If you recently applied for a U.S. visa, you likely sent your application to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lockbox. A lockbox is a facility that collects fees and receives applications. USCIS has four lockbox locations – Chicago; Elgin, Illinois; Phoenix; and Lewisville, Texas.
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman recently provided tips on when to contact a USCIS lockbox and the best way to do it.
when to contact a uscis lockbox
- To get more information on why USCIS rejected your application.
- If you sent your application via mail (either using the U.S. Postal Service or other carrier, like FedEx) more than 30 business days ago, and USCIS hasn’t processed your credit card payment or hasn’t cashed your filing fee check or money order.
- USCIS has processed your filing fee, but more than 30 days have passed and you still haven’t received a receipt notice.
If you already have a receipt number, don’t contact a USCIS lockbox. Rather, submit an inquiry on the USCIS Tools and Resources page or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
how to contact a uscis lockbox
If you sent your application via mail to a USCIS lockbox, you can email [email protected]. Make sure to include the following in your email:
- Form number (for example, Form I-485)
- Receipt number, if you have one
- Sponsor or applicant’s name (include the name of the person seeking the green card or other visa, if applicable)
- Sponsor or applicant’s mailing address
- Confirmation of delivery (if you’re needing to locate a package)
- How you paid and confirmation that USCIS received your payment
Note: Don’t include your alien registration number or Social Security Number.
For more info, check out the Boundless article on the quickest and easiest ways to contact USCIS.