One of the most commonly asked questions on the blog related to H1B petition filings is: “How do I check the status of my H1B petition or case status online? Many applicants are worried about their status, and some say, “It has been four months since I filed, no reply from USCIS, or still my case is in the case received status”.
In this article, we will review how to check H1B Case or Petition status online on the USCIS website and what each of the various statuses looks like.
If you are new to the H1B visa filing process, USCIS is the government entity that accepts H1B registrations online. They also accept H1B petitions for applicants selected in the H1B registration lottery selection process. You can check more details on current H1B season details at H1B Visa 2025 – Lottery, Registration Dates, Quota, News
Before we go into details, you need to understand the difference between H1B Registration vs. H1B petition. Let’s review that.
H1B Registration vs Actual H1B Petition Difference
USCIS has changed the process to apply for H1B Visa from the fiscal year 2021 and they introduced the H1B Registration Process as the first step before the actual H1B Petition is filed with USCIS.
- H1B Registration: It is the online registration submission by an H1B Sponsoring company on behalf of an applicant. It is assumed that they intend to file an H1B visa petition for the selected in the H1B registration process. As part of H1B registration, an employer only submits basic information about the applicant in the H1B Registration Online Tool. The employer does not send any physical packages or forms to USCIS. The H1B registrations are submitted by H1B sponsoring companies as a first step in the overall H1B process.
- H1B Visa Petition: H1B Petition is the actual H1B Visa application package that includes submitting H1B Labor Condition Application(LCA), filing fee, and all documentation related to the applicant with USCIS. Only an applicant selected in the H1B Registration Selection Process, also called as H1B Visa Lottery, are eligible to file the H1B Petition. USCIS sends out a Case receipt notice for H1B petition received by their office.
In the below section, we will focus on the H1B Petition or H1B Case Status to check online. If you are looking for Registration or Lottery status, check the article: How to Check H1B Lottery or Registration Status online
H1B Case vs H1B Petition Status?
Many use the terms H1B Case and H1B Petition interchangeably. In fact, both mean the same. What actually happens is that after someone is selected in H1B Visa Lottery during the registration process, they submit the entire application package with USCIS. Submission of this H1B application package is often called filing the H1B Petition.
After USCIS process the H1B petition, they assign a case number to the same. This is the case number that is used to track the status of the petition. Many call the H1B petition as H1B Case after USCIS issues the receipt number. So, these terms are used interchangeably and both mean the same.
H1B Visa Petition Filing with USCIS, Case Receipt Number
After an applicant is selected in the H1B registration process, the employer has a choice to file an H1B petition on behalf of the selected applicant. If the employer chooses to file an H1B petition, they would file an H1B petition with USCIS by completing the necessary I-129 Form, attaching supporting documents, relevant filing fee, and other information.
After USCIS receives the H1B Petition, they give a case a number for the submitted H1B petition, which is called USCIS Case/Receipt Number. As this number is specific to a H1B petition, it is also called the H1B Receipt Number. USCIS sends a copy of the receipt notice in the postal mail to the H1B sponsor or attorney.
The H1B receipt number is on the top of the I-797C Receipt notice in the first row and first column as shown in the below screenshot. It starts with WAC, EAC, or other letters that signify the service center followed by digits. For more on the what each of the letters mean, read H1B Receipt Number Meaning
Anyone, including the H1B Applicant, can use the H1B Case Receipt Number given by USCIS to check the H1B petition status online on the USCIS website. If you as an applicant do not have a copy of the receipt notice, you should ask your employer or attorney to share that information so that you can check on the USCIS.gov website.
How to get H1B Case Number? Get from H1B LCA?
In order to get H1B Case Number or H1B receipt number, you need a copy of the H1B receipt notice as shown in the above screenshot. Only your H1B employer or Sponsor, including Attorney, would have the H1B receipt Notice.
