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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. Finally, I just got approval 5 minutes ago 🙂

    AD/RP/VSC – My case was stuck in USCIS black hole for a while (EAC13136….) but was finally processed from Initial Review to Acceptance. It was a marketing position so i was concerned if they’d let it go through without RFE but they did!

    Reply
    • Yay! Congratulations!

      So it seems they are doing hte 136-140 mostly as the AD slots. I am in the 145 series ( we spoke here before) and most around me are RQ as that was the week when they mostly sent out the RQ receipts. So I am hoping they start processing down 14x soon. 🙂

      Have a fun weekend!

      Reply
      • Believe me, I’ll have a splendid weekend! I pulled a sample of about 200 cases on my receipt day a few days ago and around 90% of all lottery-subject H1b’s had been processed already so I was getting worried…

        I wish you the best of luck! I’m proof that you don’t have to be STEM or IT to get an H1b 🙂

        Reply
    • Congratulations!
      I’m still waiting for any updates…WAC131345….AD/RP/CSC.
      My position is a policy research analyst, and I am deep in the USCIS blackhole.

      Reply
  2. My H1 case was upgraded to Premium process after 9 days today i have got a message on USCIS site saying
    “On May 31, 2013, the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. A notice was sent on this date explaining the specific reason for stopping the premium processing of your case. This notice will contain detailed information on further action required by you. Your premium processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case”

    Here my question is this RFE or not?

    For premium process will they send the RFE notice through e-mail or mail ?
    If not email how many days it will take to reach employee/attorney?

    what are the chances of approval after RFE :(:(

    Reply
    • I am on the same boat and got the same message and waiting for almost 2 days. Could you please let us know is it a RFE or they change the state. My employer did not receive any mail from USCIS related to RFE.

      Reply
    • Hi PVD,

      What was your status one u recvd this premium clock stopped message.
      Was that Acceptance or Initial review and then later changed to Post decision as approved?

      Reply
      • Hi All,
        My case status changed to approved after that message within 2 hours.
        Mine is RQ/RP then upgraded to Premium. My case number starts with EAC13148xxxxx

        Reply
        • PVD,

          Thanks for the reply. Mine has still not changed .Got the message around 5.30 EDT yesterday and still on initial review.

          Before changing to approval ,your status was on acceptance or intial review.
          Wat time you received that clock stopped message .

          Just trying to apply some statistics on my status based on your inputs.

          Reply
          • Hi H1BPremium
            I too got the same message but was changed to acceptance after 2 hrs. Not sure what it means but my employer states that they did not recieve any email or fax on this yet.

            What about yours? Did it move to acceptance from initial review?

  3. Anyone got approved here, please help answer this question.

    When did you get your I-797A? did you get your I-797C approval notice with I-797A or B?

    Thank you so much

    Reply
    • @waiting: Mine was approved on 2nd may… attorney got the i797a on 6th may… they sent me the original i797a.. they did not get any i797c approval notice with it…

      Reply
  4. Looks like everyone have their apporvals now 🙂
    No comments for a while, or have people moved on from this topic ?

    Reply
      • There would be 1000’s of petitions still not approved. Its too early in the day.

        Maybe things look faster this year but there is no way this process will finish soon will last for 3-4 months atleast.

        Reply
        • I am not sure if the process has become faster, however I am still waiting. Regular quota, Regular Degree, and WAC131365**** receipt number. 18th April receipt was received, waiting since then, hoping that it would be approved this week. Nothing else could be done. Anyway interviews could not be scheduled before 1st July, hence all approvals until that day are same, however it helps to know the decision as soon as possible. Atleast we would be relieved. Good luck all the guys who are waiting. Thanks Saurabh for this forum.

          Reply
  5. Hi Saurabh,

    My H1B status was changed by my employer from RP to Premium. Its more than 7 days, my case status is still in Acceptance stage.
    1. My case status would be changed either Initial review or RFE or will there be chances to get in Post Decision stage directly from Acceptance?
    2. As its more than 7 days for PP, when can I expect my case status to be changed?

    Reply
    • Sometimes they take complete 15 days. So its possible that the case reaches decision on Day 14th or 15th. Dont worry!!

      Reply
  6. Hi Saurabh,

    How do I find out if my h1b was filed under premium processing? I paid for PP , am not sure if the employer filed it in PP or not.
    My status shows as initial Review , application received on Apr 8th . no mention of premium processing. Is there a way to verify PP?

    Also , wouldnt the decision /RFE expected by now , its well beyond 15 days from Apr 15th. Is there a posiblity of delay in PP?
    THanks
    Ruchi

    Reply
    • Ruchi,
      It doesn’t look like PP as it should have either been approved or received RFE by now. Either your employer lied to you, or USCIS did a mistake and didn’t honor the PP. In either case, you should check w/ your employer about it (remember they can try to cook some story if they intend to keep the PP money with themselves).

