U.S. Visa Status Check Online

Tracking your U.S. visa application status is simpler than ever. It’s natural to feel a bit worried, not knowing if your United States visa is approved or still being processed, but with the tips in this article, you’ll find it out effortlessly.

We'll break down the steps, helping you navigate the online platform of the government to do a quick U.S. visa status check.

Whether you're a prospective traveler, student, or worker, this introduction sets the stage for valuable insights into managing your U.S. visa application and checking the status with ease.

Decoding the U.S. Visa application status

It’s now possible to check the status of your U.S. visa online for your convenience. The “U.S. Visa Application Status” refers to the current state of an application for either an immigrant or non-immigrant visa to the United States.

It indicates whether the application is pending, approved, or if any additional steps are needed.

Nonimmigrant vs. immigrant visas

When checking this information, you’ll have to select if you applied for a nonimmigrant or an immigrant visa.

A nonimmigrant visa is intended for people seeking temporary stays in the United States, often for reasons like business, work, or educational purposes.

In contrast, immigrant visas are designed for those looking to establish permanent residency in the United States.

The U.S. Office of Consular Affairs website provides comprehensive information about both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa cases.

How to check your U.S. Visa status online

The easiest way to check the status of your U.S. Visa application is using the website: CEAC Status Check.

CEAC means Consular Electronic Application Center. It’s the official website of the United States government concerning all visa applications.

To use the check status option, enter your:

• CEAC barcode visa interview location for nonimmigrant (NIV) cases.

• Case number for immigrant visa (IV) cases.

  Apply now

  Checking your U.S. Visa status on iVisa

  While the CEAC tracker is easy to use, there are other ways to check your visa status effortlessly, including using our website, iVisa.

If you applied for the U.S. B1/B2 Visa or the U.S. ESTA with us, the process requires just a few steps:

• Step 1: Start by visiting our page and logging in to your account. You can also download our [iVisa app] for a smoother process.

• Step 2: Click on “Track Your Application”.

• Step 3: Enter your visa application file number or passport number.

• Step 4: Finally, click the “Search” button to check your visa status.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily track and understand your U.S. visa application status, without the hassle.

How to check your U.S. Visa status by phone

Alternatively, you can call the National Visa Center for updates on your visa application status.

The CEAC Case Status Tracker in detail

The CEAC Case Status Tracker provides real-time updates on your case throughout the application process. Here's a brief step-by-step guide to making the most of it:

• Step 1: Visit CEAC Website to get started. Remember, this website is part of the U.S. Department of State and is used to create DS-160 and DS-260 visa applications.

• Step 2: Depending on the kind of U.S. Visa, you applied for, either a Non-immigrant Visa or an Immigrant Visa, you need to click on ´Check My Visa Application Status´.

• Step 3:: Enter your unique case number or immigrant visa (IV) or nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application ID. You might also need to enter your passport number.

Important: A ‘Case Number’ is a number that only the consulate can give you, and it’s usually used for Administrative processing or 221g. It typically shows the date of application first, followed by the corresponding unique number. You need to enter it correctly with spaces. Otherwise, you will see an error in the system.

• Step 4: You must enter a CAPTCHA code to verify you’re a human.

• Step 5: If everything is entered correctly and no mistakes are made, your visa status will be displayed.

Understanding the U.S. Visa status

When entering the United States as an immigrant or nonimmigrant, you must apply for a visa first if you’re from an eligible country. The application process includes a visa interview as a last step.

Note that a visa IS NOT an automatic permission to enter the country.

A visa merely confirms that a U.S. consular officer has reviewed your application at the corresponding embassy or consulate and has determined that you’re eligible to travel to a port of entry (such as an international airport, seaport, or land border crossing) for a specific purpose.

To understand the right stage of your visa, you must first learn the following concepts

Status for nonimmigrant visa applicants

• No Status

When you've submitted your online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160), a “No Status” indicates that your application hasn't undergone processing yet. Depending on your location, it may persist until your scheduled interview or until your application is ready for review.

