Understanding Your USCIS Case Status: “Case Was Approved”
Receiving a “Case Was Approved” status for your marriage green card application is a significant milestone in your journey toward permanent residency in the United States. It signifies that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed processing your application and has decided to grant your spouse lawful permanent resident status. Let’s explore what this means and what you should expect next.
What Does a “Case Approved” Status Mean?
The “Case Approved” status is a clear indicator from USCIS that your marriage green card application has been processed and approved. This approval is the culmination of a meticulous process that verifies your eligibility for a green card based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Seeing the “Case Approved” status is an exciting moment, especially considering that, from initial application to approval, the process can extend up to 38 months. Here are some of the typical statuses you might encounter along the way:
- Case Was Received: USCIS has your application and has started the review process.
- Case Was Rejected: This can occur if there was an error in your initial submission.
- Request for Evidence Sent: USCIS needs more documentation to continue processing your case.
- Expedite Request Received: USCIS has acknowledged your request to hasten the process.
- Fingerprint and Biometric Appointment Scheduled: Your appointment for biometric data collection has been set.
- Case is Ready to be Scheduled for an Interview: The final in-person interview will be arranged soon.
Checking Your USCIS Case Status
You can verify that your “Case Approved” status is official through two channels:
- The physical mail delivery of Form I-797: Notice of Action.
- The electronic update on your USCIS online account.
Remember, an approved case is quite different from a received case. The latter merely starts the process, while approval signifies the end of the USCIS review.
For more detailed information, the “Green Card Processing Times” article on USCIS’s website is an excellent resource.
Next Steps After Case Approval
Once your case status indicates approval, you can expect to receive both a welcome notice and your physical green card through the mail. These should come roughly 30 days apart, with the welcome notice arriving first.
Maintaining an up-to-date mailing address with USCIS is crucial throughout this process. If you relocate, promptly update your address on the USCIS Change of Address page to prevent any mail from being returned or lost.
If mail issues arise, you might see statuses like:
- Card Is Being Returned to USCIS by Post Office
- Card Was Determined As Undeliverable By The Post Office
- Card (or Document) Was Returned to USCIS
Should any of these happen, contact USCIS as soon as possible to rectify the situation.
Tracking USCIS Case Status Changes
After your application is approved, it’s essential to monitor subsequent case status updates to know when your green card is on its way. Some statuses to watch for include:
- Card Was Delivered To Me By The Post Office
- Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service
- Card Was Mailed To Me
- New Card Is Being Produced
The USCIS online case tracking tool is a helpful way to check the status. Just enter your receipt number and select “Check Status.” Also, keep a close eye on your mailbox for any mailed notices from USCIS.
Is an Immigration Attorney Necessary?
If your marriage green card case was approved, you typically wouldn’t need an immigration attorney. However, if the application was unexpectedly denied or you encounter significant delays, you have options. You can begin by reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center. If their assistance doesn’t resolve your concerns, consulting an immigration attorney might be the appropriate next step.
In summary, while the “Case Was Approved” USCIS case status is a sure sign of success for your marriage green card application, it’s vital to remain vigilant until you have the physical green card in your possession. Keep your contact information up to date with USCIS and monitor your status to ensure a smooth final transition to lawful permanent residency for your spouse.
For any further guidance or if you’re just starting your marriage green card application process, you can visit the official USCIS website for comprehensive resources and support.
So there you have it – the thrilling moment when your USCIS case status changes to “Case Was Approved” for your marriage green card application. It’s like winning the tech lottery of permanent residency! Keep a close eye on your mailbox for the welcome notice and physical green card, and don’t forget to update your address if you move. For more visa-related tips and info, check out visaverge.com. Happy tech-immigration adventures!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Receiving a “Case Was Approved” status means your marriage green card application has been processed and approved by USCIS. It’s a significant milestone on the path to permanent residency. After approval, you’ll receive a welcome notice and your physical green card in the mail. Keep your address updated with USCIS and monitor your case status for any changes. Consult an immigration attorney if needed.
