Earlier today USCIS released a press alert indicating that they are adjusting the premium processing timeline to start from May 12th, instead of May 16th. Let’s look at the summary and what it means to everyone of you waiting for the H1B Visa 2017 Lottery results.
Basics : What is H1B premium processing ? What is the SLA ?
For all the newbies, premium processing is basically an option provided by USCIS to submit their H1B petition by paying extra money of $1,225 USD and the SLA that USCIS guarantees with premium processing is 15 calendar days. Typically, the 15 calendar days starts from the day your H1B package is received by USCIS. They promise to refund the fee, if they do not adjudicate within 15 calendar days. You can read full details on USCIS website
Quick Summary of USCIS News Alert on Premium Processing
- USCIS indicated that the premium processing for H1B Petitions to start from May 12th, 2016 instead of the original guidance of May 16th, 2016
- The H1B Premium Processing Start Date of May 12th applies to both H1B FY 2017 Masters Cap and Regular Cap quota applicants.
- For non-cap subject H1B Petitions, this May 12th start date does not apply, they will process it as per standard guidelines of 15 calendar days from the date they receive it.
What does this H1B 2017 Premium Processing Alert Mean for applicants ?
Basically, it means that everyone who filed their petition under premium processing will need to get their H1B receipt notices by May 12th and adjudication of their petition will complete by May 27th, 2016. I see all kinds of rumors and opinions by everyone saying that “game is over for premium processing folks, if they have not received case number by now”, that is not true. The deadline for receiving receipts is May 12th, you need to positive up until May 12th hoping to get a receipt based on your luck. Don’t be in panic looking at other comments and other blogs or attorney’s opinions. All of the opinions are based on their filings and experience and does not indicate that will be true for everyone…Just stay calm. When USCIS says that the processing is 15 days, it is not that they will take all 15 days and everyone will get decision after 15 days…USCIS will make a decision as they process depending on the complexity of the case, they may approve, issue an RFP before the 15 days window ends.
What does Premium Processing Date Change indicate ?
If we look at past year data, the FY 2016 Premium Processing start date was changed from May 11th to April 27th, which was about 15 days. This year USCIS changed the premium processing start date from May 16th to May 12th, that is just 4 days change from the original date. It tells that the number of premium processing petitions that USICS anticipated for FY 2017 were almost in-line with their processing load estimation. Last year, the number of Premium processing applications were lesser than they anticipated, that why they pushed the date much earlier. But for this year quota, it seems like USCIS received more premium processing petitions than last year…
You can look at our H1B Visa Tracker for some high level status info of others. It is fully anonymous and community contributed data. Please add your case as well, if you filed your petition. You may read What’s Next after H1B Lottery for next steps.
What are your thoughts on premium processing ? What do you think about the news alert ?
[prompt type=”left” title=”H1B 2017 – Latest News Updates” message=” Most recent and complete history of all latest breaking news updates from Official sources like USCIS and Unofficial sources for FY 2017 Season.” button_text=”Latest H1B 2017 News” href=”https://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-2017-cap-count-updates-tracker-news/”]
Reference : USCIS news Alert Premium Processing
Any hope left for NonAD/RP ……applied from Capgemini FS….any CAP FS employees received any notice….
What i see so far are the guys who are getting receipts or people waiting for results.
But didnt heard from anybody that, their cheques are returned. Does it mean that, USCIS first sending cases to selected people and at the end they will send cheques for not selected people?
Last year, USCIS does both simultaneously. So people got their response(either +ve or -ve) in early days itself, but not the case this year. Is there any process changed here?
I’m in non-AD/RP,
I got a call from my employer say that they see USCIS charged fee for my case, but not get receipt yet.
Does it mean I’m picked up. I really confuse about this case.
Some body can give me an advise. Don’t need to encourage me, just say the truth.
Thanks
Why your employer call you although they they have not received?
Anyway, hope you will get the good news soon.
@lucky guy : congrats! you are through the lottery
same was case with one my friend and he got confirmation that his lottery got picked 🙂
So this is just a thought… 🙂
I see some people commenting that they have got, and some say that they havnt.
Do you guys feel that a major lot of results/cheque encashments/receipt is pending or is only a minor part pending ?
Comment below…
An Eagerly waiting aspirant.
Regular Processing/VT
Anybody is from Sanra Solutions got receipt? Please let me know
Anybody is from Catalyst Systems got receipt?
