US Visa Status Check for Applicants: Complete Guide

Why It’s Important to Track Your US Visa Application?

The world has become a simple place to live with internet connectivity, and yes, a US visa status check can be done online. It is a straightforward way to track your application progress through official government platforms. All you need is your case number or application ID, and you can see updates right away. The message will pop up whether your visa is being processed, approved, or if any extra steps are required.

Avoid Delays Before Travel

You probably would have booked your tickets, arranged hotels for stays, and packed your bags, but what if your visa is delayed or denied? You would be hanging in the middle of nowhere. To avoid such situations, it is good to have information about your visa status, allowing you to make informed travel plans.

Stay Updated on Application Progress

The second reason for the visa check is that the online system gives you an upper hand in planning. From submission to approval, every stage of your application is available, so you’re never left guessing.

Steps to Check Your US Visa Status Online

All said and done, but the main question is how to check the US visa status online? Here’s a step-by-step guide to check:

• Visit the official US visa website, the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC), or USCIS portal.
• Type your application ID or case number. This unique number is given during your visa application process.
• Pick the US visa type you applied for and the location of the embassy/consulate where you submitted your application.
• On the screen, you can read whether your visa is in progress, approved, refused, or under administrative processing.

Platforms to Track Your Visa Status

There isn’t just one way to check your US visa status. Depending on the US visa types, you can use the following platforms:

• CEAC Visa Status Portal - This website is available for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas.
• USCIS Case Status Tool - This application is suitable for petition-based visas like H-1B or family petitions.
• Contacting the US Embassy or Consulate - If online checks don’t work, you can directly reach out to the embassy where you applied.

Common Visa Status Messages and Their Meaning

Since you are new to this world, there can be different terms that you will come across while checking your US visa online status. Here’s what they mean:

• Administrative Processing - This means your visa application is under additional evaluation and review, which includes security checks or background references. It could take more days or weeks.
• Issued vs Approved - Approved is the word that you are looking for, which means your visa is granted. If you read the word issued, it means the visa is printed and ready for collection..
• Refused or Rejected - Your visa was not approved under U.S. immigration law. The reason for rejection is written as per the section. When you see the term “refused,” you may feel disheartened, but a refusal doesn’t always mean permanent rejection. Sometimes, missing documents or incomplete information can be corrected.
• Application Received - The U.S. Embassy/Consulate has received your DS-160 application and will start reviewing.
• Ready - Your case is ready for the interview. You will be contacted, or you can schedule one.
• Expired - The visa case has expired because no action was taken within the given time. For example, it might be that the interview is not scheduled.
• No Status - Your case is not yet in the system, or the information, like the case number entered, is incorrect.

What to Do If There Is a Delay or Error

If your visa status hasn’t changed for weeks or shows an error, don’t lose hope. Check your application number minutely, clear your browser cache, and try again. If the issue continues, reach out to the embassy or USCIS. If they aren’t trackable, contacting a visa service center can also speed up the process.