If you applied for an H1B transfer or you were picked in the H1B Registration Lottery and applied for H1B petition in the recent H1B Visa 2024 season, you may have received a case receipt notice. When you check the H1B Case Status online, you may see various statuses like “Case Was Received”, “Name was updated”, etc.. You may not fully understand each of these status meaning. This article is meant to clarify each of those H1B Case Status meaning and give a complete flow of the same.
H1B Registration Beneficiary Confirmation Number Cannot be used for Tracking
If you were picked in the H1B Registration Lottery, the registration selection notice would have a Beneficiary Confirmation Number. You cannot use that number to track your H1B on USCIS website.
That number is only for internal reference and to run the lottery. The USCIS case number has a certain format and the beneficiary confirmation number does not follow that as well. So, do not try to check online on USCIS website and be confused.
H1B Case Receipt Number – Check Online
After an applicant is selected in H1B Registration Lottery, the company or H1B sponsor need to file an H1B Petition with USCIS using form I-129. After the H1B petition is properly filed, USCIS would send out a H1B receipt notice to the employer/ attorney indicating that the application was properly filed on time. The H1B Receipt notice would have a case number and it can be used to track the status of the H1B petition. You can check article : How to Check USCIS Case Status online that covers the details on how you can track case status at USCIS.gov case status website
What’s the H1B Case Number? Processing ?
The H1B receipt number is a 13 character alphanumeric string that is given by USCIS. It typically starts with EAC or WAC. You may read Understanding H1B Case Number Details, to know more info. For high level understanding of how each H1B petition is processed at USCIS, you should read the article H1B processing steps at USCIS adjudication center.
Also, in the past, USCIS used to assign many statuses like Acceptance, Initial Review, Decision, Post Decision Activity, etc. Some of these have been changed with the new system this year. To get an idea of the past flow and statuses, you may read H1B Old Case Statuses and Flow. Below information corresponds to the latest H1B statuses available on USCIS website for a H1B petition.
Various H1B Case Statuses on USCIS website
Below are the various Case Status that you usually find on USCIS website, when you Check Case Status on USCIS website.
- Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed
- Case Was Received
- Request for Additional Evidence Notice was mailed
- Response to USCIS’ Request for Evidence Was Received
- Case Was Approved And My Decision Was Emailed
- Case Was Approved
- Decision Notice Mailed
- Error : The application Receipt Number is invalid
- Name was updated.
- Fees will be Refunded
- Withdrawal Acknowledgement Notice Was Sent
- Case Was Transferred and a New Office has Jurisdiction.
Let us look at each of them in detail
H1B Case Status Text – Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
If you notice any of the H1B statuses’ text below, all of them would say “Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker”. The reason is that, when you file a H1B petition with USCIS, you would use form I-129, thats why you see the status text to indicate the form number. USCIS does not explicitly tell H1B Visa petition in the status as the form I-129 is also used for other visa types as well. It can be confusing, if they put in all visa types in there, so USCIS intentionally does not put in H1B in there and only indicates the form type. Your receipt notice would have “Class Requested” as show in below screenshot, indicating it was a H1B petition.
Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed
USCIS emails receipt notices to petitioners, if they filed their H1B petition under premium processing. The H1B case status “Case was Received and a Receipt Notice was Emailed” indicates to us that the petition with this case number was filed under premium processing with USCIS. A receipt notice with case number and details about processing was sent to the email of the attorney/ employer. Below is the screenshot for the described status.
Case Was Received
USCIS only emails receipt notices for premium processing applications. For H1B petitions filed under regular processing, USCIS will send out the receipt notices via traditional Mail/ Post. The H1B case status “Case Was Received” indicates is that the petition with this case number was filed under regular processing and USCIS has received the same. The receipt notice hard copy will be sent to the attorney/ employer’s postal address on how it will be processed. Check below for screenshot of the described case status.
Request for Additional Evidence Notice was mailed
If USCIS wants more information on a H1B petition, they will ask for the same information. The H1B case status “Request for Additional Evidence Notice was mailed” status indicates the same that USCIS wants more info. As part of the adjudication process of the H1B petition, the USCIS adjudicator of this petition, with this particular case number, needs more information to make a decision on the case. The adjudicator issued a Request for Additional Evidence notice, which is commonly called as RFE (Request for Evidence).
The employer/ attorney will get an RFE notice from USCIS indicating what documents they need to submit for further processing the case. It has an expiry date and employer/ attorney has to respond to that request by that date. USCIS will NOT process this particular case until they receive a response from the employer/ attorney with the requested information. Below is the screenshot of described status.
Response to USCIS’ Request for Evidence Was Received
After USCIS receives a response to the RFE, they will update the same in their online system for the H1B case. This H1B Case status “Response to USCIS Request for Evidence Was Received” corresponds to the same. All the status tells us is that USCIS has received the response for the issued RFE Notice on the particular case with that case number from the employer/ attorney.
The response from employer/ attorney could be either documents or any other supporting material that was requested by USCIS supporting the H1B petition. If your petition is in this status, it means that USCIS will start processing the case as they have received requested documentation. The status also tells the petitioner that when you can expect a decision/ update on this case. Check below screenshot for RFE response status.
Case Was Approved And My Decision Was Emailed
Usually, if you file in premium, you would informed by email. This H1B case status “Case was approved and my decision was emailed” indicates the decisions of approval that is sent by email to the attorney/ employer. This case status only appears for the H1B petitions filed under premium processing. Below is the screenshot of the status.
