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USCIS H1B Visa 2014 Regular Processing Time? Premium Processing ? FAQs ?

Many of you who have applied for H1B Visa for fiscal year 2014 might be wondering regarding the H1B Visa processing times. Some common questions are like below:

  • What is USCIS Regular Processing time for H1B Visa 2014 petitions ?
  • Is there any SLA for USCIS to process the H1B Visa 2014 petitions ?
  • What is the processing time for H1B petitions filed under  Premium processing ?
  • How has USCIS done historically with H1B Processing Times ?
  • Where and How can I look at the average processing times for H1B petitions ?

 

Let me take some time to address some of the above most commonly asked questions around H1B Visa petitions processing times and how USCIS has done in the past. If you have already received a case number for your H1B petition, you can read this article: Understanding H1B Visa Case Number, Track Status

What is USCIS Processing time for H1B 2014 petitions filed under Regular Processing ?

Well, the typical adjudication (decision making) time for H1B visa petitions filed under regular processing by USCIS can range anywhere from 2 months to 6 months. There are cases where the decision was mailed by USCIS in less than 2 months and there are cases where USCIS took much longer than 6 months too.  Every H1B case is different and the time taken depends on various facts and factors tied with a petition…

Is there any set SLA for USCIS to process petitions filed under H1B 2014 Regular processing ?

There is NO set SLA for USCIS that stipulates them to adjudicate a H1B petitions filed under regular processing within certain amount of time.  So, you would just have to wait for USCIS, there is nothing you can do. Unlike,  USCIS has SLA for premium processing H1B petitions, but it comes with a cost.

How long will  USCIS take for H1B Visa 2014 Premium Processing petitions ?

USCIS has a standard 15 calendar days SLA for premium processing petitions.   Typically, it starts from the day USCIS receives the petition and they issue a case number.  But for FY 2014, due to expected high volumes they have pushed the premium processing clock  for H1B petitions to start from April 15th. So, you can expect a response from USCIS on your case by April 30th.  It can be a decision or an RFE, if something was missing.  Read article: H1B Visa Statuses – Approval, RFE, Denial

How has USCIS done historically with H1B petitions processing times ?

Again, as mentioned above, it has varied from 2 to 6 months. The current national average for processing times that USCIS publishes on their website is about 2 months and it seems to be varying depending on how busy USCIS gets with processing at a particular time.  You have to remember that the reason processing times can vary a lot is because USCIS constantly receives other H1B petitions that are not part of FY 2014 quota, which are extensions and change of employers, cap-exempt petitions, etc. that they would have to process as well. If  some of these mentioned are filed under premium processing, the priority changes from USCIS perspective.

Where can I look at USCIS processing times for H1B petitions ?

USCIS publishes the processing times on their website. The only trick is that that, you have to watch for date that processing times correspond to…All you need to do is select the processing center and it will show the approximate processing times. You can check at here at USCIS website

You can check out some of the processing times at our  H1B Visa Tracker.   Don’t forget to add your case.

What has been your experience with USCIS processing times ?  How long did it take ?

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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8,159 Comments

  1. Just out of curiosity, I wanted to know if all the ones who applied H-1B from Infy, Wipro, TCS and all others have a potential project starting from October 1 2013. I mean do you have current project that require you to be on site.

    If you do not have a current on site project requirement when do you expect to get one?

    This is just out of curiosity.

    Reply
    • Hello abc, just to answer your question I applied to h1b and got selected, I’m not from the 4B IT companies but I have project starting in October and it’s a permanent position.

      Reply
    • Infact if you at this whole H1B program it doesn’t makes any sense.
      I don’t understand how can a employer hire someone or assign someone to a project which would be starting almost 6/7 moths after selection, a lot can happen in six months and top of that you have lottery or rejection.

      Reply
  2. Any one has legit information on reciept generation process or is it done ?
    I see there are no receipts being generated past 5 days.

    Any information is helpful.

    Reply
  3. When I called GI team they told me that congrats you are selected but they did not give me any receipt number. Also they told AIMS will be updated in 10 days ? did anyone else get the same message! why are they not sharing receipt numbers ?

    Reply
  4. One question what will be notice date for the following petition no.
    WAC131365xxxx

    Also what does 136 actually mean here. Someone said workings days, working days from when, because if it Jan then it should be somewhere in the 70s range. Is this from 1st October 2012. This is just for my knowledge sake and nothing else.

