How do I know if a visa is approved?

How to Determine Visa Approval Status

Applying for a visa can be a lengthy and often stressful process. One of the most common questions applicants have is how to know if their visa has been approved. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to check the status of your visa application.

Tracking Your Application Online

The most convenient and efficient way to track your visa application is through the State Department’s Visa Status Check portal. This online tool allows you to check the status of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications.

Step 1: Locate Your Case Number

To use the Visa Status Check portal, you will need your case number. This is a unique identifier assigned to your application and can be found on the following documents:

• Visa application receipt
• Visa appointment confirmation
• Passport (if your application is being processed abroad)

Step 2: Visit the Visa Status Check Portal

Go to the State Department’s website and navigate to the Visa Status Check portal: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/StatusCheck.aspx

Step 3: Enter Your Case Number

In the “Case Number” field, enter the case number you obtained in Step 1.

Step 4: Check the Status

Once you have entered your case number, click on the “Track Status” button. The portal will display the current status of your application.

Interpretation of Status Updates

The Visa Status Check portal will provide one of the following status updates:

• Administrative Processing: This means that your application is still being reviewed by the consular officer.
• Approved: Your visa has been approved and is ready to be issued.
• Issued: Your visa has been issued and is available for pickup or delivery.
• Refused: Your visa application has been denied.
• Revoked: Your previously issued visa has been canceled.

Additional Considerations

• If your application is still under administrative processing, you may check the status periodically to see if it has changed.
• If your visa has been approved, you will typically receive a notification via email or mail.
• If your visa has been denied, you will receive a written explanation of the reasons for denial.
• You can also contact the U.S. embassy or consulate where you submitted your application for further assistance.