Case Was Approved
The H1B case status “Case was approved” is self explanatory. It tells that the the H1B petition with this particular case number was approved and they plan to send out the approval notice to the employer/ attorney by traditional post/mail. This case status appears only for petitions filed under regular processing.
Decision Notice Mailed
Not every H1B Application gets approved. Typically USCIS will issue an RFE and then review the evidence before making the final decision. If USCIS is not convinced with your petition’s supporting documents, they will deny the H1B petition and the case status will be shown as ” Decision Notice Mailed”. Your employer will get a notice indicating why the petition was denied and they can act on it as per the instructions, if they want to challenge the decision by providing additional documents, etc. Below is how it looks.
The application Receipt Number is invalid
If you do not enter a valid 13 character H1B case receipt number, USCIS case status website will give you the above error message saying that the application receipt number is invalid. All it means is that, either you have taken the receipt number wrong from your employer or entered it wrong in the box…or maybe your employer did not give you the correct case number. Below is the error screenshot.
Name Was Updated
This is one of the very confusing statuses that USCIS online system gives, when there is some activity happening on your case. The H1B Case status “Name Was Updated” can be very confusing and misleading everyone at times. It may be genuine that the name was updated due to a clerical error, but not always the case.
It definitely means that some activity is happening on your case and your case is being worked on by USCIS. There is a perception among users that this status will lead to rejection/ RFE, but it is not necessarily true. So, when you see something like this status, it is best consult your employer/attorney to check further on your case. No need to panic or get confused. It looks like below
Fee will be Refunded Status
One of the others status some of the H1B petitioners see is that ‘Fee will be refunded’. What it means is that the employer/attorney has filed extra fees that is not required and USCIS is refunding the same. It can be for a host of reasons related to the H1B fees. As you can see below USCIS would tell that it will not impact the processing of the case, so do not panic when you see this, work with your employer, it will be fine.
Withdrawal Acknowledgement Notice Was Sent
If your H1B employer plans to withdraw your H1B petition or for some reason you believe that you do not want to work for the company and resigned the job, then your employer would withdraw your H1B petition from USCIS. It is not really automatic process, your employer has to request for it. If your H1B case number indicates the below status “Withdraw Acknowledgement Notice was Sent” for I-129 petition, then it means that your H1B was withdrawn by your employer and USCIS is acknowledging the same with the status.
Case Was Transferred And a New Office Has Jurisdiction
Depending on the load of H1B petitions received and processing times at any service center, they are moved to different locations to expedite processing or balance the overall processing loads. If your H1B case was transferred to different location for some of these reasons, you would see a status like below. It tells the date when the petition was transferred and when you can expect a physical copy of notice indicating the same. It does not really change anything in terms of how it is adjudicated, it is just for processing times balancing, nothing to worry.
Did you notice any other statuses for your Petition ? Any other thoughts to share ?
Check out the next article that articulates the flow of the above statuses After H1B Visa Lottery Case Status Flow
Hi Kumar and Everyone,
Is there any completion timeline set for “H1B Visa 2015 Season”.
Does USCIS have any SLA towards completion of processing of cases picked up in lottery for 2015 session.
Very simply to put it .. any date/ day, later to which we can for sure say
“Abb Kuch Nahi Hona ..” 🙂
Hi PJ,
There is a time line for the case picked which is 90 days and for the RFE’s response is 60 days,however due to the unprecedented H4 applications this time, there is a time lag and USCIS is experiencing a heavy work flow.so the only thing which is the need of the hour is patience. I know it is easier said than done,but it is the fact.just like you even i am waiting with the whole world of patience for the good news and spending sleepless nights.
Thanks KSMK,
That was indeed assuring
pj,
Historically, they have tried to complete processing of most of the petitions by Mar 31, to make room for next filing season.
Thanks Saurabh
I just heard a news from a reliable source. It seems all the dependent wives have applied for H1b visa’s too, since obama administration is coming to an end and policies might change. Every one in US, people in OPT, L1, L4, H4 and all other BS visa’s are getting converted to H1b. They dont need any lottery, so USCIS is busy with processing their requests too along with ours. and that’s the reason why its getting late and the syrian issue at hand too.
Summary: It will take time it seems, may be two more months, but before April. BTW I am planning a 2nd plan now, maybe Dubai, with hope, Shrimp
Shrimp
Thank you for the update. I got a update as “Name was updated” on Dec 14 and did not receive any further update till now. Hopefully we all will receive some update in soon.
KN
Hi All,
Any visa approvals , who got RFE recieved status in Oct’15?
Thanks
Yes got approved on Jan 11th , RFE was received on Nov 13th
Got RFE on Aug 31
RFE response recd on Oct 9
Name updated on Jan 19.
Don’t know when will I get to see that magical Approval status in my case
Got RFE on Jun 22
RFE response received on Oct 14
its been more than 90 days, waiting for the next change status :/
Got my approval on Jan 22. Received RFE on July 23rd.
waiting for approval, received RFE on Oct 14th.
Hello
My case is still received state, I thinking to switch to Premium process,
Is this right decision at this moment , plz suggest …
if your project manager is okay with this go and proceed for premium..it will charge 1225$
Should i still keep hopes or start working again. My case is still received state, I have lost hope now. I have done my part and I leave it to karma now, If i get it, good, If i don’t………life still goes on I guess
Hi,
Even my case is in received status , it got stuck up under security check. Don’t lose hope , we will get it approved soon. Pray the god.
