Recent stats show that the US naturalizes over 830,000 new citizens each year. And, that’s quite impressive given how grueling the immigration process can be. However, there’s good news for those looking to become a US citizen: the USCIS also noted in the statistics linked above that the number of applications pending for green cards was reduced by 14% in the year reported.
Wait wait wait. Who is the USCIS and what is a green card? USCIS stands for US Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you’re looking to become a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, you’ll have to go through them. This is especially true if you’re applying for your green card, which is a permanent resident card that allows you to legally live and work in the US.
Not sure where to get started with the process? It’s mostly done online, which makes things a whole lot easier for you! First, however, that means that you’ll need to create a new USCIS online account. Here’s how.
What is a USCIS Online Account Number?
If you’re new to this process, we suggest visiting the USCIS website to familiarize yourself with what’s available online. You’ll find helpful tips and guides as well as links to forms that you can download and fill out as part of your application.
Then, we suggest creating an USCIS online account here. Take note of your email and password somewhere safe so that you can access it in case you forget what the login details are. Once you finish creating your account, you’ll be assigned an USCIS online account number. Likewise, you might already have a USCIS account number if you’ve previously submitted paperwork physically to the USCIS as part of another application.
How to Create a USCIS Online Account Number
Ready to create a USCIS online account? Click here to create your account. As mentioned above, be sure to write down your login details somewhere safe (1Password is a great option for safely storing sensitive passwords online).
During the process of creating a USCIS online account, you’ll be asked to enter your personal information as well as information regarding your immigration history and status. You’ll likely need to have your passport on hand as well as any information regarding your previous or current US visas.
Remember, since the USCIS is a portal for those applying for citizenship, this means that you’ll need to have a current, valid US visa. So, be sure to have the information and numbers on hand so that you can quickly and easily complete the signup process and create your USCIS account.
Not too tech-savvy? Don’t worry. You can also schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office (it’s free!) in case you are unsure of how to complete the online registration process to create your USCIS account. They’ll be able to verify your identity on-site and walk you through the process of how to access your online account information. Click here for a list of local USCIS offices.
Where to Find Your USCIS Online Account Number
Now that your account is all set up, you might need to find your USCIS account number to help you reference an open application. As odd as it might seem, you actually can’t find your USCIS online account number, well, online!
Instead, you’ll need to find your USCIS online account number on your notice of action letter. This means that, no, you cannot simply log into your USCIS online account and take a look at your profile (which is where it would logically seem to be).
Instead, after creating your account and submitting an application, wait for your notice of action letter to come in. Then, be sure to take a photo of that USCIS online account number or scan the letter so that you have a digital copy to refer to for later.
You’ll know what the USCIS account number is because it’s a 13-digit number that starts with three letters and then is followed by 10 numbers. If you have that number, you’ll be able to check the status of your application online, which is why it’s so important to remember it!
Issues with Your Green Card: USCIS Contact Number
If you’ve sent in your application and have your USCIS account number but are having trouble tracking your application status online, call 1-800-375-5283 to ask about your case. Wait times are pretty long when calling, however, which is why we suggest creating a USCIS online account and tracking your application digitally.
For those who need assistance with the application process, find an Application Support Center near you. There, you’ll be able to receive help with fingerprinting and other aspects of the application process. Likewise, as mentioned above, you can also find a local USCIS office to visit for more information or assistance.
Banking Without a Green Card? Choose Cheese
While you wait for your application to be approved, you’ll still need to think about other aspects of daily American life, like banking! Lucky for you, we’re experts in the area of banking without a green card or SSN.
At Cheese, we believe that your immigration status should never affect your ability to access easy banking solutions. And, we also believe that those solutions should feature fee-free perks. How does free international wire transfers and up to 10% cash back sound? Good, right? You deserve it, and we make it easy for you to access.
To sign up for the Cheese Debit Card, simply use your passport and valid visa, along with a valid US address, to access our unique zero-fee, cash back debit card.
❌ No Monthly Fee 🧀️ International Wire Transfer
❌ No ATM Fee 🧀️ No SSN Required
❌ No Overdraft Fee 🧀️ $5 Cash Bonus
❌ No Insufficient Fund Fee 🧀️ Up to 3% Saving Bonus
❌ No Minimum Balance Requirement 🧀️ Up to 10% cashback with every purchase/transaction
Click here to learn more about the Cheese Debit Card or go ahead and download the Cheese Mobile Banking App for iOS or Android.
