What to Do If You Haven’t Received a Receipt Notice from USCIS

If a student has not received an I-797 Receipt Notice for their USCIS application (e.g., Change of Status (Form I-539) or OPT/STEM OPT (Form I-765), etc.), follow these steps to confirm whether USCIS has received it:

1. Expect the Following Receipt Notifications
   • Text/Email Confirmation (if requested when filing): Typically received within 7-10 days of filing.
   • Paper Receipt Notice (mailed by USCIS): Usually arrives within 2-3 weeks.
2. Track Application & Delivery
   • Applying Online: Students should have received a receipt notice immediately after submitting the application and paying the fee.
   • Applying By Mail: Students sending a paper application to USCIS are recommended to mail it via express mail using either a private courier service (FedEx or UPS) or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The application MUST be sent to the correct USCIS mailing address designated for the specific application.
     • NOTE: Students MUST keep the package’s mailing receipt/tracking number as evidence that they submitted their application to USCIS “properly and in a timely manner.”
3. Check for USCIS Fee Processing
   • Credit Card Payment: Students should check their bank/credit card statement for a charge from USCIS.
   • Personal Check: Students should look for a scanned copy of the check in their bank portal—USCIS writes the Receipt Number on the back.
   • Certified Check/Money Order: Students should contact the issuing bank/post office to confirm processing and check for a receipt number.
4. No Receipt Notice After 60 Days
   • Review USCIS Guidance: Follow the USCIS Contact Center Tip Sheet guidance.
   • Call USCIS: Students can call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM EST).
   • Submit an Online Inquiry: Students can go to the USCIS Case Status Online webpage, scroll to “Related Tools,” and click “Submit a Case Inquiry.”
   • Use “Ask Emma” (Live Chat): Available on the USCIS website.
   • Email the USCIS: Students can email the USCIS Lockbox Support Team at lockboxsupport@uscis.dhs.gov for an update.
5. No Receipt Notice After 90 Days
   • Contact the CIS Ombudsman’s Office: Students should review the following guidance from the CIS Ombudsman’s Office on steps to take BEFORE completing a Case Assistance Form (see below).
   • Submit a Case Assistance Request: If 90 days have passed without a receipt notice, students may file a Case Assistance Form with the CIS Ombudsman’s Office, who will contact USCIS for status updates on the application.
     1. NOTE: Students must provide proof that they have contacted USCIS without resolution before submitting.

Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is for MIT students only. For additional questions, students should email their ISO Advisor directly.

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