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
I am in a pretty confused situation. My employer mailed that my visa petition is approved by USCIS and even provided Petition Validity Date.
But on USICS portal the status shows “Request for Additional Evidence Was Mailed”. Can this happen? If so what should I do as it’s already October 6th?
Ram,
This is possible. At times, the online status is not updated. If the employer has the approval document, then that’s the updated information.
hi,
My case is Change of Status from L1B to H1B. No update from Apr. till to now. But my driver license will be expired this Dec. Can I request attorney to submit a premium processing?
Jun,
Yes, they can submit a PP request anytime they want.
Hi ,
I need immediate help on my H1 . My employer filed my H1 on client A but my position was dropped by client A even before joining and now i am working for client B. I got RFE asking for client letter and etc. So, is there any way to defend my case with my current client. client B is willing to provide required doc’s.
Please advice me on this .
Thanks in advance
Nano,
This is a tricky situation especially if A and B are not in the same location. It is not advisable to change clients while the petition is pending as it requires new LCA and I-129 change.
Do you have an attorney handling your case?
Hello,
This is my status from May 2016, Nothing is updated till now it is still the same, What does this mean? when will be the change of status happen and what is the end date for the verification, Very much tensed, please suggest.
On August 2, 2016, we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number E*********, to another USCIS office. That office now has jurisdiction over your case. We sent you a notice that explains why we moved your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your notice by September 1, 2016, 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.
Hello Raghu,
I am in the same situation. Any updates on your case?
No update yet, Not knowing what to do
Its Sept 27th, and my case status is still “Received” .
I haven’t come across any case which is still Received till now. Usually cases get approved by June or July.
Does this mean, my case can get rejected? I am quite tensed as people are advising me not to go for PP as it may result in RFE. Please advise. Is it normal for a regular processing to still be in ‘Received’ status.
Hi my case is also in received status.which is ur service centre?
Vermont. Any clue as to when it will be approved? What is your consultant telling you
Is yours a regular H1B or Change of Status ? Mine is COS and filed to Vermont. Status was “File is transferred to “Other” service center” on May 20. Still its same. Wonder when this will move.
Saurabh, any advise on what will be the timelines for approvals this years. this seems too much delay on USCIS front. is going for PP a good option now?
Saurabh,
my COS – L1 to H1 is still in intial status. Can I check the Service Center Processing timelines to get an idea on when can i expect the results (roughly basing on SC timelines)
Right now for California Service Center – for “H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S.” it shows
“Processing Cases As Of Date: December 15, 2015”
But not sure how to understand this. When this comes to Apr 2016. Then can we think the SC started processing this years H1B COS applications !?
please advise.
Great help. Thank You
Vin
Vin,
Looks like they have not updated the processing timeline page. This could be b/c of the huge load of cap-subject petitions. They are very well processing petitions after the displayed date.
If the delay is too much and you want to start working ASAP, then PP is a good option.
Hi Aks,
Me and couple of friends (3 of us) are in same situation. Our employer said it is normal. He said this year delay is expected. Dont get tensed. Better you start focusing on daily work, u will get the update. Few weeks back I was also in a frustrated situation by checking status daily.
Better stop it, it plays with ur mind.
Regards,
Kns
Hi Aks,
Don’t worry on your status, I guess yours is a Non Advanced Degree Category and that too regular, for many of us in MNCs there are around 100 ppl who haven’t got any status yet. so you are not alone
BTW , Mine is non AD, RP , WAC161445XXX series and case received status
Aks,
Its still pending like several other petitions. Doesn’t matter if it is received or initial processing or transferred. Bottom line is that it is pending.
Also, delay <> denial. It may still get approved.
What is the End date doe Recieving Approval for H1b Notices??
Its already September 23 and Most of my colleagues nad team mates have Recieved approvals except me. Please suggest??
ALso My employer will not Share Reciept number but they are also waiting for Decision from USCIS??
Is there any Risk involved now?:?
Viking,
There is no official end date. It can take anywhere from few more days to few more weeks to few more months.
Hi Guys,
I am in a pretty confused situation. My employer says my visa got approved. But on USICS portal the status still shows “Case was received” . Can this happen?
