I-485: What “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Sent” Means

USCIS has logged your case into their system and issued a receipt notice. This is the starting line: the case now waits in the queue for the service center or field office that will work it. For many forms this status holds for most of the total processing time.

I-485 cases typically pass through biometrics and often an interview after this status, so the journey has more visible steps than most forms.

Good to do now

  • Save your receipt number. Every later inquiry needs it.
  • Check that the personal details on the receipt notice are correct; report errors to USCIS early.
  • Set up case tracking so you catch the next status change without daily manual checks.

Live numbers

Waiting in this status now
79,030 tracked cases
Moved into it in the last 4 weeks
9,965 cases
Time in this status so far
typically 318 days (190 to 510 for the middle half)

Where tracked cases went next

USCIS Is currently Processing the Case44%

median 36 days (28 to 45) · 117,361 cases

Biometrics Appointment Was Scheduled26%

median 11 days (8 to 50) · 67,742 cases

Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken23%

median 43 days (33 to 78) · 61,882 cases

Request for Initial Evidence Was Sent4%

median 30 days (10 to 88) · 9,831 cases

Case Approved3%

median 159 days (114 to 215) · 7,252 cases

of tracked I-485 cases that moved from this status, filing years 2026+2025

Measured from cases tracked on MyCasesHub, not all USCIS filings. Data as of 2026-09-10. Not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "Case Was Received" usually last?
It varies widely by form and service center. The live numbers above show how long cases currently in this status have been waiting, measured from tracked cases on MyCasesHub.
Is it normal that nothing has happened for months?
For most forms, yes. Long quiet stretches in this status are the norm rather than a problem; many cases move straight from received to a decision-stage status.
Does the receipt date or the notice date matter more?
The receipt date generally anchors your place in the processing queue, and processing-time estimates are usually measured from it.

Related

MyCasesHub is not affiliated with USCIS. Statistics are measured from cases tracked on MyCasesHub, not all USCIS filings. This page is general information, not legal advice.