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.
The wait is soo hard… It hurts:(
Anybody got receipt from 8kmiles?
did anyone got from wipro ?
Any one receiving updates from TCS??
No.. still waiting..
Anyone from Mphasis India RP ?
i would like ask the guys who were picked in lottery. Did ur employer immediately after the cheque is encashed r they waited until the reciepts come. Ur answers will be soulful for the waiteeeees… Thanks
After they get the receipt number they informed me
adamwaiting4u:
My receipt was generated on 25th April but my employer informed me only when they received it formally on 11th May and did not disclose anything prior to that.NONAD/RP/1st Time/Single Petition/VT.
Hope this helps.
Check not encashed yet. No hope for this year?
Checked my SEVIS status and was told it’s still active. Is there any hope left for me or shall I start packing? First time applicant. AD/Regular/Vermont. My lawyer told me that they received a few receipts last Friday 5/8/2015. Please reply! Thank you!
which firm are you? Sevis might not be the best way to check your status. Even people who got the receipt #, their status didn’t change either till later time. So I would say you have hope! I’m still at the same boat with you haha
I got my receipt today. But my SEVIS hasn’t changed. So SEVIS# is certainly no the best way to know about ur selection
can u share your first and last name 2 letters? was your check already cleared or got cleared today itself.
Just got notice from pwc lawfirm! AD/RP/VT, after long days, finally I can go out to drink to celebrate! goold luck to you guys!
Do you know if anybody with Bachelor’s who got the receipt yet at PWC?
yes. I know someone non-AD just got email from Canada law firm this morning..
Congrats! Can you provide more details? What was the receipt date? Did you receive an email or you found out from INSZoom?
I think this is posted by my friend and when he got email they told him inszom is updated for receipt notice, but 30min before he got email, inszom was not updated, so I guess they update it then send out email..
This wait is getting longer and longer. Do you know anything about what Pwc does if someone doesn’t get through lottery and OPT has already expired?
I spoke to recruiter – she said once your OPT expires the company does nothing, you just have to quit…. Anybody from NYC heard?
What state are you in?
Califirnia!
Finally the wait is over for me-My employer informed I was picked up and mailed me the receipt as well today-11th May 2015.It was NONAD/RP/Single Petition/1st time apply.Thanks everyone here for being with me throughout the wait cycle and sharing your thoughts,concerns and queries.I wish everyone here Best of Luck.
Guys are so tensed here that even they are checking mails at this time zone:) So cant blame anyone.HR’s has no personal gain in sending out mails in late or early hours.
hey, what’s your last name 2 characters. My friend is still waiting and we are really curious for him.
Congratulations and all the best
Thanks and All the best:)
hi which center u have applied.
It was Vermont Service Centre (VSC).
any updates from WIpro?
guys
any news of any new PP? just asking, I know its almost over, tomorrow is 11th
I have applied 2nd time and unfortunately no update till now.Hope its finished.Goodluck for all the selected candidates.
Hi,
Can you please let us know out of 65,000 general cap how many have got their receipts till date ? so that we can have a picture on how many are still yet to receive. At least the percentage of receipts received out of 65,000 will be helpful if not the exact count. Thank you for the great blog, definitely an useful stuff.
Regards,
VijiB
Nobody can guess to find how many received and how many did not receive their receipts as there is no system to consolidate this.
Guys chill we’ll try next time to meet those multiple application submitters in US…
Non AD/RP got through the lottery 2nd time . feeling relaxed now.
My employer dont want to share case number , but happy to sail through lottery process.
All the best
I am loosing hope day by day… till what time can we wait for lottery result.. Non-AD/ RP from India.
My friends from cts were received their receipt numbers by last week monday and wednesday from california centers for regular processing. Is it over or still any chances are there?
Are there anyone who applied H1 through Splendtek ?
Are there anyone who applied through Splendtek consultancy?
I did..applied for PP..but no news yet abt picking my application..what abt u?
I contacted hr..she asked me to wait till june..
I applied through RP. They said that they didnot get any list yet and not responding to my call now.
I am having serious doubts abt their genuinity..dont know..for pp they said..they hv informed those who have been picked..i am still hoping for some positive news..
Are they not genuine? Do u know anyone who got their petition picked from splendtek?
