As we have done in previous years, we will track all the H1B visa FY 2016 news and cap count updates on this page. Did you apply for FY 2016 ? Please add your case info to H1B Visa Case Tracker. It is community driven by applicants like you and gives everyone bigger picture on where others petitions are to speak to their employers, USCIS and attorneys, if you feel it is delayed or something is not right.
Update : We are in H1B FY 2017 Season, Check out H1B Visa 2017 Cap Count Updates, News
H1B 2016 News Updates ( Latest on top ) :
- July 14th, 2015 : Official : USCIS announced that it has returned all the petitions that were not selected in lottery for FY 2016. They mentioned that, if you filed a petition for FY 2016 during Apri 1st and 7th, but did not hear anything from USCIS by July 20th, 2015, then you can contact them for details on your case. Check official press release
- May 20th, 2015 : Unofficial : H1B Petitions not selected in lottery have started to return from USCIS. One of our user reported that his H1B package was returned. See below. Check out Sample H1B Rejection Letters
- May 4th, 2015 : Official : USCIS announced that they have completed data entry of all the H1B petitions that were selected in the lottery and receipted them as well. They will start to return those petitions that were not selected in lottery. Read H1B News Alert and Analysis
- April 23th, 2015 : Students on F1 status were reaching out DSO, who in turn checks SEVIS for inquiring about their H1B case details and lottery decision. SEVIS updated that their system is experiencing high call volumes and gave guidance to DSOs to instruct students to check with their employers for H1B receipt numbers and check status on USCIS website. Read H1B Lottery Results – SEVIS Updates DSO. Below is the email sent to SEVIS users.
Source : ILW : ( http://discuss.ilw.com/content.php?4315-News-SEVIS-Asks-Students-to-Contact-USCIS-for-H-1B-Petition-Inquiries )
- April 21st, 2015 : Unofficial update : USCIS has started to send out premium processing receipt notices. Attorneys have confirmed that they are receiving premium processing petitions receipts, also our H1B case tracker is updated with many updating that they are selected in lottery and waiting for case number. You may read H1B 2016 Premium, Regular processing Time
- April 14th, 2015 : USCIS released a news alert saying that they will begin premium processing from April 27th, 2015. What it means is that the the 15 day count starts from April 27th now, instead of May 11th. Read Details on H1B 2016 Premium processing Alert .
- April 13th, 2015 : Official Update : USCIS received about 233,000 for H1B FY 2016 quota and completed computer generated random selection. USCIS conducted lottery on April 13th, first for US Masters quota to select 20,000 petitions and the ones not selected in this were added to the general quota pool to select 65,000 for FY 2016 cap. Read Summary of press release : 233,000 Petitions for FY 2016, Lottery Complete
- April 9th, 2015 ( 11 p.m. PDT) : No official update from USCIS on the H1B Lottery or cap count. In fact, there is no unofficial numbers or words even in the attorney’s community or AILA. Don’t be mislead by the false rumors spread by others on the blog as comments. Stay calm !
- April 7th, 2015 :
- USCIS Released a press note telling that the H1B visa 2016 cap has been reached. There were more petitions received by USCIS than required to meet the H1B cap of 65,000 + 20,000 petitions. USCIS is yet to announce the date of H1B lottery. Check out the Summary of USCIS H1B 2016 Cap Reached.
- April 6th, 2015 (9 AM EST):
- USCIS released a news alert on filing second petitions, when there are Delivery Service Errors. Essentially, USCIS is giving an option to file second petition, if the employer believes that there were issues with the delivery of the original petition filed due to the delivery service. The employer should include explanation for the reason of second petition, with the proof from delivery services, including a request to withdraw the original petition. Read USCIS H1B 2016 news alert Summary
- April 3rd, 2015 : No official or unofficial H1B cap count news from anyone.
- April 1st, 2015 : H1B 2016 season Starts Today !
- March 12th, 2015 : USCIS update – April 1st start Date for H1B FY 2016
Reference Articles related to H1B visa 2016 season :
- H1B Visa 2016 – FAQs – Quota, Sponsors, Cost, Start Date
- H1B Visa 2016 Lottery Predictions, Dates, Results
- How to plan for H1B Visa 2016 ?Step by Step Guide
- How to find H1B Visa Sponsors ?
- How does H1B Visa Lottery Work ?
