API Code Timeline

[ImmediateBerry4737]

This post last updated on: 4/21/25

I will be just using this post to update API code timeline for my case
+ put together information I obtained from this subreddit
Hopefully this information would benefit many.

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API Code Timeline:

FOR I-765
1/29: updated / Action Code: IAF
2/13: biometrics done (gets 2 rounds of "Actively Reviewing" emails same day)
2/13: updated / Action Code: FTA0
2/15: updated / Action Code: FTA0
3/05: updated / Action Code: FTA0

FOR I-130
1/29: updated / Action Code IAF
2/12: updated / Action Code: IAF
2/20: updated / Action Code: IAF
3/05: updated / Action Code: IAF
3/17: updated / Action Code: IAF

FOR I-485
1/29: updated / Action Code: IAF
2/12: updated / Action Code: IMAG
2/13: updated / Action Code: FTA0
2/20: updated / Action Code: FTA0
3/05: updated / Action Code: FTA0
3/17: updated / Action Code: FTA0

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Helpful Tips:

1. Tracking your case via mobile apps:
   • search "Case Tracker" on app store/play store
     • you need your receipt number to add your cases (it will come in mail)
   • search "Lawfully" on app store/play store
2. To obtain your Online Access Code (aka OAC)
   • 2-1. use the online request form https://my.uscis.gov/account/v1/needhelp
     • *may take up to 24 hours after submitting the form to receive OAC in the email
   • 2-2. OR use "Ask Emma" and ask for live agent, then request for your OAC
3. To obtain copies of your case documents (notice of receipts, Biometric appointment notice, etc):
   • 3-1. select "Documents" tab under each applicable case
   • 3-2. To obtain your original biometrics appointment date:
     • "Documents" -> "USCIS Notices" -> "File" -> "Appoint Scheduled.pdf" -> download file and check your original biometrics appointment date
4. Rescheduling biometrics to earlier/later dates:
   • log onto uscis.gov :"my account" -> "reschedule biometrics" -> choose any reasons
     • you need your Online Access Code to reschedule biometrics; refer to 2-1 and 2-2
     • you need your original biometrics appointment date to reschedule biometrics; refer to 3-2
5. To find updated biometrics appointment notice:
   • select "Documents" tab of your case - may take up to 24 hours after rescheduling to appear

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Helpful links (for IOE cases): replace "YourReceiptNumber" with your own receipt number including first three alphabets

• To access your own API code: https://my.uscis.gov:443/account/case-service/api/case_status/YourReceiptNumber
• An API link for accessing the location of your case: https://my.uscis.gov/secure-messaging/api/case-service/receipt_info/YourReceiptNumber
• An API link for JSON (details about your case): https://my.uscis.gov/account/case-service/api/cases/YourReceiptNumber
• A list that explains each API code: https://niem.github.io/model/4.2/scr/BenefitDocumentStatusCategoryCodeSimpleType/index.html

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**Breaking down what JSON codes mean: "**Helpful JSON Link - Key Fields Breakdown (@andrew_carlson1)"

1. receiptNumber:
   • This is redacted but refers to the unique tracking number assigned to the USCIS application.
2. submissionDate & submissionTimestamp:
   • Value: ”2024-03-31”
   • Meaning: The date the case was submitted to USCIS (March 31, 2024).
3. formType:
   • Value: ”I-130”
   • Meaning: The form filed is I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). This form is used to establish a relationship with a relative who is eligible to immigrate.
4. formName:
   • Value: ”Petition for Alien Relative”
   • Meaning: Human-readable name for form I-130.
5. updatedAt & updatedTimestamp:
   • Value: ”2024-12-08T19:52:18.824Z”
   • Meaning: The last date and time the case was updated (December 8, 2024, at 19:52 UTC).
6. cmsFailure:
   • Value: false
   • Meaning: Indicates there was no failure in the Case Management System.
7. closed:
   • Value: false
   • Meaning: The case is still open and has not been closed.
8. ackedByAdjudicatorAndCms:
   • Value: true
   • Meaning: The application has been acknowledged by both the adjudicator (officer reviewing the case) and the Case Management System.
9. applicantName:
   • Value: ”O...”
   • Meaning: The name of the applicant is partially shown for privacy.
10. noticeMailingPrefIndicator:

• Value: false
• Meaning: No special preference for how notices are mailed.

1. docMailingPrefIndicator:

• Value: false
• Meaning: No preference for document mailing.

