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 ?
WAC1313650XXX ………… it seems USCIS is processing the cases quickly and in time , but they are raising RFE for any smaller doubts while quickly going through cases.
My case status changed to RFE today 6 June. This will delay the decision by 1-2 months. This sucks. The process is not smooth. Anybody who got RFE can you please share whats the common RFE they got ?
WAC131365XXXX….. same boat. was initial review for about two months and turned RFE couple of days back. No news from employer yet. BAD………..
@same boat, Lets share below detail to pass thru this scenario
Your current India based company has applied for this h1 or you applied to US company for the same ? Also your year of exp ? n ur area of expertise plz share.
In my case , m looking for job change for US based company.. hav 5+ yrs exp.. , m into web,phone and desktop app dev
Please share your same details
same boat,
would you mind sharing 2 more digit, it will give some idea where have it reached .
@srkjos , one more digit of your would be really helpful.
thanks in advance. i am also in 136th day towards 2000 number
@ me too I am just below 600 on 136th day
mine is around 1313654. I have 12+ years of work ex, currently working in India, Planning to shift to an US based start-up. Employer is in US.
Anyone still waiting for lottery decision? any waitlist possible???
i haven’t received my package back..
even i have not received my package back. no hope. all i am waiting for is the package.i asked my employer and attorney to call up USCIS to check about the status.but from the time i have started asking them to call those guys dont respond to my email and no answers to the calls. not sure when its going to end.
I am in the same boat..waiting for results..Nither receipt has been sent nor packet has been returned yet..Lets pls count who all are waiting like me. Employer has no information, on questioning they replied “Pending from USCIS”.
Even my lottery result is still pending. My employer said they are checking with USCIS. I think a miracle could happen and we got selected.. No news is still a hope for a good news… Anyone has any other info.
Who is your employer?
Guys please count on us how many are we so that we can have a idea n can calculate that what will happen
I am also still waiting for lottery result.
+1
+1
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your efforts helping us.
I got my RFE about Speciality Occupation for Web application developer in med sized company.
My supervisor wrote a detailed description of my job duties and complexities of each one. they will include some percentage also to that.
I am not sure if this is enough or not do u need to be involved to relate my school courses to these duties ??
Hello Ihab,
When did your status change to RFE and when did you get the physical mail?
Subha
It changed on May 9th and the attorney got the mail on May 22nd. it took more than two weeks
Ihab,
Looks like they want to know if the offered position is a specialty one or not. It doesn’t require any inputs from you, but from employer. If they have hired other people in similar position, they will have to show that all of them have at least 4 years of college degree etc. They should also submit what they are currently arranging for. Your employer/attorney should be able to handle it.
Thanks Saurabh ,
But how hard it is to handle this RFE and what the chances of approval ??
IHab,
It all depends how well company can demonstrate the speciality job requirement.
hi,
i got second rfe which is exactly the same as the first rfe.
did anybody face this issue, please share
thanks.
new_h1b_premium,
That’s strange. Why will they issue 2nd RFE just like the 1st one. Was the petition upgraded to PP recently?
Hello Suarabh and Dear friends,
I already got H1B approved and got my I-747C on mail and i am waiting for the approved documents on mail. But when i checked my case status i found mine case is in ACCEPTANCE stage. I am surprised. Does anybody have the same case?
On June 5, 2013, a duplicate notice was mailed to you regarding a decision on this case, or describing how we will process the case if it is still pending
Plz share. Thank you.
My Bad, that was supposed to be I-797C. I only received I-797C.
Hi Nava,
I am the same as you, I got I-797C approval notice on mail and wait for the approved documents. My status is still post-activity online and on I-797C it says “Approval”, did you received I-797C saying approval on that?