      Reply
    • Okay, this falls into one of the two cases.

      According to your employer,
      (1) They filed for PP along with the I-129 petition i.e. b/w April 1 to April 5.
      (2) They upgraded your petition to PP at a later date after receiving the receipt number.

      If your employer tells you that it is the first case then, you are entitled to get your money back. According to USCIS rules, if USCIS is unable to provide a response to a PP petition within 15 days then they have to refund the money back to the petitioner but still process the petition under PP. Cite this rule and ask your employer to contact USCIS to get a refund and transfer it you. They might have already got a refund. In case USCIS missed the I-907 (PP Form) with your petition this will also expedite your petition now (But, you still will get a refund). PP petitions have a dedicated call center number for faster response.

      If your employer tells you that it is the second case then, everything stated in the first case is valid 15 days after USCIS received your PP fee and I-907.

      Reply
  7. Guys i am still waiting for lottery results. I just noticed WAC1317050024. Is that mean still they are sending receipt notice? Pls let me know

    Reply
    • This maybe for a CAP-Exempt visa petition. Cap – Exempt are not subject to lottery and can be filed anytime during the year I think. No indication of it being a Wait-Listed petition either.

      Reply
  8. Hi Saurabh and other friends,

    my employer recived I-797C but have not recevied I-797A, do you know how many days between receving I-797C and I-797A? Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Waiting,
      797C is issued when the petition is accepted. 797A/B is issued when the petition gets approved. What’s the current status of your petition?

      Reply
      • Hi Saurabh,
        I got I-797C when my petition is accepted and now i received another I-797C saying my petiton is approved. “It a COPY of the approved petition.THIS IS USUALLY GIVEN TO THE EMPLOYERS FOR THEIR REFERENCE FILE.

        But I-797A I have not received yet. So I am wondering when I could received I-797A. Thank you for your help

        Reply
        • Waiting,
          Usually it should arrive within 30 days of approval date. If the employer doesn’t receive it, then they should contact USCIS. Was your H-1 filed w/ COS or w/o COS?

          Reply
          • mine H-1 is filed w/ COS. So will it take longer? i thought the approval notice mailed with orginal I-797A. Maybe i have to wait another couple of days?

          • waiting,
            Did you talk to your attorney about this? What’s their opinion? Did they check w/ USCIS?

  9. Has anyone received the mythical “wait-list letter”? I have yet to see anyone on here with that fate! End of may is here..I’d really like some freaking answers now.
    I’m not a fan of this iron curtain that USCIS has pulled over this year’s H1 process.

    Reply
    • Didn’t receive any notification yet. Though i know its end of the game, cant resist thinking about it until i get the news,”your package is returned”. Previously in 2008 USCIS has mentioned in their news that there will be waitlisted candidates who will get notifications, but this year there is no news explicitly about waitlist. So we should assume that there will be no official waitlist. but as of USCIS is considered, anything can happen.

      Reply
  10. Hi,
    I recieved the confirmation from my employer that I am in the lottery but employer is not willing to share the reciept# due to some BS policy they are referring to…. I am sure that they have filed the H1 as I have received H4 reciept# from USCIS…. My question… is it safe to assume H1 reciept# will be more or less near the H4 reciept#(2-5 numbers earlier )… I dont see any other option …. please advise… if anyone has got their H1 & H4 receipts approved.. they will be able to throw some light on this…

    Thanks

    Reply
    • There is no correlation between H1B receipt and H4 receipt for the same couple so you cant conclude anything. Your only bet is to know the receipt number from employer or USCIS

      Reply
  11. I have a question regarding my passport. In my passport only few pages are left over (3 blank pages), should I apply for a re-issue of a passport now ? so that once my US VISA petition is approved I can go for the stamping with the fresh passport (OR) should I wait till the H1B process is over to apply for a re-issue of passport ?

    If I wait, I will have probably 1 or 2 pages left over after US VISA stamping, so eventually I have to apply for a fresh re-issue of passport. So in this case will the US VISA be valid ? Please advise.

    Reply
  12. Hi All,
    What is the chance of a wait list ? Did anyone get any news about a wait list from USCIS ?
    In my company 100’s of people have still not got any updates. We have stopped receiving updates about receipts or rejected packets since last 2 weeks. So is there a possibility that these guys are in wait list ?

    Reply
  13. Hii

    I am one of the few people who did not get any confirmation of lottery result till date … May I consider this as a good luck that my case would be in waitlist …
    Is there any possibility of this ? Did anybody get any confirmation of lottery selection in last few days ?

