Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS – Meaning And Timelines

Seeing that the status case is being actively reviewed by USCIS is an important step in an immigration journey.

This latest update shows that the case has progressed beyond the initial receipt stage, as it has entered the system.

In the year 2026, there have been changes to immigration policy regarding policy memorandums issued in January. 

This has resulted in particular adjudicatory holds on high-risk countries to allow for maximum vetting.

Litigations about processing delays in Form I-601A and I-765 have an impact on the progression of “active” cases.

While the status is generally positive, a long period of waiting can require careful monitoring.

In this article, we will elaborate on the following:

• The technical definition and internal workflow of the active review status.
• Estimated 2026 timelines for common forms like the I-485, I-130, and N-400.
• How to effectively track your case using official USCIS digital tools.
• Proactive steps you can take if your case remains stagnant for too long.

Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS Meaning

A case is being reviewed by USCIS means that your case is no longer in a general queue. Rather, an officer or a system has taken a closer look to assess your eligibility and other supporting materials.

The Internal Workflow When Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS

A “case is currently under active review by USCIS” can mean different things depending upon where you are in the process.

At a service center, a person may be reviewing the technical accuracy of your application. However, at a local field office, your interview or your biometrics stage could be over. This means that the final review of your case is underway.

Active Review Vs. Pending Status

Worth noting, however, is that while “being reviewed by USCIS” doesn’t necessarily mean “Case Received,” it contrasts with “Received” in the sense that while it tells you that “they have” your papers, it says nothing similar to the fact that they are actually “work in progress.”

What Is The Active Review Phase?

At this point, the government is conducting a deep dive into your background and the information provided by you through the documents.

The case will be under active review by USCIS status covers everything from basic clerical work to more complex national security checks.

Background And Security Vetting

One of the biggest time-consuming issues that come up while the case is under consideration by USCIS is federal background checks. USCIS performs these by coordinating with the FBI to ensure there are no issues that prevent you from obtaining the sought benefit (Manifest Law).

Requests For Evidence (RFE)

While “case is being actively reviewed by USCIS”, if the officer finds a lack of records on your part, the officer will stop reviewing the case immediately and issue an RFE document.

An RFE document will ask you to submit the missing records. Once you provide the required records, the officer will resume the review of your case.

Common 2026 Timeline Expectations

A significant issue for those whose applications case is being actively reviewed by USCIS is wait times. In 2026, the wait times had been increasing or decreasing. While it has improved for those applying for citizenship, family-based green cards have been badly affected.

Estimated Wait Times By Form Type

At some stage, the active review of a status case by USCIS for an applicant’s N-400 application could take only between 5 to 9 months.

However, with regard to a family-sponsored I-130 application, the active review could be longer than a year under some service centers’ caseload [Source: Jeelani Law Firm].

Factors That Slow Down The Review

There are various factors that can potentially extend the time frame of the review of your case by USCIS.

The length of your overall legal history, the number of applications actively being reviewed by the local office, and any recent federal policy shifts that have brought about additional layers of vetting are all possible factors. 

How To Check And Track Your Case Status

The best way to deal with the stress of the wait while your case is being actively reviewed by USCIS is to stay informed, and the government offers various online portals where one can get information in real time without having to dial any representative.

Using The Case Status Online Tool

To see if your case is being actively reviewed by USCIS, all you need is your receipt number. This tool is available 24/7 and provides the most recent timestamped update on the status of your case (Source: USCIS Case Status).

Setting Up A myUSCIS Account

Creating a personal account will provide you with a more detailed overview of your case is actively being reviewed by USCIS.

You will be able to view a copy of each notice sent to you by mail, which is useful if there is a delay in postal services.

What To Do While Waiting For A Decision

Proactivity can work on your side when your case remains under active consideration with USCIS.

This period should be utilized by keeping your documents organized, ready to face any unforeseen demand or interview invitation that comes from the Government.

Keeping Your Information Updated

If your case is being actively reviewed by USCIS and you move, you need to send Form AR-11 within 10 days of your move.

Failure to do so may result in your interview notifications being missed or your application being denied on the basis of ‘abandonment’ [Hacking Law Practice].

When To Seek Legal Help

If your case is currently being processed by the USCIS, and “beyond normal processing time” as indicated on the official website, then you may want to consult an attorney who can guide you on filing a service request, or in extreme cases, the Writ of Mandamus.

Common Misconceptions And Pitfalls

Many applicants make the mistaken assumption that once a case is under active review within USCIS, a decision is only days away.

Understanding the reality of the process prevents unnecessary disappointment during the long wait.

The “Second” Active Review Status

It is not unusual, but very common, that the status case is being actively reviewed by USCIS and updated twice with the same message.

That usually occurs when an officer opens the file, puts it down to wait for a background check, and then picks it up again weeks later.

Why Frequent Queries Are Not Effective

Mailing the USCIS Contact Center repeatedly during a time when your case is considered actively under review by USCIS rarely expedites the process.

Agents can normally only review the same information that you have access to on the online portal, unless your case is officially “outside normal processing times.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

The next section covers the most frequently asked questions about the case is being actively reviewed by USCIS.

These minute details help you in setting your expectations while going through the entire immigration process.