Hello Thank you; My Attorney just emailed me and said they received my approved documents! But had issue on my name. I need to apply for amendment! I am sure your attorney will receive it by today or tomorrow! You should be fine! Take it easy! LoL
congratulations!Nava. I hope i could get mine soon. Bless
Hi Nava,
The i797c you received after your approval was I-797c courtesy copy of approval notice or receipts? Sorry to ask again to confirm because my employer only receive approval notice and not i797A. Thank you
Its more than 3 days now, my status is still showing Initial review saying:
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
My employer/ attorney haven’t received any RFE or other update from CIS..is there anyone on same boat here?
@ H1B – After showing the status from Accceptance to unable to pull the information(as i stated in different thread above) it says now same status as yours
( Here it is : what i got just now…30 mts back)
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)
So, I am NOT sure if this is Damm Sure RFE or the status can be changed into Approval after few hrs or tomorrow??
I see in different threads many people got these and changed to APPROVAL after few hours. Please keep me updated My friend
Sure Vin , I will keep you updated in case if status got changed to anything..please keep me updated from your end too..
Have you checked with your employer/ attorney if they receive anything from CIS?
Best of luck!!
One more thing Vin, what I have observed here if the status got change with-in 4-5 hrs then its approved otherwise it can be anything..
@ H1B – Sure i will update any information i come across. i did called my employer and was NOT able to reach them now….so!
So u said its been three days….so still ur EMPLOYER / ATTORNEY did not get any information???? Did they called USCIS and asked via Call?
yes, after seeing many forums and i see that if it is changing it is most likely happening after 3 to 4 hrs…have to see how it turns out…!! pls keep me posted anything u get…thanks for your reply H1B!!
@Vin: I checked with my employer they are saying wait for couple of more days..they haven’t received anything till now..
Wish you good luck for today..let me know if anything strange happened
@Vin: Did you got any update on your case status?
Hello,
I have applied for H1B Premium and they have got the package on May 30th and friday my employer have given me Receipt #.
Later i have been checking and i see it was in Initial Review and all of suddenly starting from Tuesday(June 4th 2013), I am seeing the below message.
“•At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information”.
It is under premium processing i have submitted and I am just curious if this is going to be fine or anything bad? How long does it take to change the status from the above message to APPROVAL or anything??
Please let me know some info and this is really tense moment for me!!!! I did called the number and Automated response was NOT able to pull the information as well.
@vin They r changing ur status to either denied, or returned or RFE and maybe approval.. Please refer earlier responses in this thread also . Wait for couple of days/hours to get actual status.
Hi,
My petition has got a message update like below.
•At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.
Till yesterday it was in initial review
my Reciept # is WAC 131365—-.
I cam to know that my petition will either get RFE or Approval.
Is there anybody who got approval after getting similar type of message update, If yes how sooner you got. Kindly reply back
Thanks
SAP H1
My case number EAC 13134xxxxx..has been in ” initial review” for about two months…
anyone on the same boat?
Same is my case. Status is in ‘initial review’ since ages.
I was under this impression that on WAC, they are almost done till 135 series. However this assumption is not fulproof, it seems.
The processing times can be anywhere from 2-6 months. They say an average of 3 months for RP.
Every friend nearby got approved already, except me
Mine has been under initial review for about 2 months..
I am really worried….and do not know why it could be.
Hello Friends,
Thought this information would be useful to share.. I found a way to find out if the case has been picked up for processing or it has been stacked after assigning EAC/WAC number..
Here is how you can find out..
1. Sign-up for Case updates under the link where the case status is checked,
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do
2. Provide any details valid details.. It doesn’t matter if it the details you provide here is related to your petition or not.
3. After successful sign -up use, the “Add Case to Port-folio” and provide your EAC/WAC number.
As soon as you add your EAC/WAC number, some fields related to your case are shown below.
Receipt Number – EAC13139XXXXX
E-mail Alert – Y
Mobile Alert – Y
Last Updated(mm/dd/yyyy) – 04/18/2013
Form Number – I129
Form Title – PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
4. Now you can turn on email and mobile notifications.
Notice the field Last Updated. This is not available when you check the Status without registering. From my view, this field is updated whenever there is any small change in the system related to your case, even if there is no change in the Overall status which you see in State-Transition-Diagram.
