What Does 'Correspondence Received and USCIS Reviewing I-360' Mean?

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Key Takeaways

• USCIS uses status ‘Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It’ for Form I-360 since July 10, 2025.
• SIJ applicants no longer get automatic deferred action after Form I-360 approval as of June 6, 2025.
• VAWA self-petitions under Form I-360 now average 41.5 months processing time for 80% of cases.

If you have filed Form I-360 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and recently checked your case status online, you might see the message: “Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It.” This update can cause confusion or anxiety, especially if you are waiting for a decision that could affect your future in the United States 🇺🇸. Here’s a clear, detailed explanation of what this status means, what has changed recently, who is affected, what actions you should take, and what this means for pending applications.

Summary of What Changed

What Does ‘Correspondence Received and USCIS Reviewing I-360’ Mean?

As of July 10, 2025, USCIS continues to use the status message “Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It” for Form I-360 cases. This message appears when you have sent additional documents or information to USCIS, usually in response to a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). The key change in recent months is related to how USCIS handles certain categories of Form I-360, especially for Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ). On June 6, 2025, USCIS rescinded its previous policy of automatically considering deferred action for SIJ applicants with approved Form I-360 petitions. This means SIJ applicants may no longer be granted deferred action simply because their petition was approved.

Who Is Affected

This update affects anyone who has filed Form I-360 and has received an RFE or NOID, then sent in the requested documents. It is especially important for:

Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ): Children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected and are seeking protection in the United States 🇺🇸.
VAWA Self-Petitioners: Victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child.
Amerasians, widows or widowers of U.S. citizens, religious workers, and other special immigrant categories who use Form I-360.

If you are in one of these groups and your case status shows that correspondence was received, this update directly applies to you.

Understanding the Status: “Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It”

When you see this status, it means:

USCIS has received your response to an RFE or NOID. An RFE is a letter from USCIS asking for more information or documents to help them decide your case. A NOID is a warning that USCIS plans to deny your case unless you can fix certain problems.
USCIS is now reviewing the new information you sent. They are checking if your response solves the issues they raised in the RFE or NOID.
Your case is still open. USCIS has not made a final decision yet.

What Happens Next?

After USCIS reviews your correspondence, they will do one of the following:

Approve your Form I-360 if your response fully answers their questions and meets all requirements.
Send another RFE if they still need more information.
Deny your petition if your response does not fix the problems or if you do not meet the eligibility rules.

Effective Dates

The current status message and review process are in effect as of July 10, 2025.
The policy change for SIJ deferred action took effect on June 6, 2025.

Required Actions for Applicants

If your case status says “Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It,” here’s what you should do:

Wait for USCIS to finish reviewing your response. There is no need to send more documents unless USCIS asks for them.
Check your USCIS account or the Case Status Online tool regularly for updates. You can use your receipt number to track your case at USCIS Case Status Online.
Keep copies of all documents you sent to USCIS, including your RFE or NOID response.
Make sure your contact information is up to date with USCIS so you do not miss any important mail or emails.
If you move, file a change of address with USCIS right away using Form AR-11.

Implications for Pending Applications

Processing Times: The time it takes for USCIS to review your response can vary. For example, VAWA self-petitions filed under Form I-360 are currently taking about 41.5 months for 80% of cases, according to recent reports. However, your case may move faster or slower depending on your category and the USCIS office handling your petition.
No Automatic Deferred Action for SIJ: If you are a Special Immigrant Juvenile, you will not automatically get deferred action (protection from deportation) just because your Form I-360 is approved. You may need to take extra steps or wait for further instructions from USCIS.
Adjustment of Status: If your Form I-360 is approved and you are eligible, you may be able to file Form I-485 to apply for a Green Card. This is a separate process, and you must wait until an immigrant visa is available for your category.

Detailed Explanation of Form I-360

Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, is a form used by several groups to ask for special immigrant status in the United States 🇺🇸. You can find the official form and instructions at the USCIS Form I-360 page. This form is used by:

Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ): Children in the United States 🇺🇸 who need protection because they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
VAWA Self-Petitioners: Victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member.
Amerasians: Certain children born in Asia to U.S. citizen fathers.
Widows or Widowers of U.S. Citizens: If your U.S. citizen spouse died, you may be able to file Form I-360.
Religious Workers: People coming to the United States 🇺🇸 to work in a religious job.
Other Special Immigrant Categories: Including Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked for the U.S. government, and others.

Each group has its own rules and required documents. It is important to read the instructions carefully and send all the required evidence.

What Is a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)?