Regards,
Kumar
Hi Kumaran,
There is a possibility because USCIS sometimes takes time to update in the portal. Find out how did your employer come to know bout the approval did he get any notice of approval or something. Please let me know even I’m in the same situation.
Regards,
Dileep
Hi Saurabh,
This page is great source of info. Firstly, thanks to you.
My H1B is still at the intial status “Case received on Apr 12”. I’m little worried as its already Sep 23!
Generally by when USCIS will complete approving all the new regular H1B petitions for that year, is it not supposed to be by Oct 1st !
Thank you for your response.
Vini,
There is no SLA for regular processing petitions. Delay doesn’t mean denial. You should continue to wait, or if there is an urgent need to start working on H-1 then upgrade to PP.
Hi saurabh
recently my H1 visa is approved so i planning to attend for stamping in NOv or DEC month of 2016 .But i am confused on so many things.
My passport is going to expire in july 2017 .I have applied H1 petition with old passport only.
1)Can i go to stamping with old passport or i should renewel my passport?
2)If i got stamping in old passport does it make any problem when i get new passport as my h1 notice is upto 2018.
MRR,
1.I would suggest getting new passport first and then appearing for visa stamping.
2. Even if you get visa stamped in the old passport, it should be ok. You should get the new passport before traveling to US, so that you can get I-94 at least until petition expiration date and not old passport expiration date.
hi , my case was approved on 20 Sept 2016.
how much time does it take for receipt notice to reach at employer address?
Saurabh,
I have been seeing the below message for my Case from April. Is this normal to have this unchanged for such a long time. Usually by when USCIS takes care of all applications for that year ? i dont see any RFE, so that’s good. But the delay is making me worried.
On April 23, 2016, we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACxxxxxxxxxxxx. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Alex GS,
It is ok to still have this status. There is no set processing time and some petitions may still remain in this status.
Hi ,
My Client is not ready to send the email approval to share the SOW and MSA documents to USCIS. But , USCIS raised the RFE on my case to submit the client letter, MSA, SOW and position description letters. I have received the position description letter and client letter but client is not ready to send SOW documents. Please let me know that will it make an issue?
Or Client letter will be sufficient?
Murali,
Has the client informed that in an email? If not, can they at least issue an email stating their official refusal to issue SOW for the purpose of USCIS submission. You can then submit those documents along w/ rest of the paperwork you have.
please help me out i am very tensed either of my opt extension and H-1 B still not approved.Actually, My H-1 RFE was received on Aug 18th but, still no update and Opt extension case was received on July 18th still no status change when, i called to uscis regarding opt-extension they said it was in pending status can i raise the service ticket if it is not a problem. right now i am on H-1 B cap gab it will also be going to expired by end of november. until unless that my case status changed. can i legally stay in usa please explain
Abhi,
Cap-gap expires on Sep 30 for everyone. Why do you think yours is till Nov? You should stop working if OPT has expired. You can continue to stay but you cannot work.
Why don’t you update to PP?
Hi
What will be the H1b start date for the selected cases that has no response until 09/30 or even after october?
Thanks
Chowdary
Ram,
If the case is approved after Sep 30th, then the start date would be the actual approval date. You still get your 6 years of H-1 though.
My Current Status: Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received
usually How long will it take to move to next stage (Approved)
Divakar,
What are all the documents they have asked you in RFE ?
and what are all the documents u have submitted to uscis as in your RFE response?
i have received the RFE. could you please let me know the above details?
Divakar,
What are all the documents they have asked you in RFE ?
and what are all the documents u have submitted to uscis as in your RFE response?
i have received the RFE. could you please let me know the above details?
MSA, SOW and Manager letter
My status still shows “Case was received”. When USCIS is expected to finish processing all cases. any idea?
Hi,
Could you please let me know what does this mean about my h1b case status? denial or RFE?
Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed
On September 10, 2016, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC16xxxxx. 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 September 24, 2016, 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.
thanks for your reply
Hi Rama,
It’s got nothing with approval or denial it’s just about some action that they have taken on your case . It might be an RFE or a name update or something. Check with the notice they’ve sent and submit the additional documents if they’ve asked for any.