    Reply
  5. Hello All,
    I got my receipt after a long wait but still need a clarification
    Total Yrs of education – 13yrs
    Total yrs of IT experience – 9 yrs 3 month
    My employer has processed my petition as it met the needs but still my yrs of education will put me through RFE or Rejection…plz tell me the possiblties

    Reply
      • bahaha 🙂 i am certain s(he) includes primary/middle/high schools in this calculation of years spent for education 🙂

        Reply
        • Please stop talking nonsense if you do not know the options in education system. Not every child has parents with enough money to take them through engineering. He must have done 10+ 3 years of diploma(technical one), after which he started his job to earn for his living when otehr children of his age were enjoying collage life.

          Reply
          • you are talking nonsense now, what enineering, that wasn’t mentioned in original post.
            I am aware that there are differences in education system in every country, however please compare it to US education system. As for H1b, – minimum bachelor degree (equivalent to the one in USA) or plenty years of relevant job experience is needed.

          • You also included primary/middle/high school education in your calculation of 10+3. So how is @dfs talking nonsense or any different than what you said?

          • Yes dude i am 10 + 3 yrs of diploma holder . I was told 9yrs of IT experience is enough but thought of getting ur useful updates based on ur experience..Thanks

          • Dude, stop explaining things to these ignorant lot, looks Like they don’t even know for h1b eligibility, their, 10+2+4 education is considered and that’s how they are all were eligible. Your ever 3 years of experience adds to one year to the education and that’s how you have the perfect eligibility. For sure you are as eligible as anybody who applied for h1b in this forum. I am sure your lawyer is paid for to do his job tand you surely will not get REF ,at least not for this aspect….good luck!!

    • Not too sure. I have seen even graduates getting H1b, so don’t think it should be of a major concern. If you really want try and speak with the attorney who has filed ur petition.

      Reply
    • I also know one of my uncles who runs a small time hospital had hired someone in India to do some clerical job for around 40000 USD on h1b. But that was more than 8-9 years back.

      So I am guessing it should not be a major concern.

      Reply
    • Lok,
      Although this has already responded by someone, let me also elaborate.

      For H-1, you need to have 12+4 years of education with a college degree equivalent to US Bachelors. If you don’t have that, then you need at least 3 years of progressive work experience for each missing year of education.

      Your attorney should have done educational evaluation for you to know what the US equivalent of your education is. It’s not necessary that 3 years of diploma translates to 3 years of college degree. Once the evaluation is done, the agency will tell you have XX years of US equivalent education. You then need 3*(16-XX) years of progressive work experience. Your attorney should have also collected detailed work experience letters from you and past employers to show that it is progressive enough.

      There is a chance that RFE could be issued if the attorney hasn’t included enough documentation in the original filing. If so, they can then submit those documents in response to the RFE. I would suggest talking to your attorney to know what was included in the original package. And then start collecting additional documents to counter any potential RFE. This may give you a head-start as some documents may take some time to arrive (like work experience letters from old employers).

      Reply
      • Thanks for the update saurabh, i could see two professors from US university justifying my diploma to be equivalent to a bachelor degree of science in the US (I29). Is tat justification is sufficient or any other additional justification required(frm an attorney as u said)….Thanku

        Reply
  6. Did anyone get a positive feedback from the GI team yesterday? If no, then they might be simply denying having any information without even checking.

    Reply
    • i called them and they told me that i am selected..but they did not have my receipt number.. many of my teammates called that number and they gave a positive reply.. i guess just person in my team is not selected bcos they said they dont have any updated.. it has to be correct as i gets logged as AHD requet..

      Reply
          • Hmm, but I’m just gonna wait. If I’m lucky enough my AIMS will be updated, else i’ll have to live with that.

          • @ Chennai_MFG_Infy,
            I called GI yesterday and I dint get any positive feedback either. AIMS still READY FOR PRINTING. Almost lost my hopes.

          • 2 lists has been rolled out so far. first one came on 10 days back and second one on day before yesterday, so if your name is not in both the list then it will be in the next list that will be rolled out in next week. Also AIMS will be updated later only.

  7. Hi ,

    I have been told by my employer that my case is “Pending with USCIS. We shall keep you posted once we recive updated status” while some of my collegues were intimated that they were selected in lottery.

    Is there is chance ; can be have a small hope or should I give up ? I have almost given up this year …..

    Reply
    • Here is some good news for ya. When I had my employer called USCIS as to see the status of my case, i got the same response and i received the receipt three days after that. So you can;t say for sure, if they don;t have you in their system does not rule out your chances. I would say keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best.