H1B Visa 2016 Cap Count updates Tracking Table:
| USCIS Update Date | Regular H1B Cap (65,000) | Advanced Degree Cap (20,000) | Analysis and Cap Count Update Article. |
| April 7th, 2015 | 65,000 | 20,000 | H1B Cap Reached |
| April 14th 2015 | N/A | N/A | H1B Lottery Complete -Summary |
| Remaining H1B Cap | 0 | 0 |
I received 2nd RFE, still working on 2nd rfe, not sent documents yet.
Hi Ashlee,
What is the RFE about. Hope it gets approved soon.
Good luck with it.
Hi, I applied for h1b. got rfe in mid-july. My employer responded to the rfe and uscis received on Oct 28th. Haven’t got any updates yet. it’s with vermont center. Anyone in similar situation or have got a response recently, please respond. very anxious and would be good to know of any response.
I am in same situation same centre, still waiting for response.
Is it Regular Processing for you? Mine is RP. Hope we hear from them soon.
Yep mine is RP vermont, sent rfe on Oct 29th, receipt eac1514651***.
What’s yours?
Same here didnt receive update..its says receive Documents on october 7th
Same with me too. Had a query and they received supporting documents on Dec 9th and have not heard back from them. Please post if you have received a reply after new year. Thank you
Oh my God, my case is approved on 23 Nov.Eac series 🙂 RP.
hello,
have you received the i797 and stamping done?
Now , I want my visa should be reject because I am fed up with this waiting. Today after three days I again check USCIS site and this forum. I am not able to stop me for not forget that I got selected in lottory. I want all this stop in my life.
Has anyone got sponsored with Nexgen Technologies LLC in NJ this year? For 2016 quota? Please respond to me and I will save your life.
HI,
My H1B petition was approved in JUNE itself and still it is saying, we will mail to you the original copy of approval. Does any one know, it take that long?
Hi
My petition got approved last week but my Attorney hasn’t received the I797 hard copy yet( they received the approval notice through email though). My case was upgraded to PP a week before the approval, can you please let me know how much time will it take usually.?
Will it be same for Premium processing and Regular processing.? Thanks in advance.
Hi,
it should not take more than 2-3 weeks. YOu can call USCIS, if they have not send it, they will send immediatly on request of your employer.
Hi Prashant,
did you receive the original copy now, i have heard many cases where they are delaying longer.
My petition approved now but my visa sponsor has put a bond of $XXX if not joining and being with him for 18 months. Is this legal under USCIS & US immigration laws?
Hi,
Its almost September end but my case is still in received status. Is anyone else also having the same status?
Sep 24th, I have still the same status of Case Was Received.. I heard sometimes H1b got approved in Feb.
Me too having same status , is this something seen usually.
Below is the status when I check in USCIS site ==>
Case Was Received
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 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.
did you try calling number “please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. ” and check ? Any one asked?
I tried calling the customer care, they said that only employer can raise a request but not a employee….
I am still waiting from 24 sept for approval.got rfe on 23 July.my employer told me for wait….as they also don’t know when USCIS will approve.
My case I’d still in ” case received” with regular processing. there is no update till date.
Please let me know if your case got updated.?
my status of H1 shows ‘case was received’ what is the last date that USCIS will take decision on these H1 cases?
Max oct 1st..max 6 months for regular processing.
Guys, I was waiting waiting for good news all sudden I got the RFE letter asking following details:
1. Evidence pertaining to proffered Occupation
2. Evidence pertaining to Employer employee relationship
3. Evidence pertaining to the Beneficiary’s qualification
is anyone got similar letter asking same set of question? how did you guys handled such question? what is the chance of getting approval.
I am totally tensed now, please through some light on this.
Hi,
I did get RFE but not same as is…but here you go…
1. Evidence pertaining to proffered Occupation
Check with your employer as they do have this
2. Evidence pertaining to Employer employee relationship
Check with your employer as they do have this
3. Evidence pertaining to the Beneficiary’s qualification
Your educational transcripts (For all years)
Hi All,
Case Was Received
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129,
Still it shows the same message.
Any clue how much time it will take?
hi
even my status is the same..no idea..attorney asking me to wait
Hi,
it’s the same with my case.No update yet .
Same here… No clue
Hi All,
Case Was Received
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129,
Still it shows the same message. Actually I have applied for premium processing, my question is –
if it is a premium processing will it take this much time?
Premium processing petitions will be adjudicated within 15 days. Check with your employer and work with USCIS.
H1 b petition get approved, now only waiting documents, then needs to apply for a interview..I think this is process?
Can any one tell about documents which needs to collect for interview?
Hi
My h1b got picked in lottery and now the status is rfe. And I also observe the majority of the picked applications are in rfe status ?. Is USCIS trying to cut down on the number of approved applicants .?. Any idea . ?