Regards,
Dileep
Thanks Dileep. will wait for their notice.
Hi Rama,
My case is exactly the same status, and as a coincidence its exactly the same date they have reviewed my case. I am also waiting for what action was taken or going to be taken, will update if I get more information
On September 10, 2016, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1614xxxxxx. 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 September 24, 2016, 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.
HI Rama,
I am also in the same case now. Can you please let me know what happend to your case please.
Thanks,
Suresh
Hi Suresh,
Did you get any updates on your case. In my case they have asked for employed details.
hi Rama,
I am also having same status ‘Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed’. Could you please tell what are the details that they have asked for. Can anyone please share details.
Hello guys,
For my case, my consultancy is saying USCIS requested for additional company documents and they are preparing to send required docs to USCIS. Not sure exactly what docs.. to my question consultancy just replied company documents.
Rama.
Hello Friends,
My employer filed H1B for FY2017 for client A.
Now my H1B status is RFE. But unfortunately I could not get documents from Client A.
Is there any provision so that we can provide documents from client B ??
Please help.
/Thanks
Sai
Sai Sudheer,
It is very tough to get approval with B’s documents. Change in location would mean a new LCA which is not advisable while the petition is pending. What is the attorney suggesting?
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your swift reply. My employer has filed H1 for me, so I did not have direct contact with attorney. In my case we were asked to provide End-Client letter, BRM letter, Contract, SOW and some other project related documents. Is it mandatory to provide all the documents ? End client letter is not possible available, other documents we are trying from clientA itslef. I heard that this year USCIS is very strict and expecting end-client letter as well. How far it is true.
sai sudheer,
If USCIS specifically asks for those documents in RFE, then those documents are very important. If you can avail them, then look for alternatives like a letter from a senior executive vouching for your case, letter from client expressing inability to issue that document etc.
What does status “Document Was Mailed” mean?
The details have below content:
“We mailed your document for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WACXXXXXXXXXX …..”
Hi Sudi,
I got the same status for my case please let me know what this status means …I got RFE later my case is showing documents were mailed..finally what happened to your status ? Is it got approved ?
Thanks in advance
My case status is showing up as Case was transferred since May 2016. I am wondering why there is no change in status yet.
Hi Every one,
Today i got the status mail from USCIS as your case is in Post Decision Activity.What does it mean?But in the USCIS status still it is showing as My Documents was mailed.
I am in big confusion.I log into my USCIS portal when i see the case history is showing as Post office returned documents to us.
All statements i got confusion.So please help me in this.
what is my exact status?
Thanks In Advance.
today USICS updated case status for many cases.
Go and check ur status.
Long Wait for MY CASE number “EAC1614651***” , not sure how many days still need to wait , can one has advise on this .
Is there are any set pattern for validation of the Petitions filed?
Hi ,
This is avin, i have applied for H1B extension, i see the status as “Receipt notice received from USCIS
on Jun 15,2016” , checked with my attorney and they said “My case is pending adjudication with USCIS”.
My visa expires on Sep 30th. Let me know how long does it take to get my approval although i know it gets delayed. If everything goes well, what’s the approximated time to get my approval.
Avin,
You can check the processing time on USCIS site for your service center. They may change as USCIS moves through the pending petitions. In general, it could take 7-8 months these days.
Hi Saurabh,
I got my H1B approved and was filling my DS – 160 form for me and my future wife, as we are planing to go for the interview together. What should be Martial status? (Single or Married) as we will be getting married in Oct. Please advice
MNFS,
If you will be married on the date of interview, then use Married as status.
Congrats on the upcoming wedding!
Thank you Saurabh, one more quick question.
I had filled the DS – 160 form for Chennai consulate. Now due to lack of appointment dates availability in Chennai, I want to know if I can book an interview appointment in a different consulate other than Chennai?. Do I need to fill a separate DS – 160 form for the consulate I will be attending the interview? And I have already paid my interview fees. Please advice.