• Ready

This stage reflects that your visa case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprinting appointment, and receiving the required documents. After your interview (if applicable), check back in two business days for an update.

• Administrative Processing

It means your visa case is undergoing administrative processing, which may last several weeks. Adhere to any instructions provided by the Consular Officer during your interview.

You might need to submit additional information for this part, but once done, and if your visa is approved, it’ll be processed and either mailed or provided to you within two business days.

• Issued

Your visa is in the final processing stage. If you haven't received it within 10 working days from the online update, contact the consulate or embassy where you submitted your application.

• Refused

Your visa application was declined for reasons other than those listed in Administrative Processing.

Status for immigrant visa applicants

• Ready:

Your case is ready for the scheduled interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consular location. Once you've booked the interview, gather the documents specified in your appointment letter and show up at the consulate on the instructed date and time. Alternatively, wait until you receive notice of your interview appointment.

Administrative Processing

Your case is undergoing administrative processing, which may take several weeks.

We suggest following any instructions given by the Consular Officer during your interview. Once ready, your application will be processed and mailed within two business days.

Note that some immigrant visas may not be issued if the annual limit for that category has been reached.

Issued

Your visa is approved and issued. Depending on location requirements, it will be mailed or made available for pick-up.

Expired

This notification happens when your application registration is canceled. Any petition on your behalf is also canceled.

After one year, your case number may be reinstated if you can prove that your failure to obtain an immigrant visa was due to circumstances beyond your control.

To pursue an immigrant visa, the petitioner should contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) USCIS to file a new immigrant visa petition.

Expiring Soon

If you don't proceed with your immigrant visa application within one year of initial application, your application registration and any petition will be canceled.

You can reinstate your application within one year by demonstrating that the failure to obtain an immigrant visa was beyond your control.

Return to NVC

Your case number was returned to the National Visa Center (NVC). Contact the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs for further information.

Transfer in Progress

Your immigrant visa case has been transferred to another U.S. Consular office.

Refused

Your immigrant visa case is closed. Refer to the letter received at your interview for the next steps.

A closer look at the CEAC status “Refused”

If your visa application was denied or refused, you’ll see the “Refused” status on the CEAC website. It basically means that you haven’t convinced the visa department of why you need the visa.

There could be many reasons, and the consular office will likely indicate the exact reason for denying your visa application.

In some cases, the refused status would be shown online as soon as the interview is done. But in other cases like H1B Visa, it might show up later.

Here are some steps to consider with the “refused” status:

• Review the refusal letter: Carefully examine any documents or letters provided during the interview that explain the reasons for refusal.

• Understand the reasons: Clearly understand the grounds on which your application was refused. This knowledge is crucial for any potential appeal or reapplication.

• Appeal the decision (if applicable): Some visa denials allow for an appeal process. If applicable, adhere to the designated timeline and procedures for filing an appeal. Follow the guidelines provided in the refusal letter for initiating the appeal process.

• Address the issues: If the refusal is due to specific issues, address and resolve those concerns before considering reapplication.

• Reapply (if appropriate): After addressing the reasons for refusal, you may choose to reapply for the visa. Ensure that you provide all necessary documentation and address any concerns highlighted in the refusal letter.

Applying for a U.S. B1/B2 Visa

Planning to visit the United States? Remember you may have to (apply for a B1/B2 Visa)[/usa/b1b2-visa], which allows you to enter the United States for various purposes such as leisure, travel, conferences, family matters, or medical treatment. Most travelers require this visa.

How to check if I’m eligible for the US B1B2 Visa

Use our handy [Visa Checker Tool] to find out if you need this visa to visit the U.S.

If you want to know your chances of success, simply answer the questions below. Should your chances of approval be slim, consider using our services for your application and increase your odds:

Do you need more help with checking the status of your U.S. Visa?

We're here to assist you every step of the way. For a streamlined and stress-free experience, contact us through our [online chat] or email [email protected].