      Reply
  8. today i asked to my employer about my receipt.
    he said we are not receiving any receipt these days……
    so wait for return package for any decision……

    Reply
  9. I filled under RP\RQ\VSC still waiting.
    Question are all the once who were selected in lottery already informed ?
    Is there still chance yet ?

    Reply
  10. I got my PhD (with distinction) in electrical engineering and have a long list of publications in journals and conferences with highest recognition in my field. My company told me that the probability for having success with O1-visa is very low and we should try h1B. Now we are still waiting to get any information about the status of my petition.
    Have you guys experience with O1-visa? Is that correct what my company told me?

    Reply
    • I am in a similar situation, I have an engineering PhD and have been considering going for a O-1 since I, just like you, have not heard back regarding the H1B lottery.

      I have recieved conflicting information about O-1 visas – on one hand, I was told it is well worth a try and within reach for someone with a PhD and a published track record, while others have said an O-1 is quite tough to get. I really think it depends on the individual case, and what one officer may deem good enough for approval, another officer may find insufficent. It is true though, that an H1-B is much easier to apply for and get (lottery aside).

      I think the best strategy is to talk to an immigration attorney who will be the most qualified person to assess your chances of an O-1.

      At the end of the day, you may also hear back positive news about your H1-B application. I, for one, am still hopeful.

      Reply
    • O1 has two tracks: artistic talent or scientific/engineering talent. Scientific one is much much harder than the artistic one. If you are somewhat a decent artist (with some recognized work/awards) you can get O1 easily. To get an O1 with scientific merit, you have to be very influential in your subject.

      Reply
    • I have also considered O1, but the lawyers think that I am not eligible for it after evaluating my background. I think it is because I don’t have many papers as a PhD graduate, so I am still waiting for any miracles on H1B. On the other hand, I think you can try it if you have “a very long list of publications” and if they get well cited.
      FYI, I know a guy who got O1 last year. He is also a PhD graduate who has >25 publications and has filed ~5 patents…

      Reply
    • Dude, you should have apply for Green Card right away. With 5 journals published in the well recognize body (IEEE, and etc). You are definately qualify for the EB1 visa. Please consult your attorney for details.

      Reply
  11. RP/RQ/VSC
    Receipt number -EAC13148xxxxx
    Date generated- 29th april 2013
    Noticed received by attorney through mail – 7th may 2013

    Sona

    Reply
  12. @All who got their decision after responding to RFE (in PP), please post the response time taken by USCIS in your case. My RFE has been responded and I am waiting for a decision on my case, just wanted to get an update on how long would it take.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  13. Hi,

    I am on L1 and My wife on L2 working with EAD both applied H1 this year through PP.
    My wife’s H1 got approved last week but i am still waiting (too long i beleive)
    I have my L1 valid till early next year . i have tried this year if not i have one more try next year .

    Reply
      • No it cannot be either you get a RFE (Request for evidence) or you get Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
        Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) is something where USCIS tells you in advance that they are planning to deny/reject you application.

        Reply
  14. Finally my wait is over, got an email from employer that I was selected in lottery.

    RQ/RP/CSC – WAC1314350***
    filed date: Apr 1st
    Notice data :Apr 26th
    Attorney office received it on: Some time last week/Monday
    Employer got the info on: Tuesday

    I got the news yesterday…

    Hope people who are waiting will get the good news soon.

    Reply
    • Sorry but some have been indirectly notified of the package return.

      Most are saying their friends have gotten the packages back. RK is only firsthand case to have heard from his employer of his package return.

      But some are saying its not over till May 20th. Some cases might be on waitlist.

      Reply
      • I am hearing the same thing. unconfirmed reports of package returns. My lawyer received one too however, this application was selected in lottery and was later rejected due to some filling issue.

        Reply
        • Woah! That happens? >.< Could you update us if and when you receive more info on that?!

          Thanks and good to bump into you again mate! 🙂

          Reply
          • Yes, rejection can happen after receipt issuance. Receipt number doesn’t guarantee the application will be approved.
            If filing fee is incorrect or if verification of education/experience or skill set fails they can reject the application. But that’s different arena altogether. Hope every deserving candidate gets thru the lottery first.

          • Oh yeah I knew that. But I meant due to improper filling. As in if some data is mistakenly stated or missing some info, genuine mistake. Wouldn’t that warrant an RFE instead?

            Yeah best of luck to all!