MNFS,
That’s ok. You can still appear at a diff consulate even though you selected Chennai when completing DS form.
i have been seeing the below message on my case status for a long time now. Can you please tell me what does this mean. some of the blogs were suggesting that this status is usually associated with an RFE. But I did check with my attorney and confirmed that there were no RFE for my application yet. Is this common to see this message and the delay ? Also i am currently in US on L1B Visa. How does the Change Of Status happens if my H1B is approved
Sorry, forgot to add the case status message from the portal.
Name Was Updated
On April 23, 2016, we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACXXXXXXX. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Saurav,
I have seen others posting about similar message. Nothing to worry, just continue to wait. If COS was applied w/ H-1 petition and USCIS approves the same, then H-1 petition will come with I-94 attached. You will have to stop working on L-1 and start working on H-1 from that date.
Hi Sourabh/Kumar,
How many days it will take to get H4 visa ? I heard recently there is some change to the policy and it is taking very long time. Im getting married in Dec and want to travel after 2 weeks time.
Test,
The delay is due to availability of appointment dates at the consulate, and that is true for most of the visa categories. If you are able to book a date early, you can get a date in Dec/Jan and can then travel soon after.
Oh ok then after attending the interview it will not take long time to get the passport is it??
Test,
If the visa is approved, then passport is dispatched within 1 week. If 221g is issued, then it can take longer (days, weeks or months).
Hi Sourabh/Kumar,
How many days it will take to get H4 visa ? I heard recently there is some change to the policy and it is taking very long time.
I want to ask a diffrent question my case number is WAC16147xxxxx nd it is showing Case was received currently but if i use same case number with diffrent Center EAC16147xxxxx it shows case was approved.
Is it possible to have same case number in different centers or it was transferred?
Faizan,
They are 2 completely different cases belonging to 2 different people; and have no related to each other.
Hi
My h1 visa is approved and few days back i got my approval notice in courier In that i found my name was printed wrongly i.e my last name as first name.So i called my employer he said they will change name but it takes 3 to 4 weeks.
Please let me know how this actual process will go on?and how much exact time it will take for name change in approval notice? and is there any previous cases on this same issue.
please reply me as it is troubling me so much.Thank you.
VHR,
They will file amendment to get the name corrected in the 797 document. USCIS will then issue a corrected 797 with updated name, which you can use for stamping and travel.
hi Saurabh
how many days it take for name change in I797 ,mine is premium processing only.
Hi Saurabh,
I had filled the DS – 160 form for Chennai consulate. Now due to lack of appointment dates availability in Chennai, I want to know if I can book an interview appointment in a different consulate other than Chennai?. Do I need to fill a separate DS – 160 form for the consulate I will be attending the interview? And I have already paid my interview fees. Please advice.
VHR,
PP service is extended only for the initial I-129 processing. You need to file I-824 for name change and this has no PP option. You can check the processing time on USCIS site for your center, but typically it can take 2-3 months.
Hi,
I have a doubt what does the date stands for in status message.
“On August 15th , we received your documents for RFE ” is my status for RFE STEM OPT application.But i have mailed my documents and delivered at POTOMAC on August 12th , but i see status as “August 15th” i have a deadline of August 13th for replying to RFE.
does this mean USCIS might revoke my application.
please give your opinion on this. iam confused with date is it the date they updated my status ?
Akhil,
12th was Friday. So maybe it was received later in the day and they didn’t enter it by Monday. Wait to see how USCIS responds. If they deny it on the pretext that it was received late, submit copy of your tracking portal to show that it was really received on 12th and before the deadline.
Thanks Saurabh , sorry my application was delivered by August 11th itself. Anyways i will wait for the status update i heard from my friends that after sending RFE documents with in 40 days the status is changing to approved. So probably by September 2nd week i can expect some update on my status
USICS delays in updaing Status at their portal – https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/mycasestatus.do. As i am regularly checking my status , and along with status of case next to my receipt . and it was showing Case Was Received till yesterday.
and today it shows status for other person as On June 10, 2016, we mailed a request for additional evidence.
Which means they updated on 24 august for the case which they have already sent RFE on 10 June .
