"Case Approval Was Certified By USCIS" on your I-918: what it means and what's next

WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?

Receipt notice

Biometrics

Bona fide or waiting-list review

Decision · here

Work permit (if eligible)

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.

28months

22 to 28 monthsTypical time for a complete I-918. 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-918

USCIS confirmed your I-918 approval for official use. This can help when a consulate needs to see the approval, for example for a family member abroad, or when another agency asks for proof of your U status. Check your notice for details.

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-918?

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-918 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 22 to 28 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

I will alert you when it changesEmail and browser notifications · no ads

Turn on alerts

Other statuses of your I-918

Case Was ApprovedDecision Document Was Mailed To MeDecision Case Was DeniedDecision Case Was Approved And My Decision Was EmailedDecision Case Was ReceivedIntake Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntake Case Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntake Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntake Case Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntake

Every status of an I-918 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status I-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien Relative I-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment Authorization N-400Become a U.S. citizenApplication for Naturalization I-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records I-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on Residence I-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident Card I-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien Workers

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

“Case Approval Was Certified By USCIS”on your I-918 · U visa for crime victims