits Center (NBC) | Historic NBC prefix |
| WAC | California Service Center | Former “Western Adjudication Center” |
| EAC | Vermont Service Center | “Eastern” |
| LIN | Nebraska Service Center | Lincoln, NE |
| SRC | Texas Service Center | “Southern” |
| YSC | Potomac Service Center | Newer center |
Note: the prefix doesn’t guarantee the current file location — USCIS may transfer cases between centers.
RFE (Request for Evidence)
Meaning A written request for more proof. The RFE lists exactly what is needed and a hard deadline. Send one complete, organized response; piecemeal mailings can slow adjudication.
Mirror the RFE structure in your response; don’t skip sub-items.
Certified translations, labeled exhibits, page numbers, table of contents, cover letter.
Commonly 30–87 calendar days. USCIS counts receipt, not the mailing date — ship early and track delivery.
Status becomes “Response To RFE Was Received”. Then adjudication resumes or an interview is scheduled.
Don’t confuse RFE with NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny). NOIDs demand stronger rebuttals and often have shorter timeframes.
“Interview Was Scheduled” / “Interview Scheduled”
USCIS has set a date/time (commonly for I-485, N-400; sometimes I-130/I-751). A letter lists the field office and required documents.
- Passports, I-94 (if any), originals, I-797C, proof of current address.
- For marriage-based I-485: joint evidence (lease, bills, photos, insurance, taxes).
- English translations + translator’s certification.
- Medical I-693 in a sealed envelope if not already submitted or expired.
- If you must reschedule, follow the letter’s instructions and keep proof.
Possible follow-up statuses: “Interview Was Completed And Case Must Be Reviewed”, “New Card Is Being Produced”, “Case Approved”.
E-Notifications with Form G-1145
G-1145 is a one-page sheet to receive SMS and/or email when a lockbox accepts your paper filing. Place it on top of the packet (before the main form).
- Download the current G-1145 from USCIS.
- Enter your full name, email, and U.S. mobile number.
- Put G-1145 as the first page; mail to the correct lockbox.
- Watch for the text/email once a receipt number is created.
If you file online, you don’t need G-1145 — alerts arrive in myUSCIS. For filings sent directly to a field office (not the lockbox), G-1145 typically doesn’t apply.
Status Map: from Intake to Decision
Tracking Without Panic
- Add your Receipt Number in the account.
- Enable email/SMS and “Case Alerts”.
- Check “Documents” — PDFs of notices often appear there.
- Use Case Processing Times for your form and center.
- Open “outside normal processing time” only if your receipt date is later than USCIS shows.
- USPS Informed Delivery helps preview incoming USCIS mail.
- If a letter is lost, request a duplicate via myUSCIS/Contact Center.
FAQ
The status hasn’t changed for months. Is that normal?
Yes. Many cases remain “Case Was Received”/“Actively Being Reviewed” for a long time. Use processing-time benchmarks and avoid duplicate filings.
Can I answer an RFE by email?
Usually no. Follow the RFE’s mailing/upload instructions. Some categories allow electronic uploads in myUSCIS — only if explicitly stated.
Will rescheduling the interview hurt my case?
A single reschedule for a valid reason is typically fine but may delay adjudication. Follow the letter’s directions and keep proof.
Do I need G-1145 for online filings?
No. G-1145 is for paper filings to the lockbox. Online filings send alerts via your account.
Official Sources
- USCIS — Case Status Online
- USCIS — Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- USCIS — Case Processing Times
- USCIS — Form I-797C, Notice of Action (general guidance)
This content is informational and not legal advice.