Hi
USCIS has raised RFE on my petition and they requested to get the MSA document. What is MSA document? What are details it will contain?
When I checked with my manager , he informed me that MSA document will be provided by VISA team not by client.
Please let me know that if it is related to client related document.
Ganthala,
MSA = Master Service Agreement b/w your employer and client. Your employer should already have that when they signed up the contract with the client.
Hi Rahul ,
I got the same status document was mailed .,,before status was RFE for which my attorney has replied …please explain what this status means and did your case got approved? Thanks in advance..
Hi Visa Aspirants & Gurus,
My case was filled and cuurrently my status shows ‘ My case received” since a verrrrrry loooong time.. I understand USCIS has many applications to go through but is my employer supposed to submit any document to take my case forward or the documents submitted during filling the case should do to proceed further….
Hi VSD,
Many cases are still in the same boat as yours . You need not submit any documents to the USCIS unless they ask you for additional evidence that is when the case status will change to RFE and it says REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE has been sent to you. Hopefully your employer should have submitted all the documents and the status changes to case was approved rather to RFE. Coz people who have filed their case last year and whose status chsnged to RFE have submitted the evidences required by the USCIS and are still waiting for their approval. So make sure with your employer that he has submitted all the required documents and if he has done so then you can expect the reply from USCIS on your case anytime. No need to panic, just wait for it.
Regards,
Dileep
Hi Dileep,
Thanks for ur quick response ….so ideally does visa interview will be scheduled after case is approved???
Yes as your case is in regular processing once your visa is approved the USCIS will send the documents to your attorney through post and then once you receive the same from your attorney you can apply for the visa interview.
Regards,
Dileep
H1B Extension – I just received Receipt Number. Can I convert it to Premium processing any time ?
Hi Kunnu,
Why did you receive your receipt number so late? When did you file your case? And yes you can upgrade to Premium Processing anytime through your attorney.
Regards,
Dileep
Hi,
My case was filed in 2016 and the till today the status shows as “My Case as Received”.
My Question is, Is this normal? Usually, does the status remain stuck for so long in the same stage? Anyone else having the same concern like me?
Hi Siddhartha,
There are many people who have filed their case in 2016 and still their status is case was received . I’m one of them and it is a common thing . It takes time for the USCIS to process the cases and you can expect the update anytime. So just wait for it.
Regards,
Dileep
Thanks for the response, Dileep.
Guys,
Is there any one receiving the validation error when you enter your receipt/file number?
I am so upset when I see that message..there is no update since May…I’m not at all getting response from USCIS when either me or my employer contacted.
Don’t know when USCIS will update my file online… ???
I was following this site from the time my petion got picked in lottery and certainly very help to get the latest updates to track the status and today am very happy to inform that my case was approved .
All the best for all the aspirants .
Hey Congratulations!!!
Was ur application filed in 2016?
Yes it is filed in 2016 at Vermont centre , and the case was in transferred status till yesterday
Hi
Was your case in transferred status ? so was it at Vermont center or diff center? and was urs regular processing?
Thanks
Hi Gloria,
My case was transfer from Vermont centre and it was in regular processing for the current year
Hi..
My application status is showing as “Document Was Mailed”. What does it mean? Status is not changed for more than 2 months.
Hi Rahul,
I am on the same boat with “Document was mailed” status. Apparently, this is a new status and has not much discussions. Have read in some blogs that this means approval. Not may people seem to be aware of this status and hence gets no comments. Wish you good luck!
Hi Rahul ,
I got the same status document was mailed .,,before status was RFE for which my attorney has replied …please explain what this status means and did your case got approved? Thanks in advance..
Hi all,
My status on USCIS now is showing as “My Case Was Approved”. Now is there any more changes that will be happening on the USCIS case status. or this is the final status change that will happen. kindly help
Hi Amit ,
First of all congratulations for the approval of your case . Hopefully there should be no more changes in the case now but I’ve come across a case which was approved and then the approval was revoked again by the USCIS . So if yours is regular process the USCIS will send the documents to your attorney through mail and if yours is premium processing they will send an email first and then the hard copies of the same will be sent via mail to your attorney. Hopefully there should be no revocation in the status approval then you can head for the visa interview after you receive the documents. By the way in which Service Centre was your case processed? Mine is in California Service Centre and I’m still waiting for the reply of my case.
