How Do I Read My Receipt Notice?

Whenever someone applies, whether for an immigrant or non-immigrant visSCIS sends out a Form I-797C, Notice of Action. For the most part, this piece of paper is just called a “Receipt Notice.” There are some critical pieces of information on the Receipt Notice.

First and foremost, the Case Number. On the form, it is called the Receipt Number. It is always good to keep a record of the Case Number (if not the entire Receipt Notice) because it is the number associated with the case.

Second, the Priority Date. For immigrant visa applications, the Priority Date is important because it determines when the beneficiary will be eligible to submit the paperwork for the green card application.

Third, the Preference Classification. The Preference Classification is usually a set of numbers and letters that correspond to a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that provides for that type of application. For example, in the example below, the Preference Classification is 201 B, for the spouse of a United States citizen.

Fourth, the Form. Understandably, most people do not memorize all of the different forms and their corresponding codes or names. However, someone going through the process should at least be somewhat familiar with the different forms so that he or she can follow the process more closely. In the example below, the Receipt Notice is for a Form, I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative.

Fifth, the USCIS Alien Number. Most people simply refer to this as the “A Number.” Although the example below does not include one, it is an important number to know. The A number is associated with the beneficiary throughout the case.