When you log in to the USCIS portal and see the message “Case is actively being reviewed by USCIS,” it’s normal to feel both hope and anxiety. Many people think this means approval is just around the corner—but the reality is a bit more complicated.

What Does “Active Review” Really Mean?

When USCIS marks your case as “Active Review,” it means that an immigration officer has opened your file. However, this does not necessarily mean your case is being fully evaluated at that moment.

In many situations, the system automatically updates the status as soon as an officer accesses the file—even if it gets put back on hold afterward.

In other words: your case is in USCIS’s hands, but that doesn’t guarantee immediate progress or a quick decision. This can be frustrating, because it feels like movement when there might not be any. The key is not to set false expectations.

How Long Can This Stage Last?

The length of time your case stays in “Active Review” depends on several factors:

Type of application – An asylum case may take years, while a family-based adjustment of status might move more quickly.

Local office – Some USCIS field offices are far more backlogged than others.

Workload – USCIS processes millions of applications every year, which slows everything down.

Because of this, two people with very similar cases might experience very different wait times. Some see movement within weeks, others wait months, and some cases remain in “Active Review” for over a year.

👉 The status itself does not tell you when a decision will be made. It’s simply an interim stage.

Why Can It Take So Long If It’s Already in Review?

There are several reasons why a case may remain in “Active Review” for an extended time:

USCIS staffing shortages – In recent years, the agency has had fewer officers to handle a growing caseload, creating significant backlogs.

Extra security checks – Cases involving international travel, complex immigration history, or names similar to individuals with records may require deeper review.

Administrative holds – Files sometimes need supervisory review or must be transferred to another office, causing delays.

External factors – Policy changes or lack of resources can stall cases as well.

It’s important to remember: delays don’t necessarily mean something is wrong with your application. Often, it’s just an administrative issue.

What If You Get an RFE After Months in “Active Review”?

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a notice USCIS sends when it needs more information or documents before making a decision.

RFEs can arrive even after your case has been sitting in “Active Review” for months—or years. Some reasons USCIS issues an RFE include:

• Missing supporting documents
• Need to clarify details in the evidence submitted
• Recent changes in law or form requirements

While receiving an RFE can be stressful, it’s not always bad news. In fact, it often means your case is finally getting real attention. If you respond properly, you may be one step closer to approval.

What Can You Do If Your Case Is Taking Too Long?

If your case feels stuck, you still have options. Here are concrete steps you can take:

1. Check processing times – Go to uscis.gov to review average wait times by case type and office. Sometimes, even if it feels long, your case is still within the “normal” timeframe.
2. Submit a service request – You can ask USCIS directly for an update on your case.
3. Contact the Ombudsman – This office can help unlock cases that are unreasonably delayed.
4. Consider a writ of mandamus – With the help of an attorney, you can file a lawsuit requiring USCIS to act. This doesn’t mean denial—it simply forces them to issue a decision.

Seeing your case in “Active Review” can be confusing. While it may spark hope, it can also bring anxiety—because it doesn’t necessarily mean a decision is close.

The key is to stay informed, monitor USCIS processing times, and get legal advice if the delay becomes excessive.

👉 If your case has been stuck in “Active Review” for too long, at Eagan Immigration we can help you evaluate your legal options to move it forward.

📞 Call us today at 202-709-6439 to schedule your consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized legal advice. Each case is different.