Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about CaseTrack+

📱 General Questions

What is CaseTrack+?

CaseTrack+ is a free mobile app that helps you track your U.S. immigration case status. We query the official USCIS case status system and notify you of any updates. The app supports multiple languages and offers additional tools like visa bulletin tracking, USCIS forms library, and fee calculator.

Is this app official from USCIS?

No. We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. We are an independent third-party application that uses publicly available USCIS data to provide case tracking functionality.

Is the app free to use?

Yes! CaseTrack+ is completely free to download and use. The free version includes case tracking (up to 5 cases), notifications, USCIS news, visa bulletin, forms library, and tools. Premium features (unlimited cases, processing time estimates, document checklists, interview questions) are available with a 7-day free trial, then $4.99 lifetime or subscription plans.

What platforms is the app available on?

CaseTrack+ is available for both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices. You can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Can I use the app outside the United States?

Yes! As long as you have an internet connection, you can check your USCIS case status from anywhere in the world. Many users track their cases while waiting abroad.

What languages does the app support?

The app is available in 7 languages:

  • English
  • Spanish (Español)
  • Chinese (中文)
  • Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
  • Tagalog
  • Korean (한국어)
  • Hindi (हिन्दी)

⭐ Premium Features & Pricing

What's included in the free version?

The free version includes:

  • Track up to 5 immigration cases
  • 3 automatic checks per day
  • Real-time case status updates
  • Instant push notifications
  • USCIS news and announcements
  • Monthly visa bulletin
  • Complete USCIS forms library
  • Fee calculator
  • Civil surgeon finder
  • Support in 7 languages

What do I get with Premium?

Premium unlocks powerful features:

  • Unlimited case tracking - Track as many cases as you need
  • Frequent automatic checks - Checks every 2 hours with instant notifications
  • Processing time estimates - Estimated completion date ranges based on historical USCIS processing times and visa bulletin trends, with confidence indicators
  • Document checklists - Form-specific checklists for I-485, I-130, N-400, I-765, I-751, and all USCIS forms. Never miss a required document.
  • Interview question bank - Hundreds of real interview questions for N-400 citizenship, I-485 green card, I-751 conditions removal, and more. Save favorites and track preparation.

How much does Premium cost?

We offer flexible pricing options:

  • Lifetime - $4.99 one-time payment (BEST VALUE)
  • Annual - $24.99/year
  • Monthly - $2.99/month

All premium plans include a 7-day FREE trial! Try all premium features risk-free before committing.

How does the 7-day free trial work?

When you subscribe to any premium plan, you get 7 days of full access completely free. You can:

  • Try all premium features without any limitations
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period without being charged
  • Continue seamlessly to premium if you don't cancel

The trial is managed by Apple/Google's payment system, so cancellation is easy through your device settings.

What happens after the trial ends?

If you don't cancel before the 7-day trial ends, you'll be automatically charged for your selected plan (lifetime, annual, or monthly). You can cancel the trial at any time through your device's subscription settings without being charged.

Can I upgrade from free to premium later?

Yes! You can upgrade to premium at any time from the app's Settings screen. Your existing cases and data will be preserved, and you'll immediately get access to all premium features.

Does the lifetime plan really last forever?

Yes! The $4.99 lifetime plan gives you permanent access to all premium features with no recurring charges. It's a one-time payment that lasts as long as the app exists.

Can I share premium with family members?

Premium is tied to your Apple ID (iOS) or Google Account (Android). Family Sharing may be available depending on your platform's family sharing settings, but each family member should have their own subscription for the best experience.

🔍 Case Tracking

How does the app check my case status?

The app uses the official USCIS case status API at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/. When you enter your receipt number, we send a secure HTTPS request to USCIS and display the response. This is the same system you would access on the USCIS website.

What receipt number formats are supported?

We support all USCIS receipt number formats:

  • IOE - Online filing (e.g., IOE1234567890)
  • WAC - California Service Center
  • LIN - Nebraska Service Center
  • SRC - Texas Service Center
  • EAC - Vermont Service Center
  • MSC - National Benefits Center
  • NBC - National Benefits Center

Can I track multiple cases?

Yes! Free users can track up to 5 cases. Premium users get unlimited case tracking for entire families. This is perfect for families with multiple applications or if you have different types of cases pending (e.g., I-485, I-765, I-131).

Why isn't my case showing the latest status?

We display exactly what USCIS provides through their API. If your status hasn't updated in the app, it's because USCIS hasn't updated it yet in their system. We cannot control when USCIS updates case information. You can verify this by checking directly on the USCIS website.

How often does the app check for updates?

Free users get 3 automatic checks per day. Premium users get automatic checks every 2 hours. You can also manually refresh any case at any time by pulling down on the screen.

Can I add notes or labels to my cases?

Yes! You can add custom notes to each case to help you remember what it's for (e.g., "My I-485", "Spouse's EAD", "Son's I-130"). These notes are stored locally on your device.

What does "Case Was Received" mean?

This is USCIS's confirmation that they have received your application and it's in their system. For specific case status meanings, please refer to the official USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney.

🔔 Notifications

How do push notifications work?

When you enable notifications, the app checks your saved cases daily for status changes. If USCIS updates your case status, you'll receive a push notification on your phone, even if the app is closed.

Why am I not receiving notifications?

Check the following:

  • Notifications are enabled in the app settings
  • Notifications are allowed in your phone's system settings
  • You have an active internet connection
  • Your case status has actually changed (check manually)
  • The app is updated to the latest version

Can I customize which notifications I receive?

Yes! You can enable or disable notifications for:

  • Case status updates
  • USCIS news and announcements

Will I get notified immediately when my status changes?

