If you recently applied for a U.S. visa, green card, or other immigration benefits, chances are your application went to a USCIS lockbox. : A lockbox is a facility that US. ), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), to pay applications and sign documents. USCIS has four lockboxes in the United States which are; Chicago, Elgin (Illinois), Phoenix, and Lewisville (Texas).
In this guide, we’ll tell you when and how to get in touch with a USCIS lockbox if you have any issues while applying. The USCIS Ombudsman’s Office, a separate office that works to adjudicate cases before USCIS, has provided some helpful hints to help applicants out in such cases.
When Do You Need to Call a USCIS Lockbox?
You might have to find a USCIS lockbox if you have:
- If your application was rejected.
- Contact the lockbox if you were rejected by USCIS and you don’t know why. It may be because files missing, forms are not filled out, or you forgot to pay.
- You sent your application 30 business days or more ago (whether by the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, or another carrier) and USCIS didn’t accept your credit card or cash your filing fee check or money order, you’ll need to contact the lockbox. This can be a delay or processing bug.
- If you didn’t get your receipt notice.
- You can also contact them If you still haven’t received your payment.
- When USCIS gets your application, you’ll get a receipt message to let them know that they received it. If you haven’t received your receipt notice 30 days after payment and you haven’t received it, you will have to call Lockbox and request a status update.
How Not to Contact a USCIS Lockbox.
You don’t have to talk to the lockbox if you already have a receipt number for your application. Instead, you should:
- Go to USCIS Tools and Resources to request your case online.
- Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 if you need help with your application.
Steps On How to Call a USCIS Lockbox
If you need to email a USCIS lockbox, email is the way to go. What you should send to them and how to contact them: Here’s how to email them:
Mail Address: You can email lockboxsupport@uscis.dhs.gov to the USCIS lockbox.
Send an email with the following info:
- Form number (Form I-485, for instance).
- Receipt Number (If you have one).
- Name of sponsor or applicant – The name of the individual who is seeking a green card or other visa.
- Address of sponsor/applicant – Enter the correct address.
- Proof of delivery – If you’re inquiring about something you sent, show proof of delivery.
- Payment Details – List how you paid and proof that USCIS got your payment.
NOTE: Never send your alien registration number or Social Security Number (SSN) with your email – for security purposes.
Calling a USCIS lockbox can get you out of trouble with your visa or green card application if your payment or receipt notice is not processed on time or has a glitch. Be sure to adhere to the rules below so your inquiry is specific and detailed for USCIS to process your request efficiently.
To get additional information about immigration, or to know when to make mistakes, Law and Visas is there with resources and advice at every stage.
Know when and how to call a USCIS lockbox, so you’re aware of your application status and don’t have to waste time waiting for your visa or green card.