This would roughly indicate atleast if there is something happening to your case or it is yet to be picked up for processing.
In my case the Last updated shows, 18th April, which probably is the date on which my petition was first entered into the system. And not been touched after that.
For others, if you see a very recent Last updated change, with status still in Initial Review, then it means that atleast something is happening to your case.
Even USCIS mentions the samething in the note below.
Note on “Last Updated” date:
Your case may have a new “Last Updated” date and you may receive an Email and/or text message notification of your case being updated, without the status of the case changing. This is due to internal USCIS processing being performed on your Case. This will be reflected in the “Last Updated” date, but may not result in a different status message.
So IMO, this is a good indication to know if something is in process to your case, or is it just waiting in the Stack to be picked up.
Hope this helps a few.
Hi Suarabh,
I got 2 receipts for my 2 petition for 2 Companies both are in initial review.
Is it possible to get stamp for the both or whether this will be considered as duplicate & rejected ?
If i get stamp for one company & what will happen for 2nd petition ?
U r lucky mate, people like me are still waiting for lottery result..
Anyways best of luck 🙂
thnxs for taking an extra seat.
@Kishore
Agree yaar .. waiting for lottery result and it is 2 month now ….
I am RQ/RP/VSC, still waiting for lottery results. do you know anything about wait list..
nothing .. no update .. just hoping that .. it is in waiting list
RP/RQ/VSC
You ate up some one’s chance
Sorry dude.
VJV,
You can get it stamped through the employer you really want to join. Make-up your mind, which employer is a better one and you want to work after landing in US. Then go for stamping through them, and enter US using their petition and visa stamp.
As for the other petition, it will be other employer’s discretion. Either they keep it as is, or withdraw it knowing that you are not joining them from Oct 1.
Hi Saurabh,
1. If both are approved , whether USCIS will schedule the interview or i can choose the dates ?
2. If i go for company A & if i am not choosing for company B & not attending the interview , whether company B will come to know ?
3. If i am not going for stamping for company B or if they withdrawn, the fee will be refunded or not ?
4. Let say i got approved , what will be the last date for attending interview for stamping.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Vijaybabu.SSH
VJV,
1. Once the petition is approved, USCIS’ work is done. You have to schedule interview at your own will once you determine which employer to go for and when.
2. They will know that you are not attending interview through them. But they will not know that you are attending interview through A (unless someone tells them about it)
3. Nothing is refunded by USCIS.
4. You can attend stamping anytime during the petition validity period. Whenever you appear for stamping, make sure you have recently dated documents.
People like you have slimmed down others chance.
@VJV
You waste fellow unnecessarily eaten up one chance of others.At least one fellow who haven’t got might have committed suicide for not getting in lottery. You will all his curse thorough out your stay..You have wasted one slot ..YOUU – – –
I got an RFE today. Can some one pls tell me on how long will USCIS take to process the RFE?
it depends on the type of query that have on your case. not a standard process though. what was your receipt number though? which center and which category? and what is the question that they have raised.
Any clue if one can change his/her application to Premium Processing after getting an RFE?
I have received an RFE just today. The mail receipt is yet to reach, I think it should come by Monday next week. So not sure of the reason of RFE and type of the query.
Thanks!
ArtiR,
Yes, it can be upgraded to PP. When submitting the RFE response, your employer can also have it upgraded to PP by paying the fees. The PP clock will start from the day USCIS receives RFE and PP upgrade request and processes it.
my employer yet to recive the RFE Question. RP/RQ/VSC. EAC-13-140-52***
@Vijay
Can you please tell me what is your profession?
I’m trying to figure out when are they going to process my application (mine is day 148).
Thanks!
Nicky,
Profession, First Name, Last Name, Location doesn’t determine who gets processed first.
@Vijay
Was your app in premium?AD?