Whats this security check gautami?
Hi All,
I am facing verystrange situation in my H1B Visa. My name was picked in lottery and then i received RFE. Additional information was submitted to USCIS and my petition got approved. After the approval i was supposed to go for stamping but due to Blank surname in my passport FNU was getting displayed in my petition. To get this updated i got a new passport and then requested my organization to file an amendment for name change.
Filing an amendment for just a name change through premium processing was not accepted by my project so we had to go for Location change amendment which will take care of name change also. But while filing the location change amendment the concerned team submitted my old passport details by mistake. When i checked with them on this they said we will have to wait for Case receipt number from USCIS and then we will submit the new passport details. Did anyone face such situation and if yes please let me know how much time will it take to get the approval with name change update.
My case was initially filed at Vermont on 20th October under pp, got RFE on 29th October to prove that the institution was cap exempt, replied on 20th November.. After 14 days again got an update on 3rd December that case was received at California and is under process. On 4th December received another update that the case is transferred to another center for jurisdiction. When asked the lawyer about the reason he said it was moved because California deals with cap exempt cases. Now it is beyond 15 days and haven’t received a decision. It will be very kind if anyone could put some insight to this situation because I am worried about it.
Hm. we are sailing in the same boat. My case was transferred to two different centres, and in december again transferred to washington centre. you are fortunate to have some details of your previous centres and except the above information everything has been disclosed by my employer and due to christmas vacation the further processing might be too slow paced and I was told I have to wait till atleast January 5th 2016 to get some further update on the status.
Hm. we are sailing in the same boat. My case was transferred to two different centres, and in december again transferred to washington centre. you are fortunate to have some details of your previous centres and except the above information everything has been disclosed by my employer and due to christmas vacation the further processing might be too slow paced and I was told I have to wait till atleast January 5th 2016 to get some further update on the status. So, have to stay fingers crossed till then. Good luck and all the best to you and all the optimists
Hello
Today I got my status from pp case received to “My documents was mailed”
We mailed your document for your I 129 form….
What does this status mean ?
Dear! ur name says it all! Just pray!
Applied h1 from consultancy in New Jersey, got picked up in lottery. Received RFE in July 2015. Replied to RFE in Oct 2015. On 16th Dec 2015, got denial notice. Consultancy is not sharing what was asked in RFE. If consultancy don’t share reason for rejection and no for MTR? What are possible options? If need to re-apply for 2016, can you please provide me any good consultancy emails?
shreyansh,
MTR can only be filed by the employer and not you. If they are not supporting it, then your only option is to have it filed again next year.
Do you need any consultancy that would be more reliable?
Shreyansh,
I don’t know any employer that I can suggest you.
I received the following status. Kindly let me know what does this mean.
Name Was Updated
On December 14, 2015, we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1514850767. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
It means some action item is on your case.
Mine was with same status after couple of weeks my case moved to approved.
Lets create a whatsup group for people with case received status only, so we can stay in touch. A friendly chat sometimes would help, ping me Sunny 7702209778
Me to in same state…I guess we wont see any movement for next 2 weeks since its christmas eve in US. Hope to see positive results soon….
Hi ,
Still anyone is on case received status ? My status is still the same not change at all ?
Don’t worry.
Yours will soon change to APPROVED.
All the best
even my case status is showing received for long time..
I just heard a news from a reliable source. It seems all the dependent wives have applied for H1b visa’s too, since obama administration is coming to an end and policies might change. Every one in US, people in OPT, L1, L4, H4 and all other BS visa’s are getting converted to H1b. They dont need any lottery, so USCIS is busy with processing their requests too along with ours. and that’s the reason why its getting late and the syrian issue at hand too.
Summary: It will take time it seems, may be two more months, but before April. BTW I am planning a 2nd plan now, maybe Dubai, with hope, Shrimp
Hello Team ,
Still my case status – Case Was Received , why my case is taking longer than processing time ,
Is any one with me on same ststus ?
Please suggest how to move forward ..
I have the same status dude, from April. Eagerly waiting for a change of the message to positive hoping. have you applied through consultancy or company
Same here
Hey friend.
I too have the same status “Received”. Lets catch up on mail and find out a way to get some clue.
Mail me immediately to arjunrathod4444 at gmail dot com
Hi kumar, could you please explain my case status. I was told by my attorrney that the case was transferred to Washington centre for processing and this was the second time in past 3 months. He is not disclosing any details other than this and could you please tell me, what’s meant by this??? Is my case picked in lottery or any other reasons and how much time do I need to wait to know the exact report to be out?????
What you will do mks any possibility to reconsider
Wot is ur previous status before response recieved? NOID?
It’s rfe response received, shall we make it offline I have mailed u my case number
MY case response was like the case was transferred to anotther processing centre. Does this mean my case was rejected or selected.. please throw some light on this status .
@kumar / all
Can someone explain me what this means?
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Your Case Status: Decision
On December 10, 2015, we began reviewing your Form I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, Receipt Number WAC1514450058. 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 December 24, 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.
During this step the formal decision (approved/denied) is written and the decision notice is mailed and/or emailed to the applicant/petitioner. You can use our current processing time to gauge when you can expect to receive a final decision.
