Case Tracking
USCIS Event Codes Decoded: What DA, LEA, FNA and Others Actually Mean
May 2026 · by vvibecheckk · 9 min read
When I first downloaded my USCIS case JSON data, I saw a long list of cryptic codes — DA, LEA, FNA, MA70, H008. There was no official explanation anywhere. I spent weeks cross-referencing community posts, tracking down NIEM schema documentation, and comparing notes with others going through the same process. This guide is the result of that research.
These event codes are logged by USCIS's internal system (called ELIS) and represent every action taken on your case. Understanding them can tell you exactly where your application stands — far more precisely than the generic status messages on the USCIS website.
How to Access Your Event Codes
Your case event log is available through the USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov. You can download the raw JSON data from your case page. Once you have it, paste it into the Case Parser on this site to see a full, human-readable timeline.
Receipt & Initial Processing
H001Case Created — your application has been entered into the USCIS system.
IAFReceipt Letter Emailed — the receipt notice was sent to your email address.
IAAReceipt Notice Sent — Form I-797 mailed to your address on file.
FSA0Database Checks Requested — initial background check process has started.
FTA0Database Checks Received — initial background checks are complete.
FT0Officer Processing Begun — an adjudication officer has started reviewing your case.
Biometrics (Fingerprints)
Biometrics are required for most green card and EAD applications. The codes below trace the full fingerprint lifecycle. I remember waiting anxiously for FNB to appear — once it showed up, it meant my biometrics were actually recorded and I wasn't just stuck in scheduling limbo.
FNAFingerprint Appointment Notice Ordered — the appointment letter is being prepared.
IMAFFingerprint Appointment Notice Sent — you should receive your biometrics appointment letter soon.
FNBFingerprints Taken — your biometrics were collected at the ASC.
FNGFingerprint Processing Complete — Match Found.
FNHFingerprint Processing Complete — No Match Found.
MA70Biometrics Received from ASC — your fingerprint data has been transmitted to the processing center.
H008Biometrics Reused — USCIS is reusing biometrics from a previous application. No new appointment needed.
Interview
Not all cases require an interview. Employment-based I-485 cases are frequently interview-waived at NBC. Marriage-based cases almost always require one at a local Field Office.
FHPlaced in Interview Queue — your case has been flagged for interview scheduling.
FHBReady for Interview Scheduling — scheduling is imminent.
FJInterview Scheduled — your interview has been booked and the notice is being prepared.
IMInterview Notice Sent — the interview appointment letter has been mailed.
HGInterview Conducted — your interview has taken place.
FKAInterview Descheduled — the interview was cancelled by USCIS.
FMInterview Rescheduled — a new interview date has been set.
Approval Codes (The Ones You're Waiting For)
DA✅ Approved — the adjudicator has made an approval decision and the notice is being prepared.
DB✅ Approved & Certified — approval finalized.
IEA✅ Approval Notice Sent — Form I-797 approval notice has been mailed.
IEE✅ Approval Letter Emailed — approval notice sent to your email.
IEC✅ Welcome Notice Sent — you are officially a permanent resident. Congratulations.
Card Production & Mailing
After approval, your green card or EAD card goes through a production process at a separate facility. The LEA code is the one everyone refreshes for obsessively.
LAACard Request Sent to Print Server — production has been initiated.
LBACard Order Received at Production Facility — card is queued for printing.
LDA🟢 Card Produced — your green card or EAD has been printed.
LEA📬 Card Mailed — your card is on its way. Check your mailbox in 7–10 business days.
LFACard Returned as Undeliverable — check that your address is current on your USCIS account.
Denial & RFE Codes
FBA⚠️ RFE Notice Ordered — a Request for Evidence has been prepared. Watch your mail.
IK⚠️ RFE Sent — the Request for Evidence has been mailed. You typically have 87 days to respond.
II⚠️ Notice of Intent to Deny — USCIS is considering denying your case. Consult an attorney immediately.
EA❌ Denial Notice Ordered — a denial decision has been made.
IFA❌ Denial Notice Sent — the denial notice has been mailed.
Transfer & Hold Codes
BCRelocated to Field Office for Interview — your case has been transferred to a local office.
BARelocated for Processing — transferred to another service center.
FSAdjudication Hold Placed — processing is paused pending further review.
FRAdjudication Hold Lifted — processing has resumed.
KHLitigation Hold Placed — your case is affected by an ongoing legal matter.
💡 Paste your USCIS case JSON into the Case Parser to see all your event codes decoded automatically in a chronological timeline.
⚠️ Event code interpretations are based on community research and NIEM schema documentation — not official USCIS publications. Codes and their meanings can change. This is not legal advice. Always verify your case status at
my.uscis.gov.
V
vvibecheckk
Green card holder. Went through F-1 → OPT → H-1B → I-485. Built Immigration Tools Hub to make the process less confusing for everyone going through it.