Hi Friends,does my previous F1 visa rejections impact on my h1 interview.
pls respond on this .
Thank
Not sure whether it would impact, not an expert on this matter but make sure you mention the same on your DS-160 application.
Thank you
Mine application still showing case was received, while I checked later number of my receipt number, they got approved.
How much they will take and they pick randomly start work on that, as later got approved while my and other below are still in-progress.
My h1b Application status is approved since june 03 2015.
I-129 is approved and we will mail the approval notice.
But till date my employer has not received the approval notice.
Has anyone got the approval notice? How much time it took?
Thanks,
Neha
Hi Neha,
My application got approved on June 19th but I received my original approval notice in the first week of July, about 1-2 weeks after notification of approval. Did you contact your company attorney on the same?
Thank you
even for one of Friend also in same status case approved on jun18 but yet receive hardcopy. for other friend he got approval on june2nd but received hard copy only on mid of August.
Hey,
heard from my employer, my H1B is approved now. it was a non premium petition applied at CA center.
Good luck to those u are picked.
Thanks
Congratulation. Did you receive your case number before you know about your approval?
Yes, its with employer.
Has anybody applied from Clinron?
Tcs guyz?
Any update till now?
I heard 4th list has been shared and my account has released only 1 list till now.
Also its almost start of July and Mumbai FDFU is not giving any update yet.
What should we do now?
Any shortcut??
USCIS has referred my case for RFE. May I know what are the most common cases for RFE as I have provided all my documents without fail. I am bit tensed. This is my first H1B visa. Please advise.
Hi, My employer has applied or H1B visa for which no updates had been received till now. Is there any chance that I could be selected in lottery.
Did anyone applied through Vince Solutions?
Lottery Selection Algorithm got hacked!!!! Lottery to happen again
I applied but no results yet !! So as u said , it means lottery will happen all from first ? If it’s hacked
I don’t think So, Even it has happened. Becoz it is a national Prestige issue and they won’t reveal it
Hahaha…funny 🙂
Sounds real, Thats y ….. All the Visa Appointment are cancelled , since its a prestige- Goverment not ready to inform its hacked & fabricate as Hardware/sW issue. Thinks guys 🙂
Still waiting for receipt no .24-6-15
Any one applied through GCB Services got any updates?
Congrats for getting approval
Anyone waiting with for the receipt number with encashed cheque ??
Yes my employer said that the check was en cashed but I have not received a receipt number
Were you able to get the receipt number on the back side of the encashed check ? My immigration attorney asked my employer to check if there was any receipt number. My employer is looking into it.
oh ..no clue about that , around may 1st they informed that the cheque is en cashed and then no update after that ..
@shwetha …
Any update on the receipt number from ur end ?
Hi! two days back I was informed by the employer that the cheque has been put on hold, cld anyone pls explain what does that mean.
I have received the receipt notice on May 20th and till date my application status is showing “Case was received’. Can anyone know how much it would take to get the approval status as this is my first visa petition.
I received my receipt number in April itself Still waiting for approval. AS far as I know process of approval goes till September.
Hi everyone,
I’ve not received anything yet. Is it fair to assume that I was unsuccessful? My company hired Fragomen in NYC. I believe my application was Non-AD/RP/Vt. Is there still hope at this point?
i got selected.
You mean you got approval notice???
Hi Guys,
Yes, it’s true USCIS started returning the packages. This year’s game is over. My employer “Got the return package today”. Have been going through the same process for few years now, which made me strong enough to end this with a positive note ” THEY DONT DESERVE MY SKILLS & EXPERTISE ”
Be happy and cool.
It’s not the end of the world.
Best wishes to all you out there…
i like the way that you thinks.
Hello Folks,
Don’t keep any hopes.Uscis returning H1B packages from June 15th.
There’s a rare possibility to get receipt no.
for more info: immigrationgirl.com/return-of-petitions-begins-for-unlucky-h-1b-visa-applicants/
Has anyone got receipt number and still waiting for approval notice??????
I am waiting for the return package to negotiate with my employer, or else I can do nothing but waiting….it is frustrating…
Yes i have received Receipt number waiting for an approval
Has anyone got receipt number and still waiting for approval notice? ?
Non-AD/RP/EAC.. still waiting for decision… EAC15142*****
What does ur receipt number start with?
EAC151465****… I received my receipt on April, still havnt got any updates after that.