Im with CTS, got an email last night from CTS saying my petetion has been received. Does that mean its selected, I beleive yes, but you guys would know it better.
Case/Petition is received for all the 236000 case filed with USCIS, but the ones getting the receipt no are those picked up in lottery. If you get the receipt number check the status on USCIS page –
A. Case received
B. Received and Approved.
C. RFE
USCIS page showing that My petition/Case was received ..
(i) May i know under what circumstances, they do approval also after lottery.
(ii) Is that mean my petition could get approve with only less chances.
Satish,
The petition is only received at this point. It needs to be reviewed and adjudicated by USCIS. So it may get approved or denied based upon USCIS review. If they need additional information, they will issue RFE and give an opportunity to your employer to respond to it. All selected petitions go through this process.
Thanks Saurabh.. i’ve one more query.
May i know approximately how many days it will take for USCIS to do the approval of my case (if everything goes fine) and send notification for Counselor meeting.
Thanks in advance.
How many of you guys awaiting results / received results of lottery who has got their case filed from ‘Experis’ ?
Can you also please mention the concerned HR name from India or US who facilitated the entire course of this process ?
Also the portal used for filing the case and the current status as per portal ?
Regards,
Anky
I got receipt notice on 14th April for PP application when can I expect approval. Shouldn’t it be 15 days from 14th April i.e 29 april. This new announcement is confusing. Can someone shed more light.
Thanks
Hi Aspirants , Lucky guys and all ,
When is the last date for knowing result for Non-AD /RP H1b ?
Any particular date ?
Thank you
Hi Kumar,
I heard like few of my friends started receiving the receipt numbers of RP applications…
When is the last date to receive RP receipt numbers?? or still process is going on by sending the numbers ….
Can we wait for another week (or) 100% Hopes gone???
Any idea…waiting for your reply and more info. on this…
we still have hopes bro..
keep hoping for the best..mine was non ad/rp..
no update yet from my company so far..
Just recieved receipt number, and it is already approved… I think no more receipt issuing, I guess…EAC1614455165… Thanks God!!!
Hello 🙂
If your potential employer filed for your H1B visa under PP and you still haven’t heard anything from your attorney- is there a chance a receipt could still be issued!?
I have no idea what the mention to 12th of May means- does this mean receipts will still be issued until May!?
Lucky morning today! Got my receipt notice via the lawyer! Non-AD/RP/CA. Was already the 2nd try as didn’t make it through the lottery last year.
For those wondering how the remaining chances are, take a look at the H1b tracker linked on this page. Currently, 15% of all received their receipt, i.e. won the lottery. When all winners received it finally in a few weeks, the statistic will show 30%, if all participants update their data.
My receipt number is not yet known by https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/mycasestatus.do, but that is no reason for concern, as that website is not updated fast.
Ho John Carter,
Are you able to see your status online now? If not is your receipt number starts with WAC16145 ? I am having same issue..
Thanks
BB
Hi , any idea, USCIS announcing lottery results on daily basis or weekly basis. I m non-ad/RP.
Still waiting for result.
What’s the chance of approval after being picked in the lottery?
AD/RP/VT
Receipt date: Apr 11
Notice date: Apr 19
Good luck to all!
@Sean Congratulations…
Thanks! 🙂
Any hope for non ad/pp?:(
Iam anxiously waiting for my results too..
So far have not heard anything from my organization and hope things will be in favor for me at least this year
Did anyone receive any news about Premium processing/ AD lottery in this week?
Please let me know, I am a masters student and still hoping to hear. I am praying for positive news by May12th.
i know one person did actually im also same boat as u lets wait nothing we can do at this moment
Do we still keep hopes ?
Non AD/Regular/VT
Majesty
Yes @FingersCrossedGuy. Never loose your hope… You need to keep praying for your good news.
Thank you brother… 🙂 hopes remain, prayers on….
@FingersCrossedGuy Always Stay Positive… You will get the good news soon before May 12th.
I just cant imagine , God is great ,got good news from my employer
First timer with only 1 petition NonAD/RP/CA
Be positive guys and belive on yourself , God will give you what you deserve.
All the best for all genuine applicants .
Thanks Kumar for this blog.
