CASEALERTAUSCIS&COURTCASEALERTS

Guide · October 19, 2026

USCIS receipt number: what the 3 letters mean (IOE, EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, MSC)

Your receipt number has 3 letters and 10 digits. The letters tell you which USCIS office or system has your case.

Your receipt number is on the I-797 notice USCIS sends when it receives your application. It has 13 characters: 3 letters and 10 digits.

What the letters mean

IOE: filed or processed online (USCIS electronic system).
EAC: Vermont Service Center.
WAC: California Service Center.
LIN: Nebraska Service Center.
SRC: Texas Service Center.
MSC or NBC: National Benefits Center.
YSC: Potomac Service Center.

Tips

Type it without dashes or spaces, for example IOE0912345678.
If your case is transferred, the receipt number does NOT change.
Keep the I-797 notice: it proves USCIS received your case.

Sources

Informational summary prepared by CaseAlerta with AI assistance from official sources. Not legal advice.

Have a pending case?
Check it for free and we will alert you when it changes.

Alert me when it changes

Read more

Guide · October 19, 2026My USCIS case is not moving: is that normal? How to check processing timesMany cases spend months in "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed". How to know if yours is within normal times and what to do if not.Guide · October 19, 2026I got an RFE from USCIS: what it is and what to do, step by stepA Request for Evidence (RFE) is not a denial. It is USCIS asking for more documents. How to answer well and on time.News · October 14, 2026USCIS finalizes the end of the 540-day automatic EAD extensionIf you filed your work permit renewal (I-765) on or after October 30, 2025, your EAD no longer extends automatically. What changed and what to do.