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“Case Was Received”on your I-601A · Provisional waiver before consular interview

Your I-601A provisional waiver is in line at USCIS.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice · here
Biometrics
Review by an officer
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision

What to do, in 4 steps

Save your receipt notice (Form I-797C) in a safe place.
Check that your name, birth date and address on the notice are correct.
Look up current processing times for your form and office.
Keep your mailing address up to date with USCIS.
32months
28 to 32 monthsTypical time for a complete I-601A. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThis status can last from a few weeks to many months, depending on the form and office.

What it means for your I-601A

Your I-601A provisional waiver is in line at USCIS. While it is pending, you stay in the U.S. and your immigrant visa interview abroad waits for the decision. Do not leave the country before a decision; departing while it is pending can lead USCIS to deny it.

In general, on any form:

USCIS received your application or petition and gave it a receipt number. This is the first status almost everyone sees. It does not mean anyone has reviewed your case yet. It is normal for the status to stay here for weeks or months.

Avoid these mistakes

Thinking the case is stuck because the status does not change for weeks.
Moving without filing a change of address (Form AR-11).
Losing the receipt notice and the receipt number.

Quick questions

What does "Case Was Received" mean on an I-601A?

Your I-601A provisional waiver is in line at USCIS. While it is pending, you stay in the U.S. and your immigrant visa interview abroad waits for the decision. Do not leave the country before a decision; departing while it is pending can lead USCIS to deny it.

Does 'Case Was Received' mean my case is approved?

No. It only means USCIS has your application and opened a file for it.

Why has my status said 'Case Was Received' for months?

Many cases sit in a queue before an officer reviews them. Compare your wait with the published processing times before worrying.

What is the receipt number?

It is a 13-character code, like IOE1234567890, printed on your receipt notice. You use it to check your status online.

How long does an I-601A take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 28 to 32 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

Other statuses of your I-601A

Every status of an I-601A →

This same status on other forms

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