Receipt Notice (Form I-797C)
A receipt notice is Form I-797C, Notice of Action, which USCIS sends after it accepts an application or petition and the fee. It shows your 13-character receipt number, the date USCIS received the case, and the form type.
How to use it
Your receipt number starts with three letters showing where the case is handled (for example IOE, EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, or MSC) followed by 10 digits. Use it to check status on the USCIS Case Status Online page or your USCIS account.
The receipt date matters: for an I-130 or employment petition without PERM it can become your priority date. Some receipt notices also extend status or work permission, for example an I-751 receipt.
Keep every notice. The receipt notice is one type of Form I-797; approvals and RFEs use other versions.
Frequently asked questions
How long until I get a receipt notice?
Online filings get one right away in the USCIS account. Paper notices usually arrive by mail within a few weeks.
Is a receipt notice an approval?
No. It only confirms USCIS received and accepted your filing.
I lost my receipt notice. What now?
Log in to your USCIS account or contact USCIS with your details to find the receipt number.
Official sources
- USCIS: Form I-797 types and functionsuscis.gov
- USCIS: Case Status Onlineegov.uscis.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.