Checkout The USCIS Lockbox Updates

Due to the pandemic, USCIS is experiencing delays in issuing receipt notices for some applications; petitions were filed at a USCIS lockbox facility.

Below mentioned information explains the current state of lockbox operations.

Current Situation

Due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, there is an increase in filings, and the current postal service volume and other external factors cause a delay of 4 to 6 weeks. So, people may experience delays in receiving receipt notice after properly filing an application or petition with a USCIS lockbox. These delays will not affect the receipt date that is determined pursuant to 8 C.F.R. 103.2(a)(7). Delays may vary among form types and lockbox locations.

For instance

In some cases, people may experience significant delays if they have filed a non-family based Form I-485, Application to Register PR or Adjust Status, or Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, based on eligibility categories described in 8 C.F.R. 274a.12(c)(3), relating to F-1 students.

Considering the health and safety of the workforce as a top priority, all USCIS offices, including lockbox facilities have taken necessary measures such as increased social distancing and frequent cleaning in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control guidance to control the spread of the virus.

What USCIS Is Doing

The USCIS lockbox workforce is working extra hours and redistributing its workload in order to minimize delays.
After opening and processing the application, the agency will print and mail the receipt notice. USCIS does not anticipate any receipting delays that would result in a payment that is past its validity date.

What You Can Do

If you have already filed your application and are waiting for your receipt notice, you can take steps to decrease the time it takes to process and send your receipt notice or find out the status of your case:

File online: receive immediate confirmation that USCIS have received your form instead of waiting for the mail;
Create a free USCIS online account and check the status of your case from your mobile device, anywhere, anytime using our case status online tool; or
Complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and clip it to the front of your form when filing at a USCIS lockbox to request a text message and/or email when we accept your form.

At last, you can also visit Form Filing Tips webpage for more information on filing with USCIS. You can use online tools for help in managing your application.