After receiving i 797c what is next

Understanding Form I-797: A Guide To Immigration Notices & Next Steps

So, you have just received a Form I-797 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in your mail.

You are excited because this form represents a large step in your immigration journey, but also a bit nervous since you’re unsure of what to do next.

Is this just a notification, or do you need to take action? Should you contact someone, or can you handle everything on your own?

We will break down the types of Form I-797 and explain the purpose of each. You will also get evident guidance on what steps to take after receiving it and how the attorneys at Spar & Bernstein can help you stay on track with your immigration process.

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

View Brad's Bio

What Is Form I-797?

Form I-797, See of Action, is a document issued by the USCIS to inform you of important updates and deci

Understanding the i797 Notice of Action

Form I-797, also known as the "notice of action," is a key document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It tells you that USCIS has received, approved, or taken action on your immigration application or petition. For many, getting this form is the first official sign that their immigration process is moving forward. It also gives you a case number, referred to as a ”receipt number,” that you can use to check how your application or petition is progressing.

It is very important to know the different types of Form I-797. Each type has a specific purpose—some forms confirm that your application was received, others serve as notice of an approval or denial decision, and some ask for more information.

Understanding what the I-797 is and the differences between its types can help you respond correctly and avoid delays in your immigration process.

What is Form I-797?

The primary purpose of Form I-797 is to provide official communication from USCIS regarding the status of an application or petition. This form is used to inform applicants that their submission has been received, approved, denied, or requir

Receipt Notice

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Upon filing most petitions, the first correspondence you'll receive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the Receipt Notice, also known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action.

Typically, this arrives within 1-3 weeks after USCIS receives the petition. In the receipt notice, the USCIS will tell you whether your petition has been accepted, if they need additional evidence (RFE), or in some cases, rejected.

Here are other crucial details listed in the letter:

Receipt Number

The Receipt Number allows you to conveniently track your case status online through the official USCIS website. Often, case updates are accessible online before further physical notices are delivered to your mailbox.

Case Processing Center

The letter will cite the specific USCIS Case Processing Center assigned to handle your petition. If not explicitly stated, the initial three letters of your receipt number often indicate the particular service center processing your petition.

Priority Date

The Receipt Notice contains your Priority Date, which becomes important later on when scheduling

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Introduction

The I-797 approval notice stage is a critical step in the pathway to obtaining a green card. Once a case has been favorably adjudicated by USCIS, they will issue the I-797 approval notice showing that the immigrant’s application has been approved. For employment based immigrant petitions such as the I-140, an approval notice is an important milestone in the green card process and a step towards obtaining permanent residency in the United States. Understanding this stage in the green card process helps applicants better prepare as they move forward in the green card process.

While this article provides valuable insights, remember it does not constitute legal advice. For personalized assistance with your immigration situation, please consult an immigration attorney. If you would like to speak with our lawyer, our customer care representative will happily arrange a call for you.

Types of I-797 Notices: What They Mean for Your Green Card Process

Once a case is properly submitted, USCIS uses different I-797 forms to give notice of important information to applicants, petitioners, and beneficiaries regarding their immigration statu

Decoding the I-797 Approval Notice: What Happens Next?
You've just received the coveted I-797 approval notice. Congratulations! Whether it's for a visa, petition, or application, getting this document is a pivotal moment in your quest for legal immigration. But what happens next?
Beyond the initial relief and excitement of approval, there are many more steps to be taken and decisions to be made. If you're in need of guidance, a knowledgeable green card lawyer can help you understand and manage the crucial next steps after receiving your I-797.
Understanding what follows the issuance of Form I-797 can make a world of difference when it comes to navigating the bureaucratic landscape ahead. From scheduling interviews to preparing for travel or work permissions, each post-approval procedure is a little different.
This post will explain what to do after receiving your I-797, ensuring that you're prepared to move forward confidently on the path to immigration.
What Is an I-797 Approval Notice?
Form I-797 is an official document issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to notify an applicant of approval for their immigration petitio