Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » USCIS H1B Visa 2014 Regular Processing Time? Premium Processing ? FAQs ?

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.

   

Other Articles

8,159 Comments

  1. I’m Happy…
    I got email from my employer that my H1B petition got selected in Lottery…
    Mine is RP/RQ/VSC…
    Yet to get my Case Number…

    Reply
  2. I think CSC is all done as no activity today on fresh H1B cases. My application is with CSC and very little hope left now 🙁

    Reply
  3. I see that Vermont is still processing H1B RP applications.

    Currently it is Receipt No: EAC1314750779.

    I have checked for around 40 numbers, out of which 30-35 are H1B. Looks like they are still processing. Hope to see people will get some more receipts.

    All the Best …

    Reply
  4. Out of 1.25L, considering 25% worst case 94K for H1 visa. I strongly believe they might generate receipt numbers of 95K considering the rejection ratio of 10% in the history which will lead to ~85k.

    I dont say they are end but i can say its almost done.

    Reply
  5. It seems CSC center has almost done in generating receipt numbers. All of sudden on weekday April 26th they processed only 1399 which is the least count on weekday since April 8th.

    And today April 27th WAC1314550001 was created one hour back and thereafter no activity. .

    I feel those who applied in CSC center can wait till May 5th to receive snail mail. Those who dont receive by May 5th can look for plan B or leave hopes on H1 B for this year.

    Myself still waiting RQ/RP/VSC. . .

    Reply
    • Word is out that USCIS themselves admitted in a bulletin they will be processing applications until sometime around mid-May. This means that one should technically wait until around the third week of May for receipts.

      Reply
    • @Jewel : Go through the below list

      EAC1313052559 2559 WAC1312852850 2850 8th April
      EAC1313154250 4250 WAC1312953525 3525 9th
      EAC1313254500 4500 WAC1313053860 3860 10
      EAC1313354600 4600 WAC1313153100 3100 11
      EAC1313454150 4150 WAC1313254120 4120 12
      EAC1313551200 1200 WAC1313351500 1500 13
      EAC1313654310 4310 WAC1313454470 4470 15
      EAC1313754800 4800 WAC1313553400 3400 16
      EAC1313854870 4870 WAC1313654100 4100 17
      EAC1313954800 4800 WAC1313754010 4010 18
      EAC1314054300 4300 WAC1313853900 3900 19
      EAC1314151000 1000 WAC1313951566 1566 20
      EAC1314254650 4650 WAC1314054365 4365 22
      EAC1314354895 4895 WAC1314153110 3110 23
      EAC1314454640 4640 WAC1314252975 2975 24
      EAC1314554677 4677 WAC1314352806 2812 25
      EAC1314654610 4610 WAC1314451399 1399 26

      Total 68811 55062

      Reply
          • They will assign receipt numbers to all the 124K application they have received. But, will process the petition only for those applications picked in lottery, as communicated by my employer yesterday.
            Around 70% of those receipt numbers are for H1B Cap related cases this year.

            Thanks,

          • Does this mean every case has a receipt number? How is it possible ? Only selected 85k appx should have receipt number right? As per ur calculation it has a total of 123873 receipts how’s it possible?

          • From 2008 eac/WAC number will be assigned after person is sexed on lottery .. So how’s is it possible have recipr for 124k application ?

      • Does this mean every case has a receipt number? How is it possible ? Only selected 85k appx should have receipt number right? As per ur calculation it has a total of 123873 receipts how’s it possible? Plz reply

        Reply
  6. Hi,

    I am on H4 to H1 and the visa is gonna expire in August ’13…is this gonna create any problem issuing me a visa ?

    Reply
  7. https: //www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&ved=0CEUQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.murthy.com%2F2013%2F04%2F26%2Fh1b-cap-case-selection-update-as-of-april-23-2013%2F&ei=Gdh7Ub7qE8rTrQfG1oG4Dg&usg=AFQjCNGMVyu0QaniD4CF-5S0Slc8ajOx1g&bvm=bv.45645796,d.bmk

    Reply
  8. If cheque is not cashed, should we consider its over now??? I think its too late for still hoping, when even step 1st is not done. Thoughts?

