I-797 Forms: Complete Guide

If you’re navigating the U.S. immigration process, you’re likely accustomed to filling out countless forms. However, there’s one important form that USCIS sends you, which you shouldn’t overlook: the Form I-797, Notice of Action. There are several versions of this official document, each serving a specific purpose. Whether confirming receipt of your application, approving a petition, or requesting additional evidence, Form I-797 plays a critical role in your immigration journey. Continue reading to learn all about the steps to take after receiving this form.

You’ll also learn how to check your I-797 status online and how the form can be useful outside of just alerting you to changes in your case.

What is Form I-797 Notice of Action?

The Form I-797 Notice of Action serves as a communication from USCIS confirming they have received, approved, rejected, or made changes to your petition. After you submit any immigration application to USCIS, USCIS responds through the I-797 form. 

Important: Form I-797 is a Notice, Not an Application

Many people search for “Form I-797 download” or “Form I-797C PDF,” thinking it is a form they need to fill out. Please note that the I-797 is a communication from USCIS and is not a form that you download or fill out to start a case. You receive it after you have already filed.

Different Types of Form I-797 & Next Steps

The I-797 you receive and the actions you should take upon receipt depend on what type of immigration application you submitted and where you are in that process.

These are a few versions of the I-797 you could receive:

I-797A vs. I-797B vs. I-797C: What’s the Difference?

It can be easy to confuse the different versions of Form I-797. While they are all official notices from USCIS, they have very different meanings. Here is a simple breakdown of the most common types:

• I-797A – Approval with Replacement I-94: This notice indicates approval for an I-94 extension or adjustment of status. It includes a new I-94 at the bottom with a new expiration date.
• I-797B – Approval of Alien Worker Petition: This notice confirms your petition to work in the U.S. has been approved. You may need to visit a U.S. consulate for visa stamping if a new I-94 is not attached.
• I-797C – General Communication & Appointments: This is the most common notice. It is used to communicate a variety of updates, including receipt or rejection of an application or petition, transfer of files, fingerprint biometrics, interview and rescheduled appointments, additional actions, and re-opening of cases.

I-797 Notice of Action

Form I-797 is typically issued to communicate receipt and approval.  There are two important details in the I-797:

1. Priority date: This is the date that USCIS officially received your petition, and serves as your spot in the queue for a visa number. For employment and family-preference green card categories, this date can be checked against the final action dates in the visa bulletin to help you determine when a green card is available for you.
2. Receipt number: This is the tracking number USCIS assigned to your application. The receipt number is a 13-digit alphanumeric code, and you can use it to check your case status. The number is also your identifier when continuing the application process. Most immigration officials will request it.

This image shows how the online USCIS Case Tracker looks:

I-797A: Replacement of I-94

If you filed an I-94 extension, asked to adjust your status, or changed your address, you’ll receive an I-797A. If you receive this form, it usually means that your I-94 extension or status adjustment was approved. At the bottom, you will find a new I-94 with a new expiration date.

I-797B: Approval of the Alien Worker Petition

With the I-797B, you’re approved to work in the U.S. on the specified visa. While you’re approved to work, it doesn’t always mean your extension of stay is approved.

If you don’t see a new I-94 with the I-797B, you might have to return to your home country and go to a consulate to have your visa stamped.

Make sure to read all the instructions on the I-797B to see how you should proceed.

I-797C: Bioemetrics, Transfers, Interviews, Reopenings

USCIS sends Form I-797C to communicate the following things:

• Receipt: Confirming that USCIS received your petition
• Rejection: This will explain the reason why your application was not accepted and what steps can be taken
• Transfer: Sometimes USCIS will transfer a case to a different service center
• Reopening of Case: Motion to reopen a previously denied or administratively closed case
• Appointment: This can include notices for biometric appointments, interviews, or rescheduled appointments.

Important: Ensure you carefully follow the form’s instructions promptly to avoid delays in processing.

I-797C Biometrics Notice Sample

I-797C Receipt Notice Sample

I-797D: Benefit Card

Depending on what you’re applying for, the I-797D might come with a green card or an employment authorization document. Importantly, you should always save the I-797D just in case you lose your benefits card.

I-797E: Request for Evidence

The I-797E Requests for Evidence (RFE) are common and can be as simple as submitting a marriage or birth certificate, bank statements, or missing tax documents.

In the RFE response, you must prove to USCIS that you meet all its requirements for eligibility. Make sure to submit every document requested in the manner it was asked and in a timely fashion (before the stated date). If you don’t respond to the Request for Evidence (RFE), you risk rejection.

Our team recommends sending your submission to USCIS with a delivery service that you can track (i.e., FedEx, USPS certified mail). Due to the sensitive nature of responding to RFEs and the potential delays to your case, it is highly advised to work with a qualified immigration attorney.

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I-797F: Transportation Letter

USCIS will send the I-797F form overseas for applicants so they can travel. There are instructions on every I-797F that are specific to your case. Make sure to make copies of this form and keep them in a safe place.

If you are a permanent resident and have been out of the U.S. for less than a year, you can acquire a transportation letter by filing Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document. The filing fee for the I-131A is $575 and allows you to apply for a travel document if you are returning from temporary travel overseas of less than a year and your Permanent Resident Card was lost/stolen/destroyed. It’s also for those who have lost or had their re-entry permit stolen or destroyed.

I-797 Processing Time

You will likely receive an I-797C 2-3 weeks after submitting your application. It is important to read the form thoroughly, as it also tends to state instructions you must follow for the rest of the application process. Instructions can include:

• Interview requests
• List of documents you need to bring to an interview
• Travel instructions
• Requests for further evidence, among others.

What Happens After The I-797 Approval Notice?

After receiving an I-797 approval notice, carefully read all the instructions provided within the document to move forward. These steps will vary depending on the type of petition and location.

What Are the Next Steps After Receiving an I-797C Notice?

For Nonimmigrant Visas:

• If you are outside the U.S., you will need to schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
• If you are inside the U.S. and your petition was approved with a change or extension of status, then you can continue to work under the approved status until the visa expires.

For Immigrant Visas:

• If you are outside the U.S., then your petition will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) to undergo consular processing.
• If you are in the U.S., then you can apply to adjust your status (I-485 form). If you are subject to the Visa Bulletin, please be sure to check your priority date.

Other:

• Biometrics
• Interview
• Rejections
• Motion to Reopen
• Transfers

If you have questions regarding the next steps after you receive an I-797C, speak to one of our experienced attorneys!

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Form I-797C: Notice of Action

Whenever you have a change of address, make sure to fill out and submit AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, or update it through your USCIS online account.

What Does the Priority Date on the I-797 Mean

Your priority date is the date USCIS received your application, and indicates your place in the line for a green card. You’ll use this priority date when you look at the visa bulletin. When the final action date matches your priority date, that means you’re current. When you’re current, you can now adjust your status or go through consular processing to get your green card.

Checking Your Case Status Online If You Lost Your I-797 Form and Receipt Number

If you lost your I-797 and don’t have your receipt number saved anywhere, you can check your USCIS account, or you have to make an appointment with USCIS and bring valid identification documents to ask for your receipt number. This is the only way to meet with anyone from USCIS. With the receipt number, you can now check your status online.

You can also check on your case status by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. However, the phone wait times can be long.

How We Can Help

With so many forms to keep track of, it can make the immigration process that much more complicated. For that reason, it’s best to have a professional immigration team handle your case.

VisaNation Law Group attorneys have helped countless individuals and families successfully immigrate to the United States. 

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Frequently Asked Questions