According to statistical research, US citizenship rose from 834,000 per year in 2016 to more than a million people per year in 2020. However, according To the USCIS’s report, there was a 14% decrease in green card applications during the same period. This blog post will walk you through all the procedures required to create the USCIS online account number.
Although the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services have long been using computers, they are now moving towards a new online system that is more internet-based. The USCIS website has now made it a requirement for everyone who creates an online account to have a designated USCIS online account number.
Table of Contents
What is the USCIS Online Account Number?
All immigrants are subject to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for one reason or the other, and every person who seeks to become a citizen of the United States in the future must first create a USCIS online profile.
During the time of online registration on the USCIS system for online form submission, a one-of-a-kind identifier is given to each online registrant, known as the USCIS Online Account Number (OAN).
This OAN is linked to the account of the account holder.
Who has a USCIS Online Account Number?
The USCIS online account number is given to not only immigrants but also petitioners who may be natural-born citizens of the country and have a USCIS account on behalf of applicants, as well as attorneys and legal firms that may have an online account to deal with clients’ cases.
The USCIS online account number isn’t the same as your Alien Registration Number or Receipt Number but is a number meant to identify one’s account.
Where to Find Your USCIS Online Account Number?
Depending on how you registered, your USCIS online account number can be found via two methods.
- If you filed your application, benefit, or petition manually, for example, using the USCIS Lockbox facility, you should have gotten mail from the USCIS informing you of your Online Account Access Notice. You can find your USCIS online account number on top of this notice.
- If you have an account in the USCIS System and filed your forms and applications using the online filing system, then you can find your online account number by logging in and going to the profile page. The number is issued electronically in this case, but a USCIS Online Account Access Notice is still sent out, so keep that safe!
How to Sign Up to Create a USCIS Online Account?
The best reason to create a USCIS online account is that you may electronically submit forms and maintain track of your case at any time. However, the first step is to create a USCIS online account.
Step 1: Go to the Sign-Up page
Don’t create a shared account with anyone; the USCIS online account is only for you.
Step 2: Click ‘Sign Up’
You’ll be given a link to click after you’ve finished filling out the required information. Then, click ‘Sign Up’ to create and access your USCIS online account using your email address.
Step 3: Confirm your Account.
A confirmation message will be sent to the email address provided by you.
Step 4: Terms & Services
Review the Terms & Services on the USCIS and click ‘I agree.’
Step 5: Create a Password
Every time you log in, a verification code or one-time password will be delivered to you to input your provided information. This will be sent via email or text message, depending on the details supplied. Enter this verification code and submit.
Step 6: Welcome to your USCIS Online Account!
You can now choose the USCIS service portal you want to log into. In this case, choose myUSCIS.
Step 7: Choose Account Type
You will be asked to choose an Account Type between Applicant, Petitioner, or Requestor. There is also an option for ‘Legal Representative.’ Choose and Submit.
Step 8: Confirmation for creation of USCIS Online Account.
An email will be sent to confirm the creation of your USCIS account. Your account has been created and is ready to use!
What USCIS Services Can You Get With an Online USCIS Account?
You can use the USCIS online account number to :
- Check case status.
- Receive notifications and messages from USCIS about the next steps in your application process.
- Respond to requests for evidence
- Submit a case transfer request or change.
- Update your contact information
- Submit an e-request
- For evidence response
- Get an estimate of USCIS fees needed for your application
- Submit an online form (e.g., I-90, I-131)
- Check processing times
- View and update saved online forms
What USCIS Services are Unavailable With an Online USCIS Account
Some services are not available online and you may need to visit a USCIS office or send a written request. These services include:
- Requesting an initial evidence review for applications and petitions that were filed online but require additional information
- Asking USCIS to redeliver a document that USCIS has already sent to you.
- To reschedule an appointment or interview.
- Informing USCIS of a change in your address if you filed your form by mail (you can do this online for forms filed online)
- Filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request
- Appealing certain USCIS decisions
- Updating your biometrics information (e.g., fingerprints, photo)
- If you need help with any of these services or have questions about other USCIS services, you can find more information on the USCIS website or contact USCIS directly.
How to Add Paper-filed Applications to Your Account
You can add paper-filed cases to your account even if you file via paper.
- Click “My Account”.
- Select “Add a paper-filed case” in the drop-down menu as an applicant.
- Enter your receipt number to view the status and history of your case.
If you did not file your case online but have a receipt number that starts with “IOE” and the Online Access Code from your USCIS Online Account Access Notice, you can add it to your account and view case status and history, send secure messages, view notices, upload additional evidence, and respond to Requests for Evidence.
If you are an attorney or representative and want to add eligible paper-filed applications, you will need to use the Online Access Code you received on your USCIS Account Access Notice when you first create your online account.
For more information, visit the Online Filing for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives page.
Things to Keep in Mind for Your USCIS Account
- First and foremost, you will be asked a few questions about yourself and your immigration history as you begin the process of creating a new account. These will assist USCIS in confirming your identification. When answering all of the questions, it’s best to have all of your paperwork on hand because you’ll be asked about your immigration status.
- If you don’t have these documents, you may be unable to correctly respond to USCIS queries, limiting your access to your profile. Meanwhile, if you provide all of the correct information and answer all of the questions correctly, you will have immediate access to your USCIS online account, where you will be able to edit your account profile and view case information.
- You can also schedule a free appointment with a local USCIS office if you don’t answer the questions correctly. You will be able to verify your identity in person as soon as you arrive in the United States during your appointment.
It’s important to do this properly. With your account verified, your personal information will be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does creating an account on my.USCIS.gov give USCIS Online Account Number?
No, it does not. My.USCIS.gov is the current online system for filing applications, petitions, and any benefits. When you register an account at my.USCIS.gov, you are not given a “USCIS Online Account Number.” You won’t be able to discover a ‘Profile’ option to look for that number. This number was previously assigned by the USCIS ELIS system to applicants who submitted applications online.
Q2. Is the USCIS Receipt Number the same as the USCIS Online Account Number?
They aren’t the same thing. The USCIS receipt number is a 13-digit number that is normally assigned to the majority of USCIS applications, petitions, and benefits. It usually begins with three alphabets, such as EAC, WAC, LIN, NBC, SRC, or others, and is followed by ten numerals. The three letters represent the service center where the application or benefit is being processed. This receipt number can be used to check the status of your USCIS case online.
Only in rare circumstances is a USCIS Online receipt number assigned, such as when an online filing was previously completed via the USCIS ELIS System or when additional Green Card-related paperwork was filed at the USCIS Lockbox facility. You cannot track the status of your case using the USCIS Online receipt number. It is exclusively used by USCIS internal systems to ensure that the applicant’s profile is properly pulled and viewed uniformly.
Q3. Is the USCIS Online Account Number the same as the A-Number?
They aren’t the same thing. When some candidates apply for an EAD, Green Card, or another type of visa, USCIS assigns them an A-Number or Alien Registration Number. It can be anything between seven and nine digits long. A-Number is commonly referred to as a “USCIS Number” or “USCIS #,” however it is not the same as the USCIS Online Account Number. When you see the terms “USCIS number” and “A-Number” used interchangeably, it can be misleading. The keyword to search for is “online.”
Q4. Is it possible to leave the USCIS Online Account number field empty if I don’t have one or don’t know what it is?
Yes, you can indeed leave that box blank if you don’t have one or don’t know where to look. Because you left the field blank, your application will not be rejected.
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