What does "touched" mean on peoples timelines?

[TatyanaR 6]

Lost!

[SpongebObiWan 0]

Lost!

It simply means that some sort of action has taken place by USCIS and has been so noted on the USCIS website ( www.uscis.gov ).

Edited January 29, 2010 by SpongebObiWan

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Comments appropriate for the Off-Topic Forum are not acceptable in the Immigration Forums. Offending post has been removed.

moderator hat off:

When you sign up for online status update of your case with the USCIS website you can check to see if the date listed as the 'last action" date changes. If the date changes but the message doesn't, that is considered a 'touch' and it means that someone has accessed your file on that date. Touches may or may not be significant as your file can be touched if it is being moved from one location to another as well as when someone is actually working on it. As well, not getting touches is also not significant as many times USCIS staff will be working on a file and it is not registered on the online status update system. VJers have been known to obtain their visas, the green cards, even their citizenship oaths and their on line status hasn't changed from the initial submission date and message of 'we have received your file'. So, while it is nice to get a touch as it re-affirms USCIS is still doing something it doesn't really mean anything if you don't get a touch as well.

[Amit-N-Melody 11]

you still lost?

[IGWright 0]

Hmmm..what if there's not even the online "we've received your application"? We mailed our I-485, I-130, and I-765 on Dec. 11, received NOA's dated Dec. 18 on all three, Biometrics came and went smoothly on Jan 12, and we've managed to access our I-130 and I-765 online (I guess they were touched on Jan. 11) but we are not able to find anything regarding our I-485. We've entered the receipt number numerous times and it comes back with "not able to locate record" or something like that. We know they have it- we have the NOA - but I'm a little worried it's not accessible online.

[Laura & Kyle 16]

Hmmm..what if there's not even the online "we've received your application"? We mailed our I-485, I-130, and I-765 on Dec. 11, received NOA's dated Dec. 18 on all three, Biometrics came and went smoothly on Jan 12, and we've managed to access our I-130 and I-765 online (I guess they were touched on Jan. 11) but we are not able to find anything regarding our I-485. We've entered the receipt number numerous times and it comes back with "not able to locate record" or something like that. We know they have it- we have the NOA - but I'm a little worried it's not accessible online.

The standard line USCIS gives is that you should wait 30 days for it to show up. However, you are well beyond that. I'd suggest giving them a ring verifying your MSC number for the I-485 and asking why it isn't showing up online. Good luck and let us know what happens!

Laura

[lovelyalex 99]

I agree with Laura. Also, don't forget that the online record system isn't the most of upto date things; from what I have read on here it really is dependant on your local office and IOs updating it as they go, for instance I've received my interview letter but had no update online or text/email even though I signed up for them. And when I click on them for an update it just tells me the same thing as when I signed up, that they received them and sent me my NOA1s. But saying that, that doesn't really help you if you initial record number doesn't work!

Edited February 4, 2010 by lovelyalex

[IGWright 0]

We didn't get around to calling, but we did get our interview letter!!! March 5! Definitely were NOT expecting it yet, we've been on the lookout for the EAD! So, another reason to believe there is no formula whatsoever with the online activity. But we are VERY happy and grateful to have the appointment.