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USCIS case status message

What does "Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service" mean on USCIS case status?

Updated · Not legal advice

USPS has picked up your card from USCIS, and the status usually includes a USPS tracking number. Track it on usps.com; the status may later change to "Card Was Delivered To Me By The Post Office".

At a glance
Status textCard Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service
Seen onCard-producing forms.
TimingTypically a few days for delivery.
Usually nextCard Was Delivered To Me By The Post Office

What it means

  • The card is in the mail stream.
  • The tracking number is in the status text.

What to do

  1. Track the package on usps.com.
  2. If delivery fails, follow USPS notices and contact USCIS if needed.

Check the exact wording and USCIS's explanation for your case on USCIS Case Status Online. The explanation USCIS shows under the status varies by form.

What to do next: stop refreshing

Add your receipt number and we'll email you the moment the status changes from "Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service".

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Quick answers

I-765 OPT case status: card was picked up by USPS; what next?
Track delivery with the USPS number. You can generally start OPT employment once you have the card and the start date has arrived.
Where is the USPS tracking number?
In the status text on Case Status Online.

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026

Related guides

All USCIS case status messages