“Case Was Received”: what it means
Updated October 27, 2026 · Checked against USCIS sources
USCIS has your application or petition, entered it in its system and mailed you a receipt notice (Form I-797C). Nothing has been reviewed yet; this is the starting point of your case.
What it means
Your receipt number is now active and your case is in line at the office or service center shown by the first three letters of the number. The date on your receipt notice is the date USCIS uses to measure how long your case has been waiting.
The official wording
Text USCIS shows for this status (details in brackets vary by case)On [date], we received your Form [form], Receipt Number [receipt number], and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you have any questions, visit the USCIS Contact Center webpage at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
En español: “Caso Recibido”
El [fecha], recibimos su Formulario [formulario], número de recibo [receipt number], y le enviamos la notificación de recibo que describe cómo procesaremos su caso. Siga las instrucciones de la notificación. Si tiene alguna pregunta, visite la página web del Centro de Contacto de USCIS en www.uscis.gov/es/centrocontacto. Si cambia de domicilio, visite www.uscis.gov/es/cambiodedireccion para notificarnos su nueva dirección postal.
What usually comes next
What you can do
- Keep your receipt notice (I-797C) somewhere safe: you will need the receipt number and the received date.
- Check that the name, date of birth and address on the notice are correct. If not, contact USCIS.
- If your form needs biometrics, watch your mail for an appointment notice.
Forms that show this status
Each form links to its current processing time.
Questions
How long does “Case Was Received” last?
It depends on the form and the office. Compare the date on your receipt notice with the current processing time for your form.
I see this status but no notice arrived.
Receipt notices are mailed and can take a few weeks. If you filed online, the notice is also in your USCIS online account.
Sources: USCIS Case Status Online and Case Status API messages; USCIS processing times and case inquiry pages. General information, not legal advice.