As I read the comments on our H1B Visa 2016 page, I can empathize what all emotions everyone are going through…some happy to be picked in lottery, some anxiously waiting for the result, some frustrated with the wait…some upset with the overall system and how it is abused… some swearing at others as they abused the system…when someone posts a comment telling that they have received the case number, the anxiousness or pressure among the ones waiting goes up by a big factor…Let me shed some light on the reality on the premium processing and regular processing times from a historical standpoint, so that all of you have a realistic expectations.
Let’s be realistic about results of H1B Lottery? About 2 in 3 H1B petitions would be rejected !
I can imagine all the pain everyone has to go through, but let’s be realistic folks…Unfortunately, H1B is a lottery and only 85,000 petitions are selected from 233,000 petitions received for H1B 2016 quota. Not being too picky on the precise probability…Just about 1 in every 3 H1B applications will be selected in the lottery process. It is very harsh on many who have spent thousands of dollars studying in US and on many who have been working at MNC companies waiting for years to get an opportunity to work in US, including many others like H4 holders who have found a job, sponsor and waiting to work…but unfortunately, it is the truth and reality…so, do not get disappointed with the results, it has nothing to do with your talent or hard work! It is pure gamble and luck…Not getting in H1B lottery is not the end of the world, stay positive…if you get it, great…if not, maybe there are better things that are coming for you in life ! Anyways, enough of the lecture 🙂 …
Keep the above truth in context and read below…
H1B 2016 Premium processing time – Case Receipts, Typical steps.
USCIS originally mentioned that the premium processing for FY 2016 applications will start no later than May 11th, later they issued a news alert that the H1B 2016 premium processing will start from April 27th. Some of our readers are receiving the case receipts for the premium processing applications. You can check the status of selected petitions in our H1B Visa Case Tracker ….But, if you have not received your case receipt yet, you do NOT need to be in panic…You still have a week or so to get the premium processing receipts.
Usually for premium processing, the employer/ immigration attorney will get an email from USCIS informing about your H1B case with the receipt number. You can use that receipt number to track the status at USCIS site . Ideally, all the receipts of selected H1B petitions should flow in on or before April 27th, or at least by 30th of April. Having said that, sometimes they may keep coming in the first few days of May too. What USCIS has promised is that the 15 calendar day premium processing SLA or Clock starts from April 27th. What it means is that the premium processing petitions have to be adjudicated by May 11th ( 15 calendar days from April 27th ). Also, one catch is that, if say your petition ends up in an RFE ( Request for evidence) while the adjudication of the petition, this will halt the premium processing clock for your petition and will restart after the RFE response is submitted by employer.
All in all, what I trying to articulate is that, just do not get nervous or more anxious when someone posts a comment that they have got the receipt and you have not. The lottery is done, if you were selected, you will get it…nothing will change that…stay positive!
H1B 2016 Regular Processing Time –Case Receipts, next steps
Typically, H1B petitions filed under regular processing do not have any mandatory SLA from USCIS, unlike in premium processing. They can take their own time based on their work load. This is one of the most frustrating things many regular processing folks experience as they have to wait a lot of time… Anyways, if your regular processing petition was selected in lottery, your employer/ attorney would get the H1B case receipt notice in traditional postal mail from the USCIS. There will NOT be any email receipt notice. You as an employee needs to be in close touch with your employer/ attorney to know the status of your case. If you were selected and your employer received the H1B receipt notice, the receipt notice will have the case number, which can be used on the USCIS website to check the status of your case.
As there is NO fixed SLA for the processing of the regular processing petitions, the receipts keep coming in sporadically from USCIS. Typically they would start to arrive from about 2 weeks from lottery date all the way till end of May or maybe even in early June for some cases. Again, this can be very frustrating to keep waiting on this receipts, but there is no choice.
Once you have the receipt number of your regular processing petition, you may upgrade it to premium processing to get the adjudication done in 15 days…but, unfortunately, now you cannot upgrade the case now…you will have to wait for the receipt number to arrive in mail to take any further action like upgrade to premium processing…!
When you see a comment or status on our H1B tracker that regular processing petition case number received, do not panic and get worried about your case… You just need to wait for couple of months to conclude your luck…Over the years, I have seen the frustration of applicants and can empathize the pain that regular processing applicants go through…it is very tough ! All I can say is, stay calm and keep doing your day to day stuff, do NOT stress yourself.
