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“Case Approval Was Certified By USCIS”on your I-140 · Employment-based green card petition

USCIS certified the approval of the I-140.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Review by an officer
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision · here
Approval notice mailed

What to do, in 3 steps

Keep your approval notice safe.
Follow instructions from the next agency, such as the National Visa Center.
Keep checking your status for updates.
22months
20 to 22 monthsTypical time for a complete I-140. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThis is usually a short step; the next stage's timing depends on your form.

What it means for your I-140

USCIS certified the approval of the I-140. In practice, the result is the same as an approval: your classification and priority date are set. Your next step depends on your visa bulletin date and whether you adjust in the U.S. or go through a consulate.

In general, on any form:

USCIS certified that your case approval is valid. This often happens when another agency, like the Department of State, needs official confirmation of the approval. It is a positive administrative step. Your case moves on to the next stage for your form.

Avoid these mistakes

Thinking this is a new, separate approval.
Not following up with the next agency.

Quick questions

What does "Case Approval Was Certified By USCIS" mean on an I-140?

USCIS certified the approval of the I-140. In practice, the result is the same as an approval: your classification and priority date are set. Your next step depends on your visa bulletin date and whether you adjust in the U.S. or go through a consulate.

What does it mean that my approval was certified?

USCIS officially confirmed the approval, often for another agency.

Do I need to do anything?

Usually not with USCIS. Follow any instructions from the next agency.

Is this the same as 'Case Was Approved'?

It is related. It confirms an approval that already happened.

How long does an I-140 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 20 to 22 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-140

Case Was ApprovedDecisionCase Was DeniedDecisionCase Was Approved And My Decision Was EmailedDecisionCase Was Sent To The Department of StateDecisionCase Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntake

Every status of an I-140 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien RelativeI-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment AuthorizationN-400Become a U.S. citizenApplication for NaturalizationI-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure RecordsI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident CardI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-821DDACA request or renewalConsideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.