How to Ask USCIS About a Case Outside Normal Processing Time
Submit a case inquiry (e-Request) when your USCIS case is taking longer than expected.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Phone Number
| Phone | (800) 375-5283 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET (automated help 24/7) |
| Website | www.uscis.gov |
USA Customer Care is an independent guide — not affiliated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Official website: www.uscis.gov. Menus and numbers can change; always confirm on the official site.
Before You Begin
USCIS only looks into a delayed case once it is outside the normal processing time for that form and office. Check the processing time first, then submit a case inquiry online or call the Contact Center.
What You’ll Need
Have ready:
- Your receipt number and the form number you filed
- The date USCIS received your case (shown on your receipt notice)
- The current processing time for your form and office (from the USCIS processing-times tool)
Step-by-Step
- Check the processing time for your form and field office or service center at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.
- Confirm your case is outside that timeframe — USCIS will not act on an inquiry that is still within normal processing time.
- Go to e-Request at egov.uscis.gov/e-request (or your USCIS online account) and choose "Case outside normal processing time."
- Enter your receipt number and details and submit; you will get a confirmation and a response by mail, email, or in your account.
- If you cannot use the online tool, call the Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 during live hours.
Faster: Do It Online
Submit a case inquiry through e-Request at egov.uscis.gov/e-request, or from your USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov — usually faster than calling, and it creates a tracked record.
How to Ask USCIS About a Case Outside Normal Processing Time — FAQ
Only after your case passes the posted processing time for your specific form and office. Submitting sooner will not speed it up.
The online e-Request usually is, and it creates a tracked record. Call the Contact Center only if you cannot use the online tool or need to reach a live person.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Phone Numbers
| USCIS Contact Center | (800) 375-5283 Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET (automated help 24/7) |
| TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) | (800) 767-1833 Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM ET |
| Military Help Line (1-877-CIS-4MIL) | (877) 247-4645 |
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