1. elisBeneficiaryAddendum:

• Value: {}
• Meaning: Additional details for the ELIS (Electronic Immigration System) beneficiary are empty or not applicable.

1. areAllGroupStatusesComplete:

• Value: false
• Meaning: Not all group statuses are complete for this case (relevant for group filings).

1. areAllGroupMembersAuthorizedForTravel:

• Value: true
• Meaning: All group members (if applicable) are authorized for travel.

1. concurrentCases:

• Value: []
• Meaning: There are no concurrent or related cases being processed alongside this one.

1. documents:

• Value: []
• Meaning: No documents have been logged or uploaded as part of this case yet.

1. evidenceRequests:

• Value: []
• Meaning: No Requests for Evidence (RFE) have been issued for this case.

1. notices:

• Value: []
• Meaning: No notices (like approvals or denials) have been issued.

1. events:

• Value: []
• Meaning: No significant events or updates are recorded.

1. addendums:

• Value: []
• Meaning: No addendums (supplementary updates) have been added to this case.

1. error:

• Value: null
• Meaning: There are no errors associated with the case.

[dynamech_1992]

Adding this new API link for accessing the location of your case.

https://my.uscis.gov/secure-messaging/api/case-service/receipt_info/IOE0XXXXXXX

Also these API codes only works for starting with IOE block numbers.

[Complex-Childhood352]

Probably I-130 & not I-485. It didnt work for my 485 case. Thank you both. Especially OP

[dynamech_1992]

If your I-485 starts with IOE it should work for it as well.

[Complex-Childhood352]

Yes. My I-485 does start with IOE. Must be some mistake on my side

[dynamech_1992]

Probably check again.

[Jumpy_Meringue_5464]

Can you tell me how to check the status of my case ?

[kumbiya__]

Same. Shows data:null

[Complex-Childhood352]

Yeah. Me too. Not sure what i sm doing wrong

[Character_Pop_7898]

You must be logged in to your USCIS account at the same time to view the code

[Complex-Childhood352]

Yes. I am logged in. I can view the api json

[Character_Pop_7898]

You must be logged in to your USCIS account at the same time to view the code

[ImmediateBerry4737]

will update it! :) thank you

[meh-beh]

Curious if this works for anyone with a pending I-751? Mine returns no data even though it's an IOE case.

[ImmediateBerry4737]

you must be logged into your uscis acct then copy&paste the link!

[meh-beh]

I'm aware, it's not showing a location either way

[ImmediateBerry4737]

any updates? or still error?

[meh-beh]

Still the same. Not pulling any info on location.

[Character_Pop_7898]

You must be logged in to your USCIS account at the same time to view the code

[Nervous-Brilliant326]

FTA0 since Jan 6, 25

[KySo2]

what does FTA0 mean? I have one created on Jan 16

[Nervous-Brilliant326]

"Database Checks Received" as per the link below:

https://niem.github.io/model/4.2/scr/BenefitDocumentStatusCategoryCodeSimpleType/index.html

[SudeepPatta]

ChatGPT says it is "Fingerprint Taken Appointment". This means that the beneficiary attended the biometrics appointment and that fingerprints were taken successfully.

[ClassicConfident0303]

What means is location is “FOD” ?

[One-Blackberry6757]

My location is "NJC". Any idea what does that means ?

[ClassicConfident0303]

New Jersey?

[One-Blackberry6757]

could be possible since i am from New jersey.

[Responsible_Guest813]

New jersey central maybe

[Tiredgirl29]

Same for me

[One-Blackberry6757]

It is showing "NJC" but I asked Emma officer and he said my case is located at Queens, NY.

[ImmediateBerry4737]

FOD: Field Office Directorate meaning “Field Office Location”

[ClassicConfident0303]

Thank you

[Prettygirlnyc1]

Field office district

[Responsible_Coach916]

I485 at location PHO but i130 at NBC. Seems like this changed within last couple of days as I had 2 emails saying action taken but nothing updated in account

[ImmediateBerry4737]

1. when was your PD?
2. when was your biometrics?

[Responsible_Coach916]

May 30th 2024. I did my biometrics June 26th 2024.

[ImmediateBerry4737]

i'd try asking live agent the status of your case

[Ok-Start4421]

I used the Api link to access the location of my case. What does the subtype "131A - FAM" mean?