Yes! Both Premium and Free users get instant notifications when case updates are detected. Premium users get automatic checks every 2 hours. Free users get 3 automatic checks per day.

Do notifications work when I'm traveling abroad?

Yes, as long as you have an internet connection (WiFi or mobile data), you'll receive notifications anywhere in the world.

🔒 Privacy & Security

Is my case information safe?

Yes! All your case data is stored locally on your device only. We do not upload your receipt numbers or case information to any server. Your data never leaves your phone except when you manually export a backup.

Can USCIS see that I'm using this app?

No. When you check your case status, we query the USCIS system on your behalf using HTTPS (encrypted connection). USCIS only sees a case status request, not that it came from our app specifically. It's the same as if you checked on their website.

Do you share my information with third parties?

No. We do not sell, share, or transmit your case numbers or personal information to any third party. Read our full Privacy Policy for details.

What happens to my data if I delete the app?

When you uninstall the app, all your locally stored data (saved cases, notes, preferences) is permanently deleted from your device. Make sure to export a backup first if you want to keep your data.

Can I export my data?

Yes! You can export all your saved cases as a JSON backup file. This is useful for transferring data to a new device or keeping a backup. You can also import this file later to restore your cases.

🛠️ Features & Tools

What is the Visa Bulletin feature?

The Visa Bulletin shows current priority dates for family-sponsored and employment-based green cards. We fetch the latest data from USCIS and display it in an easy-to-read format. This helps you know if your priority date is current.

What forms are available in the Forms Library?

The app includes all USCIS forms with:

  • Form number and title
  • Brief description
  • Current filing fees
  • Link to download PDF from USCIS
  • Link to official instructions

How does the Fee Calculator work?

Select the USCIS form you're filing, and the calculator will show you the current filing fee. This helps you prepare the correct payment amount. Note: Fees are subject to change by USCIS, so always verify on the official USCIS website before filing.

Can I find USCIS civil surgeons in the app?

Yes! The Civil Surgeon Locator helps you find USCIS-approved civil surgeons near you for medical examinations (Form I-693). This feature uses your location to show nearby authorized doctors.

What kind of USCIS news does the app show?

We display official news and announcements from USCIS RSS feeds, including:

  • Policy updates
  • Fee changes
  • Processing time updates
  • Important announcements
  • New form editions

⚙️ Technical Issues

The app says "Unable to check status" - what should I do?

This usually means:

  • No internet connection - check your WiFi/data
  • USCIS servers are temporarily down - try again later
  • Invalid receipt number - double-check the number
  • Receipt number not yet in USCIS system - wait 1-2 weeks after mailing

Why does the app keep crashing?

Try these steps:

  1. Make sure you have the latest app version
  2. Restart your phone
  3. Clear app cache (Android: Settings → Apps → CaseTrack+ → Clear Cache)
  4. Reinstall the app (export data first!)
  5. If problem persists, contact us at bugs@usciscasechecker.com

How do I update to the latest version?

Visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for "CaseTrack+". If an update is available, tap "Update". We recommend enabling automatic updates in your device settings.

Can I use the app without internet?

You can view previously saved cases and their last known status offline. However, you need an internet connection to check for new updates or query USCIS for current status.

Why is the app in the wrong language?

Go to Settings → Language and select your preferred language. The app will restart in the selected language.

👤 Account & Data Management

Do I need to create an account?

No! The app doesn't require registration or account creation. All data is stored locally on your device. This enhances your privacy and makes the app easier to use.

How do I transfer my data to a new phone?

Follow these steps:

  1. On old phone: Go to Settings → Backup & Restore → Export Cases
  2. Save the backup file (share via email, cloud storage, or AirDrop)
  3. On new phone: Install the app
  4. Go to Settings → Backup & Restore → Import Cases
  5. Select your backup file

Can I sync data between my iPhone and iPad?

Currently, automatic sync is not available since we don't use cloud storage (for privacy). However, you can manually export from one device and import to another using the backup feature.

How do I delete all my data?

Go to Settings → Data & Privacy → Clear All Data. This will permanently delete all saved cases, search history, and preferences. This action cannot be undone.

⚖️ Legal & Immigration Questions

Can this app help speed up my case?

No. We cannot influence your case in any way. We only display information that USCIS provides. We have no special access to USCIS systems and cannot expedite processing.

My case has been pending for a long time. What should I do?

We recommend:

  • Check USCIS processing times for your case type and office
  • If processing time has passed, contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283
  • Consider submitting a case inquiry on the USCIS website
  • Consult with an immigration attorney for legal advice

Important: We cannot provide legal advice or case-specific guidance.

Can you help me understand what my case status means?

We display case status exactly as USCIS provides it. For interpretation of your specific case status or next steps, please:

  • Visit www.uscis.gov for official information
  • Call USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283
  • Consult with a licensed immigration attorney

Do you provide legal advice?

No. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For legal guidance on immigration matters, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.

Will using this app affect my immigration case?

No. Using this app has no impact on your immigration case. USCIS makes decisions based on your application materials and circumstances, not on whether you use a third-party tracking app.

💰 Billing & Advertisements

Why does the free version show ads?

We display occasional advertisements in the free version to support development and maintenance costs. This allows us to keep the core features free for everyone. Premium users enjoy a completely ad-free experience.

Can I remove ads?

Yes! Upgrade to Premium to remove all advertisements and enjoy an uninterrupted, ad-free experience. Premium is available as a one-time lifetime purchase ($4.99), monthly subscription ($2.99/month), or annual subscription ($24.99/year) - all with a 7-day free trial.

Will you ever charge for the app?

The core case tracking features will always remain free. We may introduce optional premium features in the future, but basic functionality will never require payment.