How to read a letter from USCIS
Short answer: most mail from USCIS is a Form I-797, Notice of Action. It tells you what USCIS did with your case: received it, scheduled an appointment, needs more evidence, or approved it. The most important thing on the letter is the Receipt Number – you use it to track your case online.
Common types of I-797
| Type | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| I-797C | Receipt, appointment, transfer and similar notices | Keep it safe. It is not an approval. |
| I-797 | Approval notice | Check that your name, date of birth and details are correct |
| I-797A / I-797B | Approval, often for petitions or extensions, sometimes with an I-94 | Keep it with your passport and immigration papers |
| I-797E | Request for Evidence (RFE) | Send everything requested before the deadline on the letter |
The main parts of the letter
- Receipt Number – 13 characters: 3 letters (the processing center, e.g. IOE, EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, MSC) and 10 digits.
- Case Type – the form you filed, such as I-130, I-485 or I-765.
- Received Date – when USCIS got your filing; Notice Date – when the letter was issued.
- Priority Date – your place in line (important for capped family and employment categories).
- Applicant / Beneficiary – the person who filed / the person who benefits.
- The body: an appointment, a request, or a decision.
After the letter arrives
- Photograph or scan it and keep the original somewhere safe.
- Enter the receipt number in USCIS Case Status Online to follow your case.
- For a biometrics appointment, bring the appointment notice and a photo ID.
- For an RFE, put the deadline on your calendar right away – missing it can lead to a denial.
- If you move, most non-citizens must report the new address to USCIS within 10 days.
Watch out for scams
USCIS does not ask for payment over the phone, by gift card, or by transfer to a person. Real USCIS email addresses end in uscis.gov. When in doubt, look up your receipt number on the official website instead of calling an unknown number.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-797: Types and Functions (uscis.gov)
- USCIS – Checking your case status online (uscis.gov)
- USCIS – How to change your address (uscis.gov)
- USCIS – Avoid scams (uscis.gov)
Checked again on the update date above.
This information is for reference only and is not legal advice. Every immigration case is different; read your original notice carefully and ask an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited organization about your situation.