No idea..if anybdy has been picked from their consultancy…is der anyway to find out i..if my application has been filed or not?
I too don’t know.. Since friday they are not picking my calls.. Can you once try reaching the HR again..
I guess its coz of being a weekend…but i am going to call them and find out..
Please do let me know if you get to know any info.. Also if possible please do enquire if the RP list is out.. This tension is unbearable..
I understand..we r sailing in the same boat..will inquire nd let u know
U mean to say who ever gets in June first week are only the rejected cases.but on daily basis few people saying mine got picked… let’s be practical and realistic… what’s the exact last day r month we can expect our results
applied with more than one application… will they be rejected in lottery i thought they’ll have more probability… i jus applied with only one genuine application. My employer asked me to wait until june first week
I think they still got selected. Infosys is one of these companies that sends multiple application, and I can see people from there who got selected.
First week of June would be the time that return packages would arrive, rejection notices. Based from my experience last year.
So guys u mean to say… People who applied with more than one application… will they be rejected in lottery i thought they’ll have more probability… i jus applied with only one genuine application. My employer asked me to wait until june first week
Anyone from smartplay, Bangalore got any update from HR?
No update from Smartplay HR yet, I am waiting too.
SmartPlay, Bangalore has already sent email to selected candidates and I am one of them. on 6th May evening I received email and even other friends of mine as well. Who knows, they may be waiting for new list but check with HR once.
Hi,
Are you an employee of Smartplay Bangalore or an Outsider who is applying through SP?
Is yours Regular processing or Premium Processing.
I know mine is gone case, but they are not giving any update regarding my petition.
Approved.
Non-AD/PP/CSC – 2nd attempt – Single Application
On May 8, 2015, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC15135XXXXX
Oh what a luck
May8th and PP, congrats !!!
Hope gets alive again, I am waiting for a PP too
Hi Frnds,
This year I have filed 3 H1B petitions from 3 different employers. but till now , did not get any updates from them. Bcoz of multiple applications, mine got rejected? any one is der with my situation.
Duplicated applications are not entered in the lottery. Submit only one or you did all the work in vain.
Wondering, if some one suggested you to file multiple applications or its your own decision based on lot of ground works.. either way wont work out at all 🙂
Duplicated application will not be taken into consideration for the lottery. Then, where is the point of selecting them in the lottery. So, apply single application and get a chance to be selected in the lottery.
all the best.
I filed 2 from 2 different employers. 1 got picked. If u file duplicates tru same employer, they won’t be considered.
I filed 3 from different employers.. but till now no updates..
You made urself unlucky 🙁
Got receipt now from my employer. Vermount center non ad RP. All the best guys.
lately, some are still talking about PP wishlist, is it still valid?
who got the last PP, anyone still getting PP? I applied for PP and NO responses yet. I thought its over, no receipt nor cashed
please confirm, would appreciate.
Finally, petition got approved.
All the best guys !
Are you on PP? Masters or Reg cap?
when was your cheques cashed and is non ad – regular?
Can you tell me whether you were Non-AD/RP ?
I am Non-Ad/RP, when is the expected time for petition approval ?
I came to know that i got selected in lottery on 28th April.
When can we expect receipt notice?
Is there anyone waiting for Non-AD/Reg waiting for their receipt…
Thanks in Advance
I am selected in H1B lottery through a consultant, but my current firm in India wants me to file L1A.. Is this allowed?
Yes, Last Action rules.
when is the target date to get the PP case approved?
end of may
It’s 11th May.
Infy guys/gals,
Please post your status here so that we can track how many got receipt till now.
I got it on may 06 in aiims.
Which unit you belong to?
Got receipt number – INFYCIS. regular. all the best to others
From which centre EAC or WAC??
This year my all H1B hope are gone and its final now. Received my package back 🙁
I think USCIS keep sending package back
IBMers in bangalore, did any one get receipt ?
Yes received
I’m a RP my employer as me to wait until june first week. So guys chill still we gotta wait and stop listening to sadist rumours!!!
dont give false hope. your employer has given you and you bought it!
by that time USCIS should start sending back packages not selected in lottery.
All the best…..
Common sense helps.
can someone sponsership me green card or citizenship please?
