Checking Your US Visa Status: A Step-by-Step Guide
Last Updated:  December 14, 2023  |  

Checking Your US Visa Status: A Step-by-Step Guide

The United States is a popular destination for people from all over the world. If you want to visit, work, or live in the USA, you usually need a visa. After you apply for one, it's important to know how to check if your application is approved. The US Department of State has a website called the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) that can help you do this. In this article, we will explain how to check your US visa status using your Application ID or Case Number.

Checking Your US Visa Status with CEAC

Once you apply for a visa, you wait to hear if it's accepted. If it is, you'll have to go to the US Embassy to get your passport and visa. You'll get an email and text message telling you when to pick them up.

To check your US visa status at any time, go to the official CEAC website at https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx. It's best to wait at least three business days after your visa interview before checking.

How to Check Your US Immigrant Visa Status

To see if your US immigrant visa is approved online, follow these steps:

1.Go to the official Consular Electronic Application Center website at https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx.
2.Enter your Immigrant Visa Case Number, which usually looks like MTL1999626025.
3.Solve the captcha code shown on the screen.
4.Click the "Submit" button.

After these steps, you can see the status of your visa application and find out when your passport will be delivered. If your visa is approved, get ready to pick up your passport when it's ready.

Understanding US Visa Status Updates

It's important to know what different visa status updates mean because your application might go through several stages. Here are some common ones:

Visa StatusDescription
Administrative processingThis means your application needs more review, which can take longer.
Application receivedThis status shows that the US consulate or embassy got your visa application.
RefusedIf your application is refused, it means they didn't think you qualified, and you'll need to apply again.
ExpiredThis status means your visa is no longer valid for entering the United States.
IssuedWhen your visa is approved, it's marked as "issued" by the US embassy or consulate.

Tracking Your Passport After Visa Approval

Sometimes, after you're approved for a US visa, it takes a while to get your passport back. To keep tabs on your passport's status, the CEAC website also offers US Visa Passport Tracking. Here's how to use it:

1. Use the link on the CEAC website.
2. Enter your Case ID or Case Number.
3. Follow the instructions to find out where your passport is right now.
4. The embassy will give you a tracking code to contact the courier service for passport pickup.

How Long Does it Take to Get Your Passport After Visa Approval?

It's important to be patient during the visa processing time because it can vary based on the visa type and your situation. Usually, passports are delivered within 10 to 15 days after visa approval. If you haven't received your passport after 15 days, use the tracking options to check where it is.

In conclusion, it's important to keep an eye on your US visa application, and the CEAC website makes it easy. By following these steps and understanding what the visa status updates mean, you can stay informed throughout the process and get ready for your journey to the United States with confidence.

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