In most cases, the companies share this receipt notice with the applicant, so that they can check their case status online. You cannot get the H1B Case number without having the H1B receipt notice. So, you must talk to your employer or attorney to get the same.
H1B Labor Condition Application(LCA) is submitted to the US Dept of Labor before the submission of the H1B Application to USCIS. So, this does not have the USCIS issued H1B Case Number and you cannot get it from LCA. You can check the details of an LCA on websites like H1BGrader to see what an LCA contains.
How to Check H1B Visa Case or Petition Status on USCIS website?
Step 1: Go to USCIS Website Case Status link: USCIS Case Status Online.
Step 2: As shown in the screenshot below you need to enter the H1B Petition Receipt number from the H1B receipt notice and click on the button “Check Status”. You will get the latest status of your H1B case after you click on the “Check Status”.
You can also go to the menu and click on Tools and then you will see Case Status Online under the Self Help Tools in the menu. See the below screenshot on where to find it.
Various H1B Case Statuses on USCIS
Each of the H1B applications filed with USCIS can go through many steps and can have various statuses as part of the adjudication process. Let us look at some of the common statuses, such as ‘Case Received’, ‘Request for Evidence(RFE)’, ‘Approved’, ‘Decision Notice Mailed’, and understand what they mean.
USCIS H1B Status – Case Was Received
As soon as USCIS receives your application, they will update their system and it will show the initial status that reads “Case Was Received” in their online system. Below is the sample screenshot. All it means is that USCIS has got your application and they have just receipted the application, next step is to process the petition and then adjudicate the case.
USCIS H1B Status – Request for Evidence(RFE)
For some cases, USCIS asks for more info called Request for Evidence (RFE) and send a letter to your employer/ attorney asking for more details. Many called this in short as RFE or as H1B query too. As per USCIS, RFE means “A request for evidence is made when an application/petition is lacking required documentation/evidence (initial evidence) or the officer needs more documentation/evidence (additional evidence) to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the benefit sought. We may send you a request for evidence at any stage of our review. The request will indicate what evidence or information is needed for us to fully evaluate your application or petition.” If your H1B petition is going through RFE, the online status would look like in the below article.
USCIS H1B Status – Case Approved for regular processing petitions.
If your H1B visa petition was approved, the system would show a status saying “Case Was Approved”, when the application was approved and when they mailed you the I797 decision notice. Here is how it shows on USCIS site for approval.
USCIS H1B Status – Premium Processing, Email
If you filed your application in premium processing, you may see different status update, because the initial update is communicated via email, it would say “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed”. Check the below screenshot for approval status on USCIS for an H1B premium processing application
USCIS H1B Status – Decision Notice Mailed Status (Denial)
Unfortunately, some people get H1B visa petition denials, here is how USCIS would show the status “Decision Notice Emailed” and tell that your H1B was denied. Check the screenshot.
There are many more statuses that an H1B petition can go through, you can check the detailed H1B Statuses, Flow of Status in the USCIS System.
FAQs
Yes, you can, if you have the H1B Case Number given by your employer.
No other options, your employer or attorney filing h1B petition has to share that information with you. If they do not, there is nothing you can do. Most employers share that info.
No, you cannot get it from LCA.
No, you cannot sue the employer to get an H1B receipt number. H1B Petition is employer’s property and filed by them. You cannot seek its details by filing a lawsuit against them.
Well, there is no way you can know just by looking at the H1B receipt number. You need to look at the H1B receipt Notice so that you can be sure that it is yours. The receipt notice has the name of the applicant. USCIS’s online status does not show the person’s details.
You can also check the article on How to check the online H1B processing times on USCIS website to get you an idea of the approximate time to process.
Hi Kumar,
I need to know what is the meaning of 240 days rules? Is it somewhere in USCIS rule? Actually, I have a visa extn I got RFE, my I94 expire mid August,19. Qyestion how long me and my family can stay legally in US?