          • PKaiser,
            There are two things – rejection and denial. USCIS has clearly listed out the basic requirements for filing H-1 petition which includes correct fees, LCA, I-129, open cap etc. If one or more of these basic requirements are not met, then the petition is outright rejected. No RFE is issued. Like someone else mentioned, if the cap is still open the petitioner can correct it and resubmit. However, this year cap got over in 5 days, not sure how that would play out.

            If all these basic requirements are met, USCIS starts to process the application. If they need clarification or more information, then they issue RFE.

            That is why it is very important for employer/attorneys to make sure that petition doesn’t get outright rejected in filing seasons like this when the cap gets over within a week.

          • I got this news almost a week ago. I will find out more from my lawyer next week when I get a chance as I do not want to bug her every week.

            I am on my second keg of beer this week. M boat is full of empty cans .. 😉

          • Awww man! Any updates at all? Checks cashed or anything? I am totally praying that yours is on waitlist at least really. You deserve that!

            Even though I am on a different boat (and I do feel bad about it) I still fear this boat may topple or could get hit by the iceberg of rejection. >.<

            Its a very bittersweet feeling. One feels happy to make through the lottery and then bitter over friends still waiting to hear anything. If I could, I would totally try to make this Lottery system go away. Very unfair to all bro.

          • I am not fretting it as much a bunch of people here are.

            I am setting Plan B into motion so hopefully if this does not work out.

            Still hoping for some good news as my lawyer has not received any bad news.

            Thanks for the prayers ….. hopefully yours gets approved soon (if not already)

          • yeah hasn’t happened yet so waiting for it to get approved which would be a breath of fresh air in my confidence. 🙂

            Well yeah sometimes no news is good news. What would Plan B be (that was unintentional lol)?

          • Since I will have an official PhD certificate after may 15th, my employer is going to try for O-1 visa. It is an easier variant of EB-1 a and b, and can be processed under PP, using the I-129 form. However, it has the same restrictions as H1b so eventually I will have to get H1b.

            Keeping fingers crossed!

          • Thats definitely good! Maybe you should post that info separately out here. Lot of PhDs are losing heart, and it may just work out for somebody.

            Thanks and best of luck! ^_^

          • I saw two receipt numbers posted online with their status as rejected. On the USCIS website one said due to incorrect fee, other due to a missing signature. Poor souls.

          • Wow really?! Thats kinda harsh, as it can easily be fixed if they reach out to them.

            It just seems like USCIS is somewhat hurrying through this all, this year.

          • Well according to 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(i) USCIS should allow applicants to correct fee deficiency but the filing date is not retained i.e. the day fee is corrected becomes the new filing date. Unfortunately, for this year since the quota is over, a new filing date means automatic rejection.

            For PP cases USCIS is authorized (officially responsible) to make minor corrections.

          • On May 7, 2013, we sent you a notice that the processing of your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER has been suspended because the bank notified us that there were insufficient funds in your account to cover the filing fee. You must wait to receive this Check Deficiency Notice in the mail that explains the steps you must take to return your case to processin

          • I saw this msg on one of the receipts generated …so may be USCIS will give some time to send the correct fees !!! just my assumption !
            WAC1313452*** was the number

          • @Gentoo,
            Congrats mate on your approval.
            Was your a PP case ?
            How long did it take from Initial Review to decision ?
            Thanks.

          • Yes, mine is RQ/PP/WAC. The receipt came on April 8 and approval on April 16. By the time I got the receipt number from my attorney (April 9) it was already in Initial Review.

    • Hi i just received my Receipt number yesterday… EAC131******* Don’t loose Hope, be patient and results will come surely.. Good Luck Everyone.. Jay

      Reply
  15. It looks as though no new receipts have been generated in the last couple of days.

    People are also mentioning May 20 as the UNOFFICIAL date by which USCIS aims to finish processing cap-subject H1Bs for FY 2014. Does that means that everyone is on a waitlist at this point or are there still cap-subject receipts that are being generated?

    I don’t think anyone really knows.

    Reply
    • yes, no one knows about it, until a official statement comes from CIS…
      and May20th date was given by CIS officer. I hope that’s a legit date….

      Reply
  16. I got selected, employer didnt call neither attorney (she promised to call me as soon as she recieves my notice). I just happened to check the attorney’s website and the H1B status still showed – “Filed with USCIS” … I was about to logour and something caught my eye … the reciept number field was filled with a number…. I couldnt believe my eyes… and checked the status on USCIS…. it was certainly for H1B petition….called the attorney to confirm and then she confirmed that it was indeed mine…and they recieved my notice last friday… some miscommunication between the clerk(who makes data entry) and the attorney.