Regards,
Dileep
Hi Dileep,
Thanks for the quick response.
My Receipt number starts from EAC. So in that guess it would be “EAC – Vermont Service Center”
But prior to current status, my status was updated in USCIS as “My Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction”.
so i don’t know in which service center it was transferred too
Thanks and regards,
Amit
Amit,
It was transferred from Vermont to California. You can continue to track it using the old receipt number. No new number is issued.
When did you status got updated?
Hi SA,
My status got updated on 10th August 2016
Congratulations ?
Which year was ur application filed.. 2015 or 2016.
Hi SRR,
Thank u 🙂
Application was filed on 2016
Hi Amit,
Congratulations on getting Approved status. Did you apply for premium processing or it was regular processing? My receipt number also starts from EAC (regular processing) and current status is Case Was Received.Fingers crossed.
Hi Arunabh ,
Amit’s was regular processing and it was approved on 10th August . The processing time is very slow as the USCIS has many other issues to deal with and they are processing the h1 cases simultaneously. Just wait for the status update it can be done anytime from now . Just keep checking it once or twice a week and hope for the best.
Regards,
Dileep
Thank You. 🙂
Hi Saurabh,
Can a case be moved from “Case was received” to “Approved” directly. As per my knowledge my company has not provided the client letter while applying. My case is Case was received from Apr 11. So should I expect “RFE” after this stage, because that would again delay the entire process.
Regards
Om,
Well, it can go to approved directly even if employer hasn’t submitted client letter. Well, do you want a RFE 🙂
case stuck in security check? what exactly is this security check ? i have been told by some one that the delay is due to security check from uscis. does it take 9 + months for the security check to complete after responding to the rfe ? can any one throw some light on this security check by uscis?
Security check can take a year or years. Depends on FBI or agency where USCIS has sent ur case.
Try converting to premium. Else just forget about h1b and one fine day you might get an approval.
Thanks sumit! for the info
My Status is this only from long time: People any idea from their past experience when they got approval?
On April 11, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC161*******, 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 11, 2016, please call Customer Service
people who have filed last year are still waiting for approval and you seem to be in a hurry.. it will take time.. hang on
Hi Saurabh/ ksmk,
The processing cases as of date which is last updated on August 11 th 2016 for California Service Centre still shows 15th December 2015. What does this mean? Did they even start the processing of cases received on 11th April 2016 ? Did anyone get the response for their case who have applied this year? I’m so worried as there is no change in my status and half of August is done. I know it takes time but there should be some sort of movement in the case right .
Hi Dilip, I do understand your situation and your anxiety, but things wont happen just like that and one has to WAIT with patience for things like H1 visa.your question ” I know it takes time but there should be some sort of movement in the case right ” is very upright and stands vindicated, however you need to think about other side of the coin. there is an unprecedented delay in processing of H1 since last year,due to the changes in rules. From last year ,uscis is processing H4 visas(dependent work visas) ,H1b amendment visas besides normal H1B visas and extension visas. so the work load is humongous and there is no scope of getting people on board and get the things moving. this is a sensitive work which has to be dealt by people who are expertise in their field of work. due to this there is a delay and one has to deal with it and the only way is to convert the regular processing to premium processing or else just wait with whole world of patience for that day… hope i am clear and i answered your question..
Hi ksmk,
Seems you are waiting for too long. Did you ask your employer to enquire about your Case Id. Vermont is showing 11th April and Cal 15th Dec 2015. But the time that you are waiting for is really adding to the tensions instead of relieving us.
Saurabh :- Do the centres take so long to process the cases??
Kindly help.
Hi
i did speak with my employer and he said there is no use in calling the uscis and asking them the reason for the delay.. they take their own sweet time to deliver the goods..even i checked few cases nos 20 odd whose employer through attorney has contacted uscis to know the reason for the delay.. in spite of that there was hardly any progress on those and they the progress was moving at snails pace.
ok …seems tricky then …Is your case initiated by a consultancy?