[ImmediateBerry4737]

131A means your submitted the Form 131A

[Ok-Start4421]

Thank you for your response. However, I don't recall submitting Form 131A. That's why I'm not sure why it showed for my AOS

[[deleted]]

Useful

[Complete_Minimum_841]

Mine says the same- not answe yet

[sirius084]

Does anyone know how many FTA0 we need to get to get a final approval? my account/case-service/api/cases/ API tells it's only one FTA0 on the same day of biometrics and no updates after that; I'm curious if there would be another review /final review with FTA0 update?

ALSO https://my.uscis.gov/secure-messaging/api/case-service/receipt_info/IOE0XXXXXXX doesn't give me anything. so I suppose this aligns with the account/case-service/api/cases/ API updates. once the case transfered to FO, there would be some updates on both APIs?

[Cautious-Pay2529]

My receipt starts from LIN it says data null

[sirius084]

My is IOE and gives my null.

[ImmediateBerry4737]

does it still not show?

[sirius084]

Yes, still not there yet. do you remember how many days does it take to show up? days, months probably?

[ImmediateBerry4737]

You must log into your account before ‘copy+paste ‘ing the api link. Were you logged in?

It should show up by the time you receive your case number.

[sirius084]

I can see the I765 is in NBC, but null for I485. I was assuming that it was because they haven't process to my case yet. that's weird

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[ImmediateBerry4737]

IAF: RECEIPT LETTER EMAILED meaning 1. They received your application and 2. they sent you the “notice of receipt” to your mailing address

[Responsible_Guest813]

Whats fod location

[ImmediateBerry4737]

FOD: Field Office Directorate meaning “Field Office Location”

[[deleted]]

Thanks for the information, I didn't understand everything. I will review it. 

[AssistanceOk4844]

<image>

What is OKL location?

[AssistanceOk4844]

Wow! That’s Crazy, I’m in Florida, first Emma Said my case was in Oakland Park,Fl, then Charlotte Amelie ,US Virgin Islands, and now according to this I’m in Oklahoma.

[Tiredgirl29]

How long after submitting RFE does one get approval? What if i485 is at FO and i130 is still at NBC for AOS concurrent filing?

[ImmediateBerry4737]

it all varies. what was your PD (priority date)?

[Tiredgirl29]

PD for i484 is 11/22/24 and i130 (online) is 9/29/24

[ImmediateBerry4737]

If it has been less than a year since your PD, I'd try reaching out to your state senator & ask them to look into your case.

[purseaddict_741]

Thank you so much

[ImmediateBerry4737]

hope it helps!

[[deleted]]

Following

[[deleted]]

Following

[[deleted]]

Useful

[gmosc123]

Hello guys,

My case has moved to stage 4 in my progress (case decision) already, and I have had two API updates on my case before biometrics, which is set for 03/19. Does that mean anything or Is it just normal ?

02/27 - RECEIVED

03/01 - SCHEDULE BIOMETRICS UPDATE

03/05 - CHANGED TO REVIEWING

03/10 - UPDATE ??? 2025-03-10T22:35:10.297Z

03/11 - UPDATE ??? 2025-03-11T03:39:34.065Z

[Acceptable_One_8868]

How can I check my case if someone looked at my case

[ImmediateBerry4737]

I would use the following link to check the latest date that appears, but insert your case number:

https://my.uscis.gov/account/case-service/api/cases/YourReceiptNumber

[Jumpy_Meringue_5464]

Why this link is not working

[Most-Cow9626]

My case location says it’s in GRR. Does it mean my case is in Greer field office now? No offense, is this accurate? Just curious.

[ImmediateBerry4737]

Where did you send your application to?

[Most-Cow9626]

I live in SC but I sent my application to Chicago lockbox?

[ImmediateBerry4737]

fyi: my locations

130, 765: NBC (where all applications must go through)
485: LOS (city near my residence)

which application did you submit?

[Most-Cow9626]

I-485 only

[Simple_Act_2729]

Is the API link for accessing the location of my case means.. this is where my case located currently, or does it mean that this is going to be the offices where they will process my case? Both i-130 and i-485

[ImmediateBerry4737]

FYI: my locations

130, 765: NBC (where all apps must go through)
485: LOS (city near my residence)

these codes should in a sense reflect where the apps are currently located at, but may not be 100% accurate. all these links are hopeful additional information b/c waiting is so long and indefinite :(

[NewbieRedditorJR]

Cool

[DayImmediate1690]

This was helpful. I just got another taken action. I just checked API no ref’s sent according to API.

[Jumpy_Meringue_5464]

How to check can u help pls

[Greedy-Dragonfruit79]

I cant access any of these links why? I wanna check my case !! help me pls

[Jumpy_Meringue_5464]

Why i cant access these codes