Follow your TPS application and work permit, and know the moment either one is approved or mailed.
Use the receipt numbers from the I-797C notices for your I-821 and I-765. Free, no sign-up.
Want automatic updates? Get alerts on WhatsApp after you check.
USCIS updates cases at random hours and the letter takes a week to arrive. We check your case every few hours and message you the moment it moves.
USCIS accepted your filing and sent a receipt notice (Form I-797C).
Next: Keep the receipt number. Biometrics, if needed, usually come next within a few weeks.
USCIS needs your fingerprints and photo. An appointment notice is on its way or already arrived.
Next: Go to the Application Support Center on the date shown. Bring the notice and a photo ID.
Your biometrics appointment is done. USCIS has recorded that your fingerprints, photo and signature were taken.
Next: USCIS uses them for background and security checks. The case then waits for an officer; the next update is often an interview notice, a Request for Evidence or a decision.
An officer is working on your case. It's a normal step, not a sign of a problem.
Next: This status can last weeks or months. The next update is often an approval, an interview or a Request for Evidence.
USCIS needs more documents before it can decide. The letter lists exactly what is missing.
Next: Respond by the deadline on the notice, usually 87 days. Many people have an immigration attorney review the response.
USCIS approved your case. The approval notice is in the mail.
Next: If a card comes with this benefit, expect a 'Card Is Being Produced' and 'Card Was Mailed' update next.
Your case is approved and your card is being printed.
Next: The card usually ships within 1 to 2 weeks. You will see 'Card Was Mailed To Me' with a tracking number.
Your card is in the mail. USCIS often includes a USPS tracking number.
Next: Track it with USPS. If it doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact USCIS.
USCIS denied the application or petition. The notice explains why.
Next: Depending on the case you may be able to appeal, file a motion or refile. Talk to an immigration attorney quickly; deadlines are short.
Temporary Protected Status is applied for on Form I-821, usually with a work permit application on Form I-765. First-time applicants and people re-registering during a country's re-registration period both file the I-821, and each form gets its own receipt number.
TPS is designated, extended or ended country by country, and the rules for each designation, including automatic extensions of existing work permits, are published in the Federal Register. Check USCIS's TPS page for your country before your deadline.
USCIS may schedule biometrics. After approval, the work permit moves to production and mailing; make sure USCIS has your current address.
Enter the I-821 receipt number above, then your I-765 receipt number. You'll see each status and what it means.
It varies by country and filing period. Our processing times page shows how long the I-821 is taking from real decided cases.
Some TPS extensions automatically extend existing work permits. The Federal Register notice for your country says which documents are extended and until when. Ask an attorney if you aren't sure.
Yes. CaseTracker Personal follows up to 10 receipt numbers in one place.
CaseTracker for firms checks every client's case with USCIS for you and alerts your team on WhatsApp and email when something changes. Import your caseload from a spreadsheet in minutes. 14-day free trial.