USCIS Receipt Number

A USCIS receipt number is the 13-character case identifier USCIS assigns to every accepted application or petition. The format is three letters (the Service Center code — MSC, WAC, EAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, IOE) followed by 10 digits. It appears on Form I-797C (Notice of Action), which USCIS mails 2–4 weeks after filing. You can track case status at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus using this number, or in Alvva's free Track My Visa tool. Keep the receipt number — you will need it for biometrics, interviews, employment authorization checks, and any future correspondence with USCIS.