USCIS Status: “Approval Notice Was Sent”
Your application has been approved and a formal notice is on its way to your address
What does this status mean?
USCIS has approved your petition or application, and as a result, an approval notice, Form I-797, is being sent to your address, signifying that all required documents and information were submitted correctly, and now you will wait for your actual card or further instructions
What should you do next?
- 1Log into my.uscis.gov and check your case status using your receipt number
- 2Wait for the approval notice to arrive, which will have details about the next steps, including the production of your green card or EAD card
- 3If you have not received your approval notice or card within the typical timeline, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to inquire about the status
Typical timeline
The timeline varies by form type, for green card (I-485) card production typically takes a few weeks after approval, for EAD (I-765) the card typically arrives within a few weeks after approval, and for I-130, the case is forwarded to NVC if the beneficiary is abroad
Frequently asked questions
When will I receive my approval notice USCIS
You should receive your approval notice, Form I-797, in the mail shortly after this status is updated, the exact timeline can vary but generally it is a few days to a week
How long after approval does it take to get a green card
After your application is approved, the production of your green card can take several weeks, and you will receive it by mail once it is produced
What happens after I receive my approval notice
After receiving your approval notice, you will either receive your actual card, such as a green card or EAD, or you will receive further instructions on the next steps in your application process, keep your approval notice, Form I-797, as proof of your status
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Set up free alert →Last updated: 2026-06-23