Saurabh :- Any inputs from your side
yes and there are so many who are in the same boat as i am..
Ksmk, your case must be in security check going by the trends. Mine was similar to yours and SR raised gave me the info. Even premium processing conversion won’t help in such a case but I will still convert and try.
what is this security check all about .even i heard the same. but exactly it is .can u let me know.also what are the chances of approval .
Security check is a black box and no clarity when it will get over. I have seen case that have been stuck in it since 1.5 years.
@sumit shah – Can you please tell how to submit an SR and is it helpful in knowing the reason for the delay. My status is ‘Case was received’ On April 11, 2016, we received your Form I-129.. filed in California service center.
And what is the security check all about any insight on that?
Hi
For me also same status still
Any updated from Guys those has Status still Case Was Received? Any Further movement.
can’t say exactly, but it is moving at snail’s pace…..
Ya… The processing speed is too slow… Even the dates in the ‘USCIS Processing Time Information’ site changed.
Previously it showed ‘2 months’ for I-129 H1B, now it’s showing ‘April 11 2016’ for Vermont.
not sure when u checked, when i had checked last night it showed 2 mnths and last updated is july14 and it will be updated again on aug 14
Yeah now it is showing April 11 2016…that means they are processing April 11 the cases? bcz my case received on the same day
Thx
Krish
But my case is still in response received status since nov 18-2015.. i have 2 more case nos whose response received status since oct 2 and oct 6 2015 is not changed since then.. is there any one whose response received status is showing since oct or nov and dec 2015..
what is the date of your resp received status? mine is nov 18 2015
Mine is 5 Aug 2015.
I-129 Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad April 11, 2016.. so they are processing the cases of april 11 2016.. i dont have any clue what is going on..
Mine in RRR state since 2 Oct 2015. Only option seems to be going premium.
In my RFE , USCIS requested the SOW/PO/WO documents .
Is SOW,PO and WO all these are single\same documents or these are 3 different
documents?
What is SOW?
What is PO?
What is WO?
also , they mentioned that they need end client email confirmation for these documents.
Could you please suggest me how can i proceed?
sow-statement of work,po-purchase order,wo-work order.. Nothing to be done from your side.. your employer will respond through attorney..
Thank you ksmk…. I would like to know the how RFE will rasied? will they verify the documents of all the petitions and whoever does not have proper documentation will get the RFE? or randomly petitions will verify for the documents and raise the RFE?
each and every application will be assigned to a CO case officer. he/she will check the documents and documentation of the petition. they have to adhere to H1 rules. if any missing info or any info not mentioned deliberately by attorney(info given by employer) will be given RFE. what ever info has been given is not enough to approve your petition, uscis needs more info to approve this or deny the petition during the process flow.
I received my h1b rejection receipt.. It has a case number VRN….. How do I check if it is legitimate or not. Please share your thoughts
Sry to hear tht…
Can u plz share you case details.. When did u file n wat was its status before getting rejected..
I received my h1b rejection receipt.. It has a case number VRN….. How do I check if it is legitimate or not.
I am currently on L1B with company X, my H1B petition is filed with CoS by Company Y. I read that CoS if effective from October first.
Does CoS gets priority over Counselor filing?
Can be H1B with CoS also get delayed (approved after October first)?
Do I need to switch immediately to company Y if my H1 gets approved? Can it be delayed by a month?
Sidd,
No priority given to COS over CP. Yes, COS petitions may get processed and approved after Oct 1 as well. In such a case, COS would be effective from actual approval date. You are expected to start working for H-1 employer from COS effective date. There is no grace period.
Thanks Saurabh,
Just thinking if it get approved on a random day from October first, there will a lot to handover before I move tothe another otganization. Can I request USCIS for some grace period ? What if I miss to check the status for a week?
Sidd,
There is no official grace period. If there is a delay, talk to your H-1 attorney and employer about the delay in joining as they are on hook as well. In future, if questions arise around this period, then you will have to provide a reasonable answer and it will be officer’s discretion.
