USCIS Receipt Number Decoder
Paste your 13-character receipt number to instantly decode the service center, filing date, and case details.
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All USCIS Service Center Codes
| Code | Service Center | Location | Common Forms |
|---|---|---|---|
| IOE | Electronic / ELIS System | Virtual (online filings) | I-765, I-131, I-90, I-539, I-485 |
| LIN / NSC | Nebraska Service Center | Lincoln, NE | I-140, I-129 (H-1B), I-131, I-765 |
| SRC / TSC | Texas Service Center | Irving, TX | I-140, I-129, I-130, asylum cases |
| EAC / VSC | Vermont Service Center | Essex Junction, VT | I-140, I-129, I-539, religious workers |
| WAC / CSC | California Service Center | Tustin, CA | I-140, I-129 (O/P visas), entertainment |
| MSC / NBC | National Benefits Center | Lee's Summit, MO | I-485, I-130, N-400 (naturalization) |
| YSC / PSC | Potomac Service Center | Arlington, VA | VAWA, T visa, U visa (humanitarian) |
How USCIS Receipt Numbers Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Your receipt number is printed on the I-797C Notice of Action that USCIS mails after they accept your petition and fee. Look for the 13-character code (3 letters + 10 digits) in the upper left corner of the notice. If you filed online through myUSCIS, you can also find it in your online account under "My Cases." The receipt number typically starts with IOE for online filings, or a 3-letter code like LIN, SRC, EAC, or WAC for paper filings.
IOE stands for "Integrated Operating Environment" and indicates your case was processed through the USCIS ELIS (Electronic Immigration System). This happens when you file online through myUSCIS, or when USCIS scans a paper filing into their digital system. IOE receipts are increasingly common — since 2023, USCIS has been routing more cases through ELIS. Your case is still processed by a physical service center, but the receipt number reflects the digital intake system rather than a specific location.
Yes. Go to USCIS Case Status Online and enter your 13-character receipt number to see your current case status, including any updates, requests for evidence (RFEs), or approval notices. Most cases are trackable online, but cases with numbers starting with "0" in the case sequence (CLAIMS3-Mainframe system) may not be available in the online portal. You can also sign up for email/text alerts when your case status changes.
Standard USCIS receipt numbers are exactly 13 characters: 3 letters followed by 10 digits. If yours looks different, check for these common issues: (1) You may be looking at a different number on your notice, such as a case ID or USCIS Online Account Number, which have different formats. (2) Some naturalization cases (N-400) processed through the CLAIMS4 system use a different format with asterisk or dollar-sign delimiters (e.g., EAC*000040974). (3) You may have accidentally included or excluded a digit. Double-check against the I-797 notice.
Your receipt number does not change when a case is transferred. The 3-letter service center code always reflects where your case was originally received and receipted, not where it is currently being processed. USCIS regularly transfers cases between centers to balance workload. If your case is transferred, you will receive a transfer notice, and the online case status will show the transfer, but you continue using the same receipt number for all tracking and inquiries.
A receipt number (13 characters, e.g., LIN2509012345) is assigned to a specific petition or application and is used to track that filing's progress. An A-number (Alien Registration Number, format A-followed by 8 or 9 digits) is assigned to an individual person and stays with them for life across all their immigration interactions. You can have multiple receipt numbers (one per filing) but only one A-number. Both are printed on different parts of your USCIS notices.