Tracking your H1B Visa Application Case
We have created the H1B Visa Case Tracker with the goal that everyone can see the status of many people like you and have an approximation on timelines. Instead of adding status comments on blog, I request all of you to add your case and keep the status up to date on the H1B Visa Case Tracker as your case status changes…We will try to enhance, for more options..
Have you applied for H1B last year ? Any words of wisdom for new H1B filing candidates ? Share your thoughts.
Non-AD/RQ/VT. just checked with the company and check is not encashed as of 4th may. with the announcement from USCIS, on 4th may, saying they have completed the data entry, does it mean my application is not through the lottery? anyone else in same situation?
I was informed by my employer that the check was encashed last friday. Waiting for the receipt. Last year my application was not selected in the lottery.
congrats
Any updates from HCL ?
No update in iAura. Lat update in Iaura on 24th aprilsays, petition files with USCIS
Nothing i Iaura yet…checking mails insanely
I Aura is hopeless..even the filing thing was updated on 24th April in my case…i.e. 2 weeks after the lottery…
But this habbit of updating things too late will keep HCLites hooked up with hope for a longer period
any hope after data entry
Hi, This is god. I filed one genuine application. My check is not cashed, does it mean it’s over.
Did anyone from heaven got their application picked?
I got a confirmation from my employer that I was picked in the lottery. second attempt, single application. RP/Non-AD.
Good luck to the rest of the folks who are still waiting.
Hi , I checked with my Employer today, they says they are still waiting for my app to be picked. is it mean process still going on or I should leave the hope, Could some one tell me. Thank you.
I got a mail from my employer saying my h1b got picked along with receipt number.when i checked in H1b status i am getting error.is the case i made it or not made it.as per USICS they completed data entry.please confirm.mine is regular processing
Any one from Infosys got receipts? Have GI started updating the status
I am from Pune Infosys DC. Haven’t received any updates yet or haven’t heard from anyone who got selected. If anyone from Infosys has any news then please reply.
Yes, receipt numbers are being disclosed in infy pune dc. LSS, IVS, ECS-ADM and few from RCL-BI have already started receiving.
Yes… @InfyTvm – Some are received the updates in AIMS.
I got my h1b receipt no today…does that mean I am picked in lottery..the USCIS website says case no received
My employer says, Acknowledgement had been received for my petition. What does that mean? My petition got picked in lottery?
Y don’t u ask that to your employer instead of the forum. How thick can you be man?
Yeah, i did, but nothing concrete answer i received. Thought people might share their thoughts
Hi – Any wipro guy here with some result ? Basically I feel these large companies intentionally dont pass this info to employee immediate. So, v people hav 2 wait a bit longer
they will start sending email from 11th May .
Hi I am from Wipro, i am also waiting for the result…
same here
Any one from Capgemini Mumbai got the Lottery selected E-Mail
So this is probably a stupid question, but can someone please clarify what the receipt means? I got a letter saying on April 13 USCIS received my application, and they will let me know if I’m approved. It had a case number (WAC something). I though this just meant that they received it before closing the application window. Reading through the comments it seems if you receive a case number, that means you got through the lottery. Can any verify (preferably with a link) that if you received a case number, you got through the lottery? Thanks.
yes, congrats.
just relax and wait….
@Monkey : If someone don’t know about the process better give them some knowledge.
we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1514XX-XXXX. If you move, go to bblah.. to give us your new mailing address.
What does it mean? Any one plz?
Cannot believe somebody filled a H1B for that kind of monkey… a slot thrown to garbage…
Lol. I love a troll.
Dude with the original post,
Their words are pretty straightforward. They found a problem with your name and they fixed it. If the address mentioned on the form changes, go to the link and let them know. In your case, please just talk to the lawyer if you want to move.
still keeping faith in God….
I got reciept today.
Non AD/RP/CA
Do not rely on VISANOW low firm.
Why not? I used their service and got picked in the lottery. No complaints.
Got receipt number today.
EAC15144 5XXXX
RP/NAD
hmm, AD/RP, nothing noted from lawyer..
