Frequently Asked Questions

• Finding your loved one is simpler if you have their “Alien Registration Number” (A#), which is a nine-digit identifier found on various documents from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), ICE, Immigration Court, or on items like green cards or work permits.
• If you don’t have the A#, you can also search using the individual’s name, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
• You can typically find the location of your loved one by visiting this website: ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
• Once you have located them, it’s wise to contact the detention center before visiting, as visitation hours can vary and change frequently.
• Keep in mind that if your friend or family member was detained recently, they may still be at an ICE processing facility, which may allow visits. For example, in Bakersfield, the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Facility is located at 425 Golden State Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, or call (661) 859-1028. You can search for ICE processing facilities here.

• Processing times for cases can fluctuate.
• To estimate your application’s processing time, you’ll need to know which applications are pending and the office handling them.
• You can find estimated processing times using this link: USCIS Processing Times.

• The timing usually hinges on the Priority Date (or receipt date) of your petition and your country of origin.
• If your visa petition is based on family ties, your relationship to the family member will also factor in. Certain relationships may allow for immediate immigration, bypassing the visa bulletin charts.
• If your petition is based on being a Special Immigrant Juvenile, you will need to refer to the Employment-Based Charts for the 4th preference category pertinent to your country.
• You can find the most recent monthly Visa Bulletins for all categories here: Visa Bulletin.

To check your application status, you will need your receipt number.

You can enter your receipt number here to see your case status: USCIS Case Status Online.

• It’s crucial to keep government agencies informed of your current address. Make sure to update your address as soon as you move.
• Failing to do so can have serious consequences, such as missing out on important information regarding your pending applications or even facing removal (deportation) in your absence.
• You may need to inform multiple agencies about your address change, as different agencies require different forms. For instance, USCIS uses Form AR-11 (instructions can be found here: USCIS AR-11), and the Immigration Court (Executive Office for Immigration Review or EOIR) requires Form EOIR-33IC (instructions available here: EOIR Form EOIR-33IC).
• If you have regular check-ins with ICE or the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), you’ll need to notify those offices as well. It’s advisable to reach out to them prior to your move to understand their address change procedures.
• Always keep a copy of any correspondence related to your address update.

The Immigration Court primarily communicates through mail, so it’s vital to keep your address updated with them. You must inform the court of your address change within five days of moving. Refer to the section above for more details on address changes.

You can obtain limited information regarding your case status by calling the Immigration Court’s automated number at 1-800-898-7180. You can also access similar information online here: EOIR Information System.

You will need your A# to access these systems. The A# is a nine-digit number that appears on various documents from USCIS, ICE, Immigration Court, and others.

• This largely depends on the nature of your pending case and any required waiting periods. It’s best to consult your attorney for specific guidance.
• If you currently hold a work permit, it’s generally advisable to apply for a renewal at least 150 days before it expires to account for any potential processing delays by USCIS.