I really want your suggestions,/ help in this matter.
Regards,
Read Extension Petition 240 Day Rule . L1 also falls under that. Check the reference link for the official document link.
Hi ,suddenly I met an NRI in India he told he will offer me a job in US he took all my details and he told that he filed petition for H1B vissa ,and I asked him the reference number he told that I will be getting that with in 6to 15 days is it true
My petition is in RFE status & my Employer said they will respond to it.
Can Employer respond to RFE with documents, without the notice of employee as the documents are required to be sent by Employee & i haven’t received RFE mail from my employer?
Raghuram,
Yes, they can if they don’t need any information from the employee.
Hello Emily,
My H1B receipt received on April. Still my application is not approved. my status showing as below.
“On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACXXXXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case”
Can you please tell me what is the percentages of cases still approval pending with USCIS.
My employer is saying security check is going. what exactly this security check and how many days it will take.
Thanks
Appu,
Such data is not released by USCIS. So its not possible to know.
After submitting the RFE , approx how much time it will take for next status???
my case still shows as follows
Case Was Received
On April 13, 2015 we received your Form I129, petition for Non immigrant Worker, Receipt No.EAC1514…and sent you receipt notice…..
Is it still under process or is it rejected and dumped.
Regards,
Prashant
Hi Admin,
My Petition got selected in lottery but still showing “Case was Received” Is there any deadline to accept or update status for all the cases?
Any Info ? Kindly let me know?
Thanks
H1B Seeker
Unfortunately, there is no deadline for the status update, unless you upgrade to premium processing. You have to wait, thats the only choice, if it is regular processing.
My case status is still shown as “Received”, but the employer told me that the RFE has been received in my case. Please check with your employer in that case, as it seems like the USCIS website is not getting updated for RFE cases.
Hi My Case shows as “On August 22, 2015, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WACXXXXXXXX. We mailed you a notice informing you of the action we intend to take on your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice and submit any requested materials. If you do not receive your notice by September 5, 2015, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address”.
Please let me know how much time required to get proper information
I traveled from india with the copy of H1B Amendment receipt number, however the amendment is in progress, can I look to changing my employer? i.e. when one amendment is in progress are we eligible to submit another amendment? Please advise.
Hi My case : I am with in USA and applied for H1B transfer on April 2nd 2015, RFE responded . ” On June 23, 2015, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Non immigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACxxxxxxx. Our Vermont Service Center office will begin working on your case again. We will mail you a decision or notify you if we need something from you”. Till today I haven’t got any update.
Hi I am Rajesh. I applied H1B visa for my wife this year through one consultancy in Texas. But I am doubting that they didn’t apply her visa and they just simply pretending that they applied. I recently got an email from them that my wife application is not picked up in lottery and thet sent rejection letter along with that email. When I looked at that rejection letter I felt like it was created by them. I checked with one of my friend (applied through another consultancy) whose petition is not picked and got rejection letter. Both the rejection started with different character. My friend rejection case number started with “VRN”, but my wife rejection case number started with “CRN”, also the copy I got was a black and white PDF, but my friend letter looking like actual rejection letter with all color lettering. Can anyone help me how to find whether my consultant really processed my wife petition or not? and how exactly the rejection case number starts with?
Hi I am Mahesh. I applied H1B visa for this year(2017) through one consultancy in Gujarat. But I am doubting that they didn’t apply my visa and they just simply pretending that they applied. I recently got an email from them that my application is not picked up in lottery.Can anyone help me how to find whether my consultant really processed my petition or not?
Hi I am Divyesh. I applied H1B visa for this year(2017) through one consultancy in Gujarat-India. But I am doubting that they didn’t apply my visa and they just simply pretending that they applied. I recently got an email from them that my application is not picked up in lottery.Can anyone help me how to find whether my consultant really processed my petition or not?