    Good Luck to all who got it yesterday, must be a big relief. Wish me luck 🙂

    Reply
  9. Hey guys,

    I wonder if anyone has gotten their package back as a rejected status?
    I’m still waiting for results. My case is RQ/RP.

    It doesn’t make sense to me why there is no info on rejected packages. The lottery was conducted on April 7. If you didn’t make it, why haven’t you gotten your package back yet?

    Reply
    • Алексей, согласно USCIS, они начнут возвращать пакеты не отобранные в лотерее только после того как закончат обработку всех отобранных петиций.

      Reply
  10. Hi,

    Atlast so much waiting got reciept note from uiscs. Reg/General Cap.Thanks to all who given latest updates. All the best guys.

    Reply
  11. Folks,

    Finally after almost losing all hope….. the email with Good news arrived at 3:00 AM today(27th)……….

    EAC13143527XX

    RQ/RP/VSC

    Petition received: April 8th
    Receipt number working day: 143(not sure of calender date)
    Mail received: I guess, 26th(coz on 25th attorney had no update or had not checked??)

    Don’t lose hope….

    Reply
  12. UUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

    Finally the day what i am waiting for has arrived…
    I have got update from my employer that i got selected in lottery.

    What a relief….

    I hope every one will get the +ve response soon.

    I will not say don’t worry bla bla… b’s till couple of mins back i was in the same situation.. and i know the your worry will leave you when you get the good news..

    Thanks a lot god for making this happen…

    Reply
    • u did not get update from company means either u r not selected in lottery or if ur regular petition applicant u r still yet to get petition by next .
      Lottery counting completed, there is no official newz, but we see sudden significant reduction in no of petitions processed in both CSC and Vermont center, so possibility it is reaching end or almost ended

      Reply
  13. WAC1314450878 is the last receipt number for CSC today. It looks like they are winding down with H1B processing because yesterday’s last number was WAC1314352812. 2812 vs 878 – granted not all were new H1B’s, but a majority were. Realistically, those who have been selected should be notified by next week Friday. One more week of waiting for me I guess.

    Reply
  14. @PP guys,
    anyone got receipt today from the following 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

    Reply
  15. I’m still waiting, and it’s so stressful, today got some bad news, plan B failed….:(
    So, the only hope is plan A, but this f… lottery messed everything…

    RQ/RP

    Reply
  16. Yuhu Yuhu Yuhu …….
    RP/RQ/VSC

    Just got an email from employer that my check got cleared 🙂

    Thank you !! a ton times to all the well wishers on this forum…
    Guys, don’t lose hope, it will come .
    ALL THE BEST TO ALL GOOD PEOPLE HERE !!

    Reply
  17. RP\RQ still waiting… For people who have received their receipts, can you please tell us who gets notified: the lawyer or the employer ? .. I’m working and constantly looking through the window to see if the postman is here 😀 …

    Good luck to y’all….

    Reply
  18. I got a mail from my employer saying that – We saw bank activity regarding you and your Spouse’s Check…….is this means mine is picked up?

    I am from RQ/RP/VSC

    Best of Luck for all – who are waiting…

    Reply
  19. just wondering how much money are all companies losing in the month of april because of this lottery, as it has created such a chaos in all the H1-B applicants that they are being unproductive since day 1. If I own a company, I will do premium processing for all my applicants as 1250 per application is less than the money I will be losing because of some unproductive and stressful applicant!

    Reply
    • 🙂 If I am the employer, I would have said the we have received few receipts but waiting for everyone’s and we will send consolidated list after May 2nd week. Not teasing anyone, just giving positive energy!

      Reply
  20. My employer talked to attorney and it seems they got confirmation from uscis that all premium applications receipts are issues. no more premium cases are left. and regular ones will be continued till may 15th as they still have lot.

    Reply
  21. Some more people are receiving their receipts today. Congratulations guys!

    I tried to abandon the waiting too now after non stop following from beginning. But now I am in the habit I feel and my mind keeps hoping that any moment now I will receive the info. >.< I wish my DSO could help out as they have the fastest way to check on SEVIS.