Congratulations @Ashwini
All the very best @ Fingers crossed guy
hope u will get thrugh
Don’t lose hope FingersCrossedGuy… Yesterday I received a call from my employer saying that my cheque has been cleared… Mine was single application 2nd try Non-Ad RP
Approved!
Just received my receipt notice from my HR 🙂 I can’t be so relieved 😀
AD/PP/Vermont.
FYI — I believe I got the receipt last week only, but my HR was on leave so she sent today.
When was your case picked in the lottery? I am still waiting to hear about my lottery AD-PP-VT
The case status says 13th April. I am not really sure when my immigration firm, Fragomen, or my HR received the receipt.
Congratulations 🙂 I hope to hear some good news abt my lottery too.
Congrats Aadi 🙂
Good Luck..
Is there any possibility that your employer says my cheque is encashed but it is on record of another applicant. I mean to ask if there any possibility that the attorney can shuffle the cheques at their ease during scanning etc?
Non-AD/RP-1st Timer,
Well they are human so they can make mistakes. However, checks usually have a memo field and a cautious employer would mention employee’s name in that field to ensure everyone gets their own check.
Mine is PP/Adv still havent hear back…what time should we expect reply…does PP get sent in MAY?
What is mean by Filling date in h1b tracker details?
My opt ends in JULY 2016 and I haven’t received anything from USCIS. Mine is AD/PP. I am planning to leave country after OPT. I believe I have 60 days grace period though. Last year I received my rejection letter in July. My question is, If don’t receive anything till may 12th, should I assume, that mine is not picked up or should I wait in my grace period till I receive rejection letter ?
PC,
Unfortunately, rejection will be almost certain if you don’t hear anything by May 12. However, legally you are still allowed to work until OPT expiration date and you have until end of 60 day grace period to make alternate plans.
Third Time, non-PP/ADV.
Still haven’t heard anything from employer.
Does that mean there is only tiny chance left?
Have to separate from my family if not picked up this time.
Hi,
Has anyone received any indicators of not being picked in the lottery (returned applications or emails notifying them that they have not been picked in the lottery), or has USCIS only issued receipt numbers to those who have been selected in the lottery?
Thanks!
Non-AD/RP , is still time there ? or over ?
Is chances are there or over ?
I guess non-AD/RP has just started, we still have hope at least till next friday (6th May)
Was in the same boat a couple of years ago when I had applied for my H1 (AD / Regular processing). Got my receipt on April 16th and approval on May 2nd even though it was filed as a regular proc. These are a stressful couple of months. I hope the Masters guys get their H1’s. They have a lot at stake and one bad luck can determine a lot of things. Been there, done that! Good luck guys!
I have applied h1b through one of the US consultancy. Non Ad / regular /VT
They have received only few receipt and expecting few more in coming days. Any idea, can we wait for this category or its done.
Please advise
In the same boat 🙁
Hi @Saurabh and @Kumar
Right now i am on F1 Status (ESL course) my I-20 will expire in July. Do you think i will have to keep paying School till Oct for my status or the School will issue me a New I-20.
FirstTimer,
Speak to your DSO on your current status and how it would work.
Hi –
I have received the H-1B receipt notice on 26 April 10:43:05 AM PDT. Category Non AD (Non-AD/REG).
HI Naveen,
Can you tell, whether you filed from Indian IT company or from a consultancy.
My application was filed from an Indian IT company and I’m waitng for the results.
My H1b is filed from an US employer. For whom I’m working from their India office.
Hi Naveen,
Congrats!! Can you please let me know if you checks had been cashed before you received the receipt? If so how many days different ?
I’m nonAD/ reg/ CA still waiting and keep hopes that the game is not over..
Alicia
Hey ,
I am new to H1B blog . Just wanted to know what is Non-AD/RP/PP/VT means .
Some one please explain me .
Non-AD: Non Advance Degree
RP: Regular Processing
PP: Premium Processing
VT: Vermont Service Center
CA: California Service Center
Thank you Jeyraman.
This helped me 🙂
Hi Saurabh & Kumar,
My employer filed a H1B petition(Adv/PP/VSC) for me this year. However, I haven’t heard any news from USCIS. My OPT will expire on 5/31/2016. Since there’s not much time left, I am planning on enrolling a master program that would provide full-time CPT. However, most of programs start at June/July. Just wondering if there’s any risk if I transfer SEVIS in the grace period?
Thanks in advance!