RP/RQ/VSC. Profession is Technical Analyst in IT industry.
Hii
“At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.”
It is been a week but status din’t changed…. what does it mean… what to do??? pls help me
My status changed same from inital review to “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case” No idea whats going on..
@priyank n ram They r changing ur status to either denied, or returned or RFE and maybe approval.. Please refer earlier responses in this thread also .
I didn’t see any Denali? Did anyone?
Hi,
My petition has got a message update like below.
•At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.
Till yesterday it was in initial review
my Reciept # is WAC 131365—-.
I cam to know that my petition will either get RFE or Approval.
Is there anybody who got approval after getting similar type of message update, If yes how sooner you got. Kindly reply back
Thanks
SAP H1
Can u please tell if u have applied Under Premium Processing or Standard? I am on the same situation…i am getting the same message….but its been just 2 days….i am under Premium processing.
Sorry to post it again. But I am pretty worried and wanna get the answer. Here is the original post….
“Happily got the status of “Post Decision” this morning.
Happily told my HR, boss, coworkers, and family about the good news.
Checked status again this afternoon and figured it went back to “Acceptance” saying—
“On June 4, 2013, an amended notice on this case was mailed describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on the notice. This case is being processed at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location.” blah blah blah…
Anyone knows what’s going on?!?!
Life is f***ing like a roller coaster……
My receipt# is EAC13137*******
Thanks.”
I believe that it will be ver hard to any one to answer u but check this out it may help
http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?188118-Amended-notice-from-USCIS
From what i understood, it means that USCIS made a mistake in ur case and send you this notice to describe that mistake. Hope you return for final approval again soon.
U may also check this out
http://www.murthy.com/2011/10/28/uscis-reviewing-need-for-amended-h1bs/
I think from past cases it means that there maybe some kind of information change related to your petition. Hopefully it doesnt affect the overall outcome. If you do receive the I-797 of approval then most definitely you should be all set.
Approval / Rejection after RFE Response Review?
It has been 5 weeks since the employer/attorney responded to a simple RFE. The case status is still “RFE Response Review”.
Have H1B petitions started getting decisions after RFE under regular processing?
How long is the usual wait time?
Hi SAurabh and all,
My H1 case was upgraded to premium on 22nd May and on 31st may I am able to see the status has changed to approved at decision stage.
But till now i didn’t get the approval notice via email. I have checked with my employer they are telling that they didn’t receive any notice. ??
I am little worried is there any problem or is it normal??
Mine was RQ/RR and upgraded to premium. EAC13148xxxxxx
Please clarify.. thanks.
PVD, just to know, was your’s L1 to H1 or H4 to H1 or anyother?
PVD,
Paper notice should be received within 30 days and email notification should have been sent to the employer/attorney. Your attorney can follow-up w/ USCIS if the email notice was not received.
H1BPremium
Just a thought, Did your/anyone of similar case’s employer tried calling USCIS premium processing center to know about the status whether it is approved or RFE?
No, employer didn’t tried. Also i asked a qns on forum to register my account as applicant customer,,,but it was recommended to me to check with lawayer/Atttorney before creating.
I haven’t contacted them…just keeping an eye on case status..refreshing it now and then…
register your account? what account it is? Sry I didnt get this.
When you navigate to USCIS Site, On left hand side a tab Sign-up for Case Updates.
This is nothing but you get updates/notified Via email as soon as the case changes ..just an additional advantage to get status update.
oh! got it. I registered as applicant, it is just for updates. I don’t think registering for case updates needs attorney approval.
Its just information as an alert and in fact we tend to search different numbers at random to identify the pattern which is not unlawful.
H1BPremium,
My case turned out to be RFE, not sure what all it is but my employer recieved mail with the document but the online status is still shown as acceptance.
Better have your employer call USCIS premium processing hotline and can get the latest status.
SKML,
My status is also on initial review but attorney have received RFE.
