IFSS recommends that you retain all I-797s for your personal records.
- I-797A: This is the approval notice for the I-129 petition that IFSS submitted on your behalf that requested a change of status or extension while you were inside the U.S. The I-797A is issued as a replacement Form I-94.
- I-797B: This is the approval notice for the I-129 petition that IFSS submitted on your behalf that requested consular processing. Consular processing means you are outside of the U.S. (or will travel outside the U.S.), and you will apply at a U.S. Department of State consulate abroad for a visa stamp in order to enter the U.S. in your newly approved immigration status. Exception: Some Canadians do not need a visa stamp to enter the U.S. (see more information on the Department of State website here).
- I-797C: This is the original receipt notice for the I-129 petition that IFSS submitted on your behalf. This receipt means that USCIS has received the petition, cashed the check and begun processing the application.
Dependents
If you have a dependent family member in the U.S. who has filed an I-539 petition together with your case, USCIS will issue a separate receipt notice for the dependent family member to the mailing address listed on the I-539.
Additional Resources:
USCIS Form I-797: Types and Functions