USCIS Document Tracking: Status & Fees Explained

You can track your USCIS case status online at any time using your receipt number. Go to uscis.gov, enter the number in the Case Status tool, and check for updates. Filing Form I-589 for asylum carries no filing fee. Work permit fees vary by category — verify the current amount on the official USCIS website before submitting.

When This Applies

This guide is relevant if you are:

• An asylum seeker who has filed or plans to file Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal)
• An asylum applicant or green card holder applying for a work permit using Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
• Anyone waiting on a pending USCIS application and needing to understand case tracking tools

USCIS issues a receipt notice (Form I-797) for each application received. The 13-character receipt number on that notice is required to use the online tracking system.

How to Track Your USCIS Case Status

1. Locate your receipt number on Form I-797 (Notice of Action) mailed to you after USCIS receives your application.
2. Visit the USCIS Case Status portal at uscis.gov and click "Check Your Case Status."
3. Enter your receipt number exactly as printed — format is three letters followed by ten digits (e.g., EAC2190012345).
4. Review the status message. Common statuses include: Case Received, Request for Evidence (RFE) Sent, Interview Scheduled, Decision Notice Mailed.
5. Sign up for automatic updates by creating a free myUSCIS account — you will receive email or text notifications when your case status changes.
6. Contact USCIS if your case has been pending beyond published processing times or if the online status has not updated in an extended period. Call 1-800-375-5283 or submit an e-Request through your myUSCIS account.

Fee Requirements: Asylum and Work Permits

Form I-589 — Application for Asylum: There is no filing fee for asylum applications. This applies to the principal applicant and any dependents included on the same form.

Form I-765 — Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Fee requirements depend on your eligibility category. Asylum applicants in a pending status may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee under specific category codes. Because USCIS periodically updates its fee schedule, always verify the current amount using the USCIS Fee Calculator at uscis.gov before submitting your application.

Fee waivers (Form I-912) are available for applicants who demonstrate financial hardship. Submit Form I-912 together with supporting documentation at the time of filing.

Ilya Fishkin, immigration attorney advises clients on which EAD category code to use and whether a fee waiver is appropriate for their specific situation.

What the Law Says

The right to apply for asylum is established under INA § 208 (8 U.S.C. § 1158). Under this statute, any person physically present in the United States may apply for asylum regardless of immigration status, with a general one-year filing deadline from the date of last arrival. Exceptions exist for changed or extraordinary circumstances under INA § 208(a)(2)(B).

The withholding of removal protection — a related but separate form of relief — is governed by INA § 241(b)(3) and is also filed via Form I-589.

Employment authorization for asylum applicants is regulated under 8 CFR § 274a.12(c)(8). Asylum seekers may apply for an EAD 180 days after filing a complete and non-frivolous I-589 — this 180-day "asylum clock" is a statutory requirement and is not subject to change by USCIS policy alone.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.