Divyesh,
Ask the employer to provide you the rejection letter for the non-selection in lottery. You can then compare it w/ other sample rejection letters uploaded on this site and elsewhere.
Hi Saurabh,
Is there any other alternate way instead of rejection latter?.
Please kindly let me know if you have any idea.
Thanks
Divyesh,
Rejection letter is the only official way to know for sure.
Hi,
My H1B is picked up in the lottery for fiscal year 2016. and My Employer got receipt for lottery pick up.
But They are still waiting for approval form I-797 from uscis.
Can any one have idea why It is taking too much time?
Thanks in advance.
My status is as below:
can some one please confirm what will be the next step.
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number XXXXXXXXXXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 13, 2015, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Is there any progress in your case.. Even my status shows the same for the month of may 🙁
Is there any progress in the above cases, my shows the same status till date.
REgards,
nitish
Hi,
i got selected in lottery and my status is showing as below since 1 month . can you pls explain me here
Case Was Received
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number XXX_XX_XX_XXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 13, 2015, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
This means, hang tight with patience till August end.
When I checked case status it is showing “Name updated”.
What does it mean?
It’s approved.
How you can say it is approved.
He is wrong. It is not approved. If the petition is approved, the online status would change to “Case Was Approved And My Decision Was Emailed/Mailed” and nothing else.
Hi,
Any update on your case as My status is showing same?Is that approved?
Do you any update after this?Actually I have same status from 9 sep 15
Hello,
Still i didn’t get any info from my sponsor about my H1B status, so how can i get it info through online.
As my employer has not reveled if my visa application was filed under AD/Non-AD.
So by the case number how can I get to know if my application was under AD/Non-AD??
I completed my MS in USA, but i returned back to India after my graduation. Now i donno in which quota did my employer apply my H1B on.
I applied to the h1b visa 2016 and the checks for all the fees was deposited: does that means my visa got approved!?
yes
Hi,
I was told that my company filled H1B this year 2016 and asked PP fee have transfer to them. I have no clue did my company filled petition or not? Is there any way to check my company filled H1B on my name or not?
Thank you,
Bel
I saw in another article on redbus2us this excerpt:
“USCIS mentioned that they will reject and return all the petitions that were not selected in the lottery, along with the filing fee”
So even if your company applied visa for you, then should be getting the visa application fee back – assuming your appl was not approved by USCIS. Unless they are asking for attorney fees, I don’t see the point of it
Hi Bel,
Same case with me.
Hi I am Divyesh. I applied H1B visa for this year(2017) through one consultancy in Gujarat-India. But I am doubting that they didn’t apply my visa and they just simply pretending that they applied. I recently got an email from them that my application is not picked up in lottery.Can anyone help me how to find whether my consultant really processed my petition or not?
Please can you let me know if you got any alternate option for surity.
Thanks
Does it possible USCIS (US Dept. Of Homeland & Security) issue denial letter to authorized agent without issue date on letter and without mentioning I-129 H1-B visa application number for any applicant as our agent has shown it to us for my wife’s application, please advise.
Uscis received response on my case rfe on 29th September and they said they wil rply before 28th November, on 28th nov whn i spoke to my consultant, he said they receive some letter from the uscis office for further detailing, bt the status on the uscis site is still the same with same dates , now i receive a call from my consultant that ‘they have to apeel on my case’ …….. can anyone tell what exactly its mean, m so tensed….. the status is still the same on uscis site (response received, they wil reply before 28th nov) ……pls help guys
Hello Guys,After response to NOID for I-129 H1B Visa, today I See status “We updated your name for your I-129 , Petition for Non-Immigrant worker.” What is this mean..? Please advise.. Iam really tensed…
Hi I got the same status update when I upgraded my processing to premium. Did you find any reason for this?
No Am, Iam stil in regular process only.
Kindly, let me know if you come to know any result of your case. I do not see any forums on this type of case update. Very rare I believe.. You will come to know the result soon since you are in PP.. Pls post ur status if you come to know anything..