    Reply
  14. hi Saurabh ,
    wld appreciate if u tell me what does this message mean: is it an rfe

    On May 29, 2013, a change was made to your receipt notice for the filing of your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. This notice contains specific information regarding the processing of your case. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. If you move, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address

    Reply
  15. Luckily i got my receipt number around 3 weeks back, but my employer told he he upgraded my application to premium on the same day. And last week when i asked her she told me the check submitted for premium processing got en cashed. But i still see my application in regular quota. So when i asked her again she is saying application already upgraded to premium but it is just not showing as premium in USCIS website.. My question is – Will it be possible? And can i trust her? My guess is they haven’t upgraded to Premium yet. If they upgrade it by this time i would have got either approval or RFE.. am i correct?

    Reply
    • PremiumUpgrade,
      Yes, it should have reflected the same online. Ask her what’s the exact date on which confirmed the PP upgrade. Then calculate 15 calendar days from that date, and if doesn’t get RFE or approval by that date, then ask your employer about it. Who paid for the PP?

      Reply
        • PremiumUpgrade,
          Then it can be something fishy. Did you issue the check in favor of USCIS or the employer?

          In either case, ask her what I mentioned in my previous response.

          Reply
  16. Damn…this H1 sucking my time and checking my patience.Before knowing the status about lottery every day I used to read this forum and used to refersh my mails.After getting confirmation on lottery every day i am checking forum and checking my petition status in USICS website.
    God still how many days I have to do these things daily??
    Please help me to get out of this situation.

    Reply
    • On USCIS website, click “Sign up for Case Updates”, and create an account to track your receipt number. You can set it up to give you updates by email and text when your petition status changes. Then you can stop checking the website every day.

      I did this and got an email and text the same day my petition was approved.

      Reply
  17. I am running into a situation where i am not able to get details from attorney. Till last week, my attorney was kept saying i have to wait till End of May. But today when I checked , they said I have to check with my HR and they asked me not to call them anymore regarding the H1 status. Also no response from HR yet.
    I wanted to stay +ve, but couldnot do so 😉
    Can someone please tell me , from your experience , what does the above situation mean ?

    Reply
  18. Guys,

    Seems game is over now. No new receipts from last week. Also discussed with my attorney, he said USCIS finished generating receipts on 15th May. Now only expectation is return package for the final confirmation. Lottery Sucks….

    Reply
  19. Hello Saurabh & friends,

    Could you please answer this question ?

    I got receipt number and now its initial review phase.
    I will get petition approval in OCT.
    May be will go visa stamping in Dec.

    My passport is going to be expire in May 2014. Before traveling do i need to get renewal passport or before visa stamping.

    Reply
    • There might be a possibility you will get visa only until May 2014. Or at POE your i94 might get expiry date of May 2014 if they notice PP expiration date.

      If either of this happens you have to get a new i94 before May2014 expiration.

      Its better you get a new passport before you go to visa interview.

      Reply
    • New H1B,
      When appearing for visa stamping, you need to have passport which is valid for at least 6 months. So it may be prudent to file for passport renewal now, and then appear for stamping w/ the new passport. Passport renewal will not impact the processing of your H-1 petition.

      Reply
  20. I got an RFE on H1B petition under AD/RP/VSC. My employer/attorney replied to it within a week but the case status still shows “RFE Response Review”. It is almost four weeks since USCIS received response to RFE. How much longer do I need to wait for approval? Should I be worried?

    Reply
    • Hi CC,

      My petition is in RFE status now and yet to receive RFE details by mail RQ/RP/VSC.

      Can you please share your RFE details and the way you replied to it. Tell us which centre and quota too.

      It will be helpful to many. Thanks in Advance

      Reply
        • Not really obvious since they sent the RFE response 4 weeks ago, which was the end of April… So USCIS would have had to process his case, send an RFE notification in the mail, his lawyer gathering all necessary documentation (which sometimes takes a month depending on what is asked for), and send it back to USCIS all within a week?

          Not really so obvious.

          Reply
  21. Hello Saurabh & friends,

    Could you please answer this question ?

    1) I have approved H1B visa with employer E & Client C1. What happens if I lose my job/contract at Client C1 before Oct1 ? Will I be out of status ? (My Opt expires Mar 2014)

    2) If I get another job/contract at Client C2. Do I need to go for both LCA & H1B amendment ?

    Reply
    • H1B Applicant,
      1. You will remain in status as long as your employer pays you. Doesn’t matter whether there is a client or not, but they need to pay you always. You need to maintain OPT status (>90 days of unemployment) until Oct 1 and H-1 status thereafter (getting paid all the time).
      2. Yes, new LCA followed by H-1 amendment.

