What Does the USCIS Case Status “Case Approved” Mean for My VAWA Green Card Application?
If your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status says “Case Was Approved,” congratulations! This means USCIS has reviewed your application, determined your eligibility, and decided to grant your Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) green card. You’ll often see several statuses prior to approval as your case progresses, and it can take a long time for USCIS to process and approve your application. It takes an average of 15–40 months (or about 1–3 years) for USCIS to process and approve VAWA green cards. This article explains the case approval process with USCIS and what happens after your case is approved.
Written by ImmigrationHelp Team.
Written February 8, 2023
My USCIS Case Status Says “Case Approved.” What Does That Mean for My VAWA Green Card?
Congratulations! If your case status reads “Case Approved,” this means that USCIS has approved your VAWA green card application. USCIS will now provide you with your green card. You will see this case status toward the end of your application process, but you will still see new case updates until USCIS mails your green card.
In addition to the case status change on your online USCIS account, you will also receive a notice by mail. Form I-797: Notice of Action will provide you with more information.
What Statuses Would I Have Seen Before "Case Approved"?
Before USCIS approved your application, you may have seen these case statuses along the way:
Case Was Received: This first status indicates USCIS received your application.
Request For Initial Or Additional Evidence Sent: USCIS may have needed more evidence from you, such as additional documentation that you suffered abuse from a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
Expedite Request Received: This was relevant if you requested expedited processing of your green card application.
Fingerprint And Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled and/or Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken: For a VAWA green card, you needed to undergo a biometrics or fingerprinting appointment.
Case Is Ready To Be Scheduled For An Interview or Interview Was Scheduled or Interview Was Completed And My Case Must Be Reviewed: For your green card, you completed an interview with immigration officers.
Case Was Reopened For Consideration: This only applies if you appeal your case. This is somewhat rare, and usually, you would have an immigration lawyer assisting you in appealing.
Does “Case Approved” Mean the Same Thing as “Case Received”?
No, “Case Approved” does not mean the same thing as “Case Received.” Although they sound similar, the two case statuses are quite different. “Case Received” is a status you will see at the beginning of your VAWA green card application process when USCIS first receives your submitted Form I-360. It indicates that USCIS has accepted your initial application. “Case Approved” is one of the last statuses you will see. This indicates you qualify for and will receive a green card through VAWA.
USCIS Approved My VAWA Green Card. Now What?
Now that USCIS has approved your VAWA green card, you should wait to receive your official notice of approval or welcome by mail. After that, you will receive your actual green card by mail. The processing time can be 30–60 days after seeing “Case Approved.”
If you move at any point during your application process, you must tell USCIS about your new address. You need to tell USCIS, not just USPS or your mail carrier. It is crucial to update USCIS about your new address as soon as possible. This way, you will ensure that you receive your green card and any other notices from USCIS. If you see any of the following statuses, this is an alert that USCIS does not have your correct address:
Card Is Being Returned To USCIS By Post Office
Card Was Determined As Undeliverable By The Post Office
Card (Or Document) Was Returned To USCIS
How Can I Track USCIS Case Status Changes?
It is important to stay on top of your case status changes. “Case Approved” indicates you are at the end of your application process. However, you still want to look out for any updates about your actual green card, such as whether USCIS has mailed it yet.
After your “Case Was Approved” status, you may see the following statuses updating you on the progress of your green card:
Card Was Delivered To Me By The Post Office
Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service
Card Was Mailed To Me
New Card Is Producing
In addition to any case status changes, you will also receive a notice by mail with further information. You can check your case status online through USCIS’ tracker by entering the 13-digit receipt number that USCIS first provided to you when it received your application.
Do I Need an Immigration Attorney To Get My VAWA Green Card Approved?
Because you received the status “Case Approved,” your application process is nearly over. It is unlikely you need an immigration attorney’s help at this stage. However, if you expected your application to be approved and it wasn’t, an immigration attorney may help.
If it is taking longer than the typical processing times for USCIS to process your application or mail your green card, it may be helpful to contact USCIS and then seek legal advice.