As I read more about it in the U.S. News media, the violators (read the so-called-consulting companies) are likely to face severe actions for alleged abuse of work visas including L1, H-1Bs and H-4 EADs. Good luck! Nothing is really more worth than screwing up your careers through these visa violators, isn’t it?
Hi Shaan,
Could you please let me know about the name of the employer(consultancy firm) from where you applied for H1-B?…This year I did not get the receipt number yet..so next year I might try with this consultancy..Any help will be appreciated…
Hi All.
I have received the scanned copy of my receipt from my employer. They have already raised the service request to USCIS regarding Being receipt number not updated in the USCIS website. They said that soon issue will resolve. Check also been encashed. I am very happy now.
Good luck for those still seeking for the receipt number.
Hi Shaan,
Could you please let me know about the name of the employer(consultancy firm) from where you applied for the H1-B…This year I did not get any receipt number yet…So next year I might try applying from some consultancy firm…any help will be appreciated…
I have applied H1B visa through US based consultancy via India based offshore team. Have received call from them on 27th April 2015 saying my petition got selected in lottery. I also received reciept number on 28th April 2015. When I checked the receipt number EAC1514252*** in USCIS website it showing validation error as below
“My Case Status does not recognize the receipt number entered. Please check your receipt number and try again.”
When I asked about this with my consultancy. They said that they have received hard copy of Receipt number and they also sent mail to USCIS regarding receipt number missing in their website. They said their legal team is looking in to this issue with USCIS. They Said that I am in to lottery not to worry.
My question is. Will this kind of mistake can USCIS does. How come USCIS forgot to update the shortlisted petition receipt number in their official website.
My employer assured that their legal team sent mail to USCIS and hopefully within 21 working days its updated in USCIS Website. I trust my employer as my few of my friends through to H1B Visa last year 2014.
If any help and advice on this most welcome.
Do you have an update re your case? I am receiving the same error as you til now. My employer told me to just wait since I have receipt number. But I can’t help to feel nervous.
Are there any other who are receiving the same error as me? Thank you.
I too have applied H1B visa through US based consultancy via India based offshore team. But whenever i ask them they say that they do not have any updates and are waiting. Having said that, I do not have any reference details.
Is there anyway to get the status using my name anywhere?
Hi,
You need to engage with your employer only. There is no other way to find on your own. As for as my experience USCIS may send the details to employeer till July end. However. By this time, your employer might have few details as per their exp. Some employer will wait till USCIS Officially announce the selected/rejected petions. You should trust your employer
my question is,How come USCIS missed to update the lottery selected receipts number in their website. Were their any such cases like this. I storngly believe the wordings of my Employer as few of my friends got through last year.
Please advice me.
Hi
Have applied H1B visa through US based consultancy via India based offshore team. Have received call from them on 27th April 2015 saying my petition got selected in lottery. I also received reciept number on 28th April 2015. When I checked the receipt number EAC1514252*** in USCIS website it showing validation error as below
“My Case Status does not recognize the receipt number entered. Please check your receipt number and try again.”
When I asked about this with my consultancy. They said that they have received hard copy of Receipt number and they also sent mail to USCIS regarding receipt number missing in their website. They said their legal team is looking in to this issue with USCIS. They Said that I am in to lottery not to worry.
My question is. Will this kind of mistake can dMy Case Status does not recognize the receipt number entered. Please check your receipt number and try again”
Please advice me on this.
My cheque got encashed on May 1st but didnot receive the receipt number yet . Regular / Vermont . Does it generally take this long to receive receipt number ? anyone on the same boat ?
Yes. Our check was cashed on 1st May as well still waiting for receipt number. They take time nothing to worry.
Thanks for the reply ..
But heard that by may 13th , one should receive the receipt number . So was little worried .
@HI 2 …
Any update on the receipt number at ur end ?
Hey ,
My cheque got encashed on May 1st but didnot receive the receipt number yet . Regular / Vermont . Does it generally take this long to receive receipt number ? anyone on the same boat ?
guys is still any body waiting for h1b lottery ? its already second week of june .
yes
Yes, I am still waiting. I applied through indian consultancy on my own.
Is there anybody from Jean Martin?
i want h 1 visa please
Hi all my petition got approved
When did u get the receipt number??
Guys,
I haven’t received any update from USCIS nor my attorney on the receipt, but they informed me that its almost certain that my petition did not get selected and started working on my L1b visa extension which expires in January next year.
I still had hopes seeing the posts, but not sure why my attorney thought otherwise.
Any thoughts/suggestions?
Applied in premium or regular?
Regular
when did u get receipt number ?