      Reply
      • Hi Saurabh,

        Saurabh,
        Thanks for your reply.Could you please answer me these follow-up questions ?

        1) So, when I lose my job at Client C1, Do my employer need to inform USCIS that I’m without client ? How does employer determines the min.pay that I need to be paid when I’m with out contract as there will not be any physical client location ?

        2) How is H1-B amendment different from the first time H1-B application ? I heard that employer has to pay the complete fee again. Is it true ?

        Reply
        • H1B Applicant,
          1. They are not required to as long as your location doesn’t change. If they continue to pay you the LCA amount in the same location, they are fine. However, USCIS at times does random client visits. So its better for them to keep USCIS in loop to avoid such situation. They always need to pay at least the LCA amount irrespective of whether you are on a project or not.
          2. They have to pay few hundred dollars for the amendment and not the entire fees again. $405 to be precise. They have to use form I-824 for this.

          Reply
  22. Hi all,
    I haven’t received any update abt my application.Is there any one got receipt no. still. Is there any hope. My employer told me he didn’t receive any thing till now.can any one tell me.

    Reply
  23. Hi Friends,
    I have a question please!
    I got my H1 approved this term through this crazy lottery system (AD/RP/CSC). And recently, I got a raise, and I told my HR to inform the attorney as my company is e-verified and I want my payslip show the same as on USCIS file. The attorney responded that they need to refile my LCA & H1B for amendment and told that it will take only upto like three weeks.
    Will there be any problem when they file for amendment?

    Reply
    • Tinag D,
      It should be fine. As long as other conditions around employment haven’t changed and it’s just a salary revision, they can file the new LCA and H-1 amendment. However, I am not sure about the timeline. LCA will take 1-2 weeks and amendment can take few more weeks. You can check the latest processing time for that application for your processing center on USCIS site.

      Reply
      • Hi Saurabh,
        Thank you. It is only the salary revision. For time, even if they take upto October 1st, I think I should be fine as I have no plan for vacation until early next year.

        Reply
  24. Hi all,

    I lost the freakin lottery, I heard options about the L1 visa. I’ve been working in the US for 1 year now on OPT STEM(expire in Oct 2013) and we have a branch in my home country, is it possible for the company to transfer me to my home branch then use L1 to send me back into US?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • i dont think it is possible, unless you get transferred to another country and work from there for atleast one year for the same company.

      Reply
      • Lost,
        I agree w/ SS1. In addition, the work needs to be using tools/applications/technology/applications which are proprietary to the L-1 employer and not known commonly outside the employer. In other words, most of the H-1 job descriptions don’t qualify for L-1.

        Reply
    • I think it is possible.
      L1 being a blanket petition, i think your company can apply for L1 right away…whole process will hardly take 2 months, to get Visa approved.

      Yes, your H1 job description will be of little use when it comes to L1.
      Specialized knowledge in ur company product/service/tool etc.. and how it is involved in ur daily activities or roles.. this is important… i hope your company have something to justify L1…

      And, rejection rate and RFE in L1 is damn high..but its something u cannot escape…it all depends on who interviews you…

      Reply
  25. I just read something that if the H-1B petition is rejected/denied, there is a 10day grace period to continue working, even if the OPT has already expired.

    Does anyone have any information if this is true?

    Reply
    • 10 day grace period?,
      There is nothing like that. You need to stop working once your OPT expires. You still get the usual 60 day grace period but you cannot work during that time. If you are in cap-gap, then that period ends when your H-1 is denied/rejected (not sure about 60 day grace period for cap-gap scenario).

      Reply
      • Thanks for the reply Saurabh – the whole suggestion seemed weird to me.

        Are you, or others, aware if the USCIS should have a record if the they rejected my application? My lawyer suggests that they received the packet back, but I honestly doubt she even applied. This was further fueled when I called the USCIS, and they told me that the last record of me was from last year when I applied for OPT… Should there be a record if I got rejected in the lottery?

        Reply
        • 10 day grace period?,
          Based on what others have reported, I don’t think USCIS will have any recorded information about the rejected petition. So if you call them, you may hear that you don’t exist in the system for H-1.

          Reply
  26. I am still waiting for USCIS. No info yet. Lost all the hopes I had. anyone with same status as mine???????

    Reply
  27. Hi All,
    I filled the H1B this year and got selected in the lottery… and I am currently in India and i transferred to different city recently. The questions is about the Passport Address updates … My passport still contain the old address ….. As i am in the new address and plan to make this as my current communication address. Can i apply for the address changes now? Will it make any problem during my H1B visa stamping or what is the best practice?

    Thanks
    CP

    Reply
    • I think there is a option “Change of Address” when the application is in Intial Review.

      Check with employer or lawyer to play around with this before u have some bad news later.