H1BPremium,
You can create an account for yourself. It is pretty harmless.
Hi,
I got RFE,
One of the question is
The claimed experience that was gaind while working with peers, suprisors and or subordinates who have degree or equivalent in the specialty..
Can anyone tell me how can i give.
@saian
Wt is your receipt num
RP/RQ or AD
I don’t understand the question… What is the question? You’re asked what is the claime experience is? I’d ask my attorney to work on it.
I’ve got RFE according to online status- still waiting for the actual requests.
Uncertainty,
R u predicting that it’s an RFE for you?
My status is also stucked at initial review and premium clock stopped since 3rd june?
I doubt it’s an RFE? R you also on same status?
No,
My case 13134 has been moved to RfE and waiting for the request in mail now.
Hopefully attorney will deal w it well….
Uncertainty
So could you let me know the flow..
How long it took for your case to move to RFE?
Wish you get your approval soon.All the best!!!
Hi there,
My case is AD/RP/CSC, not PP…so my info probably won’t be helpful to you. but anyways my receipt # is 13134 and my case moved on yesterday June 4.
Hope I will get an approval…!!!
Yeah..we are in different zones in that case..
All the best!!
Saian any,
USCIS wants to know how you qualify for the offered position. I assume you are not a Comp-Sc graduate and have applied for an IT position. You have to show details on what experience you have gained over the years which makes you qualified for the offered position. This includes detailed work experience letters, certificates, appreciation letters/emails etc.
Hi,
My H1B package was sent back to my employer 2 weeks ago ,but it said I got selected in lottery but the cheque amount is high pleae resubmit. I actually filed for RQ/WAC/PP but I dont know why USCIS said amount is high. I dont know if they didnt consider premium fee.
Anyways my employer sent package back explaining this to USCIS, I still dont have any reply from them yet. Anyone in this kind of a wierd scenario or anyone have any idea on this kind of resubmission process please let me know…
Thanks,
Karthick
Do you have a receipt number generated for your case?
No nothing was shared by uscis, they just asked to resubmit. I just want to know how this kind of scenarios will be handled…
Karthick_C,
Your attorney should be able to handle this. They need to determine if the amount was really high or not, and then submit the application back to USCIS w/ the correct amount and/or explanation. As USCIS has asked them to resubmit and has not rejected the petition, you are still in the cap.
Just goto know that my petition is approved.
WAC13135***** RQ/RP.
Congrats, are you in India right now?
@Pankaj
I am in India.
April 8th – Received the date.
April 22nd – Received the numner.
June 4th – jumped from Initial review – Post Decision Activity “Approved”
Hi,
Through which company u processed H1.
I am also from india with WAC 1313651 _ _ _ . Waiting for the approval.. still in initial review.
Thanks
I can see for all the WAC13135**** has got some status, so I guess You guys are next….
Through which company u processed H1.
mine is TCS which is service based company.
@pankaj
Through which company u processed H1.
mine is TCS which is service based company.
@bang_india, I am from UHG(united health group). Not a service based company.
@Got the approval.. hearty congrats.. yes plz respond if u r frm india nn if there were any significant dates in this process if u got RFE etc.. 🙂 Thats good newz.
also can u plz provide one or two more digits after WAC13135 ?? 🙂 it will be helpful
It would help in determining if they have started processing 135 dates series in RQ/RP category. I am also waiting for this category in 136 series.
Guys who are in WAC 136 series please keep posting your status…i am also same in same category..RP/RQ..presently in india..
For one case I have observed following as status.What does it means? Any idea guys???
On May 8, 2013, the post office returned your document I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER as undeliverable. We will hold it for 180 days from May 8, 2013 to allow you time to contact us. If you do not contact us at 1-800-375-5283 within 180 days, this document will be destroyed and you will need to file a new application or application for replacement with fee.
This happens when the employer or attorney address is changed and was not updated with uscis.