PJ ,
In the past most often this means denial. Your employer would know the exact decision and reasons within next couple of weeks.
Even I got the same status today
This means you got NOID. Nothing to worry. USCIS might have asked more documents from your employer. Take in mind that this needs to be responded within 33 days. There is nothing to panic.
Is it any possibility of reconsidering the denied h1b, its really painful after received denial yesterday
mail to mks85.h1b gmail
Decision Notice Mailed
On November 24, 2015, we denied your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC151XXXXXXX. We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your denial notice by December 9, 2015, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Is this a NOID ? Do I still have a chance. Please let me know.. and 30 days time period starts from Nov 24 or Dec 9. My company hasnt received any denial notice
Please help
My status Changed from ” Case Received” to “Decision notice mailed” without any RFE after 8 months of hanging in same status. Is someone else too in the same situation??.
What cud possibly be reason to deny visa without even a RFE.
Hi ,
Its been 1 and half month still my status is -Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received.
Could you please look into this.
Please find my details below-
Receipt No :EAC1514952039
My case was filed on 04/13/2015
Received RFE on 09/21/2015
Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received on 10/12/2015
I am also in the same bin
Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received on 10/12/2015
let me know once your case got approved.
Same for me. RFE received in August 2015 and my employer revert USCIS with the documents in September 2015. And, since then, it’s showing “On October 13, 2015, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129”
Hi,
My case was filed on 04/13/2015
Received RFE on 07/23/2015
Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received on 10/05/2015
Still waiting for an update. Its California Service center.
me too Sailing in the same boat.
USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received on 10/09/2015
Finally got my H1 Approved on Dec 7th.
Timeline of my case:
May 1st got the initial Receipt
July 22nd RFE issued
October 1st – RFE documents received
Nov 30th- Raised a SR as to why case taking longer than processing time
Dec7th – APPROVED.
This is my 3rd ATTEMPT. I have been on OPT from Feb 2013 and every year inspite of having a MASTERS degree, i did not get picked and this year I was lucky but had to wait soooo long to get the approval.
This is California service center
My case ID is WAC151405324* catogory. I checked all the statuses of following numbers and previous numbers (241,242….250), all those applications got approved, except mine. I dont know what to think now. Winter has come and till now nothing, still “Case received”, new applications will be starting soon. Does this mean, my application will not be reviewed?. I am holding on to the sliver lining, please share your comments
I think you shouldn’t be very concerned as it’s a valid USCIS state for your application.. okay
Today I also did a quick check of 100 WAC number which around mine. Here are the results:-
71 Approved
16 RFE Review
1 Denial
4 Withdrawal
3 Received
3 RFE
1 Cannot provide info
1 Name was not update
1 Name Updated
———————————–
100 Recordes
Where did you find the information for the cases in your number range?
That’s simple. Mine is WAC1514450023.
So I choose the range
WAC1514450001 to WAC1514450101
Hi, my current H1b notice is Response to Evidences received on 25th Sep 2015, till now status is not getting updated.. this visa applied from employer in US(applied privately ).
Now my company(india) wanted to file H1b visa in 2016, do i can apply from company when other h1b(2015)case is still on? please reply asap..
Can someone throw light on this!!
Same case with me too. It means your case is almost denied and this is known by ur company. It’s better to apply on next year. If you can please provide me your company detail I am also interested to apply from ur company. Thanks.
venky,
Another employer can apply in 2016 while your current petition is pending. In case this petition gets approved and you don’t make through 2016 lottery, your employer also has the option of filing cap-exempt petition.
RFE response received On October 13, 2015 eagerly waiting for an approval
RFE response Received on On October 13, 2015, eagerly waiting for an approval.
Well we are almost in the same state. On Oct 9, my status changed to “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received”.
Expect a reply soon
Hi,
I got RFE on Jun 3rd and my employer responded in Sep but status still not updated to “Received response to RFE”. It still shows “On June 3, 2015, we mailed a request for additional evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, ….”. It has been 2 months but stills status remains same. Any help is highly appreciated.
Hi Saurabh,
Hi Team,
My employer said my RFE has been responded on 4th Nov 2015. The status did not change and is still showing “Request for Additional Evidence Mailed”. Can you please let me know how many days does USCIS takes to update the status to “Response to USCIS RFE is received”?? Awaiting for your reply. Thank you
Sometimes it takes upto 2 weeks for the status to be updated in USCIS. My Wife’s status got updated on October 27th and RFE documents reached their office on October 14th. So be patient
Hi Team,
My employer said my RFE has been responded on 4th Nov 2015. The status did not change and is still showing “Request for Additional Evidence Mailed”. Can you please let me know how many days does USCIS takes to update the status to “Response to USCIS RFE is received”?? Awaiting for your reply. Thank you
Its my turn to update.
Selected in Lottery :May 5th
No update till Nov my application was in CASE RECEIVED (till Nov 16th )
So requested consultancy to raise SR
SR raised on Nov 3rd
Nov 17th got Direct Approval (Status changed to Approved in USCIS site)
waiting for the hard copy
No RFE….
So for all the Rumor spreading people please stop doing this…..
For all the people who were still in case received …have hope guys..if ur doc is valid u will definitely get the Visa.
Thanks for the good update and all the best
Kwin, My case’s status is still like received and haven’t changed since then. What can I expect for now??? Is my case approved or are there any chances of rejection and my consultant and attorney haven’t received any updates from then.
