Form I-797 (Notice of Action)
Form I-797, Notice of Action, is the official notice USCIS uses to communicate with applicants and petitioners, for example to confirm it received a filing, approve a petition, schedule an appointment, or ask for more evidence.
The main types
| Form | What it is |
|---|---|
| I-797 | Approval notice for a petition or application |
| I-797A | Approval with a new I-94 at the bottom (change or extension of status in the US) |
| I-797B | Approval without an I-94, usually for consular processing |
| I-797C | Receipt notice, transfer, rejection, or appointment notice |
| I-797E | Request for evidence |
An I-797A approval with an I-94 is proof of your new status inside the US. An I-797 is not a visa: if you travel, you usually still need a visa stamp to return. Keep every notice. See change of status.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel with an I-797 approval?
An I-797 alone does not let you re-enter. You usually need a valid visa in that category.
What is an I-797C?
A notice that confirms receipt, rejects a filing, transfers a case, or schedules an appointment.
Where is the receipt number on an I-797?
In the top left box, labeled Receipt Number.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.