How to Interpret Your USCIS Receipt Number Correctly: WAC, EAC, LIN, What do they mean?

Did you know that your USCIS case number can be more than just random letters and numbers? Many of my readers are curious about how to interpret their 13-character case/receipt number so here we go --

How to Interpret Your USCIS Receipt Number

The receipt/case number can be found on your I-797C notice on the upper left. The beginning letters on your case number actually tell you where your case is being processed.

Why does this matter? Oh well, each center/office is different and has a different processing time. USCIS’s website provides a tool for you to estimate the processing time and you need to know where your case is being processed so you can get a more accurate estimate.

So get your case number out and check out this list to find out where your application is being reviewed:

• CSC: California Service Center 
• EAC: Eastern Adjudication Center (Vermont Service Center) 
• WAC: Western Adjudication Center (California Service Center) 
• LIN: Lincoln Service Center (Nebraska Service Center) 
• SRC: Southern Regional Center (Texas Service Center) 
• NBC: National Benefits Center 
• MSC: Missouri Service Center (National Benefits Center) 
• IOE: USCIS Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) 
• NSC: Nebraska Service Center 
• TSC: Texas Service Center 
• VSC: Vermont Service Center

Learn more about applying for your Green Card by yourself here:

• How I applied for my Green Card with No RFE! (November Updated)
• Cover Letter Samples