Is there really a program that offers full time CPT ? I have the same situation, and I am actively looking for this option. Please if there is any place that we can enroll for Master and they offer CPT let me know.
@Saurabh & Moe – Please check the following 2 universities. I will personally suggest Harrisburg as its 24 months program instead of Sullivan where its 18 months. Hope it helps.
harrisburgu.edu/curricular-practical-training-cpt-at-hu/
sullivan.edu/international/cpt/
Hi,
Seems I have to go on this path now as I had only one chance for H1 and no news yet…pls let me know what r the programs that we can opt for and are there any risks later with H1 visa interview if we work on CPT program now?
Thanks,
I transferred SEVIS last year near the end of grace period, so you can do. There are some which give day1 cpt , just be sure they are accredited
FWIW, the fake university set-up by Feds was accredited and still all students’ future went into limbo.
So do your own due diligence when going with a school offering CPT from Day 1. Just b/c they are accredited doesn’t mean you will not run into issues in future.
Hello,
My employer has applied my H1B , I come under Masters quota. I haven’t received any information yet. Are my chances slim now?
Chances are slim now. babaji is not happy
Any body from Indian IT companies (Non-AD/REG)received details on lottery.When can we expect the results.
Any body from TechM had any details on the status.
Hi Guys,
After reading the blogs and comments I emailed my Lawyer as well as employer about any receipt or update on my H1B filing . Lawyer replied that receipt and case number received and already forwarded to employer a week ago. I am on J1 visa, currently in US very fortunate that my H1B picked up in first attempt assuming the receipt means my case picked up in lottery??
Thank you all and all the best for your application.
NON AD/RP received my receipt. I was trying from 2012 and its great that my petition got picked up. Thank god 🙂
NON-AD/RP/CA
Just received mail from my employer
“The USCIS has cashed the check associated with your case”
Any body from Indian IT companies (Non-AD/REG)received details on lottery.When can we expect the results.
Any body from TechM had any details on the status.
NON AD/RP received my receipt today. Great feeling, cant explain. Below is my story simplified.
I was in US from 2009 till 2014 in L1. I tried for H1 from 2012. When ever i apply, i used to apply with my friends. From 2012 on wards, who ever i applied with, he/she got selected and mine got rejected.My worst time started when my 3 consecutive H1 got rejected and i have to return India by 2014 (Since L1 valid for 5 years). I have credit card balance, home loan , great cricket team and so many friends. i left every thing and came back to India. India is a great county but due to population, wherever you go, you have to race. If you live in US for 5 years, it will be difficult to adjust to India. Completely choas traffic, no guarantee return home if you travel by bike, so many accidents. I used to witness atleast one accident per day in Chennai (OMR/ECR). Last one year was worst, its not due to India but due my US friends, they thought my chances are gone and they start ignoring me. Even in whatsapp chat or any other, don’t get proper response and they started treating me in a way that i feel started humiliating. But atlast god is great, i got my H1 selected and those assholes who ignored me are going to be over by next year. Don’t loose hope. Every thing happening for a reason. Right thing will happen at the right time.
Once upon a time in Us
now i am going through the same situation, this is my last year in L1 and have to leave the country in OCT. this is my second attempt, waiting for lottery results.
It started coming, check with your attorney
Hi,
My Application is Non AD/RP,
any one in this category received receipt?
What are the changes this time, this is my forth time to apply.
Happy Happy…
Both applications picked for the first time.. Mine and my Spouse
Non – AD/RP.. got to know it today
Thats really a good new @MyDaught
You guys are lucky… Keep praying for approval
@My Daught
Grt, Congratulation
Hi guys,
I have not asked to the attorneys yet but today my wife got a regular mail notice with a I-797C for her H4 and my son’s H4, it says that the I-797C is a notice of the 290 payment.
We are already here in USA but in another different visa status than H1.
That notice means we got picked in the lottery?
Some guy,
Yes, you made through the lottery. There is another example shared today where H-4 holder received the notification and within few hours, H-1 applicant also received the notice through attorney. So your H-1 notice would be on its way to your attorney.
PP- AD- Lottery Results
Hi Kumar,
I read the article “News : USCIS update – H1B 2017 Premium Processing from May 12th”, so does this mean that there are still chances of getting a notification of premium processing Adv degree lottery till May12th? I am still waiting for my lottery results and keeping my fingers crossed. Can you please confirm whether my interpretation is correct?