My H1B cap petition status has changed to “Request for additional evidence was mailed” .
How do I get know what additional evidence they are expecting from my employer?
How much time it will take to process case once my employer sends the evidence documentation?
your employer will have 90 days to respond to the rfe.. ask your employer the rfe document. once the response is given , it should be approved or denied or given another rfc with in 60 working days as per the stand timelines of uscis. but going by the current trend of uscis.. it may take 2 or 4 or 6 or 8+ months to get the approval..
Hi Saurabh ,
Manoj
My status shows as shown below,can you please guide on what action should i take.
we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACXXXXX…, to another USCIS office. That office now has jurisdiction over your case. We sent you a notice that explains why we moved your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your notice by June 17, 2016, 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.
Manoj,
No action required. Just continue to wait for them to complete the processing.
My Case status is still showing as “my case was received”. Detailed status:
On April xx, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACxxxxxxxxx, 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 11, 2016, please call Customer Service
Hi Siddharth ,
it is very unfortunate that your case is still in received status which shouldn’t be. ask your attorney through employer to raise a service request or call uscis to know the reason for no status change immediately..
@ksmk and Siddharth – Same is with me .
very strange that there is no update still. it has been more than 15 months . call up the uscis customer center and ask them the status. this should be done by your employer through attorney..
Its not 15 months, 5 months .
Its 2016 . i think u misinterpreted
in that case you need to wait another 2-3 months for the update..
Siddharth,
That is ok. They are still in the processing stage and lot of petitions are still pending.
I have received the status as “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” which is not matching with any of the above listed cases and has not been updated since 20 MAY 2016.
It further explains as “On May 20, 2016, we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16143XXXXX, to another USCIS office. That office now has jurisdiction over your case. We sent you a notice that explains why we moved your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your notice by June 19, 2016, 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.”
What does this mean? What would be the suggested plan of action to know the progress of the case?
Sorry .. repeated.
Due to heavy work load ,your petition has been transferred to another office from Vermont service center..Nothing to do from your side and no need to panic..
Hi Saurabh,
My status shows as “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” which is not matching with any of the above status. This status was updated on May 20 2016 and no update since then. Can you please help me understand what does this mean?
The whole statement says as “On May 20, 2016, we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16143XXXXX, to another USCIS office. That office now has jurisdiction over your case. We sent you a notice that explains why we moved your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your notice by June 19, 2016, 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.”
Please help what should be my net plan of action.
Anusha,
No big deal. USCIS announced that they would transfer some cases to CA.
Hello
On March 23, 2016, my H1b status got changed to “Request for Additional Evidence Was Mailed “, and when I checked with employer, he side that they will take care to reply that.
But last two months my employer is not answering my call and emails , I’m not sure what is going on with my H1b application .
Can someone suggest me how move forward now : ( ,
is it passable now move other employer ?
Generally the time to respond to the RFE is 90 days.. employer usually respond during last 20 days.. he should have responded for the RFE but the status “Response for RFE received is not yet updated” wait for some more time..
RFE – Raj,
Unless employer responds to RFE there is no viable path forward. Maybe they have asked for something which your employer cannot provide and hence avoiding any communication with you.
Thanks for reply..
So NO hopes in my case 🙁 🙁 🙁
My Case status for H1B is “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It” what is this mean?
My Previous status ” Case was Received” . I couldn’t get any answer for this status similar to my case.
Could anyone please help ?
NVS,
Did your employer contacted USCIS recently and sent something related to your case?
@Sourabh
No, my employer didn’t send anything. But my Spouse employer has filed extension for him, so they filed H4 for me along with that in this June. Is this going impact my H1B ? If So, could you please help me ?
NVS,
Applying for H-4 extension should not impact your H-1 case. Maybe ask your H-1 attorney to open SR w/ USCIS to know what is happening.
@Saurabh
No, my employer didn’t send any documents recently. But my Spouse employer has filed extension for his H1B, so they filed H4 for me along with that in this June. So, i am on H4 right now and applied for H1B this year which got picked.
We are really getting panicked on this status and most of them are not aware of this.
Is this going impact my H1B ? If So, could you please help me