What is a "Touch"?

[Mayra&Robin 0]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I see a lot of people list "Touches" in their timelines. What exactly is that and how do you know your petition had a touch? I'm one of the "lucky" February filers but I'm wondering since I see many I-130 petitions had at least two touches before approval (NOA2). I signed up for e-mail updates at uscis and am checking daily but so far nothing new. Thanks!!

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I see a lot of people list "Touches" in their timelines. What exactly is that and how do you know your petition had a touch? I'm one of the "lucky" February filers but I'm wondering since I see many I-130 petitions had at least two touches before approval (NOA2). I signed up for e-mail updates at uscis and am checking daily but so far nothing new. Thanks!!

A "touch" is when USCIS does something with your petition. First touch is when they input it into the system, other touches is officers doing something with it, one may take parts to do back ground checks, other may verify your information and so on.

You can go to the USCIS webiste, and registure with them, and then you can see if yoyur petition has been "touched" by the date changing. It will show the date your petition was last handled. Have your NOA 1 when you registure with USCIS for On Line Case Status.

Edited March 28, 2009 by Paris Heart

[WhidbeyGirl 1]

I have yet to get one either. I believe if you got an email then that would be considered a touch. My case still says received 3/4.

BTW can you enter your information into a timeline - it helps for my data & stats.

[Mayra&Robin 0]

Thanks for the quick replies!

When I check my status by entering the case number at the USCIS website, it shows...

Current Status: Case received and pending.

On February 24, 2009, we received this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE

February 24 is actually the notice date on my NOA1, the received date is February 16.

When I sign into my profile and look at my case portfolio there, it shows last update 26 February...could that be the first Touch? Or is that just when they entered my information online?

WhidbeyGirl...I'll work on entering my timelines. Thanks by the way for the spreadsheet...it's very helpful.

[WhidbeyGirl 1]

Thanks for the quick replies!

When I check my status by entering the case number at the USCIS website, it shows...

Current Status: Case received and pending.

On February 24, 2009, we received this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE

February 24 is actually the notice date on my NOA1, the received date is February 16.

When I sign into my profile and look at my case portfolio there, it shows last update 26 February...could that be the first Touch? Or is that just when they entered my information online?

WhidbeyGirl...I'll work on entering my timelines. Thanks by the way for the spreadsheet...it's very helpful.

I'm not sure, I know the date of my letter is one day earlier than on the case portfolio-I just assumed it was the date they entered my info - but maybe it was a touch.

[Beth/ Paris Heart 2]

Thanks for the quick replies!

When I check my status by entering the case number at the USCIS website, it shows...

Current Status: Case received and pending.

On February 24, 2009, we received this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE

February 24 is actually the notice date on my NOA1, the received date is February 16.

When I sign into my profile and look at my case portfolio there, it shows last update 26 February...could that be the first Touch? Or is that just when they entered my information online?

WhidbeyGirl...I'll work on entering my timelines. Thanks by the way for the spreadsheet...it's very helpful.

The February 26th date is when USCIS most likely inputted your case into the system. Atleast your in the system, some filers who received NOA 1 still cant see their case on line. Good luck on your journey.