Form I-797, Notice of Action, is issued by the USCIS to communicate receipt or approval of an application or petition. Form I-797A, Form I-797B, or Form I-797C, are acceptable in lieu of Form I-797.
Form I-797A, Notice of Action, is issued by the USCIS as a replacement Form I-94. It is typically issued after an extension or change of status has been approved and the applicant can legally continue to remain in the U.S. Form I-94 can be found at the bottom of Form I-797A. An applicant can continue their stay in the U.S. through the specified date listed on Form I-94.
Form I-797B, Notice of Action, is issued by the USCIS for approval of a noncitizen worker petition. It is issued to applicants who are currently residing in the U.S. and also to applicants applying from their home country. Form I-94 is not issued with Form I-797B. Applicants who receive Form I-797B and do not currently reside in the U.S. must go for visa stamping in their home country in order to enter the U.S.
Form I-797C, Notice of Action, is issued by the USCIS to communicate receipt or rejection of an applications or petitions; transfer of files; fingerprint biometric, interview and re-scheduled appointments; additional actions, and re-opening of cases.
WHAT MAKES IT VALID?
- Name matches passport
- UNL is authorized employer specified on form
- Unexpired (check for validity dates, if any, in Notice Type section)
Information from an employee's Form I-797 is populated in SAP infotype IT0094.
Form I-797 Example
Form I-797, Form I-797A, and Form I-797B all look relatively similar to the below graphic. An example of Form I-797C can be found on the USCIS website.