    RQ/RP/VSC – EAC1314853XXX
    filed date: Apr 1st
    Notice data :Apr 29th
    Attorney office recieved it on: May 3rd.
    Attorney office: bal global

    advice to all the guys with bal global law firm, pls chk your case status on their website.. looks like its big firm and miscommunication can easily happen…

    All the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Congrats on the selection!!

      how did u find it out on the attorney’s website?
      were you given id and pwd? pls share the details..
      even i would like to check ur way ..my attorney is munsch.

      Thanks in advance

      Reply
  17. Does anyone know any stories where RFE requesting specialty occupation justification converted into approval? or denial ?

    Reply
  18. Hi Sourabh, Do USCIS send the receipts in employer wise or applicants wise. Many got receipts in my company, but I didn’t.. Do I need to wait or its done

    Reply
    • As far as I know, there is no order they maintain. Some in my company received last week. Others(Including me) received this week and some are still waiting.

      Reply
    • As far as I know, my employer sent all petitions in one packet. But, the receipts came in a staggered fashion over two weeks, each one individually.

      Reply
  19. @Cyberbest Tech
    @H1B waiting

    Do you know anyone who have applied through CyberTech and got receipts.
    Do you have any other info about them like how many they have applied and how many made through?
    bit sad

    Reply
  20. I think i lost the game. RQ/RP.
    For those who won, all the best for your future
    For those who lost, look forward & loads of good oppurtunities awaiting.
    For those who are still waiting, wishes to get thru.

    I m getting back to my usual work, this forum was helpful.

    Thanks,
    Cheeers.

    Reply
      • waiting, waiting, waiting.. so out of frustration i called it a day ! Just to keep myself at peace, to look for things i should be doing.
        Atleast i would stop checking mails every 5 mins, checking this forum every 10 mins, trying to call my employers everyday, phew.. i felt it was getting to my nerves too much !

        Reply
  21. Hi,

    I got the following mail from my attorney:

    your file has not been picked by the lottery system. It came back.
    I am under Regular quota/Regular processing

    Reply
  22. Hi all,
    I completed Bachelor of enginnering in computer science in 2012.I joined to a top MNC in august 2012.I apllied to H1B 2014 .I got selected in lottery.My client has no problem with me. So , my questions are,

    1) what are my chances of accepting visa with this much of experience(nearly one year)?

    2) Do you have any instances where in freshers or less experienced got h1b?

    Please reply me,I am scared about this….

    Reply
    • I am pretty sure experience does not play a big role compared to educational qualification. I know people who have got their H-1B visa approved and stamped and are yet to graduate (i.e. will graduate in July this year). That was last year and they have been working for around 6 months now. For this year too, I know people who will graduate in July and have their visas approved.

      Reply
    • My case is the same, and I already got aprroved couple weeks ago. I don’t think how many yrs of experience is the factor deciding your case approval. So don’t worry too much. I hope that you would get your approval soon

      Reply
      • Thanks dude … i know that they will approve the petition.But I am asking about issuing the H1b visa for less experienced guys like us!!! Any idea about this?

        Reply
      • Thanks for your reply dude…I am asking about issuing h1b after petition approval.ie…
        issuing h1b for less experienced like us!!!!….if u don’t mind,can i know your details..?

        Reply
  23. My employer informed me that i got through lottery ….on may 1st
    but some how is not willing to share my receipt number to me..
    is there any specific reason forthis ….
    i filled under Rq/PP/csc..
    is my case still under PP

    please reply

    Reply
  24. @saurabh how do I delete my post as I think this should better go in share ur experience and not here 🙂

    Reply
    • Good one.. i really love these lines

      “Writing my resignation towards a well-established job, packing my whole world in two bags, and leaving whatever I earned in last 28 years behind me, was may be the most craziest thing I did till now”

      all for love 😉 we all do this

      Reply
    • Hi Saurabh
      If you can plz del this above post I don’t think this is the right place to write this as its out of context for what the discussion is about…sorry for posting and thanks If you could remove it for me.

      Reply
      • This is really nice, you read and try to understand every moment of life, and you remember it very well too. Very few people have these qualities. If possible let others read this article and let them realize how life is so important and beautiful in small things. I’m sure you will do good in your life with such a nice sense of thinking. Don’t feel that you need to do some work to enjoy it, make people special around you.
        I’m inspired. Thanks.
        All the best.

