My case says Case Was Received for months. Is that normal?

Often, yes. Check whether you are still within the official processing time for your form and office.

Is the receipt date my priority date?

For an I-130, and for an I-140 without labor certification, the receipt date is generally the priority date. For PERM-based I-140s, it is the date the labor certification was filed.

USCIS case status message

What does "Case Was Received" mean on USCIS case status?

Updated November 12, 2026 · Not legal advice

USCIS has accepted your filing, assigned a receipt number and mailed a receipt notice (Form I-797C). Nothing is wrong; it is the first status almost every case shows, and it can stay this way for weeks or months while the case waits for the next step.

At a glance
Status text	Case Was Received
Seen on	All forms (I-130, I-140, I-485, I-765, I-131, N-400, I-129F, I-589 and more).
Timing	The status usually stays until the next action (often biometrics or a transfer). Compare with the official processing time for your form and office.
Usually next	Fingerprint Fee Was Received, Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction, Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS

What it means

Your filing passed the initial intake checks (fee, signature, correct form edition).
Your receipt number is now active in Case Status Online.
If you filed Form G-1145, you also got a text or email when the case was accepted.

What to do

Keep the I-797C receipt notice; it shows your receipt number and receipt (priority) date.
Watch the mail for a biometrics appointment notice if your form requires one.
Keep your address current with USCIS (Form AR-11 / online change of address).

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 "Case Was Received".

Quick answers

My case says Case Was Received for months. Is that normal?: Often, yes. Check whether you are still within the official processing time for your form and office.
Is the receipt date my priority date?: For an I-130, and for an I-140 without labor certification, the receipt date is generally the priority date. For PERM-based I-140s, it is the date the labor certification was filed.

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026

All USCIS case status messages