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How Visa Now Works and What It Means for Your Immigration Case

By Tobiah Kirkwood · Money & Logistics Writer

What Visa Now is and who runs it

Visa Now is a case management system run by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It lets you track the status of your immigration petition or application online, receive notifications about what USCIS needs from you, and see where your case stands in the queue. You do not pay to use Visa Now — it is a free tool built into the USCIS website.

Visa Now replaced an older system called myUSCIS. If you filed an immigration petition or application after 2023, your case is likely already in Visa Now. If you filed before that, your case may still be in the older system, and USCIS will migrate it over time.

The system works for most common immigration petitions: family-based green card petitions (Form I-130), employment-based petitions (Form I-140), adjustment of status applications (Form I-485), work permits (Form I-765), travel documents (Form I-131), and naturalization applications (Form N-400). Not all case types are available yet, so if you do not see your case, check the USCIS website for updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa Now is a free online tool where you can check your case status, see what documents USCIS is asking for, and get alerts when your case moves forward.
  • You create a USCIS online account and link your case using your receipt number (the number on your USCIS notice).
  • Visa Now shows you the same information USCIS has — it does not speed up your case or give you special access.
  • If USCIS requests documents or an interview, Visa Now will notify you and explain what you need to send or do next.
  • You should check Visa Now regularly because USCIS may give you a deadline to respond, and missing it can delay or deny your case.

How to set up your Visa Now account

Go to the USCIS website and create a USCIS online account if you do not already have one. You will need a valid email address and a way to verify your identity — USCIS will send you a verification code by email or text. This step takes about 10 minutes.

Once your account is set up, log in and look for the option to add a case. You will need your receipt number, which appears on every notice USCIS sends you. It starts with three letters followed by 10 numbers (for example, EAC23456789). Enter this number, and Visa Now will pull up your case if it is in the system.

If your case does not appear, it may still be in the older myUSCIS system or may not have been entered into any online system yet. Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm your receipt number and ask which system your case is in. Have your receipt number ready when you call.

What information Visa Now shows you

Once your case is linked, Visa Now displays your case status, which tells you where your petition or application is in the review process. Statuses include "Case received," "Case under review," "Request for additional information," "Case approved," and "Case denied." The status updates as USCIS works on your case, though sometimes there is a delay of a few days between when USCIS updates its internal records and when the change appears online.

Visa Now also shows you a timeline of events: when USCIS received your case, when they sent you a notice, when they requested documents, and when they made a decision. If USCIS has asked you for documents or information, Visa Now will list what they need, the deadline to send it, and where to send it. This is critical information — if you miss a deadline, USCIS may deny your case without reviewing it further.

You can also see the name and contact information of the USCIS office handling your case. This is useful if you need to call or visit in person, though most communication happens through the mail or through Visa Now itself.

Notifications and deadlines you should not miss

Visa Now sends you email alerts when your case status changes or when USCIS needs something from you. These alerts are your responsibility to monitor — USCIS does not call or text you. Check your email regularly, including your spam folder, because some email providers filter USCIS messages.

If you see a "Request for additional information" status, read the notice carefully. USCIS will tell you exactly what documents or forms they need, the deadline to send them, and the address to mail them to. Common requests include birth certificates, police clearances, medical exams, or additional forms. If you do not respond by the deadline, USCIS will deny your case, and you will have to start over and pay the filing fee again.

Some cases require an interview. Visa Now will notify you of the date, time, and location. Interviews are usually at a USCIS office, though some are conducted by video. Bring all the documents USCIS asks for and arrive early. If you cannot make the interview, contact USCIS as soon as possible to ask for a reschedule.

What Visa Now does not do

Visa Now shows you information, but it does not change how fast your case moves. USCIS processes cases in the order they receive them, and checking Visa Now every day will not speed things up. Processing times vary widely depending on the type of petition, the USCIS office handling it, and current workload. Check the USCIS website for estimated processing times for your case type and office.

Visa Now also does not let you upload documents directly through the system. If USCIS asks for documents, you must mail them to the address they provide or use the USCIS lockbox system if they tell you to. Follow their instructions exactly — sending documents to the wrong address or in the wrong format can cause delays.

Finally, Visa Now is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have questions about what documents to send, whether you meet the requirements for your petition, or what to do if USCIS denies your case, you should speak with an immigration attorney or a may have access to representative. Many nonprofits in South Carolina offer low-cost or free immigration legal help.

Troubleshooting common Visa Now problems

If you cannot find your case in Visa Now, first check that you entered your receipt number correctly. The receipt number is on your USCIS notice — it is not your Social Security number or your alien number. If the receipt number is correct and your case still does not appear, your case may be in the older myUSCIS system. Log into myUSCIS instead, or call USCIS to ask which system your case is in.

If you forgot your USCIS account password, click "Forgot password" on the login page. USCIS will send you a reset link by email. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and try again. If you still cannot reset your password, call USCIS customer service.

If Visa Now shows a status but you have not received a paper notice in the mail, wait a few more days — the mail can take time. If you need information urgently, you can call USCIS with your receipt number, though wait times are often long. Have your receipt number and case details ready before you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Visa Now if someone else filed my petition for me?

Yes, but you will need your receipt number. If an employer, family member, or attorney filed the petition, ask them for the receipt number. Once you have it, you can create your own USCIS account and add the case. You can also authorize someone else to check your case status by giving them your receipt number, though they will need their own USCIS account to view it.

What should I do if Visa Now says USCIS needs documents but I already sent them?

USCIS may not have processed your documents yet, or they may have been lost in the mail. Check the deadline on the notice. If the deadline has not passed, wait a few more days. If the deadline is approaching or has passed, contact USCIS with your receipt number and explain that you already sent the documents. Ask them to confirm receipt or ask for a deadline extension.

Does Visa Now show me if my case was approved or denied?

Yes. Visa Now will show a status of "Case approved" or "Case denied." You will also receive an official notice in the mail. If your case is approved, the notice will explain what happens next — for example, if you are approved for a green card, you will receive instructions on how to pick it up or have it mailed to you.

Is Visa Now secure? Is my personal information safe?

Visa Now uses encryption and security measures to protect your information. However, do not share your receipt number or account password with anyone you do not trust. Scammers sometimes pose as USCIS and ask for personal information — USCIS will never ask for your password or Social Security number by email or phone.

What if I need to contact USCIS about my case?

You can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt number. You can also mail a letter to the USCIS office shown in Visa Now. For urgent matters, you may be able to visit the office in person, though call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. If you have an attorney or representative, they can contact USCIS on your behalf.