All the Best in advance.. May God help us.. RK…
I got the same status today. Did you get an idea of what it means? My case is through the regular process.
Hi jm, Iam Still awating for my case status… On Nov 19 it was showing as “Name Updated”. May Be i need to wait till Dec 19 or Jan 19 since it is regular process. You got the Name Updated status changed from RFE or NOID..?.. I will let you know for sure on my case if i hear anything..!
Hi Am, No i did not find any reason for this. checked with Employer/Attorney they are also new to this type of “Status”.
Please let me know if you come to know any update on ur case and I will also do the same..
Hi Am, Have you got any update on your case please..?
RK, did you get any update, my status also changed on dec 3rd” name was updated” .. iam also waiting
Hi Rats, Iam Still awating for my case status… On Nov 19 it was showing as “Name Updated”. May Be i need to wait till Dec 19 or Jan 19 since it is regular process. You got the Name Updated status changed from RFE or NOID..?.. I will let you know for sure on my case if i hear anything..!
Mine was changed RFE RR to initial review “name was updated” on Dec 3rd .
my case in regular process only.
Hi Rats,
What was ur RFE about..? Mine was relating to End Client letter. Crazy thing is for name update status there is no specific date is mentioned to know the result in USCIS site. Did you check with ur Attorny/Employer what is that status refers to..?
RFE i dont know, its related to employer. but now its initial review “name was updated” (related to Security check clearance)
My Case still on initial review.. ( employer.. security check result is waiting… your case was same like me before ?
What does that mean Security Check Clearance..? I do not see any Initial Review as such in my case.. I just see ” On Nov 19, We updated your name for I-129 Petition for a Non Immigrant worker”. Pls let me know..
HI RK,
Security check means background check
UKJ@ pls let me know do u have any update?
No update .. same status.. i dont have idea about timeframe..
Hi, Any update after “Name was Updated” ? I also got this status today after a RFE RR from NOID
Am, any updates? what hapenned to urcase
Hi RK,
Do you have any update now?
I got the same status on “Oct 27, we updated your name for I129”. But no update still.
Any luck? any specific meaning about the status?
Hi Sara,
No Luck, Still waiting for the result.. I believe you are waiting for the same almost 2 months now.. Not sure what exactly “Name updated Status” means.. Since it is Christmas /New Year season for them .. We may expect more delay till Jan end. Please let us know if you hear any good news.. I will also do the same..
Hi RK, sara,
anyone got the update on name was updated?
thx,rats
Hi Rats, Unfortunately my case got Denied on 24th. I Wish you all the best and good Luck…
Hi RK”
I got denial update from my employer… but in uscis site still its showing name was updated…. I do not understand that how my employer is saying it was denied since in USCIS the status was ” name was updated”
Rk, sara
Sorry to hear . both cases r name was updated on security check only
.mine is same still waiting
Rats,
Do you have any update now.
Hi sara, no update yet still waiting. dont know how many days will take .. do you have any idea?
Guys ..any hot updates???
Hi, Any updates? I am in the exact same situation
@Lanchister
I am a H1b holder , but didn’t get a chance to travel yet. Would like to know if i change my job then my new employer would be able to transfer my H1B or there would be some legal issues since i didn’t travel even once with my current employer.
Changing employer while in India is legitimate and easy process ?
Need kind help as I am badly stuck.
Can someone please let me know further action plan as i got mail saying that
Application Type: I129 , PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORK
Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity
On July 9, 2014, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.
Wait for hard copy of approval. It normally takes 14 days to reach hard copy of approval to your employer. After that your employer can schedule for your visa interview.
should I expect all RFE or additional information requests sent directly to my lawyer, case is still in the initial review stage and haven’t gotten any mail yet. Thanks
Hi,
Did the USCIS send all the Application Numbers Picked up in the Lottery??
