What to Expect After Filing Your I-140 Petition

Introduction

After you mail your I-140 petition package to USCIS, the waiting begins. This guide outlines what to expect in the days and weeks following submission, including timelines, required notices, and actions to take if something goes wrong.

The First 2–3 Days: USCIS Receives Your Package

What happens:

• USCIS receives your petition package at a lockbox facility
• They scan and log your documents into their system (typically within 2–3 days)
• Your payment(s) are processed shortly after

What you should see:

• If you included Form G-1145 (E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance), you should receive an email or text
• The date of receipt becomes your Priority Date—this is critical for long-term immigration tracking

Week 1–3: Receipt Notice Arrives

What to expect:

• USCIS mails a Receipt Notice (Form I-797C) to your listed address
• Usually arrives within 1–3 weeks of acceptance
• The notice includes:
  • Your case Receipt Number (IOE prefix)
  • Your priority date
  • The service center processing your case
  • An estimated timeline for adjudication

Timeline Summary

Important Payment Reminders

• I-140 petitions now require separate payments for:

  • $715 (I-140 filing fee)
  • $300 (asylum program fee)
  • $2,805 (if using Form I-907 for premium processing)

• If paying by credit card (Form G-1450), note that USCIS will only attempt the charge once. If your bank declines it (e.g., for suspected fraud), your entire petition will be rejected and returned.

• To reduce the risk of payment rejection, we recommend using certified checks or money orders from a U.S. bank.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Scenario 1: No Confirmation After 5 Days

If you haven’t received a G-1145 text/email and your payment hasn’t been processed:

Possible causes:

• Payment declined (e.g., incorrect amount or insufficient funds)
• Forms were incomplete or signatures missing
• Missing documents
• Incorrect filing address

What happens:

• USCIS will reject and return your entire packet by mail (can take 1–2 weeks)

What to do:

• Wait for the package and rejection notice
• Review the reason for rejection
• Correct issues and refile promptly
• Use certified checks/money orders and double-check form versions and fees

Scenario 2: Payment Cleared But No Receipt After 3+ Weeks

If your payment has cleared but you haven’t received the I-797C Receipt Notice:

Steps to take:

1. Go to USCIS.gov and use the "Emma" live chat assistant
2. Provide payment confirmation details and filing date
3. Request a status update or reissue of the receipt notice

Other contact options:

• Call USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283
• Try the Case Status Online tool using any known receipt number or confirmation data

Tracking Your Case

Once you have your receipt number:

• Use USCIS Case Status Online
• Sign up for email or text updates
• Optionally download the USCIS app for real-time notifications

Status types include:

• Case Received: Your file has been accepted
• Case Actively Reviewed: Officer is examining your petition
• RFE Issued: Additional documents needed
• Case Approved/Denied: Final decision rendered

Pro Tips for a Smooth Process

1. Keep records:

   • Save a full copy of your petition and payment proof
   • Keep copies of all USCIS correspondence

2. Use trackable mail:

   • Send your petition with USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS and retain the tracking number

3. Avoid payment errors:

   • Use separate certified checks or money orders for each fee
   • Confirm your credit card is authorized for large government transactions if using G-1450

4. Follow up if delayed:

   • Don’t panic if you don’t hear within a week
   • If 3 weeks pass without a receipt, contact USCIS with your payment proof

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to get a receipt notice?
A: Usually 1–3 weeks, but can take up to 4 weeks during high volume periods.

Q: What if I never receive a receipt notice?
A: Contact USCIS after 3 weeks using the Emma chatbot or Customer Service line.

Q: Can I track my case without a receipt number?
A: No. You’ll need the receipt number. Use payment proof to ask USCIS for help locating it.

Q: What is my priority date?
A: It’s the date USCIS received your petition. It determines your place in the visa queue.

Q: What if my payment is declined?
A: USCIS will reject and return your entire packet. You must fix the issue and refile.

Q: How can I tell which service center has my case?
A: Your receipt notice will tell you the office processing your petition.

Final Tip: The smoother your initial submission, the faster USCIS can begin processing your case. Double-check fees, forms, and documents—and use secure payment and mailing methods.