So when uscis sends a notice such as receipt, rfe, approval. The post office returns it back to uscis since the petitioner/ attorney is not at that location anymore.
The attorney/ petitioner should reach out to uscis and update their address for uscis to send the notice again.
Thanks!
Hi Friends,
I m following this blog for quiet some time..Im from India,Going to US for the 1st time.
Need some assistance..
I got through lottery wac13143***,Just wanted to Inquire once we get approval,What all documents would we receive from the employeer..Is it 1797A or 1797C(Just confused out here)??And for stamping do we need the scanned copies or does USCIS will courier the Original I797 forms??
Warm Regards
@Fabian: After approval, my attorney me sent me the original I797A, copies of the I129 filed with uscis and lca – basically he sent copy of the whole packet sent to uscis…
I dont think uscis couriers the original I797 forms back
Hi Srb,
Thank You for the information,Just a last question.
How much time did Attorney take to send you the entire packets.I mean the time difference between Once you see the approval state online and time you got the I797A..
Fabian,
USCIS sends the original 797 form to the employer/attorney, who can then share it w/ you.
Hi, Anyone could help why my employer only receive I-797C approval notice and have not receive I-797A. Anyone in the same suitation as me? Any ideas??
Thank you!!!!
I have also received I-797C, Do we need to go to our home country for visa stamping, after getting approval ?
Hi Komal,
I don’t know, someone says it should be attonery to get the formal I-797A, did you talk with your attonery?
Hi,
I have just received the receipt notice, I-797 c Notice of action, not approval notice. Does it mean I will get I-797 C approval notice?
Hi Komal,
No, yours is different from approval notice. I don’t know what you will receive when you get approval.sorry
Questions,
Did you talk to your attorney about it?
Komal,
S/He is referring to approval notice and not receipt notice (which in your case). They both are unrelated.
Yeah, thanks Saurabh
Please look below:
I-797C, Notice of Action: Issued to communicate receipt of payments, rejection of applications, transfer of files, fingerprint biometric, interview and re-scheduled appointments, and re-open cases.
I-797, Notice of Action: Issued when an application or petition is approved.
I-797A, Notice of Action: Issued to an applicant as a replacement Form I-94.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=87f15565d1be3310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
Check whether your case is approved?
Hi ,
Did the status change from decision (approved) to post decision activity for premium processing, anyone? And how long will it take to get the I797?
hi all,
i get the following message ,can anyoe tell me wat it means
phase —-Acceptance
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.
appreciate ur reply
Can anyone please let me know what is the time period given by USCIS to respond to RFE? I thought it is 12 weeks or 84 days to respond. But one of my friend recently got a second RFE (AD/PP) and the time given was about a month. Does it vary by case or by RFE?
Hello all,
I have checked status of some random numbers.It seems like they are processing petitions as per petition numbers except PP cases.I have seen like WAC is almost done for 134th day and they are processing for 135th day.Mine is WAC131365xxxx so I am expecting some decision in a week.
Guys do you think I am right???
I think it is random. I’ve found some RP receipts generated on 143/142 already in RFE or in Approved status.
Hi,
Mine is EAC131365****. AD/RP. Receipt date: April 8th. Still in Initial Review. How many days does it take more? Any one in same status? How do they process applications? Does any one have idea?
Thanks
I was in the same status (EAD 13136…) until Friday when they finally approved mine. I don’t know why it took them longer to process my application than 90% of others around my receipt dates, but it did. Went straight from Initial Review to Approved. I have a history in the US and was not in a STEM or IT fields, so I just figured it took them longer to do the background check.
so according to this assumption, there should not be anyone with receipt numbers till WAC13134***** which is still in initial review status. I hope it is right, as I am also WAC131365****. So hopefully by the end of next week, at least our files would be touched upon. Good luck.
@Pankaj : We can see some of the applications are in initial review in series WAC13134xxxxx.But I can say 90% of the applications in the mentioned series are approved or RFE.
Hope out term will come soon.