      Reply
      • May be a stupid Question. My Passport Address is in X Country, My Employment is in Y Country, and my project that am working on is Z Country.

        I Provided my address in Z Country while applying for H1B. Will there be an issue since i have applied for H1B from outside of US.

        Reply
    • CP,
      You should be fine. Address change in your home country shouldn’t matter. When you appear for stamping, you will have to complete DS-160 form and submit the most current address there. If they have do any background checks, they will do it there.

      Change of address option w/ USCIS is used when one wants to change the correspondence address for the employer/attorney.

      Reply
  28. I feel like committing suicide now. It is the 4th time of my 6yrs exp that I am trying for an H1b and this time god kicks me out of the race in the name of lottery. past years lost with office politics and bad managers. How do I clear my dads debts. I had plans for marriage as well. I see every one around me happy. I am into serious depression. now my DM says no non-US positions as well. All changed suddenly. I only see ceilings these days thinking I might hang from. But my dad comes to my mind and I am afraid he will end up with a broken heart. I am only seeing negativity . Tried so many things in last one week to keep my self positive but nothing is working. I am just an unlucky idiot all the time. Get lost GOD. I hate you.

    Reply
    • Hi…
      don’t be depress…am kind of same boat…
      but i think and i believe we always have to fight…and keep trying…
      but i don’t know how to fight with luck…we can do hard work but what to do and how to work when luck is not with us…

      but please be positive…nd trust on your self and God.

      take care

      Reply
    • I know you are feeling sad but I wish to tell you that maybe there is something bigger and better in store for you. You can’t allow this to make you want to take your own life. As long as you have life you can do anything and you have to stay positive to achieve great things in life. Please cheer up. I will pray for you.

      Reply
    • Hi Bro … I know the feeling that u r thru since I was in the same kind of situation some time ago and to add more due to team manager politics…now am going thru tuff ways which cud hav been easier in the absence of politics… But remember always God defnitely has something better for you…if you were a believer of God be the same pray more…do charity in your own way…Be positive and also US is not the only way to earn money…build your resume much more stronger and even in India some companies offer wonderful salaries…(not the big 4 consulting companies)
      Wish you the best !!!

      Reply
    • u hav nothing to lose buddy…. u seems to hang ur whole life on a thin reed.. h1b…

      just imagine…there are ppl who did masters in US, working for some company there, settled there for longer time and get to know that their visa got rejected… whole world as they know it, is itself in jeopardy… and u call ur’s a worse situation….

      just move on buddy… u wont get even get authentic panu poori in US, why go there… 😛

      Reply
    • >> How do I clear my dads debts.

      You don’t! Your father created the problem so let him solve it, unless the debt was taking for your education or something like that.

      I am sick of our parents generation making us pay for everything from sister marriage to funding their retirement due to their poor financial planning.

      How far does one ruin their own life for the sake of their parents? The seventies generation has been the most selfish generation of all times.

      Reply
      • @ram

        I feel the same way some times. They created the problems and expect us to resolve them.

        I am a girl and I gave all the money which I earned before my marriage to my parents. I had no problem with that.

        Now I am on H4 and they expect me to give my husband’s money to them. I don’t really feel like giving money to them. I never had any problem in giving my money to them. But, some times I feel that I am doing a mistake.

        I have never shared this with anyone.Today I felt like sharing it.

        Reply
    • Hey….I was on the same boat exactly 6 years ago….
      i lost visa due to office politics one year…and then lost in 1s lottery….and then didnt hear anything abt lottery in the 2nd year….(even I had to do my sister’s wedding and was resposible for the family),….I was cursing the God like u….and ppl around me were saying the same thing that we r all saying to u to be patient etc etc…

      Believe me…its true….GOD tests us and puts us to the corner…he tests ur faith in HIM….he did to me….at that point I was only asking for an year of onsite…and now it has been almost 5 yrs…since I landed in this country….so when ppl say..”GOD has something big for u…then believe and dont lose hope”….

      Reply
    • @infy guy

      I won’t tell you that god will set everything right. Frankly just like you even I curse god everyday of my life. Sometimes I really wonder if he really exists or not, I somehow feel he is there and enjoys making fun on me. But that is besides the point.

      What I would suggest to you is look for other avenues for yourself. If money is the only problem then there are loads of companies which will give you good money. Today being in IT you can earn a good sum of money,

      Would wish you all the best. If you need any help do reply with your email I’d or something and I can get in touch with you.

