INS launches an online case-tracking app

The Immigration and Naturalization Service has launched an application that lets people seeking services from the agency check the status of their cases online. Case Status Service Online is designed to reduce the lengthy waits that people experience at INS service centers, according to the agency, which brought the Web service online late last month.The site, at , provides information in both English and Spanish. Users must provide a receipt number to check applications or petitions filed with the agency. People who do not have receipt numbers must continue to use INS’ telephone inquiry system.IBA of Falls Church, Va. designed, developed and implemented the site for INS. The company said users generated more than 1.2 million hits to the site in its first five days of operation.The feature is part of INS’ program to improve customer service. INS said the service would give caseworkers more time to focus on services that are available only by appointment.