What is the next step after receiving i-797c

Understanding Form I-797: A Guide To Immigration Notices & Next Steps

So, you have just received a Form I-797 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in your mail.

You are excited because this form represents a big step in your immigration journey, but also a bit nervous since you’re unsure of what to do next.

Is this just a notification, or do you need to take action? Should you contact someone, or can you handle everything on your own?

We will break down the types of Form I-797 and explain the purpose of each. You will also get clear guidance on what steps to take after receiving it and how the attorneys at Spar & Bernstein can help you stay on track with your immigration process.

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

View Brad's Bio

What Is Form I-797?

Form I-797, Notice of Action, is a document issued by the USCIS to inform you of important updates and deci

U.S. Visas
Why don't you have my case at the NVC yet?
I am the beneficiary (applicant) and my case is at NVC. Now what happens?
How much are the fees for the National Visa Center's Services?
I am in the United States and would like to adjust my status. How do I do that?
I am adjusting my status with USCIS, what do I complete about the fees requested by NVC?
When I filed a petition for my relative I was a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder). I recently became a U.S. citizen. How does this affect my family members?
I have been waiting for a very long time for my relative to get an immigrant visa. Now there is a family emergency and I demand my relative to immigrate soon to the U.S. Can NVC help me?
My relative went for his interview for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy, but was refused. Can NVC review this case?
My immigrant visa expired before I was competent to travel to the Combined States. What should I do?
I moved. How do I give you my new address?
What do I need to do to detach an attorney from my case?
What do I need to complete to add an attorney to my case?
What do I demand to do to withdraw a case?
How do I transfer my Immigrant Visa case from one embass

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Introduction
The I-797 approval notice stage is a critical step in the pathway to obtaining a green card. Once a case has been favorably adjudicated by USCIS, they will issue the I-797 approval notice showing that the immigrant’s application has been approved. For employment based immigrant petitions such as the I-140, an approval notice is an important milestone in the green card process and a step towards obtaining permanent residency in the United States. Understanding this stage in the green card process helps applicants better prepare as they move forward in the green card process.
While this article provides valuable insights, remember it does not constitute legal advice. For personalized assistance with your immigration situation, please consult an immigration attorney. If you would like to speak with our lawyer, our customer care representative will happily arrange a call for you.
Types of I-797 Notices: What They Mean for Your Green Card Process
Once a case is properly submitted, USCIS uses different I-797 forms to give notice of important information to applicants, petitioners, and beneficiaries regarding their immigration statu

Decoding the I-797 Approval Notice: What Happens Next?
You've just received the coveted I-797 approval notice. Congratulations! Whether it's for a visa, petition, or application, getting this document is a pivotal moment in your quest for legal immigration. But what happens next?
Beyond the initial relief and excitement of approval, there are many more steps to be taken and decisions to be made. If you're in need of guidance, a knowledgeable green card lawyer can help you understand and manage the crucial next steps after receiving your I-797.
Understanding what follows the issuance of Form I-797 can make a world of difference when it comes to navigating the bureaucratic landscape ahead. From scheduling interviews to preparing for travel or work permissions, each post-approval procedure is a little different.
This post will explain what to do after receiving your I-797, ensuring that you're prepared to move forward confidently on the path to immigration.
What Is an I-797 Approval Notice?
Form I-797 is an official document issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to notify an applicant of approval for their immigration petitio
U.S. Visas
Current case creation time frame: As of 2-Sep-25, we are working on cases that were received from USCIS on 12-Aug-25.
Once USCIS sends your I-797 approval notice, they will send your approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. At NVC, we will create your visa case and enter the data from your petition into the system.
After creating your case, we will send you instructions for processing, as well as a Welcome Letter that includes your Case Number and Invoice ID. You will use these numbers to log into our Consular Electronic Application Center (https://ceac.state.gov).
IMPORTANT: Keep your Welcome Letter in a safe place, as you will need this information to log into CEAC throughout the entire visa process.
Take this time to review the types of required civil documents and how to find them, plus information about what forms and information your petitioner needs to prove he or she can financially support you.