Hi Experts,
I have below update unchanged ,,still waiting for the case to have next update. Now I am in critical situation.. Due to project crunch and issues in current company I have changed my employer. Need expert advice .. if my petition gets approved what are the available options so i can fly..
=======================================================================
Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received
On September 18, 2015, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1X1XXXX8XX. Our California 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. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address
=======================================================================
Finally got the long awaited good news
“Case Was Approved
On December 2, 2015, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WACXXXXXXXXX51. We will mail your approval notice. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.””
In the meantime I changed my employer.. Approved Petition is from X employer but I am currently working with Y.. Please guide through how I can transfer H1B to Y employer.
TYA
Hi Kumar / Saurabh.. My H1B Cap exempt petition was filed on June 10th. It was upgraded to premium on 28th Oct and I got RFE on 06th Nov. USCIS is requesting for further evidence in regard to “Beneficiary Qualification” and “In-House Employment”. I have been to USA before on H1B and worked from there for 2 years on the same project. I am not sure why USCIS issued RFE for “Beneficiary Qualification”. Can you please advise on how this RFE should be addressed and what all documents I should provide? I am B.E. in Information Technology and have 8+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance.
Regarding “In-House Employment”- Mine is a client project, but I will work from my employer’s own office. I have client letter, MSA, SOW and Onsite Manager letter. Our SOW renews in first quarter of every year. So current SOW is valid till 31st Dec 2015 and there is a high possibility that SOW will be renewed again for 2016. If my company respond back to USCIS before SOW is renewed, then will the current SOW suffice? I have client letter signed by client, MSA, Itinerary of Services documents.
Please help in understanding how this RFE can be handled in a best possible way. Thanks.
H1B Cap Exempt,
See my response in Q&A Forum.
On my 12 th day, my status is Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed in PP..
Please say when it is accepted
Please say when it is approved?
Hi dears,
My status didnt change from the below from sep10. Any one on the same boat and please tell me the time taken.
Thanks
Shankar
Status: Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received
On September 10, 2015, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC15XXXXXXXX. Our California 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. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Hi Shanker,
To process RFE under regular processing takes about 2.5 to 3 months.
For premium it takes about 15 – 30 days.
Expect to hear from USCIS towards Nov end (or little sooner)
Shankar,
Just wanted to check if you have received any response from USCIS. I am on the same boat.
Hi All,
My case was still in received status. Is still anybody is there in this status? Anyone please advice me what to do next.
Thanks
Hi, Even my case is in received status since April 13th. Not sure why this delay?
Same here. Still in case received status since Apr-13.
Got an update from employer saying Petition stuck in security check. Not sure what to do next!
some one please advice.
Thanks.
Hi Su, Mine is also under Security Check. Not sure what to do.
Did you get any update on your case?
Thanks
Please reply to my updated email id..I just corrected it.
Hi Su, Mine is also under Security Check. Not sure what to do.
Did you get any update on your case?
Thanks
Hi All,
I am seeking your expertise advice and your valuable input.
Let me explain the time line first for reference.
Timeline:
Oct 2014 – Petition filed
Jan 2015 – Initial review
Aug 28-2015 – Receipt number received has been notified.
Sep 30-2015 – RFE Response Review (Dont know when RFE came – No idea about RFE and Response provided by employer)
OCt 30-2015 – Decision – Denial
My I 129 is denied on Oct 30 2015. My Employer said it will take 5 to 6 business days to receive mail from USCIS as to know the reason for denial.
And I will not share any information why the case has been denied.
This is my first time i have filed my visa for (H1B Non immigrant petition worker), My family had a great hope on my H1 process as my name is selected in the lottery system.
The I 129 denial state from USCIS disappointed all of us and we are all is deep sorrow.
I am researching on next available options for me now.
1. While the petition was filed and accepted for processing by USCIS, in the notice, my case manager id and name which mentioned with some typo error.
For example: for ABCDEF INC it was mentioned as CBADEF INC.
Will it be a cause for denial? If it is so, any chance to correct it and request for re process?
2. Thinking about Appeal or MTR based on reason. What would be the cost for these options? Success rate? Process time? or is that totally a bad idea? Will it affect next year if i get chance to apply with other employer?
3. Any other way this petition would helpful to obtain H1 lawfully? This is my first time petition and it is denied. Can i file cap exempted petition with other employer from now on?
4. Anyone got approval notice though the USCIS web page says Decision denial?
5. A Denial decision has any chance to change to approved at Post decision activity due to final decision / review by supervisor? Saw somewhere that all the denial decision will go to the supervisor for final review and decision may get changed in post decision. how for it is true? or this assumption is dream / illusion?
Please help me i am in big trouble with my case.
Deepesh, Looks like you have done some homework on your case… But what feels fishy or bit curious for me is looking at your timeline that you have mentioned..
Your Mentioned Timeline by You
==============================
Oct 2014 – Petition filed
Jan 2015 – Initial review
Aug 28-2015 – Receipt number received has been notified.
Sep 30-2015 – RFE Response Review (Dont know when RFE came – No idea about RFE and Response provided by employer)
OCt 30-2015 – Decision – Denial
Question – 1
==============
You say that your petition was filed in Oct 2014 are you Sure about this ? Did your Employer tell you this ?
Your Statement about your Employer
==================================
My Employer said it will take 5 to 6 business days to receive mail from USCIS as to know the reason for denial. And I will not share any information why the case has been denied.