        Reply
      • Iamonh4,
        I have removed that content. Didn’t delete it as that would have left all the replies hanging/orphaned.

        But that was very well written. If you want to share your experiences w/ others, it can be on its own page. This way it will not get lost in hordes of comments. Let me know about your thoughts.

        Reply
        • Thanks Saurabh,
          I would definitely think about the same.

          Kudos to you for keeping this space alive for over the years making it so interactive, informative and knowledgeable. Many around have their hope alive just because they are on this platform. Here we are sharing , discussing and outbursting our fears and anger as the people around us may not be able to realize the pains that we are going through at this time. Feeling deprived, depressed but again navigating to this blog and see a single post “YES I GOT IT JUST NOW” gives us that belief again, yes I will also get it, it’s just taking sometime. So Saurabh you are the captain of this ship and must saying you are driving it exactly the way it should be driven for us to reach our shores.

          Don’t know what’s going in my mind for the wait.

          PS : Ashish(my hubby ) does not want my H1 to get cleared at all as he believes that I am a great cook and a fab writer. So I should better do something in these two fields and not waste my life in IT, as he’s a manager in Accenture n says “IT is not my place” you are blessed with these two things. Grow here and not there. 🙂

          Reply
          • Iamonh4,
            Different people have different skill sets, and at times their forte is outside IT. Unfortunately, one of the H-1 requirements is specialized skill-set and so lot of creative fields are left out. I don’t know whether you will stick to IT, or whether you will venture out into other creative fields, but I wish you good luck w/ whatever endeavors you undertake.

            If you do decide to share your thoughts w/ a larger group and need a platform, do contact me and publish articles on this blog.

            BTW, do you go by any other names besides “IamonH4” :)?

          • Yes,,,I do…I am known as Barbie , mermaid on some of the forums for some depressed people. I keep interacting and motivate people who are not so happy with the term called “My life”.I thank all might for the beautiful life that he has blessed me.

            With my real I’d I help people on the tech stuff:
            https://community.emc.com/thread/149825?start=0&tstart=0

            Soon to be a free lancer for my ex employer.

            And I can be hooked on in linkedIn too..

            @Vaishali will soon give you the link. Was a bit occupied today with the college admission formalities.

  25. Sally n others who are on h4 guys lets start our own community ..whole day worries outings introducing our selves to each others what do we do n blogs

    Reply
  26. @PP freinds…should anyone be removed from the below waiting list..????????
    Waiting4lottery – Regular/PP/VSC
    Paagal ho Jaunga!! – Regular/PP/CSC
    Hey Bhagawan – Regular/PP/VSC
    hopeful – Regular/PP/VSC
    still waiting for receipt num – Regular/PP/VSC
    Goodluck – Regular/PP/VSC
    xyz – Regular/PP/VSC
    Deb(me) – Regular/PP/VSC
    AVS – Masters/PP/CSC
    kimmel – Regular/PP/CSC
    H1b Singh – Regular/PP/CSC
    keepingithonest – Masters/PP/CSC
    RD – Masters/PP/VSC
    Neha – Regular/PP/?? center
    HOPE – Masters/PP/CSC
    Raj – Regular/PP/VSC
    Sam – Regular/PP/CSC
    Mat – Regular/PP/CSC
    T – Masters/PP/VSC
    Mr.Hope – Regular/PP/VSC
    Waiting – Masters/PP/CSC
    waiting4 – Masters/PP/VSC
    Apple Fan – Regular/PP/VSC
    GG – Regular/PP/VSC
    ATL_PP – Regular/PP/CSC
    frustrated – Masters/PP/VSC
    Sai – Masters/PP/VSC
    GOD – Regular/PP/CSC
    Lost hope – Regular/PP/VSC
    gbav – Regular/PP/CSC
    PP – Regular/PP/CSC
    Lili – Masters/PP/CSC
    AK – Masters/PP/VSC
    ssr – Regular/PP/CSC
    CAPGAP – Masters/PP/VSC
    ss – Regular/PP/CSC
    OMG – Regular/PP/VSC
    Lifesucks – Masters/PP/??center
    srinivas – Regular/PP/CSC
    vs – Masters/PP/CSC
    Oh no! – Masters/PP/CSC
    QP – Regular/PP/CSC
    cK – Regular/PP/CSC
    ASH – Regular/PP/CSC
    mohammed salaoddin – Masters/PP/VSC
    P – Masters/PP/VSC
    Friend – Regular/PP/VSC
    Jeff – Regular/PP/CSC
    TheEternalOptimist – Regular/PP/VSC
    Hope H1B – Regular/PP/VSC
    Deemag ka dahi – Masters/PP/CSC
    FC – Masters/PP/VSC
    GA – Regular/PP/VSC
    pedal2themetal – AD/PP/CSC
    nancy – Regular/PP/CSC

