What Does 'Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It' Mean?

Key Takeaways

• USCIS status means received documents related to your case and is currently reviewing them carefully.
• Status appears for many petition types regardless of recent submissions or internal updates.
• Respond promptly to requests, check status regularly, and keep copies of all USCIS correspondence.

If you’re checking your immigration case online and see the status “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It,” you might feel confused or even worried. This guide will help you understand exactly what this status means, what you should do next, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll know how to track your case, what to expect during the review process, and how to respond if USCIS asks for more information.

Understanding this status can help reduce anxiety and make the waiting period less stressful. Let’s walk through everything you need to know, step by step.

What Does ‘Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It’ Mean?

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

What the “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It” status really means
Who might see this status and why
What documents or actions can trigger this update
How the review process works at USCIS
What you should do (and not do) while waiting
How to check your case status and processing times
What to do if you get a Request for Evidence (RFE) or other notice
Common mistakes to avoid
Where to find official forms and resources

Let’s start by looking at who might see this status and what it means for your case.

Eligibility: Who Might See This Status?

Anyone with a pending case at USCIS can see the “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It” status. This includes people who have filed:

Family-based petitions (like Form I-130)
Employment-based petitions (like Form I-129)
Adjustment of status applications (Form I-485)
Humanitarian cases (like VAWA, Form I-360)
Naturalization applications (Form N-400)
Any other case where you or someone else has sent documents to USCIS

You do not need to have sent something recently to see this status. Sometimes, it appears even if you haven’t mailed anything in months. This is because “correspondence” covers a wide range of documents and updates, not just things you send yourself.

What Does “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It” Mean?

This status means that USCIS has received some kind of communication or document related to your case and is now reviewing it. It’s a way for USCIS to let you know that your file has been updated with new information and is being looked at by an officer.

What Counts as “Correspondence”?

“Correspondence” is a broad term. It can include:

Responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs): If USCIS asked you for more documents and you sent them in, this status means they got your response.
Additional documents you sent: Maybe you or your lawyer sent extra evidence, corrections, or updates.
Employer or petitioner submissions: In work or family cases, your employer or family member might send documents.
Internal updates: Sometimes, USCIS receives information from other government agencies or updates your file internally.
Documents sent earlier: If you mailed something a while ago, but it was only recently scanned or entered into the system, this status might appear.

Important: This status does not mean your case is approved or denied. It just means USCIS is reviewing new or updated information.

Step-by-Step: What Happens When USCIS Receives Correspondence?

Here’s what usually happens after USCIS receives correspondence:

1. USCIS Receives and Scans Your Documents

USCIS gets your documents by mail, online upload, or from another agency.
They scan and attach the documents to your case file.
The case status online updates to “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It.”

2. An Officer Reviews the New Information

A USCIS officer looks at the new documents.
They check if the information answers any questions or solves any problems with your case.
The officer decides if more information is needed or if your case can move forward.

3. Next Steps After Review

Depending on what the officer finds, USCIS will:

Request more evidence: If something is missing or unclear, you’ll get a formal Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).
Move your case forward: If everything looks good, your case may be approved, or you may be scheduled for an interview or biometrics appointment.
Send a decision: You’ll get a notice in the mail or online if your case is approved or denied.

Tip: Always check your mail and email for official USCIS notices. Sometimes, the online status updates before you get a letter.

Required Documents: What Should You Keep and Send?

Whenever you send anything to USCIS, keep copies for your records. Here’s what you should have:

Copies of all forms and evidence you submit
Proof of mailing or delivery (like a tracking number or delivery confirmation)
Any receipts or notices from USCIS
Copies of RFEs or other requests from USCIS

If you’re responding to an RFE, make sure to use the cover sheet USCIS provides and send your response to the address listed in the notice.

Common Forms That May Be Involved

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Official I-130 Form
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): Official I-485 Form
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): Official I-129 Form
Form I-360 (VAWA and other humanitarian cases): Official I-360 Form
Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): Official N-400 Form

Always use the latest version of each form from the official USCIS website.

Timelines: How Long Does the Review Take?

The time it takes for USCIS to review your correspondence can vary a lot. Some cases move quickly, while others take months.

What Affects Processing Time?

Type of case: Some forms take longer than others.
Service center workload: Some offices are busier than others.
Complexity of your case: Complicated cases or those needing extra checks may take longer.
Background checks: If your case needs more security checks, it can slow things down.

Typical Waiting Periods

Simple cases: A few weeks to a couple of months after correspondence is received.
Complex cases: Several months or longer, especially for VAWA, employment, or adjustment of status cases.