How many green cards you want? I already have 3 🙂
Hello friends. any updates today?
I applied 3 – not even one selected, what to do?
TCS here. cheers friends
i will try applying 4 application next year 🙂
If you submit multiple applications they won’t be entered in the lottery. It does not increase your chances it nullifies them. Don’t do it.
you can file multiple applications from different employers.. it will increase chances of lottery.. but it has some negative shades too..
Anyone from HCL India for the receipt number for regular non AD.
Frustrated with the USCIS system…they just can notify using email who got selected or not……its mental tension and we can’t plan anything until there is any confirmation
as of today, I probably think that we should go with other challenges my friend 🙂
I havent heard anything too and I do believe on 2nd rejection 😀
So, stay strong and go with other plans 🙂
Cheer
btw, I was applied thru a PP, through lawyer by the company, I think this year I lost the chance. I am not in STEM extension and OPT ends in Aug. Anyone have an idea for me?
Here are the options
1-Go back to school.
2-Apply for EB2 while working on CPT
3- Get married
4- Go to Canada
5-Go back to your home country
thanks, but
1/did my masters here, dont preferred the phD (longer venture)
2/applying for EB2, how to get the cpt in such short notice?
3/already did
4/canada needs a W-1 visa, is it possible to get a L-1?
5/ of course, a choice indeed.
3- EB2 it’s basically for future Job (Lobor-i-140 then 485). it can work unless you are from INDIA or CHINA due of the priority data is not current.
4-No idea about it.
I am in same boat anyway as this h1b lottery is killing our dream.
Yayy received EAC number just now……Ufff relieved…..
Guys still chances are on…..
NON-AD/RR/VT
Received Date:13-Apr-2015
Notice Date : 13-May-2015
Your receipt came from the future !!!
Back to the Future :S
What do you think? Do we still have hope?
Non AD/RP
I am in same boat.
I think Game is over.
PP is completely over, RP is still on, right?
Maybe
maybe PP is over, or RP is maybe?
PP is over on April 28th
I meant RP maybe still hope until May 15th
Very happy to share that today i got my receipt from Global Mobility @ 3.45pm IST.. God is Great.
My centre was Vermot.. Receipt no EAC1514755***
All the best for ppl who are waiting..
Any idea dealing with the Lawyers, do they inform immediately after receiving the receipt or you have to follow up with them continuously.
My sponsoring company is waiting for lawyer to come back with an answer, should I ask them to follow up!!!!
I am a first time RP/RQ applicant so a bit nervous…
Thank You
Yes ofcourse u shud constantly keep calling/emailing them , coz though my cheque was encashed a week earlier, still they din inform me anything , and then even after receiving t receipt , a couple of days later they informed… I had to email our employer multiple times to find out from the lawyer. These lawyers don understand our situation .
Have applied H1b Non-AD/RP/VSC. I heard VSC center is giving little late response. I am waiting on my H1b. Can i have hope? or It’s done for VSC
Hi Friends,
AD/RP/VT
Yesterday I talked to my lawyer. The check hasn’t been cashed yet. He said chances are very very low. He suggested looking for a very flexible school with low study hours, affordable and that allows you to work while attending.
Any suggestions in the Boston area?
Thanks!
I have applied under Non – ad / RP , Still my cheque is not encashed . Do i have any hopes left , My lawyer says to wait till next week .
same here. I am also Non Ad\ RP vermont center still we have any hopes
Anyone here from AK systems, who got any response?
Anyone from tech mahindra, regular processing ?
Friends,
My H1B application got picked-up in the lottery for the 2nd consecutive time. Last year though it was picked-up in the lottery, I didnt get through due to lack of response to my RFE.
This year…JESUS again did a miracle and my application is picked up in the lottery. I’m sure that He will help me with the approvals too.
Single application Guys(Non-AD/RP/VSC)!!!
Recieved the Ref# on 05th May. Frendz, dont loose hope. Believe in the only living LORD JESUS and all your petitions will be fulfilled because He is an all powerful(omnipotent) GOD and the only GOD.
Bro, why you started showcasing here..i know you are happy but stop saying all the ****** here.
Expecting Something this weekend or early next week… Indian MNC.
Fingers , Body everything crossed.!!