    Reply
  22. Hey ppl,

    I had been waiting for update so long and finally got an update from employer that my case has been picked up.

    Mine is RQ/RP, employer from Texas,

    Me and my husband filed and my husband didnt get an update, my employer told lets wait for another week, it slowly started coming only starting this week.

    So all of you who are waiting, please have hope, definitely we will get through! All the best!

    Reply
  23. And finally my turn came …… received email from my employer with my receipt notice.

    RQ-RP-VSC.. thank God!

    Rcvd Date: 04/08
    notice Date: 04/23
    Recpt # EAC13143*****

    Guys, don’t lose hope, it will come! You guys kept my hopes alive!
    ALL THE BEST & THANKS FOR UR SUPPORT & PRAYERS….

    Reply
  24. Finally, I’m hearing some positive news. Just got email from my DSO that my OPT has been extended to September 30, 2013. I don’t know if there’s a receipt number yet (she didn’t say) but the DSO should be able to let me know as soon as she sees my email.

    I’m RC/RP/CSC, currently on OPT, which expires on June 2013.

    My package got delivered on April, and I’ve been extremely extremely worried ever since. Especially this week many RP/RC folks start to get receipts, but I heard nothing. Checked with DSO last Thursday (4/18), but nothing. My attorney checked her bank everyday, and as of this morning, she said the checks have not been cashed yet. My office manager and I also called USCIS together on Wednesday (4/24) by which time they didn’t see anything in the system for my record. Visiting Redbus has been a regular routine of mine everyday at work… So glad that it’s working out and thank you guys so much for all your useful comments/support!!!!!

    Our company is a small (less than 15 ppl in total) Energy Consulting firm in Denver, CO. I’m the first H1b applicant they’ve ever hired. My boss is 120% supportive of my case and he’s working closely with my attorney to look for every possible way to keep me here. I have a BA in Economics, with concentration in Mathematically Economics, which is not technically a STEM degree, but he registered for E-Verify last week just to try to see if I can get my STEM extension.

    So for those of you who are still waiting, please hang on! It will pay off eventually!

    Best best wishes…

    Reply
    • hi ASL, quick question, how did you get extension of your OPT if you are not in STEAM degree, i have economic degree as well. Is that possible for us, to extend OPT?

      Reply
      • my lawyer suggest to my boss to go for the STEM b/c apparently “Quantitative Economics” is a STEM degree, but “Economics” is not. On my transcript it says “Mathematical Economics” so the lawyer thinks it’s at least worth a try, even tho on my I-20 the CIP for my degree is “General Economics”. The lawyer also is trying to get a letter from my Econ department chair for some supportive evidence and such, so there’s no guarantee that STEM will work out for me.

        Reply
    • Congrats..Pls pray for us too… i haven’t heard anything yet and my heart is skipping a beat every moment !!! ;(((

      Reply
  25. Hi Guys,

    Did anyone filed through Soft Path Systems and have got the results?
    They have filled from California Center, No news yet 🙁

    Reply
  26. Tminus 6mins left guys. 🙂 Then I am done waiting. I think I would treat this almost as relief. Seeing that I haven’t slept or ate well or done anything decently, being preoccupied since April 5th when they declared the Lottery.

    Best of luck to you all. It almost seems as if destiny has some other plans for me this year at least.

    Reply
        • @T: sorry to hear that man. I would say that the game is still not over, hang in there. Wish you all the luck. Only recommendation from me would be try talking to company if they can relocate you for an year.

          Reply
          • I already spoke to them.

            We don’t have any projects outside U.S.

            Its just to loos the job. nothing else.
            Just go back to India? I don’t think I can find a job there.
            Man this really f*****up.
            If you don’t get H1 for L1, they can stay on L1.

            If you are on H4 and don’t get H1, still they can stay in US as you will have some source of income from your spouse.

            If you are applying from outside U.S, it means you already have experience and job. If not this year, you can apply next year.

            But what the f*** about OPTs?
            We don’t even have any chance here., just leave everything and go back.

