Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS: What It Means Modern Immigration and employment blog Manifest Law

You’ve submitted your USCIS application, and now you’re playing the waiting game. When you see “case is being actively reviewed by USCIS” on your status update, you’re probably wondering what does that mean? And, what happens next?

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what “case is being actively reviewed by USCIS” means, what to expect during this stage, how to check your USCIS case status, and the possible next steps for your case.

What does “case is being actively reviewed by USCIS” mean?

When you see the status “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS,” it indicates that a USCIS adjudicating officer is currently assessing your application.

This stage follows the initial submission and receipt notice and marks when your case enters a pending status. Essentially, it means your case has moved out of the waiting period and is now under examination by a USCIS officer.

During this review, the officer will thoroughly examine all the information and documents you have submitted. They may verify the details, check for completeness, and ensure everything meets the necessary legal and procedural requirements. This stage doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a decision immediately — it just means your case is receiving attention.

What is after “case is being actively reviewed by USCIS”?

After your case status shows “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS,” several possible updates could follow. Here’s what might happen next:

Request for Evidence (RFE): Sometimes, USCIS needs more information or documents to make a decision. If this happens, they’ll send you an RFE explaining exactly what they need. Check out our comprehensive RFE guide to learn how to best respond.

Get legal support: Our team of immigration lawyers at Manifest Law are experienced with some of the most complex RFE cases. Contact us now to request your RFE evaluation.

Decision Notice: Once the review is complete, USCIS will make a decision on your case. This could result in one of the following updates:

Case Approved: If everything is in order and you meet all the requirements, your case will be approved. You will receive an approval notice, and the next steps will be outlined, such as receiving your visa, green card, or other benefits.
Case Denied: If your application does not meet the necessary criteria, USCIS will issue a denial notice explaining the reasons for the denial and any potential steps you can take, such as filing an appeal or reapplying.
Request for Additional Information: Similar to an RFE, USCIS may request more information even after the active review if they need further clarification.

Interview Scheduled: For some applications, like certain visas and green cards, USCIS may need to interview you. You’ll get a notice with the date, time, and location.

Background and Security Checks: Sometimes, additional background checks are needed, which can take extra time. USCIS will update you if this is the case.

Sinc each case is unique, the next steps can vary. It’s important to keep monitoring your case status through your USCIS online account or look out for any mail from USCIS to stay informed about the latest updates.

Overview of the USCIS Case Review Process

The “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS” status is a sign that your application has progressed past the initial stages and is now under active consideration by an adjudicating officer.

Understanding each step of the review process can give some clarity on what to expect from start to finish. Here’s an overview of the USCIS case review process:

Stage of review process	What happens	What to expect
Application Submission and Initial Review	You send your application or petition along with all required documents and fees to USCIS. USCIS does an initial review to make sure your application is complete and all necessary information is provided.	If all the basics are there, you’ll get a receipt notice (Form I-797C) confirming that USCIS has received your application. This notice includes a receipt number that you can use to track your case status online.If anything is missing or incomplete, USCIS may reject your application and return it to you with instructions for correcting and resubmitting it.
Biometric Appointment	For many applications, USCIS requires biometrics (fingerprints, photo, and signature) to conduct background checks.	You’ll get an appointment notice with the date, time, and location for your biometrics appointment.
Background and Security Checks	USCIS performs background and security checks using the information you provided at your biometrics appointment.	This step is essential for verifying your identity and checking for any criminal history or security concerns.
Case review	A USCIS officer starts a detailed review of your application.	In this stage, you will see the case status of “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS”!The officer will examine all submitted documents to check for eligibility and completeness.
Request for Evidence (RFE) (if applicable)	If more information or documents are needed, USCIS will issue an RFE.	You must respond to the RFE within the specified timeframe, providing the requested information to avoid delays.
Interview (if applicable)	Some applications require an in-person interview with a USCIS officer.	You’ll receive an interview notice with details about the date, time, and location. During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask questions to verify the information in your application.
Final decision!	After reviewing your case, USCIS makes a decision.	You will either get an approval, denial, or another RFE for additional evidence.

How to Check Your USCIS Case Status

Checking your USCIS case status is an easy way to stay updated on where your application stands, especially if you see the status “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS.” Here’s how you can check and understand your status:

Visit the USCIS Website: Head to the USCIS Case Status Online page on their official site. This is where you’ll get the latest updates on your case.
Enter Your Receipt Number: Find your receipt number on the Form I-797C, Notice of Action, which you received when you first submitted your application. This number, starting with three letters followed by a series of numbers, is unique to your case. Enter it in the appropriate field on the USCIS Case Status page.
Click “Check Status”: After entering your receipt number, click the “Check Status” button to see the most recent update on your case.
Review Your Status: If you see “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS,” it means that your application is currently under detailed examination by a USCIS officer. This stage indicates that your case is being carefully evaluated, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a decision has been made yet.
Sign Up for Updates: For the most current information, you can sign up for email or text notifications through your USCIS account. This will help you stay informed about any new developments or required actions.

Regularly checking your status and staying updated will help you understand where your application stands and prepare for any next steps in your immigration process.

Frequently asked questions

What is next after “case is being actively reviewed by uscis” for i-130?

After your I-130 petition status updates to “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS,” you can expect a few potential outcomes.

If USCIS approves your petition, you’ll receive an approval notice, and your case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) if your relative is overseas. If there are issues, USCIS might deny your petition and provide details on why, along with options for appeal or reapplication. Sometimes, USCIS may request additional information through a Request for Evidence (RFE), which you’ll need to respond to promptly.

In some cases, an interview may be required, and you’ll receive a notice with the interview details. Keep an eye on your mail or online account for updates to stay informed about the next steps.

How long after “case is being actively reviewed by uscis” for i-485?

After your I-485 form status updates to “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS,” the time to the next step can vary. If USCIS approves your application, you might get an approval notice within a few months, but it could take longer.

If USCIS needs more information, they’ll send you a Request for Evidence (RFE). How quickly you respond to the RFE will affect the timeline, potentially adding several weeks to the process.

Many I-485 applications also require an interview. If this is the case for you, expect to receive an interview notice a few weeks to a few months after the “actively reviewed” status, depending on your local USCIS office’s schedule.

Occasionally, additional background checks or security clearances might be needed, which could extend the review period. Overall, the time frame from the “actively reviewed” status to final decision can range from several weeks to a few months.

My case is being actively reviewed by uscis a second time. Why?

If your case status shows “Case is being actively reviewed by USCIS” a second time, it usually means USCIS is taking another look at your application. This can happen for several reasons.

First, USCIS might need to further examine your case to make sure all details are thoroughly reviewed. This often happens if additional information or clarifications were needed during the initial review.

Another reason could be that you provided new information or responded to a Request for Evidence (RFE). USCIS will review this new information to ensure it’s fully considered in your case.

Sometimes, if your case is complex or if there have been changes in your personal circumstances, USCIS might need to review it again to address these updates. This can also include additional security checks.

Lastly, if you’ve had an interview or submitted more documents, USCIS may review these new elements to finalize their decision.

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