Key Takeaways:

  • The CEAC is an online portal for tracking your U.S visa application.

  • There are many different CEAC visa statuses (Not Ready, Administrative Processing, Issued, etc) which indicate different stages in the application process. 

  • U.S visa processing times can vary, and sometimes there may be delays. Make sure to plan ahead and keep all documentation organized.

 

Applying for a U.S visa can be an exciting process–but tracking U.S visa applications can sometimes be confusing and nerve-wracking, especially if you have never done it before. Thankfully, the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) makes it super easy to track the progress of your U.S. visa status once you have submitted the application.

 

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about tracking U.S visa applications, what your CEAC visa status means, visa processing times and more. 

Understanding CEAC Visa Status: What It Is And How It Works

When someone living outside of the U.S decides to apply for the U.S visa, their application and all necessary documents are tracked by an online portal managed by the U.S Department of State. This online portal is the CEAC. 
 

Understanding your CEAC visa status is therefore important so that you know at what stage of the process your application is in, and how soon you can expect a decision on your U.S. visa application. Below are some of the different visa application statuses you might encounter on the CEAC portal–we will explain what each of these statuses mean later in this guide.

 

  1. No Status

  2. Ready

  3. Administrative Processing

  4. Issued

  5. Refused

  6. Expired

How to Check Your Visa Status: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand what the CEAC is and what the different statuses mean, we are going to show you how to check your visa status with an easy, step-by-step guide. 

Step 1: Visit The CEAC Website

The first thing that you will need to do to check your U.S visa status, is to go to the official CEAC website. You can find the online portal for CEAC Visa Status Check here. Below is a screenshot of the website to help you get started.

 

Step 2: Select Your Visa Type

From the drop-down menu shown below, you can select the type of visa you applied for–such as Immigrant Visa (IV) if you applied to move to the U.S permanently, or Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) if you applied to move temporarily. 

 

Step 3: Enter Your Visa Case Number

After selecting your visa type, move on to the box below and enter your case number. You can find your case number in your U.S visa application or on your appointment confirmation documents. 

 

Step 4: Verify The CAPTCHA

Once you have added your case number, you only need to verify the CAPTCHA to prove that you are not a bot. The CAPTCHA code will be different for every user. The one shown is simply an example for tutorial purposes.
 

Step 5: View Your CEAC Visa Status

After completing the above steps, you will be taken to your online portal where you can view your CEAC visa status. 

Interpreting Common Visa Statuses

Earlier in this guide, we mentioned some of the common CEAC visa statuses you may see on the portal. Here, we will explain to you what these statuses may indicate.
 

  1. No Status: As the name suggests, this status indicates that your visa application has not been processed yet. This is normal in the very early stages.
     

  2. Ready: This means that your visa application is ready to be processed and further materials such as fingerprints and other documents need to be submitted. If you are required to give an interview, you may have to complete the necessary formalities and check the CEAC portal in 2-3 business days.
     

  3. Administrative Processing: This status indicates that your application is under additional review. While this does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your application, it might lead to delays with your visa processing time.
     

  4. Issued: If your U.S visa application is approved, then your CEAC visa status will show as “Issued” on the portal. This is the final processing stage, and you can expect to receive your visa soon.
     

  5. Refused: If your U.S visa application is rejected for any reason, then your CEAC visa status will show as “Refused” on the portal. 
     

There are several other CEAC visa statuses that may appear on the portal, such as “Expired” or “Expiring Soon”. These statuses are more relevant for those who had already received U.S visas prior, or those with “immigrant visa” (IV) status. People with IV status are those who wish to move to the U.S permanently, and may therefore see different status regarding their visa application on the CEAC portal.
 

Troubleshooting And Tips For Checking CEAC Visa Status


Sometimes you may encounter issues while checking your CEAC visa status. Or, you may experience unexpected delays in processing. In such situations, there are some tips you can follow to troubleshoot your problems:
 

Clear Your Browser Cache: Browser issues can often prevent the CEAC website from loading correctly. Try clearing your cache or use a different web browser to see if you can resolve the issue.
 

Check Your Internet Connection: To avoid interruptions while checking your CEAC visa status, make sure to have a stable internet connection.
 

Follow Up with the Embassy: If your visa application has been in “Administrative Processing” for too long, you should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for updates.
 

Stay Organized: Make sure to keep all of your correspondence and documents related to your visa application in an organized manner. This can help you quickly provide any additional information requested by the U.S. Department of State.
 

Plan Ahead: Visa processing times can often be unpredictable, and sometimes there may be delays due to unforeseen or uncontrollable factors. So apply well in advance so you can plan ahead in case there are unexpected delays. 
 

Applying for a U.S visa can be daunting, but with some knowledge and guidance, the process can be very easy. If you wish to seek expert guidance about U.S. visa applications, you can reach out to UpCounsel to contact immigration lawyers who can support you in the process.

 

FAQs About CEAC Visa Status

Even after knowing how to check your CEAC visa status, you may still have further questions about the process. To make it easier for you, we have shared answers to some frequently asked questions related to visa status checking.
 

  • How do I check my CEAC status?

As mentioned above, you can check your CEAC status by logging into the online portal. 

 

  • Where can I check my NVC status?

To check your NVC status, you need to visit the webpage 

 

  • How to check U.S. visa validity online?

You can check your U.S visa validity online by visiting the webpage and entering all necessary information.

 

  • What is the CEAC website?

    The CEAC website is an online portal where you can check the status of your U.S visa application. You can access the portal by visiting the webpage