How do I check my H-1B or green card case status online?
TL;DR: Use USCIS Case Status Online (egov.uscis.gov/casestatus) with your receipt number for petitions like I-129 or I-140. Use the myUSCIS registrant portal to check H-1B lottery selection status. For consular immigrant visas, check the CEAC portal (ceac.state.gov). Processing time estimates are available separately at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.
The claim
Most applicants only know about one tracking tool, when USCIS and the State Department actually run several different systems depending on the stage of your case.
The evidence
Each system tracks a different part of the process: USCIS Case Status Online tracks petitions and applications by receipt number, the H-1B registrant portal is specific to lottery selection, and CEAC handles consular immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing abroad, which USCIS's own tools don't cover.
Where to check what
| What you're tracking | Tool | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| I-129, I-140, I-485, I-751, N-400 status | USCIS Case Status Online | 13-character receipt number |
| H-1B lottery selection | myUSCIS registrant portal | Registration confirmation number and passport info |
| Estimated processing time by form/service center | USCIS Processing Times page | Form type and field office/service center |
| Immigrant visa (consular) case status | CEAC portal | NVC case number |
| Nonimmigrant visa interview status abroad | CEAC portal | Visa application ID |
Step-by-step
- Locate your receipt or case number from your official notice (I-797, NVC letter, or registration confirmation).
- Choose the right portal based on what stage your case is in — don't assume one tool covers everything.
- Check USCIS's processing time page to set realistic expectations, since posted times shift regularly.
- Set up a free myUSCIS account for petitions and applications to get status change alerts.
- If your case is outside normal processing times, use USCIS's case inquiry (e-Request) tool rather than guessing.
FAQ
Can I check H-1B lottery results without an employer telling me? Yes, if you have your registration confirmation number, you can check directly via the myUSCIS registrant portal.
Why does my receipt number not work on Case Status Online? Double-check you're using the correct 13-character format exactly as printed on your notice, including letters.
Is CEAC the same as USCIS Case Status Online? No — CEAC is run by the State Department for consular visa processing; USCIS Case Status Online covers petitions filed with USCIS.
How often should I check my case status? Checking periodically (weekly or biweekly) is reasonable; excessive checking won't speed up processing.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-07-26