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Residency / asylum / immigration status information

1. Know the Type of Case You Have

Your legal path determines which system you're in:

  • Affirmative Asylum (USCIS): If you applied on your own (Form I-589), you're with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
     

  • Defensive Asylum (Immigration Court): If encountered via enforcement or referrals, your case is in immigration court (EOIR).
     

  • Refugee or Resettlement Status: If you came through a refugee program, your status may already be granted—but you may still file for adjustment to Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) later.
     

 

2. Check Case Status (USCIS Affirmative Cases)

If you filed an asylum application, green card, or related paperwork with USCIS:

  • Visit the USCIS Case Status Online page and enter your receipt number (13-character code from the top of your Notice of Action).
     

  • You can also create an account on USCIS.gov/myaccount to track updates and see past actions. USCIS
     

  • To understand how long processing might take, use the USCIS Processing Times tool by selecting your form and service center.
     

 

3. Check Asylum-Specific Status

If you're seeking asylum:

  • USCIS lets you check current status via the same online tool using your I-589 receipt number.
     

  • If your application was referred to an immigration court or you’re in removal proceedings, see below.
     

 

4. Check Immigration Court Case (for Removal Proceedings)

If your case is with EOIR (immigration court):

  • By phone: Call the EOIR hotline at 1-800-898-7180, choose English (option 1), and enter your A-Number (8–9 digits) to get your next hearing date and status information. 

 

  • Online: Visit the EOIR’s case status portal and enter your A-Number to see court dates and filings.
     

 

5. Get Help with Interpretation & Legal Support

  • Refugee Resettlement Agencies (e.g., IRC, HIAS, Global Refuge) can often help you navigate USCIS or court systems and fill out forms.
     

  • Legal aid centers such as El Rescate or CARECEN (Central American Resource Center) in Los Angeles provide free or low-cost help with asylum and immigration cases.
     

  • Statewide self-help info: California Courts provide guides in many languages about asylum, refugee status, and public benefits. Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
     

 

6. Key Documents to Keep Safe and Ready

  • Receipts and notices: I-94, I-589 receipt, NTA (Notice to Appear), appointment letters.
     

  • Grant or approval letters: your official asylum grant, refugee approval, or EAD (work permit).
     

  • These are vital for status tracking and access to services (like SSN, Medi-Cal, etc.).
     

 

7. USCIS Text Alerts

To stay updated on your application:

  • Complete Form G-1145 (E-Notification) when you submit your application.
     

  • You’ll receive text message updates from 872466 (USAIMM), which is the new number for petitions updates.
     

 

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