Question – 2
===========
Did your employer tell you that they will not share Why the Case was denied ?
Answer both my Questions…
Cheers
Manny
Hi Manny,
Thanks for your valuable input!!
I think I made mistake here Oct 2014 is a date, when I have been nominated for the H1B cap 2015.
Please find the answers of below question,
Question – 1
==============
You say that your petition was filed in Oct 2014 are you Sure about this ? Did your Employer tell you this ?
Answer – Here i want to make correction my nomination was for 2015 CAP and it was notified on October 2014, but my petition filed date was 03/31/2015. which also confirm from my employer.
Question – 2
===========
Did your employer tell you that they will not share Why the Case was denied ?
Answer – Yes she said we are not liable to disclose anything with you, its confidential information which violate the policy. and even my case manager has not asked me any of RFE related quarries so far, which i asked then she said it wasn’t require from your side.
And my denial status says –
On October 30, 2015, we denied your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your denial notice by November 14, 2015, please go to uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
I am in big trouble with my case status, my family had lot of hopes with this H1b. As i have seen its very rare case they denied the first time filed petition, there must be something wrong …Plssssssssssssss help me to resolve it.
Many Thanks!!
Dear Deepesh,
Thanks for taking time to reply…
Your Employer is hiding something…. Any Approval / Denial or Intent to Deny notice will come to your Attorney or Your Employer from USCIS and that will have a Notice Explaining why they Denied / Approved your case. Your Employer is bound to give you a copy of that if they are “Straight Forward” This will Prove that they have Really Applied your H1B for 2015….
Ask Your Employer to send you a Copy of the Following….
Your I-129 Petition for Non Immigrant Worker and Your Denial Notice…
These 2 Notice will have your Case Number along with your Full Name… If they are not Sharing these 2 things with you then I am Certain “THEY HAVE NOT APPLIED YOUR H1B AT ALL!!! ”
Cheers!
Manny….
Hi Deepesh,
i also faced same problem and i went through murthy to apply for mtr and it got approved,so my kindly request is you can approach murthy or any other lawyer for mtr with strong evidences and apply motion to reopen .
Hi Pinky,
Thanks you so much for your valuable input. its really make hope for my new sunshine –
Here i have 2 questions –
i) My petition is filed by one of my private firm of CMMI 5 level located in India as well as in USA, do they allow their employer to filed the MTR against my case, as till now I have heard from them they do not support the Appeal request.
ii) what all things I need to do follow the MTR process and how much efficient result for time and cost has been expected for the same.
Please guide me ..I do really appreciate you valuable comments , it matters lot to me ..if it is fine may I have your contact number or email id plsssssssss as currenlty I am located in India.
Thanks you so much…I really need your help…plsssssssss guide me..
Many Thanks!!
Hi I received the same ” Decision was emailed”
Did u appeal for it and get it approved?
Case Was Received
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.
I am seeing from past 8 months and no update . dont know what to do, please suggest , is this right status ?
This is really strange. I would have expected at least first round of screening to have completed by Oct 31 for all the application received for this financial period.
“Case received” is just not sinking.
Anyways dear you have been patient for 6 months. And I am firm believer of “No news is a good news”.
Am sure you’ll directly reach to Application Approved state pretty soon.
All the Best
My case is exactly d same. The status for my h1 Also shows: “Case Was Received”.
On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC146xxxxx.
Please update if your status changes.
The scary part is some people in d forum said they got rejected without RFE . Worried?
Me also in same boat dont know still case is received since April
15.its already 8 months.
I applied through business pointers anyone from same consultancy
Hi,
My Case Status shows “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received” from July 16, 2015. No reponse after acknowledging the RFE Documents. When I contacted HR, they said to wait.
My Case is with WAC.
Anyone else with the same situation? How long should I wait for the response? Any idea…
Hi All, I have applied my H1 through a Duluth base company. My case was selected on 13th April 2015. In June we received notification “
Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed”. Sponsor company has replied to USCIS but my case was denied on 7th October 2015. Now my dream come to a logical end for this year.
Now I am planning to apply next year through a good sponsor company. In this thread I can see many case was approved in first go. Please help me your company detail like email address or phone number that I can ask to file my case next year 2016. I am having 10 years of experience in J2EE. Please i request all of you to share your sponsor company email/phone number. Thanks in advance.
So ur case denied after the status “Notice Explaining USCIS Actions was mailed”. Pls tell me what exactly was asked in Notice?? I have also got the same Status and response has been currently sent. I am not sure what they asked for.
Also please let us know the dates/months your status change happend.. Thanks.
There is a company called Divinci, try that, its a good company
Hi Guys!
I recently applied for H1 transfer after my approval this year and I got case status “Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed”. I din’t get any RFE and I directly got this which is bothering me. I’m not sure what this means. Any one has the same experience? Please share!
Hello All,
after 58 days of replying 1st REF i got this status from USCIS
can any one please explain what is this (approval/denial)?
“Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed”
On October 15, 2015, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC15********. 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.
I got the same status but my status moved from case received to the above. After reading various forum i came to know that this is NOID(Notice of Intent to Deny).
Dont worry. After your 1st RFE you got this which means you have got another chance to submit the documents which they are in need of.
