Question

What does this letter from USCIS mean?

Almost every USCIS letter is a Form I-797, “Notice of Action”. Its type says what it is about: receipt, biometrics appointment, request for evidence, interview notice, approval or intent to deny.

Paso Libre editorial team

Reviewed September 29, 2026 · Educational information, not legal advice

The names, per USCIS

USCIS uses several types of I-797 to communicate. It is not a form you fill out.

Receipt notice (I-797C): USCIS received your packet. Keep it; it carries the receipt number you use to track the case.
Biometrics appointment (I-797C): date, time and place for fingerprints, photo and signature. Bring the notice and your ID.
Request for Evidence, RFE (I-797E): USCIS needs more proof. The letter says what and by when; answer before the date.
Interview notice (I-797C): the date and office of your interview. Bring what the notice asks for.
Approval notice (I-797): USCIS approved the petition or application. The letter explains what comes next.
Notice of Intent to Deny, NOID: USCIS intends to deny and gives you a deadline to respond. If you do not respond in time, it can deny.
Rejection (I-797C): the packet came back without a case being opened, for example over the fee or the edition. Fix it and send it again.

What we do not tell you

What to answer to an RFE or a NOID, or what the letter means for your case, is legal advice. That is what the official directories are for.

If your question needs legal advice

This question needs legal advice. To protect you, we do not want to guess. Here is how to find a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.

Find legal services — USCIS ↗Accredited representatives — DOJ ↗

Official sources

Form I-797: types and functions — USCIS ↗ · Read on September 29, 2026
Biometric services appointment — USCIS ↗ · Read on September 29, 2026
Glossary — USCIS ↗ · Read on September 29, 2026
Policy Manual, evidence (RFE and NOID) — USCIS ↗ · Read on September 29, 2026
Find legal services — USCIS ↗ · Read on September 29, 2026
Accredited representatives — Department of Justice ↗ · Read on September 29, 2026

Also useful

What does this letter from USCIS mean?

Almost every USCIS letter is a Form I-797, “Notice of Action”. Its type says what it is about: receipt, biometrics appointment, request for evidence, interview notice, approval or intent to deny.

Paso Libre editorial team

Reviewed September 29, 2026 · Educational information, not legal advice

The names, per USCIS

USCIS uses several types of I-797 to communicate. It is not a form you fill out.

Receipt notice (I-797C): USCIS received your packet. Keep it; it carries the receipt number you use to track the case.
Biometrics appointment (I-797C): date, time and place for fingerprints, photo and signature. Bring the notice and your ID.
Request for Evidence, RFE (I-797E): USCIS needs more proof. The letter says what and by when; answer before the date.
Interview notice (I-797C): the date and office of your interview. Bring what the notice asks for.
Approval notice (I-797): USCIS approved the petition or application. The letter explains what comes next.
Notice of Intent to Deny, NOID: USCIS intends to deny and gives you a deadline to respond. If you do not respond in time, it can deny.
Rejection (I-797C): the packet came back without a case being opened, for example over the fee or the edition. Fix it and send it again.

What we do not tell you

What to answer to an RFE or a NOID, or what the letter means for your case, is legal advice. That is what the official directories are for.

If your question needs legal advice

This question needs legal advice. To protect you, we do not want to guess. Here is how to find a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.

Find legal services — USCIS ↗Accredited representatives — DOJ ↗