Probably 2nd time not picked 🙂
I should pack my stuff 😀
Today I received my h1b petition through mail. This is my second time. Hope every one will get the same
Received date : April 13
Notice Date : April 28
Receipt from California center ….
The USCIS announcement means, in my opinion that all the petitions were selected and were sent a receipt. So, if you check has not been cashed yet it’s game over.
If you don’t know about your check situation, in PP there’s a small chance the attorney’s e-mail got a typo and they are still to receive a hard copy in regular mail (really small chance) or they already got your receipt and just didn’t warned you.
In RP as they probably have been sending receipt’s trough regular mail it might take a week or two to your attorney receive the hard copy, a little bit more hope there.
Hope this help you guys deal with it.
Is anyone else from CTS US waiting for their receipt? I did not hear anyone getting it as of today. Are they planning to send the receipts at once for US associates or no one got selected?
yes
I meant Im still waiting for the email. Is there still hope ?
me too waiting. I am also in L to H conv. I see cts people in india getting receipts. None in US reported getting receipts.
I read lot of posts in forums that ppl in India receieved the receipts. I hv started losing hope. Plz let me know here if you get any news. Thnx in advance
i think we should wait till may 15th …after that its over
My L to H conversion has been approved. Applied in Premium this time for the H1. Second attempt.
Got my receipt last Thursday. I believe you should wait for one more week.
Are you L to H in US ? Did you get the email from India team or US ?
My L to H conversion has been approved. Applied in Premium this time for the H1. Second attempt.
are you from CTS US
Yes I am
Congrats 🙂 Which center?
Vermont
Valid logical question can anyone reply? it will helpful for the forum tail enders
Yes- this is a valid update from the USCIS website. You should not loose all hope though. They might have sent out some receipts on Friday/Monday which may take a day or two to reach. Pray to God and do not get disheartened.
+1
I do agree
THE JOURNEY ENDS HERE……………
GOODBYE USA dreams
Last hope gone……………………………………….
how stupid it is? How can journey ends if you don’t get h1?
Please be realistic and keep hopes.
journey means….the anxiety ….the urge to check this blog every 10 mins….its gone now….
life itself is not deterministic ….but hopes keeps ones moving towards his goal
still any chance for rp?
Maybe not. 🙁
Its all over man ….
Are u guys nuts…if u guys really doesn’t know how to read please shut your PC down…..where the hell did you hear they stopped sending receipts…..plz don’nt make others loose hope…it mean they finished entering in their data base …..
it means, all the 85k app cheques got en-cashed? I dont understand it exactly. Any help please? I can’t take this tension any more.
Some last batch receipts are in mail. By the week end delivery would be complete.
Another bull-crap. You lose hope when you receive your rejection package. Till then, live your normal life and wait. This has been answered multiple times.
grammarist.com/usage/loose-lose/
as per announced, uscis has completed sending out receipts numbers for selected applications? is that what it means? could someone please throw some light?
wait for another 2-3 days
Just got a mail that USCIS completed data entry today. So is there any more chance of getting a reciept?
Are u guys nuts…if u guys really doesn’t know how to read please shut your PC down…..where the hell did you hear they stopped sending receipts…..plz don’nt make others loose hope…it mean they finished entering in their data base …..
Yes they have mentioned that they will start sending rejected ones …
Stop waiting people … It hurts 2nd time 🙁 🙁 🙁
Just received an email from employer that my check got cashed. AD/RP/cali center
Did you receive receipt yet?
S machi I think so….RP people can wait till may 2nd week!
Is anyone waiting for rejection (at least) AD/PP/CAL ?
I have NO NEWS!
AD/PP if you haven’t heard till now, it’s not selected for sure
Hi guys,
I am a AD/RP/CA case. My employer told me the check has NOT been encashed. Do I still have chance?
Yes you do.
RP receipts will keep coming in for a few more days. Hang in there till you either hear back with a receipt or the package returned.
I’m not sure this means what you think it does. This is what I think:
“Vermont, Regular, Bachelors cap: 13% of cases so far were selected (last year was 48%)”
This probably means, 13% of total applicants were selected. It probably doesn’t mean that 87% is still to be processed. Perhaps the remainder 87% has been rejected? And 13% was the MAXIMUM they could select? We never know. 13% of WHAT matters, I guess.
