USCIS Case Status Hasn’t Changed in Months – What “Case Was Received” Really Signals?

2. What Does “Case Was Received” Mean?

When you see your “USCIS case was received” status on the USCIS internet system, it means:

• USCIS has received your petition/application
• A receipt number has been assigned to your case
• A USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797) has been created
• Your case has been placed in the processing queue

3. Receipt Notice (I-797) Explained

The I-797 receipt notice means that your application has been accepted but not approved. It is the official start date for the processing time for your immigration application.

The majority of the time, this does not mean an officer has begun a substantive evaluation of your file, it simply indicates that the application met the initial requirements for filing and is now waiting in line to have its substantive review completed.

4. Why Your USCIS Case Status Hasn’t Changed in Months?

Here are a few reasons that cause concern when an immigration case is pending for a long time.

1. USCIS Backlogs and High Filing Volume

• Surges in national filings cause delays for backlogged cases awaiting processing.
• Some forms experience a seasonal spike in filings.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS continue to discuss the current backlog of cases and the ongoing need for USCIS to address processing delays that reflect volume rather than individual case issues.

2. Background Checks and Security Screening

• FBI name checks
• Inter-agency security clearance required for all applicants
• Review of identity before submission of the application

These activities occur behind the scenes, so waiting for the status of a USCIS case to change does not mean inactivity.

3. Service Center Workload Differences

Processing speed can vary by service center location, so some service centers may have a noticeable delay relative to the time of submission (incumbent), which is reflected in different processing speeds.

4. Queue-Based Processing

USCIS processes all applications and petitions in the order they are submitted (first-in, first-out). Therefore, thousands of applications may have been processed prior to your filing, and your application is simply in the queue based upon that. The fact that a USCIS case status remains unchanged is common and due to processing times.

The fact that a USCIS case status remains unchanged is common and due to processing times.

5. “Case Was Received” vs “Case Is Being Actively Reviewed”

Understanding the case is actively being reviewed, and a case that was received is important.

However, language status is not always linear. Some cases move from “Case Was Received” directly to approval without showing intermediate updates. The meaning of USCIS online account status may not fully reflect internal movement.

6. How Long Is Normal After “Case Was Received”?

Many people wonder how long it usually takes for their case to have any kind of movement after submitting their application, and the answer can depend on several different things:

• What kind of application have you submitted
• Which service center is processing your operating
• What are the normal processing times of the form you submitted at USCIS, according to their official processing times tool, compared to when you submitted your application

If, at the end of that time, your application has been pending longer than USCIS's posted normal processing time, it would be considered outside the normal processing time. A case that has been pending for multiple months could still be within the standard ranges for processing time, depending on what category you filed your application under.

7. What You Can Do If Your Case Is Stuck

• Check Processing Times: Compare your receipt date to the posted processing times
• Submit a Service Inquiry: If your case is outside of the normal processing times as listed on the processing times page, you may file a service inquiry. Please be aware that USCIS's average processing time for service requests can be weeks long.
• Consider Expedite Requests or Premium Processing (If Available): Some forms allow for USCIS to process the expedited upgrade with options to premium process
• Seek Congressional Inquiry or Attorney Assistance: You may need to seek legal assistance or request the assistance of your Congress representative if you are having significant delays in obtaining a final decision in your case.

8. Common Myths About “Case Was Received”

There are many common misconceptions about delays that you need to know:

• A delay does not mean you were denied.
• It does not mean that your case has been denied.
• It does not mean there has been no action on your case or that no one has reviewed it.

In general, when people ask why their USCIS case is delayed, it's often due to workload issues rather than improper handling.

Seeing “Case Was Received” for months can feel discouraging, but it rarely signals danger. In most situations, it reflects queue placement within broader USCIS backlog delays. Stay informed, monitor official timelines, and take action only when your case moves beyond normal ranges. Patience paired with informed follow-up is key. If delays become excessive or complex, scheduling a consultation with EB1A Experts can help you evaluate practical next steps with clarity.

9. FAQs

1. What does “Case Was Received” mean on a USCIS case status?

It means USCIS has accepted your petition, issued a receipt number, and placed it in the processing queue. The receipt notice I-797 explains that it confirms intake, not approval. In many cases, officer review has not yet started.

2. How long can a case remain in “Case Was Received” status?

It can remain there for weeks or several months, depending on the form type, service center, and overall USCIS processing times by form. Some cases stay in this status until final approval without intermediate updates.

3. Why hasn’t my USCIS case status changed in months?

Common reasons include USCIS backlog delays, background checks, high filing volumes, and differences in service center workloads. A USCIS case status not updated does not automatically mean something is wrong.

4. Is “Case Was Received” worse than “Case Is Being Actively Reviewed”?

Not necessarily. The difference between a case actively being reviewed vs a case received is mainly the queue stage. “Actively Reviewed” suggests officer assignment, but some cases skip visible updates entirely.

5. When should I contact USCIS about a delayed case?

You should consider contacting USCIS if your case is beyond the listed normal processing time USCIS and qualifies as a USCIS case outside normal processing time. At that point, you may submit a service request.

6. Can I speed up a case that is stuck at “Case Was Received”?

Possibly. Options may include a USCIS expedite request or premium processing (if available for your form). Otherwise, timelines typically follow standard queue-based processing.