Technically, yes. But chances are slim.
hmmmm..thanks Aadi!
Someone, please, explain to me the incredibly confusing schedule as listed here. I know someone (premium process) who received the receipt number a couple weeks ago, and is now awaiting a final answer. The PP receipt her lawyer received says she will receive notice within 15 days. So, in theory, she should receive an answer by the end of April. Right? Common sense says, “Yes.”
But then, here, I see news that the Premium Processing won’t even start until early May. So, even though she has a receipt, and that supposed “guarantee” of 15 days listed upon it, she’s in fact going to have to wait much, much longer for the final adjudication of her case? More than a month, in fact? Why does 15 days suddenly become 30 or more? Or, am I just missing something here?
Thanks.
The receipt was created not only for CAP H1B but also for CAP-EXAMPT H1B. So you will see “15 days” was printed on it as DEFAULT. However, due to the high volume applicants to CAP H1B, the process for CAP H1B will be delay to 12 May. However, if you apply for CAP-EXEMPT H1B, you can still hear back from USCIS within 15 days. That’s the reason.
The statement “Deadline for receiving receipts is May 12th, you need to positive up until May 12th hoping to get a receipt based on your luck” has no validity at all.
Who sais USCIS will be sending emails and mails till May 12? Who says they will stop sending emails and mail after May 12? Its just guessing.
The fact is, on other blogs it shows that there was no increase in PP notifications from USCIS since April 22, and some attorneys already reply to their clients to chase for a plan B. The only thing USCIS said is they will start processing PP on May 12. This has nothing to do with email or mailing of receipts.
Dont be fool people (I am talking to PP), if you did not get your email at this point, then you wont get it. Unless your attorney missed it, has it in SPAM or did not have time to forward it to you yet.
Thing of plan B as soon as possible
The statement very much has validity.
PP receipts came in till the very last date in previous years. Based on this data we can presume that receipts will come until May 11th-12th this year as well.
While chances are slim, it is still technically possible. All they’re saying is: stay calm.
Technically, USCIS still has time until May 12 to send the PP receipts. Whether one gets a receipt or not is speculation.
As the saying goes — hope for the best, be prepared for the worst (though I am not too sure whether the situation of not getting through a lottery is actually worse)!
when will expect non premium lottery results? Heard like premium results were out.
Hi Kumar
Please tell me when will be non premium results starts sending out ?
When are they going to start Non-AD/ RP??
So, there’s hope till May 11th. I’ll stay positive till then. Thank you.
What about non-premium processing? When will those notices be sent out?
When will get the receipt numbers for Regular Processing??? Any idea
Thanks @Kumar you are doing such a great job… thanks once again. I am NON-AD / PP / VT fingers crossed for my approval without any issue…
Cheers FirstTimer 🙂
@Kumar I would feel lucky myself if I can do something for this blog
Let me know also bless me that I get my approval without any issue…
Thanks for the kind words. Good Luck !
@Kumar I would feel good luck if I can do anything for this blog… otherwise no good luck…
Awww…We are a community driven blog and users’ participation keeps it alive. If you are active on the blog and answer any basic questions that you can answer, that would help 🙂 Thanks.
@Raviteja, those are the petitions which does not fall under this year CAP Quota . Something like H1 transfers or something like that.
The applications which are not under 85000 that were pick in lottery this year.
Good information. Thanks Kumar. I have filed under Non-AD Premium Processing and was in a panic state seeing the comments from various people that the game is over for PP. Good that you clarified it clearly that the chances are there till May 12th..
Fingers crossed.
Cheers SR ! Don’t worry too much 🙂
Hi, I am Adv Degree candidate. Got my H1B picked in Premium Processing on April 11th and got notified by email on 12th april.
I graduated on Dec 2015 and I am on my 1st 12 months OPT.
My doubt is:
You have mentioned as “For non-cap subject H1B Petitions, this May 12th start date does not apply, ”
Who does cone under non-cap subject h1 petitions???
Raviteja,
Non-cap-subject petitions are H-1 transfers, H-1 extensions and H-1 petitions filed by exempted employers like hospitals, schools etc.
Hello Saurabh,
It is given May 12th as the official date of the start of Premium Processing. Is it the same? Or will Uscis start PP before that date unofficially ?
Raviteja,
They can start the processing even before that. May 12th is given for the purposes of SLA.