    Reply
  27. My employer informed me that i got through lottery ….on may 1st
    but some how is not willing to share my receipt number to me..
    is there any specific reason forthis ….
    i filled under Rq/PP/csc..
    is my case still under PP

    please reply

    Reply
    • My employer informed me that i got through lottery ….on may 1st
      but some how is not willing to share my receipt number to me..
      is there any specific reason forthis ….
      i filled under Rq/PP/csc..
      is my case still under PP

      please reply

      Reply
  28. Here is my story. It is very strange trap and all possible routes are closed. I don’ t know any one can help me.

    1. Came to US in 2006 and graduated with MS Dec 2009
    2. Started PhD 2009 and planning to graduate in Dec 2013.
    3. Currently in pre-completion (expires August 2013) working for US company with 6-figure salary.
    4. Applied H-1 B and did not get a reciept yet.
    5. I cannot get STEM OPT extension since I applied for pre-completion opt by mistake made by school.
    6. Enrolling in new program form Jan 2014 doesn’t help since I cannot get OPT for my life time.
    7. Planned for a marriage in July, which already screwed up.
    8. I cannot even apply now for a faculty position as I will get my degree in Dec 2013.
    9. No sevis update, no cheques enchased and my name is not in the USCIS data base till today.
    10. It’s not easy to apply for green card now.

    The only option left for me is to leave US after my graduation in December . Seven years of dedication and hard work. Never cried in my life time but today as I understood that the game is over for me. This is my fate.

    Reply
    • It’s really not over yet, no matter how painful waiting for a receipt may be. I understand that hope is thin, but it’s not over.

      There are quite a few of us here already holding a PhD degree or about to graduate with one. It’s devastating to think that we might have to leave the lives we built here over the last few years just because of a lottery but let us not give up just yet.

      Reply
    • sorry to hear that. but i was very surprised you did not get your RN yet despite holding AD. Try in Canada, that would be something better than going home if you were from Asia or SA or Africa. I know u ll feel terrible to leave your six figure salary 🙂 but m sure u won’t have any debts here or education loan. I have seen some friends who owes to bank for education loan and have to leave their good job here due to this H1 crisis this year. At least you are in much better shape. Keep your head held high and serve your country well. They truly deserve qualified candidate like you. If only figure matters you, they may even give 7 or 8 figure but value may not be that high, just kidding. Anyway, I wish you all the best in your life. I hope you ll hear and get your H1 in surprise. All the best!

      Reply
    • I know the chances are thin but then there are still chances… till the package come back there are chances.. I know luck has nothing to do with our stories or our hardwork but god wouldnt make us handle anything beyond what v cant handle.. SO Chill Sit tight.. Watever happens will happen for the good.. These are the things i keep telling myself because i get these panic attacks almost every day…

      Anywaz waiting for my AD/RP/CSC.. Have heard nothing.. no SEVIS update NO information regarding Cheque and NO Receipt.. All my plans have come to stand still and the last month was the most unproductive month of my life…

      Oh by the way i applied for my Pre OPt too by mistake but u can apply for Post Opt and STEM even after Pre Opt. Because i got my Pre OPt and then after i graduated i applied for my Post Opt.. I know there is a lot riding on this Lottery for everyone but all we can do is keep hoping for ourself and each other… And just pray..

      Reply
      • Dear SB,

        How come I can get post-opt or stem-extension after I graduate. I read the rules from USCIS website, if any one takes pre-completion opt, she or he is not eligible for post-opt or STEM extension.

        How many months did you take for pre-completion OPT ?

        If there is any chance that I can get STEM extension, it would be awesome.

        Thank you and I will be waiting for your reply.

        Reply
          • Hello SB,
            If you can’t apply for OPT after you graduate , it is not a bad idea to enroll back in school to keep your status as F1. I tell you my friend’s story . His stem OPT extension expire on December 2012 and he missed the cap last year. So he enrolled back in school on January 2013 to keep his status in F1. On this April 2013, his employers submited H1B petition and he already got approval. What I mean is that employer can re-submit the H1B petition for you next year as long as you are in F1 status not necessary you must be on OPT.

    • And because of people like you, I made my comments against the big IT giants like TCS and Infosys.
      You deserve more than most of these people.

