It is now possible to check the status of pending Immigration & Naturalization Service applications online free.

Users can can check the status of immigration applications by entering the application receipt number into the INS' searchable database. The status information is updated "regularly throughout the business day," according to the INS site.

The database is also available in Spanish.

Only the most recent status information is available. No historical status information is available.

The database includes status information on nearly 100 types of forms/applications filed with INS Service Centers.