Talk to your employer/Attorney Immediately. I guess within 33 days you need to send the documents.
you mean, till yesterday it was case received and now NOID, without even a RFE? how is it possible, any kind of explanantion was provided to you? which consultancy you are from MK
you can contact me at mks85.h1b at gmail com
@MK
did they ask any documents from you or employer? what are they?
My friend got the same situation. Without RFE but NOID. Most likely it means the application is not completed. He replied with explanation and he got approved in 2 months. No worries and Good luck!!
Dear
My case is premium processing as well.
: Notice explaining USCIS action was mailed. What is the meaning of it.
ALong with me 5 other people apllied. It is by the same US company who sponsored all of us. First 3 people case was approved in 11 days after RFE was approved.. my status is as above the 5th candidate case was denied.
documents requested for me were the lowest among all. employer employee agreement, office location proof, project details, tax reutrns, paystubs of employer for three years. All were given by employer to USCIS. for other candidates apart from the above mentioned documents there were several other documents request aprroximately 8 to 9 documents from employer. But their;s got approved.
on 20th oct i got this status..until now neither the lawyer nor the employer have responded to me about the details of the requested document.
Could you tell me what was asked in u r case and what could be in my case or in general what could be requested in such type of situation.
I have been reading all the posts for such instances (one which applies to your current state)
Umm.. don’t worry my friend, I believe after your 1st RFE you got this which means you have got another chance to submit the documents which they have requested for.
Meaning the documents which were submitted with 1st RFE were either incomplete and that’s why you need to revert back or they are on look out some additional information in your case.
Talk to your employer ASAP (I think you need to respond back within 30 days).
Hi Venkat,
Any update on this? i am worried on my case..i dont have any update till now.
After 2 months 9 days my status changed “RFE Response received” which I believe is last second step in process of H1b process (keeping interview aside). Mine is WAC/Non-Adv/Regular category.
I needed to know how much time (tentatively) would it take to reach last step.
Is it going to take another 2-3 months (as its been all this while)??
@Kumar any input from your side??
Hi PJ,
I had initial RFE and supporting docs were submitted on 30th June. After 3+ months, I.e,. On 6th October(near to 100 days) my case was approved. So we need to wait till they action on the case.
And employer can raise service request asking reason for delay.
Mine is RP/non advance/WAC series.
So wish you all luck and patience.
Thank you for the revert.
Are you done with the VISA interview?
Will USCIS review all applications or they will leave some out, without even touching them
Still – Case Was Received
Since April 13, my status of application is – Case Was Received. At least all of you got RFE or some response. & months i have been waiting to see update.
I am also on the same boat.My case was in received state from since April 13th 2015,my case Number starts with EAC15143******
Its same people on the other corner of world. See it’s a process run by government by government officials and we all know how Government unit operates (barring a few).
Asking to be patient also, not sound right (as you were).
No choice mate. Just keep focused on your job (at hand), if you are destined to go U.S you’ll, perhaps it just about time. You have already come a long way.
Best of Luck.
I am in the same boat dude, some kind of response would be nice, but nothing from past 5 months.
Hi All,
My Employer gave me a receipt number, Application with this receipt number has been approved in June but the employer is still not providing any documents.
How can i verify if this given receipt number is really mine ?
is their any way apart from contacting the employer.
Please let me know…….
Well, unfortunately, there is no way. You need to ask your employer for the actual receipt number copy or approval copy…
Guys, i also traveled in the same boat. I was also worried, just like you people do. But my case got approved a couple of days back. So delay in process doesn’t mean rejecting cases. In a couple of days difference your cases will also be approved. All the Best
My USCIS status displays, “document was mailed” with the message, “We mailed your document for your Form I-129 petition for a non-immigrant worker, receipt no. ###.” It went straight from case-received to this. Next steps is listed as “We will mail our decision to you. The notice will explain any action you need to take.” Has anyone else got this status? My lawyer has not received any docs, and it’s been 2 weeks 🙁
Hey Wat hap to your case ?
Hi
Got my case number (WAC) on April 13th and its still showing “Case was received”. Do we have folks still waiting like me ? There is no movement at all. And its almost Oct 🙁
Since it’s been more than 60 days of processing, you can file case enquiry here: https://egov.uscis.gov/e-Request/Intro.do
me too still waiting for it?
After 2 months 9 days my status changed “RFE Response received” which I believe is last second step in process of H1b process (keeping interview aside). Mine is WAC/Non-Adv/Regular category.
I needed to know how much time (tentatively) would it take to reach last step.
Is it going to take another 2-3 months (as its been all this while)??
@Kumar any input from your side??
Hello Guys,
Did anyone of you got any update?
I have the same status : Case Received!
Pls update.
Thanks
No friend. Even I could see the same status as “Received”. Any clue let me know. mail me [email removed spam]
Sailing in the same boat.. Really frustrating…
My i129 was received on 13th April. It is still in “case was received ” status. Raised a query with USCIS. No reply yet. Pls update with your case status. Also is it h4 to h1 transfer?
On September 29, 2015, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC151+++++++. We will mail your approval notice. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Case History
08/18/2015
We received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Our Vermont Service Center office is working on your case again.
06/23/2015
We mailed a request for additional evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
06/11/2015
We updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
04/13/2015
We received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
After a long wait my application got approved yesterday!!
Received Date: 13th April
RFE: 18th June
RFE response recieved: 24th July
Approval: 28th September
“On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC*******, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case.” This is the status I am seeing from past 5 months. dont know what to do, please help
Looks like they haven’t started reviewing your application yet.. Upgrade to Premium if you have the option to do so.
