Is a "touch" the same as a "last updated"?

[Aztec&Taino 144]

Hello,

I just signed up for case status updates at the USCIS website and wonder if the column that reads "Last updated" is what people in the forums call a "touch"? My petition shows a last updated date of today (09/01/2010), but it does not show what it was done with the petition. So, do I just get to know when someone looks at my case, but cannot know what was done with my case/petition? If this is true, what is the advantage of signing up for updates if one ignores the meaning of these "updates"? (no details are provided other than the date of the last update). Could you see through these updates that you will receive a RFE before knowing what it will be for? Does it show any explanatory messages, ever?

Thanks!

[Amyyduck 20]

Yes, the update is the same as a touch. No, it doesn't tell you what they did with your peition. Every time someone touches your file (hencee the name "touch") they scan your barcode. It could mean that someone was reading it, or it could mean that they were only moving it from one desk to another.

Hope that helps, good luck!

[brightskte 18]

Yes, those are touches. And you will get notifications of RFE's, approvals, receipts. It wont tell you what they're doing each and every time they touch your case, but you'll know when the big stuff happens. Hopefully, anyway. The system is notorious for not being updated. Some people have received approval letters without a single touch, so don't put all of your faith into it.

Good luck!

[patient2010 93]

Hello,

I just signed up for case status updates at the USCIS website and wonder if the column that reads "Last updated" is what people in the forums call a "touch"? My petition shows a last updated date of today (09/01/2010), but it does not show what it was done with the petition. So, do I just get to know when someone looks at my case, but cannot know what was done with my case/petition? If this is true, what is the advantage of signing up for updates if one ignores the meaning of these "updates"? (no details are provided other than the date of the last update). Could you see through these updates that you will receive a RFE before knowing what it will be for? Does it show any explanatory messages, ever?

Thanks!

yes a touch is the last updted box that indicates if there has been a touch. so since you have a last update date of today then yes you have been "touched" It will never show what has been done to the case on the "touch" The advantage of signing up is that you at least know your case is being worked on and not just sitting there to some it is like a pot of Gold I know I was so excited when my case got "touched" You wont know if you receive an RFE through the updates sorry.....but once a decision is made you can possibley get a txt or email that a decison has been made which is another advantage of signing up with USCIS and electing to be notified via txt and email but keeping in mind there have been some people who signed up and didnt receive either but did receive a letter of approval in the mail.....GOOD LUCK!!!

[brightskte 18]

yes a touch is the last updted box that indicates if there has been a touch. so since you have a last update date of today then yes you have been "touched" It will never show what has been done to the case on the "touch" The advantage of signing up is that you at least know your case is being worked on and not just sitting there to some it is like a pot of Gold I know I was so excited when my case got "touched" You wont know if you receive an RFE through the updates sorry.....but once a decision is made you can possibley get a txt or email that a decison has been made which is another advantage of signing up with USCIS and electing to be notified via txt and email but keeping in mind there have been some people who signed up and didnt receive either but did receive a letter of approval in the mail.....GOOD LUCK!!!

Sorry, but this is wrong. They let you know that you're getting an RFE, they just don't tell you what it's for. I got an RFE on August 6th, and got the following message via email, text, and could click on my case number in my portfolio and have the same message:

Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS

Your Case Status: Request for Evidence

On August 5, 2010, we mailed a notice requesting initial evidence in this case. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the evidence requested. Meanwhile, processing of this case is on hold until we either receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires. Once you submit the evidence requested and a decision is made, you will be notified by mail. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

Edited September 1, 2010 by Kayla*Mathew

[Penny Lane 8,159]

yes a touch is the last updted box that indicates if there has been a touch. so since you have a last update date of today then yes you have been "touched" It will never show what has been done to the case on the "touch" The advantage of signing up is that you at least know your case is being worked on and not just sitting there to some it is like a pot of Gold I know I was so excited when my case got "touched" You wont know if you receive an RFE through the updates sorry.....but once a decision is made you can possibley get a txt or email that a decison has been made which is another advantage of signing up with USCIS and electing to be notified via txt and email but keeping in mind there have been some people who signed up and didnt receive either but did receive a letter of approval in the mail.....GOOD LUCK!!!

This is incorrect. They will let you know when you are being issued an RFE, they simply won't tell you why. You have to wait for the letter.

[patient2010 93]

Sorry, but this is wrong. They let you know that you're getting an RFE, they just don't tell you what it's for.

When I said they wont let you know if you are getting an RFE that is what I mean you wont know what it is for I stand corrected thanks