You can check the average processing times for your form and service center using the USCIS Processing Times tool.

What Should You Do While Waiting?

1. Monitor Your Case Status

Check your case status online regularly using your receipt number at the USCIS Case Status portal.
Watch for any new updates or requests.

2. Check Your Mail and Email

USCIS will send official notices by mail and sometimes by email if you have an online account.
Make sure your address is up to date with USCIS.

3. Keep Copies of Everything

Save all correspondence, receipts, and notices.
Keep digital and paper copies in a safe place.

4. Respond Quickly to Any Requests

If you get an RFE or other notice, read it carefully and respond by the deadline.
Missing a deadline can lead to denial of your case.

5. Be Patient

Processing times can be long, especially for complex cases.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, many applicants see this status for weeks or months before getting a final decision.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Many applicants make mistakes that can slow down their case or cause problems. Here’s how to avoid the most common ones:

1. Not Checking Status Regularly

If you miss an RFE or other request, your case could be denied.
Set reminders to check your status and mail at least once a week.

2. Sending Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

Always double-check that you’ve included everything USCIS asked for.
Use the checklist in the RFE or on the form instructions.

3. Ignoring Deadlines

USCIS gives strict deadlines for RFEs and other requests.
Respond as soon as possible, not just at the last minute.

4. Not Updating Your Address

If you move, update your address with USCIS right away using Form AR-11.
If USCIS can’t reach you, you might miss important notices.

5. Relying on Unofficial Sources

Only trust information from official USCIS sources or your attorney.
Community forums can be helpful, but always double-check with USCIS.

What If You Haven’t Sent Anything Recently?

It’s common to see this status even if you haven’t mailed anything in a while. Here’s why:

Internal updates: USCIS might get information from other agencies or update your file.
Delayed scanning: Documents you sent earlier might only now be entered into the system.
Administrative reviews: Sometimes, background checks or other reviews trigger this status.

You don’t need to do anything unless USCIS asks for more information. Just keep watching your status and mail.

What If Your Case Is Taking Too Long?

If your case is outside the normal processing time, you can:

Check the official processing times for your form and service center using the USCIS Processing Times tool.
Submit a case inquiry online if your case is outside the posted time.
Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 for help.
Contact your attorney if you have one.

USCIS may not respond to inquiries if your case is still within normal processing times.

What Happens After the Review?

After USCIS finishes reviewing your correspondence, you may see one of these status updates:

“Case Was Approved” – Good news! You’ll get an approval notice soon.
“Request for Evidence Was Sent” – USCIS needs more information. Respond by the deadline.
“Interview Was Scheduled” – You’ll get a notice with the date and location.
“Case Was Denied” – You’ll get a letter explaining why and what to do next.

Always read any new notice carefully and follow the instructions.

Next Steps: What Should You Do Now?

Keep monitoring your case status online and by mail.
Gather and organize all your documents related to your case.
Respond quickly to any new requests from USCIS.
Stay patient – long waits are common, but the process is moving forward.
Use official resources for updates and questions.

If you need more information, visit the USCIS Case Status Online page for the latest updates.

Summary and Takeaways

The “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It” status means USCIS has received documents or information related to your case and is reviewing them.
This status is common and does not mean your case is approved or denied.
You don’t need to do anything unless USCIS asks for more information.
Always check your case status, mail, and email for updates.
Respond quickly to any requests from USCIS and keep copies of everything you send or receive.
If your case is outside normal processing times, you can submit an inquiry through the official USCIS website.
Avoid common mistakes like missing deadlines, sending incomplete documents, or not updating your address.

By following these steps and staying organized, you can make the waiting period less stressful and be ready for whatever comes next in your immigration journey. If you have questions or concerns, always use official USCIS resources or speak with a qualified immigration attorney.

Remember, patience and careful attention to detail are your best tools while USCIS is reviewing your correspondence.

Learn Today

Correspondence → Any document or communication USCIS receives related to your immigration case file.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → A formal USCIS notice asking you to provide additional documents or information.
Form I-130 → Petition for Alien Relative, a form to establish family relationship for immigration.
Biometrics Appointment → A USCIS appointment to collect fingerprints, photos, and signatures for background checks.
Processing Times → Estimated durations USCIS takes to handle specific forms at various service centers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Seeing ‘Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It’ means USCIS got documents linked to your case. This update signals ongoing review but not approval. Stay attentive to requests, monitor your case online, and keep copies to avoid mistakes during this critical immigration phase.
— By VisaVerge.com