Thoughts?
I have lost hope 🙁
My employer called me @ Sat evening EST time to let me know that he got the USPS mail. Not sure if USPS delivers emails on sat, but he said he has the receipt in hand. thanks God for making it happen. it is so kind of you…
details : non-AD/RP/VSC/1 Petition
Guys plz keep hope… snail mail is taking time, so keep ur confidence…
Thanks to God! The wait for 3 years is finally answered. had been a silent reader here for a longtime and i always woe to the great encouragement given by every one in this group…!
Congrats and all the best for your future.
Those who are unlucky, try to get more offers which can increase your chances of selection in lottery atleast next year. Eventhough it seems more unfair, but system is forcing to do that.
My employer had filed for premium processing of my petition, and my case was picked on April 16, 2015 and the generated receipt was mailed to the employer.
I checked the case status and it still says “If we accept your case, you will receive a receipt notice. If we reject your case, we will send you an explanation with instructions.”. Since it’s already been well over 15 calendar days since the receipt was sent, how long would it take for my petition to be approved?
Premium clock started April 27th you should get result with in 15 days after 27th April.
And what are the next steps assuming that the petition is approved? Do we need to take any vaccinations like in the case of F1 visa?
In case you find a detailed article regarding the process, please feel free to post it in the comments here.
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC15********, 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 scis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address
Does this mean i got picked up in lottery?
AD/RP/California. Today 05/04/2015 my H4 fee $290 (dependent) check was cashed. Does that mean I’ve been selected in the lottery?
99.9% Yes
NonAD/RP
Check have been cashed 🙂 – Did i picked up for sure?
Didn’t get formal message – how will i get the message? email or regular mail?
What’s now? How the process continues?
Thanks!
when has the check been cashed? today-4th May?
May 4th
Until when can we expect regular processing non-ad receipts?
I am on same boat.
I think game is over , we have to focus on diff plan as this h1b thing is not fair since became lottery and waste of time.
Forget about it and Move on!!
you look more -ve.
expected till 15th May…. so keep up ur confidance
RP and non AD……15th may z last?
My friend got an intimation from the consultant that his application was not picked in the lottery. Any means by which they can get the rejection info?
No I do not think so..
end date for game? May 15th ? any inputs
In my project three people got receipt, when i checked the application tracker for them, it was in the same center and at same date and time the application was filed.
Does that means its over for me? Can any of the experts here help?
no, not yet
For which location? I got it on 29th April….U still have time till min. 15th of May..on rare cases till end of May. So stay put and remain calm…
anyone in CTS US got receipts…
Same question. Did anyone from US get receipts?
Mine got approved on Apr 29.
with which letter your first name starts as per passport
my last name starts with “E”. Vermont centre. Any chance for me?
can you tell their first names starting letter as per passport
Is it alphabetically?
My cousin is As Ag and me Ab Wa (First name 2 character Last name 2 character, filed from same company. He got his receipt and I am still waiting.
looks like game over for us
Any update for H1B from syntel, chennai.
I am also waiting for Syntel updates
game is over!
Right. game is over.
Game is over for pp or RP 🙂 i think for pp game is over rp there is hope till may 2nd week .
IF WE HAVE MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE SUICIDING OR KILLING OTHERS WITH LAST WORD”H1B LOTTETY SYSTEM SUCKS”, I DON’T THINK THERE IS GONNA BE LOTTERY SYSTEM ANY MORE NEXT YEAR~~/JK/
You seriously need to chill out. It’s not the end of the world. I am sure you were not dreaming of H1 since you were a child. Maybe follow other dreams. Just don’t turn your life into a nightmare.
It’s funny, people abused the system with multiple applications and say “I prayed a lot” “My God will help me”. I was just wondering: How controversial is that?
Anyone got update from Datacore company?
RP/ NonAD
Any one in VLSI Verification or RTL Design field got any update or approval notice then please share.
lottery is nothing to do with VLSI/SW/HW. Many guys in VLSI have got reciepts.
Company name?
I’m in ASIC physical design and no news yet..
Hi Anyone from Tech Mahindra for H1b regular processing.
Im from TechM, Mumbai. No update from IBU head so far. But RMG guys have a list of selected and rejected candidates. They might send it to the heads this week.