      Reply
    • hey buddy! Dont lose heart just yet.

      If your company is willing to hire you, do they have offices elsewhere? Then maybe you can go there and come back? Like maybe to Canada or something?

      Everything happens for a reason, and you definitely seem like the hardworking type so I believe that something good may come from this, even if it doesnt make sense just yet. How about maybe save some of the 6-figure salary and apply with a cap-exemt research organization or non-profit? And then once that goes through you can switch the field later on?

      @ABC – Again I believe that at fault is the system. If there was no lottery then surely Lost_hope would have gotten through, but the Lottery is at fault. Next year the system should be rectified.

      Reply
  29. Sourabh,

    My employer filed for my H1B (RP/RQ/CSC), but i haven’t heard anything yet. I’m currently on L1. My initial L1 petition was approved in March’2009, but i first came to US in Aug’2009 and been here since then.
    Now my current L1 petition will expire on March’14. H1B was my only hope to continue my stay in US. As i’m looking for plan B, i have few questions, it would be great if you or anyone in this forum can answer these questions –
    a. Can my employer file green card on L1B (individual) visa? and then they can file my H1B again next year.
    b. Can i recapture the time i spend outside US on L1 (basically time from March 2009 thru July 2009)?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
        • yes you can capture the time u were out side usa when u were on l1.
          yes u can apply for h1b FYI 2014- 2015 but ur visa expires in march ’14. and H1 process starts in april and may take till mid april end even if its is premium.
          but if u are out of usa for more than 3 months of course yes u can give a trail.
          applying Green card is not a single day process. it takes months to complete juss the intital process and takes years to get approved. you must have applied it by now.
          then you get I 140 where you can extend your l1.
          so plan accordingly.
          all the best.

          Reply
          • Thanks @H1 for the details!

            Here is the plan which my employer suggested me, i’m not sure if this is valid or not –
            a. Employer will file green card in Oct’13 with premium processing on EB2.
            b. At the same time they wil submit a request to recapture my time till Aug’14
            c. Hopeing that they will get I-140 before March’14, they will file H1B for 2015.
            d. As H1B 2015 starts from 1-Oct-14, so they suggested to go to India for a vacation for 1 month and come back on 1-Oct’14.

            Do you think what they planned is legally possible? I’m worried about this coz my son is having a school here and it would be difficult to switch countries during his schooling.

          • yes what all you said is possible.
            ONLY IF the process goes as they said .
            if there is any delay in I 140 or if u dont get approve of 3 months.. then u may need to stay in india for couple of months.
            dont worry juss hope for the best.
            gud luck.

          • When you are in L1, You can’t recapture the days when you were outside of USA.
            With I-140 approval, you can not get L1-B extended beyond 5 years.

            But only with H1, you can recapture the days which you spend outside of USA and you can extend I-94 if you get I-140 approved.

            As someone mentioned applying GC is not one day process.

          • SSR,
            “When you are in L1, You can’t recapture the days when you were outside of USA.”

            In this USCIS document, it says “Given that the term “period of authorized admission” upon which the AAO relies in
            Matter of IT Ascent, is also found in the L-1 nonimmigrant statute at INA § 214(c)(2)(D), the Acting Deputy Director further directed that the reasoning in that decision be extended to the calculation of maximum periods of stay by L-1 nonimmigrants. ”

            So the time can be recaptured in case of L-1 as well.

    • Losing hope,
      1. Yes, they can do that. But GC is a multi-step process and can take months or years (or decades) to arrive depending upon your employment category and country of birth.
      2. Yes. You can spend at most 5 years inside US on L-1. Time spent outside US doesn’t count.

      Note that you cannot apply for 6th year L-1 extension on the basis of I-140 approval (unlike H-1 where 7th year extension can be applied). Also, you can talk to your employer if you are eligible for L-1A as a back-up.

      Reply
      • Thanks Sourabh!
        I’m not eligible for L1A…
        Here is the plan which my employer suggested me, i’m not sure if this is valid or not –
        a. Employer will file green card in Oct’13 with premium processing on EB2.
        b. At the same time they wil submit a request to recapture my time till Aug’14
        c. Hoping that they will get I-140 before March’14, they will file H1B for 2015.
        d. As H1B 2015 starts from 1-Oct-14, so they suggested to go to India for a vacation for 1 month and come back on 1-Oct’14.

        Do you think what they planned is legally possible? I’m worried about this coz my son is having a school here and it would be difficult to switch countries during his

        Reply

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