      Reply
    • Iam also the same and i didnt receive anything in the lottery.I read your case.You think positive.For the last eight years iam trying to work in a MNC company.I attended many interviews,but i didnt get selection.And iam working in a small private IT company.I applied for new H1b this year for getting more salary.But luck is not with me.In your case you are working in top company ,while comparing with you iam getting low salary per month.You are the luckiest one,and iam sure god will give you bright future.God is seeing every thing.Dont worry,be happy,pray well.God will save you.God has arranged a better plan for you,not for your failure. I’m sure the God will make you happy
      and not sad. So cheer up…

      Reply
    • Hi @Completely_Lost_Infy,

      Iam also the same and i didnt receive anything in the lottery.I read your case.You think positive.For the last eight years iam trying to work in a MNC company.I attended many interviews,but i didnt get selection.And iam working in a small private IT company.I applied for new H1b this year for getting more salary.But luck is not with me.In your case you are working in top company ,while comparing with you iam getting low salary per month.You are the luckiest one,and iam sure god will give you bright future.God is seeing every thing.Dont worry,be happy,pray well.God will save you.God has arranged a better plan for you,not for your failure. I’m sure the God will make you happy
      and not sad. So cheer up…

      Reply
  29. Hello Saurabh and dear friends,
    I got this on my USCIS case status. Does that mean i got H1B approved? Appreciate your inputs.
    Post Decision Activity
    On May 22, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Yes, its approved
      Congrats!
      I am making a group so that people who are approved and preparing for the job etc for H1B together can discuss for our future
      Please feel free to email at nvedia at gmail dot com

      Reply
    • Hi nava,

      Have you received the notification? mine is also said sent out on 05/22, but i have not received yet.

      Reply
        • Hi Nava,

          Did you get Form I-797A or I-797C or both? what did your attonery say? I am guess as we are in US, do we need to leave the country for the stamping?

          Reply
          • Hello Thank you, I just received I-797C from my employer. I am trying to call my attorney! Im in colorado! I will let you know the updates!

          • Hello Thank you. I haven’t received yet! Today i contacted my attorney and they said they haven’t received any mail. Hopefully its gonna come 4-5 business days in regular mail!

          • Hi Nava, thank u for you quick reply. Let us keep each other updated. I am also waiting for I797A. I will let u know once I get it. Thank u !

          • Hi Nava, did you hear anything yet? I have not get I-797A and have no idea what is going on. What did your attonery say?

            Thank you so much

        • Hi Nava,

          Thanks for your information. Did you receive both I-797C and I-797A? what does your attonery say? is the new visa will automatically change to H1B since 10/1/13 or will you leave the US for stamping? Please advise and congratulations!

          Reply
          • Hello Thank you

            I am still waiting for I-797A and I-797B. I haven’t heard anything back from my attorney. I will let you know as soon as i heard about that.

          • Hi Nava,

            Any news today? I feel frustrated and have no idea what happened.

            Thank you so much:(

          • Dear Nava,

            Any news? I still have no news. Did you call USCIS? My attonery has no idea.

            Thanks so much:)

    • Nava,
      Your petition has been approved. Your employer should receive 797A or 797B soon (typically within 30 days of the approval date).

      Reply
      • Hi saurabh, I received I797c but have not received 797a or 797b , I read some says the I 797A should be mailed with 797c, so what happens? When do you think I could get I797a or B ? Thank u so much

        Reply
  30. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/3682/F
    Hi Saurabh ,
    Plz navigate to this article and plz enlighten the hopes of the people who are still waiting here to hear from Uscis.
    I am not able to understand this article as since I am also not a ad candidate can’t comment much too !!!!

    Reply
  31. I am RQ/PP/Vermont, still waiting…

    At first as more time went by, I lost more and more hope each day since my employer filed PP. I now see that RP folks are getting their packages returned. So I guess my question is, when it comes to return packages, does it matter whether you paid for PP or not?

    If so, hope is kind of increasing each day now as a change of effect.

    Reply
  32. As time progresses and many of us find the end result for our petitions (got it or not), the activity on these pages seems to subside of course.

    For those who have left these with unfavorable results: You may have been faced with a Gandalf saying “You Shall NOT pass!” Punch that in the nose! You got this Bros and Sistas! You will make it through to infinity & beyond. 🙂 Like Dory from Nemo singing “Just keep on rocking”.

    For those who have left with favorable results: Congratulations to you and have some cake! It is not always easy to be like Rocky or Van Damme or Jackie Chan and you gotta put in the work (outs) to get the results. So play some lottery and roll some dice to tribute to the good fortune. 🙂

    We have all felt like this was our Hunger Games and the Odds were not in our favor. But together we can and we win because the Force is always with us. Thank you for the memorable journey and shall our paths cross again in the future as allies rather than competitors for the limited seats. 😀

    Live Long & Prosper!

    Reply
    • @PKaiser – I am regular reader and writer in this forum and would like to thank you for some of the posts you made in the past and this one!