I am worried as I haven’t heard anything about my application, Whether Picked up in Lottery or Not? It’s already mid-June, Usually what would be last date to hear about the application numbers? I am also worried whether the Employer submitted my application or Not??
Is there anyone? who is in the same situation as me?
Thanks!
Thank you
Hi Blossy,
Hi I am Divyesh. I applied H1B visa for this year(2017) through one consultancy in Gujarat-India. But I am doubting that they didn’t apply my visa and they just simply pretending that they applied. I recently got an email from them that my application is not picked up in lottery.Can anyone help me how to find whether my consultant really processed my petition or not?
Please let me know if you can find alternate way to check our employer really submit petition or Not.
Thanks
Hi,
My application was picked 2 weeks ago so I asked the company to provide me with the EAC case number but they haven’t provided it yet. How long does it usually take for the employer to recieve the EAC case number.
Hi,
I have not received the Receipt # yet my H1B was filed under Regular processing.
Does this mean the case is not selected for lottery or generally it takes time for USIC to respond back ? I am worried and confused as some says that USIC will continue to send the receipt# by Mid of June, is this true ?
Hi ,
This is Sam.One of the employer applied me a H1B VISA in April 2014.Still I didn’t get any update regarding lottery whether my application is picked or not from USCIS.
Please let me know still is there any chances to hear good news..?
Waiting for your reply, thanks in advance
Same here. It sucks!
Can anyone let me know if the lottery selection process of H1B visa is completed. The reason why I am asking this question as neither me nor my employer has heard back on it, the visa fee check is still not cashed, also we haven’t either got the visa fee back. So wondering if the lottery selection process is still in progress.
Same case here.
I’m too. I am still waiting for the result.
Same with me. Getting no information, even if it is denied they should inform me. Waiting this long really sux
I have applied through a consulting company and i received a receipt number(WAC-XX-XXX-XXXXX). Does that mean my H1B application got picked in the lottery? I have also checked the status in website today and it says “Initial Review”. How and when do i know if it is approved/rejected?
Dude, plz use some common sense. this is the dumbest question i seen on this blog.
Yes, That means your application was selected in the lottery..
keep looking for status change in the website.. some times your employer get notified earlier than the wesite status udate…
You can get denied for being dump.
Like your words! He pretends to be dump.
Hi,
My H1B was picked up in the lottery for fiscal year 2015 and i was keeping a close watch on the tracking. From “Initial Review status” the status got updated to “Post Decision Activity”. Does this mean an RFE came on our petition? or Is that a denial?
Although there was a separate status defined for RFE “Request for evidence’, the petition is not clocked at that point. Please clarify what signifies this direct movement to “Post decision Activity” ?
It was mentioned that the notice is mailed, my employer os yet to receive it.
I’d say good news is coming your way 🙂
Hi Hema,
My case is same. I got the same update today for my status. Can you please help me here with your experience.
Hi,
My application was picked 2 weeks ago so I asked the company to provide me with the EAC case number but they haven’t provided it yet. How long does it usually take for the employer to recieve the EAC case number.
Thanks
Raj
My H-1B application was filed on 1st April, but my employer said that the cheques are not yet cleared. How long it take to cash? When we come to know that petition is selected for lottery or not?
I have applied through a consulting company. I asked them the tracker number, they replied that , it will only be generated only after the submission of the application? Is it correct or do we get it before its being picked up in the lottery.
Thank you.
Regards,
Selvan
You will get the receipt number only if it gets picked in lottery. Otherwise USCIS returns the package along with the fee cheques submitted. There is no way to check the status till you receive the receipt number for your case. This online tracker is of no use till then. For normal processing, it might take anywhere from end of April to Mid may for the announcements to be made.
nice one but will there be any date before which we will know if our h1 application is selected or not
Sometimes, the cheques are submitted to bank if it is picked in the lottery and intimation comes to the respective attorney or employer later. This is the only other way to know.