Form I-797, Notice of Action
Form I-797, Notice of Action, is not a form you fill out. It is the notice USCIS sends to tell you something has happened in your case: it was received, approved, scheduled, or needs more evidence. There are seven types, and the letter after “797” tells you which one you have.
Checked against USCIS, CBP and State Department guidance on October 9, 2026. The sources are listed at the end of this page.
The seven types of Form I-797
| Form | What USCIS issues it for |
|---|---|
| I-797 | To communicate receipt or approval of an application or petition |
| I-797A | Issued as a replacement Form I-94 |
| I-797B | Approval of an alien worker petition |
| I-797C | Receipt or rejection; transfer of files; fingerprint (biometric), interview and rescheduled appointments; additional actions; reopening of cases |
| I-797D | Accompanies benefit cards |
| I-797E | To request evidence |
| I-797F | Transportation letter, issued overseas to allow applicants to travel |
These are USCIS’s own descriptions. USCIS adds that “Form I-797 is NOT a form you can fill out.”
A receipt notice (I-797C) is not an approval
The I-797C is the notice most people get first, and it confirms only that USCIS received your filing. In 2012 USCIS changed its design to “help reduce public perception that the Form I-797C demonstrates evidence of an immigration benefit or status”, adding a line at the top that reads: “THIS NOTICE DOES NOT GRANT ANY IMMIGRATION STATUS OR BENEFIT.”
An approval comes as a separate notice.
Where the receipt number is
Every I-797 carries the receipt number of the case it is about. USCIS’s SAVE guide places it on the top left of the notice. It is 13 characters: three letters, then 10 numbers. See USCIS receipt number.
Which notice matches which case status
- Receipt notice (I-797C) → Case Was Received
- Interview appointment (I-797C) → Interview Was Scheduled
- Request for evidence (I-797E) → Request For Additional Evidence Was Sent
- Transfer of files (I-797C) → Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction
- Approval (I-797) → Case Was Approved
Frequently asked questions
Is an I-797C an approval?
No. The I-797C communicates receipt, rejection, appointments and other actions. Since 2012 it has carried the line “THIS NOTICE DOES NOT GRANT ANY IMMIGRATION STATUS OR BENEFIT.”
What is the difference between I-797 and I-797C?
USCIS issues Form I-797 to communicate receipt or approval of an application or petition, and Form I-797C for receipts, rejections, transfers, appointments, additional actions and reopened cases.
Can I fill out Form I-797?
No. USCIS says Form I-797 is not a form you can fill out. It is a notice USCIS sends you.
What is an I-797A?
USCIS issues Form I-797A to an applicant as a replacement Form I-94.
More Immigration numbers guides
Sources
- USCIS — Checking Your Case Status Online
- USCIS — Glossary: Receipt Number
- USCIS Office of Legislative Affairs — Congressional Inquiries Refresher (April 2021)
- USCIS — Contact Us
- USCIS — How to Track Delivery of Your Notice or Secure Identity Document
- USCIS — Tips for Filing Forms Online
- USCIS — Form I-797: Types and Functions
- USCIS — Changes to the look and feel of Form I-797C (2012, archived)
- USCIS — SAVE Tutorial (July 17, 2025)
- USCIS — SAVE Tutorial, April 2025 updates
- USCIS — Handbook for Employers (M-274), List A documents
- USCIS — Glossary: USCIS Number
- CBP — I-94 website help
- USCIS — Form I-485
- USCIS — Form I-485 instructions (USCIS Online Account Number)
- Department of State — 9 FAM 403.9 (visa issuance)
- USCIS — Tips on Finding Your A-Number and DOS Case ID
MyCheck is not affiliated with USCIS, CBP or the Department of State. Every rule on this page is linked to its official source; check the source for your own situation. This page is general information, not legal advice.
