Finding the Application Recepit Number

richard_b

Registered Users (C)
Hi all, filed my forms in Sacramento in late October and received a receipt letter in November. But what I can't find is the ARN (Application Receipt Number) that will allow me to track the progress of my case online. The receipt has my alien ID number on it, but nothing that looks like an ARN. Any thoughts/suggestions on where I coudl find this?
 
Look in a top left corner.
It’s 13-character number. Starts with three letters following with ten digits and should look like this:
WAC-04-021-*****

If you paid your application fees by personal check, then you can also look for your receipt number stamped in the back of your cashed check.
 
I know that's the standard place for it, but it ain't there. The only number on the letter is one beginning with an A(then 8 digits), which I think is my alien number.

I don't ahve access to the check, unfortunately. FYI, this is the letter that says "The Sacramento office has received your application package(s) for lawful permanent residency", blah blah blah...
 
I would call them, but they don't give out the phone number. Anyway, I just heard back from my lawyer: he says that cases based on marriage (such as mine) are filed with the local office (not the service center) and thus don't get receipt numbers.
 
richard_b said:
I would call them, but they don't give out the phone number. Anyway, I just heard back from my lawyer: he says that cases based on marriage (such as mine) are filed with the local office (not the service center) and thus don't get receipt numbers.

Too bad local offices don’t issue receipts numbers. I didn’t know that.
You will have to keep checking projected time on the USCIS website.
Looks like Sacramento office works on I-485 applications received on or before July 6, 2004 https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/officeProcesstimes.jsp?selectedOffice=63

I know they don’t have their number published, but there is a way around it.
You can always call that toll free number (1-800-375-5283), and ask an operator to transfer you. They will never give you the actual phone number, but will transfer you to another office without problems, if you have a valid reason.
I did that twice in a past year. First they asked me bunch of questions to make sure I was who I said I was and then they answered my questions.
When you call that free toll number they will never tell you any specific information about your case, only the general staff, but if you get transferred, they will actually pull your application in front of them and look at it.

Good luck with your application process!
 
Top