U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) letter explained in English
Immigration services. Decides on green cards, work permits, citizenship and other immigration applications.
Letters you may get
- I-797C receipt notice — they got your application; it shows your receipt number
- Biometrics appointment notice — go to have your fingerprints and photo taken
- Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) — they need more proof before they decide
- Approval or denial notice — the decision on your case
What to do
- Check your case status online at uscis.gov with your receipt number.
- If you move, tell USCIS your new address within 10 days.
- Find the deadline. Look for “respond by”, “pay by”, “no later than”, “within”, “deadline”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“appeal”, “request for reconsideration”, “dispute”, “protest”, “hearing request”). See the template.
Words you may see
- notice
- An official letter. The date printed on it often starts the deadline.
- receipt notice
- A letter (Form I-797C) that confirms USCIS got your application. It shows your receipt number.
- RFE
- Request for Evidence. USCIS needs more proof before it decides your case.
- NOID
- Notice of Intent to Deny. USCIS plans to say no unless your answer changes their mind.
- biometrics
- Your fingerprints, photo and signature, taken at an appointment.
- green card
- Permanent resident card. Proof that you can live and work in the US permanently.
- work permit (EAD)
- Employment Authorization Document. A card that shows you may work in the US for a set time.
Questions
What is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?
Immigration services. Decides on green cards, work permits, citizenship and other immigration applications.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “respond by”, “pay by”, “no later than”, “within”, “deadline” — they mark the deadline. In the US, many deadlines count from the date printed on the notice, not from the day it arrives. Some offices add a few days for mail (Social Security assumes 5 days), and court deadlines usually start on the day you were served. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“appeal”, “request for reconsideration”, “dispute”, “protest”, “hearing request”).
Can I read a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the United States
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · State Department of Revenue or Taxation · Social Security Administration (SSA) · County or State Court · Debt collection agency · Landlord / property management · Utility company · Health insurer / Medicaid / Marketplace