            I never expected my career would end up like this.

          • @ T I feel your pain bro but I guess sometimes things dont turn out in your favor … if it gives u some relief my case is even more pathetic and F ****** up since I never even got a chance to work on OPT( My bloody DSO ruined my OPT chnaces for his silly mistake)
            …man it sucks !!! after all the pain I’ve gone through for completing my course and finally getting a great job offer and H1 sponsorship and now …coz of this H1 thing all goes waste…and you are correct the job market is so damn competitive I am not sure if I will get A job in India and I have huge debts to take care of…it all sucks !!! I totally understand u

          • Hi
            so sorry to hear that. But I still have hope that u ll get H1. You have to be that damn unlucky to miss the random selection in AD category. Wait few more weeks & who knows, you may have happy ending. But in worst case scenario, can’t your company apply L1 for you, if you have worked for atleast more than one year with them? There is no time frame & quota for L1, right?
            Else, apply to non-profit organizations as somebody mentioned here.
            Lastly, dude if u r single, hit that blonde chick & get out of this mess 🙂 just kidding. Since u r AD, m sure, you ll figure out a good solution & I wish you all the best.

          • @Tinag,

            Thanks for that.

            I don’t know man.
            I dnot think I can find any non-profit orgs
            in my field. Its highly impossible.

            Ours is completely US based company.

            My HR is gonna send an email next week that my employment
            is going to be terminated.

            My fate is written like this.

            I’m helpless unless some miracle happens:(
            Thanks though.

    • Hey AP and all,
      Yes I am currently on my 17month STEM extension which ends in Dec2013. Not very soon but soon enough compared to H1Bs.

      I will try to ask my company, they can only formally talk about it once the rejection package has been received. I know there is anotehr week. Seeing that receipts are being generated still today. But I am jsut done with the wait you know?! Its sickening, exhausting, mind numbing, etc. Basically you get it!

      Thank you all for the kinds words. Much love, if we ever cross paths i will give you cookies! 🙂

      Reply
          • In every part of the world, “sorry” means, its over and we don’t have any hope that you will get it.

            My HR applied mine in Masters/PP.

          • Dude i know how it feels for a guy in his STEM extension , even my colleague who applied is waiting …. The HR’s are dumb … if yours is PP wait until 30th or 1 st …. You never know whats in store they got mine approved in a day … SO definitely hang in …

            My word of advice for worst come worst serve , there is a lot of jobs in the non profit ( Universities , health science centers , medical colleges … ) section do give it a shot… My best wishes to you all truly all OPT STEM extensions badly need this !!

        • I think its all politics. 2013 elections got over new term started and sudden surge of applications flowed as there was news from few months this time we expect quata to be ove in April itslef. Not sure what else has changes so rapidly this year vs last few years.

          Reply
    • Honestly guys I really blame USCIS for their panic tactics. Had they not mentioned Lottery at all and let the applications come in as necessary, I am sure not a lot of the big companies would have panicked and tried to fill those places in. There are so many H1b applicants in India from previous years who were not even sent here to the Consultation job.

      I believe us all to be fairly deserving of it and on merits of our application to let the better person get the seat. But to rely on a Gamble system? Certainly a not very proper way to deal with People’s future. Just my 2 bits. You can or cannot agree upto you.

      Reply
      • @Pkaiser – I totally agree with you dude. This just seems unfair. A computer would now decide on the our fate, disregarding all the efforts put in to build a career..!!

        Reply
          • from given petition
            reasons:

            1. Companies are willing to support foreign employees because they perform well and bring profits to companies. Company growth brings about a prosperous economy to United States.

            2. A late decision on H1B visa quota increase may not hurt US market too much. But if we consider many foreigner students through their hard work at school, work hard for their employers. It will be unfair for them losing their jobs because of unlucky in visa lottery.

      • Yeah guys, dont know what to do. I mean sure, life is not over. But all this time and effort went establishing a form of life so far from home so we can improve our living conditions and for those around us.

        BTW how does signing that petition affect this year? Will it come into effect immediately?

        Reply

Leave a Comment