Completing the USCIS application process is a major milestone on your path to living and working in the U.S. Waiting for your green card, employment authorization document (EAD), or travel document can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. To help make this waiting period easier, here’s a comprehensive guide to tracking your USCIS documents once they’re on their way.
How to Track the Delivery of Your USCIS Documents
1. Set Up a USCIS Case Status Online Account
- Automatic Updates: Creating a USCIS Case Status Online Account lets you receive automatic notifications whenever there’s an update on your case, from initial processing to final delivery.
- USPS Tracking Number: Once your document has been mailed, USCIS will post a USPS tracking number in your account. This tracking number enables you to check the status of your document’s delivery directly through USPS.
- Real-Time Tracking: Having an account allows you to monitor your document’s journey and expected delivery date, so you know exactly when it’s on the way.
2. Utilize USPS Informed Delivery
- Daily Previews of Incoming Mail: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive daily images of all incoming mail. This feature helps you see when important documents, like those from USCIS, are en route to your address.
- Automatic Package Tracking: Informed Delivery provides a convenient way to track packages, set up email or text notifications, and even customize delivery instructions if necessary.
- Enhanced Security and Monitoring: With these daily notifications, you’re more aware of what’s coming to your mailbox and can act quickly if anything goes awry.
Address Accuracy Is Essential
Your documents are sent to the address USCIS has on file, so keeping your information accurate is critical to ensure safe delivery. If your tracking information shows that your document was delivered, but you haven’t received it, here’s what to do:
- Contact Your Local Post Office: Reach out to your nearest post office as soon as possible to report a missing delivery. They may be able to locate your document if it was misdelivered.
- Update Your Address Promptly: If you’ve moved or your address changes at any point during your USCIS application process, immediately update your address with both USCIS and USPS.
- Stay Proactive: USCIS mails documents based on the latest address in their system. Be proactive in ensuring it’s up-to-date to avoid delays or lost mail.
Proactive Steps for Smooth Delivery
Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in ensuring your USCIS documents reach you safely and on time.
- Regularly Check Your USCIS Case Status Online Account: Log in to your account frequently to monitor for any updates or notifications on your case.
- Update Your Address Quickly: Changes of address should be promptly reported to both USCIS and USPS. This keeps your information up-to-date and helps prevent lost or delayed documents.
- Maintain Communication with USPS: Familiarize yourself with USPS tracking and Informed Delivery services. Building a line of communication with your local USPS office can be helpful if any issues arise.
Tracking the delivery of your USCIS documents is a crucial step to ensure their safe arrival. Staying informed, proactive, and vigilant can provide peace of mind while you await these important documents, helping you feel more confident as you anticipate the next steps in your immigration journey.
Sources:
- USCIS: How to track delivery of your Green card, EAD, or travel document
- USCIS: Address Change
- USPS: Movers Guide
- USCIS: Case Status
- USPS: Informed Delivery
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JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