RFE: If USCIS needs more information to decide your case, they will send you an RFE. This letter will list the missing documents or information they need. You must respond by the deadline in the letter, usually 30 to 87 days.
NOID: If USCIS plans to deny your case, they will send a NOID. This letter explains why they plan to deny your petition and gives you a chance to respond with more evidence or an explanation.

If you get an RFE or NOID, it is very important to respond fully and on time. If you do not respond, USCIS may deny your case.

What Does “Correspondence” Mean in This Context?

In immigration cases, “correspondence” means any letter, document, or information you send to USCIS. This could be your response to an RFE, a NOID, or any other request for more information. When USCIS says they have received your correspondence, it means they got your documents and are now reviewing them.

How Long Will It Take for USCIS to Review My Response?

There is no set time for how long USCIS will take to review your correspondence. Some cases are decided quickly, while others take longer. Factors that affect the timeline include:

The type of Form I-360 case you filed
How complex your case is
How busy the USCIS office is
Whether you sent all the needed documents

For example, VAWA self-petitions can take over three years to process, while other categories may be faster. You can check average processing times for your category on the USCIS Processing Times page.

What Should I Do While Waiting?

Stay patient and keep checking your case status online.
Do not send extra documents unless USCIS asks for them.
If you get another RFE or NOID, respond quickly and completely.
If you have questions about your case, you can contact USCIS using the information on your receipt notice or through the USCIS Contact Center.

What If My Case Is Denied After USCIS Reviews My Correspondence?

If USCIS denies your Form I-360 after reviewing your response, you will get a denial notice explaining the reasons. Depending on your situation, you may be able to:

File a motion to reopen or reconsider if you believe the decision was wrong or if you have new evidence. You can use Form I-290B for this purpose.
Consult with an immigration lawyer to discuss your options. Sometimes, you may be able to refile your petition or take other steps.

What If My Form I-360 Is Approved?

If your Form I-360 is approved:

You may be eligible to apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485, if an immigrant visa is available for your category.
For SIJ applicants: Approval does not mean you automatically get deferred action or protection from deportation. You must wait for further instructions or take additional steps.
For VAWA self-petitioners and others: Approval may allow you to move forward with your immigration process, but you must still meet all other requirements.

Recent Policy Changes Affecting Form I-360 Applicants

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the most important recent change is that USCIS no longer automatically considers deferred action for Special Immigrant Juveniles with approved Form I-360 petitions. This means SIJ applicants may not get protection from deportation just because their petition is approved. Instead, they may need to wait for further instructions or take extra steps to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 legally.

This policy change does not affect other Form I-360 categories directly, but it is a reminder that USCIS policies can change and may impact your case.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Respond to all USCIS requests quickly and completely. Missing a deadline or sending incomplete information can delay your case or lead to a denial.
Keep all your documents organized. Make copies of everything you send and receive.
Check your case status online regularly. This helps you stay informed and act quickly if there are updates.
Update your address with USCIS if you move. This ensures you get all important mail.
Consider getting help from a trusted immigration lawyer or accredited representative if your case is complicated or if you are unsure how to respond to an RFE or NOID.

Official Resources for More Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about Form I-360, case status updates, and USCIS correspondence, visit the official USCIS website. This site has guides, forms, and contact information to help you with your case.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

If your status says “Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It,” wait for USCIS to finish their review. Do not send more documents unless asked.
Check your case status online using your receipt number.
Keep your contact information current with USCIS.
Respond quickly to any new requests from USCIS.
If your Form I-360 is approved, check if you are eligible to file Form I-485 for a Green Card.
If your case is denied, review your options for appeal or reconsideration.

By following these steps and staying informed, you can handle the Form I-360 process with more confidence and avoid common problems. Remember, immigration rules and policies can change, so always rely on official sources and seek help if you need it.

Learn Today

Form I-360 → A petition used by special immigrant groups including SIJ, VAWA petitioners, and religious workers.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → USCIS request for additional documents or information needed to decide your case.
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) → A USCIS warning to provide evidence to prevent petition denial.
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) → A child needing protection due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect in the US.
Deferred Action → Temporary relief from deportation granted by USCIS under certain conditions.

This Article in a Nutshell

If you filed Form I-360, USCIS status ‘Correspondence Was Received and USCIS Is Reviewing It’ means your additional documents are under review. This update especially affects Special Immigrant Juveniles and VAWA petitioners. Stay patient, monitor your case online, and respond only if USCIS requests more evidence to avoid delays.
— By VisaVerge.com