USCIS Notice Codes — What Each Means and What to Do
Complete guide to USCIS notice codes I-797A/B/C/E/F, NOID, NTA. What each notice means, response deadlines, what to do, common scams.
USCIS Notice Codes Guide
Every USCIS notice has a code that tells you what it means and what to do. Below are the most common codes.
Notice codes covered
- I-797A — I-797A — Notice of Action (Approval/Approval Notice)
- I-797B — I-797B — Notice of Action (Approval for I-140/I-526)
- I-797C — I-797C — Notice of Action (Receipt Notice)
- I-797E — I-797E (RFE) — Request for Evidence — CRITICAL: respond by deadline
- I-797F — I-797F — Transportation Letter (Allows You to Board Plane to US)
- NOID — NOID — Notice of Intent to Deny — URGENT: 30-day deadline
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
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I-797A — Notice of Action (Approval/Approval Notice)
USCIS Form I-797A is sent when your application/petition is APPROVED. Includes I-94 admission record. KEEP THIS — it's proof of legal status.
I-797B — Notice of Action (Approval for I-140/I-526)
USCIS I-797B confirms approval of employment-based immigrant petition (I-140) or investor petition (I-526/E). Includes Priority Date. KEEP — needed for AOS or consular processing.
I-797C — Notice of Action (Receipt Notice)
USCIS I-797C confirms receipt of your application or petition. Includes case number (alphanumeric like MSC2390000000) for status tracking. NOT approval — just confirms paperwork received.
I-797E (RFE) — Request for Evidence — CRITICAL: respond by deadline
USCIS I-797E is a Request for Evidence (RFE). USCIS needs MORE documents to make a decision. Common after I-130 marriage cases, I-140 employment, asylum I-589. Deadline 60-87 days — DO NOT MISS.
I-797F — Transportation Letter (Allows You to Board Plane to US)
USCIS I-797F lets you board a plane to enter US when you have an immigrant visa or returning resident status but issues with your physical green card.
NOID — Notice of Intent to Deny — URGENT: 30-day deadline
USCIS NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) means USCIS plans to DENY your case unless you provide compelling response. ONLY 30-33 DAYS to respond. Get attorney IMMEDIATELY.
General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.