      All the best for next year – I am sure you will get it since the senate judiciary has passed the bill for increasing the quota.

      Reply
        • Haha no worries man, I could use the luck anyways! Yes I did get selected in the lottery but that in itself to me doesn’t finalize my chances just yet so I will gladly accept your kind fortune bestowing on me 😀 And same to you.

          It has truly been a pleasure to interact with you all, share our anecdotes, drink on each other’s behalfs (shoutout to my bro XYZ), etc.

          Best wishes to you all!

          Reply
    • ” Just keep swimming”. That’s what Dory says. It hurts when someone ruins the things you love. The world is full of posers.

      Reply
      • Too sad its also full of rigid morons that fail to see beyond whats provided to them and thus also stifle innovation in others.

        If you comprehended the entire post you would realize that I have used pop culture phrases as my comedic metaphors, twisting them a little to precisely make the reader go “wait! What?!… aaah I see, now Gandalf wouldn’t really be a giant D and block me but I see how this guy used the ‘You Shall Not Pass’ phrase and also how he used Dory’s Keep swimming attitude to Keep On Rocking for all readers! Genius!” 😉

        Reply
        • There is only one Abed in this world.
          Don’t praise yourself, let others decide if you are a genius.
          Anyway, too sad a topic to debate. Adios! 🙂

          Reply
          • Hey I wrote the reader will say that, I never called myself a genius. 😀

            (I could be Abed, you never know).

            But yeah anyways. Thanks for stopping by. Adios and best of luck!

  33. Hello,

    Thanks for all the information in this forum. It’s very helpful. I got my receipt back in April and my case stuck at “Initial Review” ever since… Receipt# EAC13137*******. I am not sure how long I should wait for the decision. Could anyone advice what is going on?? Is anyone in the same situation as me?? I’m in Finance major btw.

    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Hi, I am in the same boat with you. My case No. is also EAC13137*****. I have no idea how long I need to wait. Let keep in touch and please update when you get approval.
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • H1B Processing Priority:

        AD/RQ – PP – Application
        AD/RP – US/Out side US – Application
        RQ/RP – US First – Application
        RQ/RP – Application

        EAC/RQ/RP – EAC13138XXXX

        Reply
      • Me too, I am EAC13136… Still in initial review… It seems like most people who haven’t heard anything are in non-traditional H1b (non-STEM or IT) fields… I’m marketing

        Reply
      • 🙂 Well I am EAC131455**** that would mean a long wait for my series. RQ/RP/VSC and in IT field. I think lottery is and information input is the faster thing. But now comes the time for them to truly process our petitions that would be longer procedure since they have to manually go through all our stuff and check on everyhting.

        Reply
  34. Got my package returned.
    Regular / RP

    My employer promised to apply for me next year. This is the most conscious employer, I will be happy to be even a slave for her …..

    Reply
    • Hi Waitin,

      I was trying to get the same info here (are there any positive lottery results this week?) I assume, there is none since no one is posting here so.
      I am in the same boat – no response from USCIS for my lottery result yet.
      Good Luck to you….

      Reply
      • what a coincidence. Just got the package back. Cant describe the frustration in words……that too after a long long wait.
        May be will try next year…..
        Good Luck Folks…….

        Reply
      • Yes Looks like currently they are processing AD/RP and RQ/RP COS applications.

        Similar to receipt generation, i think processing also will be in the below order

        AD/PP
        RQ/PP
        AD/RP
        RQ/RP (COS)
        RQ/RP

        So need to wait till AD/RP is done.

        BTW, mine is WAC131375**** and Still in Initial Review . I hope we will be hearing about RQ/RP from First week of June.

        Reply
  35. Hi,

    I am RP/RQ/EAC 13 144*****
    when I am checking the status it says:
    “•At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.

    Kindly reply does it means my application status is heading towards RFE. Also, plz anyone else is here who after such status got RFE or Approval?

    Reply
      • that means.. they are going to make you next president of USA… happy now ???

        It simple means.. their system is busy.. and they can’t provide u information this time.. so try after sometime… why people here asking this question again and again… ??

        Reply
        • UrNonSense, as I mentioned very politely requesting whosoever may answer it, I didn’t mean to scratch ur frustration that is oozing by your comments.. Simply I threw the doubt I had and it doesn’t meant to bother ONLY you….It goes as simple, if you don’t like a post/querry here simply ignore that (u aren’t bound to click reply to any and every post here, ain’t it?)

          So have calm and keep urself cool, that would definately work …

          Reply
    • Newbbie_here … I am seeing the same thing at my end since afternoon. Also the screen now shows many more stages than earlier . Now the page is showing 9 stages as compared to the usual 4. Please update if you see any change in u’r status.

      Best of Luck..

