What is a USCIS receipt number?

It is the 13-character code (3 letters + 10 digits) USCIS assigns to an accepted application or petition, printed on your Form I-797C Notice of Action. You use it to check your case status.

How many digits is a USCIS receipt number?

It has 13 characters total: 3 letters followed by 10 digits, such as IOE0123456789. The letters identify the service center or electronic system.

What do the letters in a USCIS receipt number mean?

The 3-letter prefix shows where the case is processed — e.g., IOE (online system), EAC (Vermont), WAC (California), LIN (Nebraska), SRC (Texas), MSC (National Benefits Center), YSC (Potomac).

Where can I find my receipt number?

On your Form I-797C, Notice of Action near the top, labeled “Receipt Number,” or on your online filing confirmation at my.uscis.gov.

Is the receipt number the same as my A-Number?

No. The receipt number (13 characters) identifies one application. The A-Number (7–9 digits) is your permanent immigration ID. The Online Account Number (12 digits) links paper cases to your online account.

USCIS Receipt Number: What It Is, Format, and Where to Find It

Your USCIS receipt number is the unique code USCIS assigns to every application or petition it accepts. It’s the one number you need to check your case status online — here’s the format, what each part means, and exactly where to find it.

What does a USCIS receipt number look like?

A receipt number is 13 characters: 3 letters followed by 10 digits — for example IOE0123456789 or EAC2290123456. The three letters identify the service center or system that processed your filing; the digits encode the fiscal year, workday, and a sequence number.

USCIS receipt number prefixes (service centers)

IOE — USCIS Electronic Immigration System (online-filed cases).
EAC — Vermont Service Center.
WAC — California Service Center.
LIN — Nebraska Service Center.
SRC — Texas Service Center.
MSC — National Benefits Center.
YSC — Potomac Service Center.

The prefix only tells you where your case is handled — it doesn’t affect your place in line or the outcome.

Where do I find my USCIS receipt number?

On your Form I-797C, Notice of Action (the receipt notice USCIS mails after accepting a filing) — printed near the top, labeled “Receipt Number.”
On the payment/receipt confirmation if you filed online at my.uscis.gov.
On later notices for the same case (RFEs, appointment notices, approval notices).

Receipt number vs. other USCIS numbers

Receipt number: 13 characters — identifies one application; used to check case status.
Online Account Number: 12 digits — links a paper-filed case to your online account.
A-Number (Alien Registration Number): 7–9 digits, often starting with “A” — your permanent immigration ID.

Track your case with just the receipt number

Enter your receipt number once in NoaTracker and we monitor your USCIS case status automatically, sending an email or SMS the moment it changes — no login, no manual refreshing. One case is free; Pro adds unlimited cases.

Track your USCIS case free →

FAQ

What is a USCIS receipt number?: It is the 13-character code (3 letters + 10 digits) USCIS assigns to an accepted application or petition, printed on your Form I-797C Notice of Action. You use it to check your case status.
How many digits is a USCIS receipt number?: It has 13 characters total: 3 letters followed by 10 digits, such as IOE0123456789. The letters identify the service center or electronic system.
What do the letters in a USCIS receipt number mean?: The 3-letter prefix shows where the case is processed — e.g., IOE (online system), EAC (Vermont), WAC (California), LIN (Nebraska), SRC (Texas), MSC (National Benefits Center), YSC (Potomac).
Where can I find my receipt number?: On your Form I-797C, Notice of Action near the top, labeled “Receipt Number,” or on your online filing confirmation at my.uscis.gov.
Is the receipt number the same as my A-Number?: No. The receipt number (13 characters) identifies one application. The A-Number (7–9 digits) is your permanent immigration ID. The Online Account Number (12 digits) links paper cases to your online account.