My H1B transfer was filed in PP and have been checking the USCIS website for the update. On the 10th day,the USCIS website said my case was approved and email was sent.
Reached out to the legal team of my company the next day , they have received an e-mail confirmation of the approval with validity details too.and forwarded me the e-mail. Then on the very same day, the status on USIC changed to the below message and still remains the same. What does the below message imply?
Duplicate Notice Was Mailed
On XX-XX-XXXX, we sent you a duplicate notice about a decision on your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, or describing how we will process the case if it is still pending.
Hi, Our attorney submitted H1B application on 4th April 2015. We got notification from our attorney on 1st May, 2015 that check has been cashed by USCIS through electronic transaction with description “CSC FIELD OFFICE PAYMENT 1807********************”. What does CSC FIELD OFFICE PAYMENT means? Do it means we are selected in lottery? Its been 5 months and we have never received our receipt number. Any help will be appreciated.
Hi, got selected last year.. but valid till sep 30,2015…i filed my case on July 2nd for Amendment+cap Exemption for case #EAC15196******. Now my status is CASE RECEIVED. ANy one has same situation ?
What is the last date to process H1B amend+cap Exemption cases by USCIS. When can i expect my case approved status. ?
I got approval today after 12 days of RFE response.
Mine is RP/Non-AD petition in Vermonte.
I have posted thinking that I might be useful info !
All the best!
Congratulations buddy. I am still waiting for about 12 days after sending my RFE response.
Congrats.. I am waiting for mine since 2 months 🙁
Hi,
My case was in received status till yesterday and today it got changed to the below status – “Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed”
On September 17, 2015, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC15145*****. 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 October 1, 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.
Wot does this status mean? I didn’t got any RFE in between.. It’s was just from case received to the above status. Any one who knows abt this or who already got this status and responded back- can explain to this forum. Thanks.
It was the same status for me. It is a kind of an RFE where in we need to send the required documents and justification with in the date mentioned..
In my case they asked for an explanation as on why my profile is selected for that position. Supporting Documents were sent and not the status changed to “Response to USCIS’ Request for Evidence Was Received”..
Hi Worried!
M worried as well..!:-)
So u mean to say ur status still not changed to response received even after you have sent response?!
Please update me once you get a decision! Thanks
Yes.. It is Changed… Now it shows “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received”
Hi..
Did you get any update on your case?
I was in the same situation a month back and got the same status. If you are legally eligible and not out of status, find a new employer and file another H1. My old H1b got denied and new H1 is approved. Most likely notice explaining uscis action will be denied. This is my personal experience and your situation might be different.
@ Worried, It’s the same status for me…did u get update on what it really means….
Yes. I did.. It was about the Justification on why I should be selected for that position. My Attorney answered them… Lets see what happens next.. Still waiting..
@ Worried..Thanks for your reply..By the way are you a Cap subject H!B applicant or H!B transfer applicant..
Hi MK, I too got the same status last week… did got you got any information from USCIS after that ?…
Hi Srikanth,
No..I checked with my employer and he says they still didnt recieved the notice from USCIS..Mine is RP…so i am planning to call them by Oct 1. Stay connected.
Hi MK, Thanks for the update…i got exactly same status as your and am following up with my attorney, will update you if I get any response.
Is anybody still waiting for H1 to get approved ? It’s been more than 55 days for me since the status changed to “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received” but no update.
Hi ,
i applied for my h1 in 2014 and got rfe and my employer submitted documents but we missed to answer few questions and it got denied.
Again on oct 15 we applied for Motion To Reopen and send all the documents and the case MTR got approved on march 9th and i got an RFE for employee employer relationship,so i sent all the documents through a lawyer,on july 14th we they recieved the documents but still there is no response from them ,is anyone in the same boat ,please reply me with your responses as iam fighting with this case from 13months.
That is really unfortunate. Did you try to convince your employer for upgrading to premium processing?
we cannot convert to premium processing as it is motion to reopen case.
Hi Pinky,
My case also got denied on this 30th October 2015, my case manager says they do not support appeal request with them, i am in very big trouble with my case status ..even my case manager is not sharing the decision notice with me , why they have denied my case and options. me and my family had lot of hopes with this H1B.
Please guide me what course of action i need to do .
plsssssssssss help me.
Thanks!!
Got RFE and was responded back to CIS on June 30…still no response…and haven’t yet received receipt#…also employer asked for SOW to respond back to RFE…couldn’t provide SOW but provided client letter…will that be an issue for RFE approval?
Hi ,
i applied for my h1 in 2014 and got rfe and my employer submitted documents but we missed to answer few questions and it got denied.
Again on oct 15 we applied for Motion To Reopen and send all the documents and the case MTR got approved on march 9th and i got an RFE for employee employer relationship,so i sent all the documents through a lawyer,on july 14th we they recieved the documents but still there is no response from them ,is anyone in the same boat ,please reply me with your responses as iam fighting with this case from 13months.
Thanks
Hi All,
I m eagerly waiting for a day to post my personnel experience with you all and the day came today to share with you all that my H1 visa got approved after 13 months of long wait ,really its completly by goda grace this diwali is most memorable for me …
Thanks to everyone who shared your personel experiences and i can say only one thing that trust yourself and build your own confidence to attain success and i wish all the best for everyone.