      Reply
      • Maverick, Ya its same this side as well, I first tried yesterday morning since then its been 24 hrs and no change in the status.

        I can also see more options than the usual. Donno what exactly is going on….

        Reply
        • Hi friends, need not panic i got the same message 2 weeks back but when i checked other reciept numbers after me they were fine.
          after one day my status got updated.
          so the message means that they are in the process of updating the case to next level.
          wait for 24 hrs and check

          Reply
  36. Those people getting their I-797’s now, were you informed previously of selection. I have yet to receive anything from the USCIS, and was wondering how many people are in the same boat.

    Reply
    • I have not received anything psychically by USCIS, i got my receipt number through my DSO, but lawyer has not received anything yet.

      I see some RQ/RP with approvals for h1b already, i am wondering how long will it take.

      Reply
      • @XYY, Well that depends on the series of the receipt number, WAC13XXX
        Looks like USCIS is processing in the order 13128,13130,13131 etc.
        Good luck

        Reply
    • Hi Halls,

      In case you are asking about those , who haven’t got any update on the lottery result itself, then here I am, in the same boat.

      Reply
      • Although I feel bad for your situation, I’m happy I’m not completely alone on this boat… Has your lawyer/employer said anything to you?

        My OPT ends May 30th, and my employer informed me that if there is still no news from the USCIS, they will terminate my employment as of then… not a happy thought.

        Best of luck to you!

        Reply
        • Well mine is a case of H4 to H1 -> RQ/RP/VSC. When I checked with the employer, he has not received anything (neither the check was en-cashed, nor the package sent back).

          Was just wondering how long this wait is gonna continue. Not sure, why the packages are sent back phase by phase. This make me wonder, is there something really called wait-listing. No clue yet.

          Good Luck for you….

          Reply
          • Guys, I am also sailing in the same boat. I haven’t received any update regarding my application. I think we all will get to know our result very soon, hopefully a good result. My employer told me to wait until end f this month. So fingers crossed!

  37. No updates yet.I guess its over now.

    Guys there have been updates regarding immigration bill.If it gets passed b4 Oct 1 , will the lottery take place again?

    Reply
    • There is no chance for the lottery to be taken place, coz the return packages would be sent back by then. Also if the bill is passed, then it would effective next year.

      Reply
  38. Hi,

    Case status for my case is as below

    “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information”

    Can anyone tell me what’s going on? What is this about?

    Reply
  39. After so many days, my case approved. Thank you so much for this forum and good luck to everyone.

    Mine is vermont center and receipt number is EAC13136***********.

    @Kat, I think you will get approval too. Good luck .

    Reply
          • Thank you! Really happy for you 🙂 And it makes me feel better… What is your job title and which job did you apply under, if you don’t mind my asking…

          • my work is business related and I don’t know exactly the position my company write on petition. But it is not senior-level position but master degree is required.

          • I think you could get approval as long as your degree is requied for your position. Do not worry, you will get it:)

          • Bachelor’s is required by the company for my position (I have a Master’s) but it’s up to the USCIS officer’s discretion to believe it. I just wish they’d hurry up and process it already 🙁 Seems strange that they are processing petitions 10 days after my receipt date now and mine is still idle

          • Do not worry, Kat. I understand you because i was worried a lot since i notice some numbers behind me get approved. But keep hope and I think the possibility of get denied is slim to none. Keep the fingers crossed and you will get it. Good Luck and hope you could get good news asap.

    • Looks like it’s mostly in order of receipt numbers. I have my statistics for CSC. They started with day 136 yesterday.

      Reply
      • I’m day 132 at CSC, still in Initial Review … any idea why the processing of some cases is being delayed?

        Reply
          • I think your case is stuck in the pile with a really cautious (read slow) adjudicator. I am not sure how cases are divided among adjudicators but strongly feel that it is according to job categories. Since USCIS has only 12 cases per day requirement for adjudicators the piles might not move significantly.

            Atleast, no news is good news. If there was a RFE or Intent of Denial USCIS would have sent a notice instead of just sitting on it.

          • Kat: I took a bunch of courses in machine learning and statistics and will be working in statistical programming. However my US masters is officially in statistics and my job title is officially software engineering. Do you think that’s causing the delay?

  40. I have an update from my employer, got the receipt number and checked the status on the USCIS website – it mentioned – the status as POST DECISION ACTIVITY…What does it mean ? Is it approved or rejected ?

    Reply
  41. My prospective employer notified me today that my application has NOT been approved. They didn’t specifically say that the package was returned, but presumably that must be the case.

    Reply
    • Sorry buddy. Could you be more specific? Like not approved as in not selected in lottery or denied during processing after the lottery selection? It would help us all with that info and if you were AD/RQ?

      Reply

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