SKML ,
Mine is still on initial review, My employer haven’t rcvd anything yet.
Well going through blog n other forums it can either be of the two RFE or approval in both of our cases.
Let me know if you get any update on ur status n vice versa if i get one.
Being optimistic, may be we hear something by EOD.
As per my statistics i believe a scheduler program runs around 5 Pm EDT to change Case statuses .. lolz …so just hoping for the right time…just a bit technical though…
For me, the premium clock started yesterday and by today morning, it was showing the message that clock has stopped etc etc(observed at 6:30 AM ET) and after 2 hrs it moved to Acceptance status.
Hope for the best! Best wishes to both of us!
SKML,
What is the current message coming on your case status..the exact one?
Acceptance status
On June 4, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER and we e-mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. This case is being processed at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.
SKML,
SKML
What i conclude here is, your premium process is just now started. So just chill..it will take around a week for some decision now.You are currently on stage 2.
Let me know if you hear any update.
Here i tell you the summary:
1.Mine initially was on Initial review once was selected in lottery in RP.
2.Post up gradation to premium,it went back to acceptance stage which is obvious.
3.Yesterday it moved to initial review again with clock as stopped.
Waiting for update on status as it could be both RFE or approval, But normally it is taking 4-5 hrs to move to a decision..which nt my case so just fingers crossed ..
Dnt want it to be a RFE…
Anyone other can throw light on this?What could be the possibility?
Thanks for elaborating your case H1Bpremium
Was the msg displayed during acceptance status in your case matched with what I posted earlier?
My case flow is as below
1. upgraded to premium, on Jun3, status was initial review with msg stated as clock started
2. On Jun4 6:30 Am EDT, status was initial review with msg stated as clock stopped.
3. On Jun4 8:3o AM EDT, status changed to acceptance.
SKML,
My message was also same. I believe it will take time for your case status now.
Mine took 9 working days..Lets hope for the best..or may be you may hear something soon
Whatever stage we are in …we should get direct approvals 🙂
All the best!!!
Hi All,
I was just informed that my package was rejected (not even in the lottery) because the lawyer sent my package to the wrong center. They only notified me last Friday. They re-sent my case to USCIS arguing that it was the correct center they sent it to initially. Any experience with such case? Is there any chance for me at all?
Thank you all.
Hi. I am AD/RP/CSC WAC13134…
My case has just been updated to RFE.
What documents do they usually request…?
I am working as a policy research analyst for a small NPO established about 13 years ago. The position in this organization and many others require Master’s degree in public policy, economics, social work and such…and I have such a degree (a person who had this position before me had the same degree from the same university). I am currently on OPT. Is the request likely about the finance because the NPO is small?
Thanks
Hi,
Mine is EAC131365****. AD/RP. Receipt date: April 8th. Still in Initial Review. How many days does it take more? Any one in same status? How do they process applications? Does any one have idea?
Thanks,
Prathima.
Hi All
Did anyone got a second RFE and responded, please reply. My case is AD/PP/EAC and i got second RFE recently, waiting for my attorney to reply back. I am little worried now. Can anyone please let me know what are my chances of approval after getting second RFE.
I think it is lucky that you get a second RFE rather than just denial after the first RFE!
Do you mind telling me what was the first RFE? WHat documents were requested?
My case has just been updated to RFE…Fingers crossed!!!
Sorry for spamming but i have still not got the answer so re posting
My employer notified me that they received my package back and my application is not selected in lottery. I wanted to make sure he is not lying, so i asked them for the returned package. They sent me one scanned page which has a general text which says that USCIS reieved your application but you were not selected in lottery. But nothing in that letter confirms that this H1b was filed for me only.
This page has only a FileNo: which is blank and a FormNo: which has I-129 written by hand. Is the I-129 form returned by USCIS just one page letter with no detailas about the applicant? There must be some way to associate it to an applicant?
Please advice, what document should i ask my employer to share in order to confirm that my H1b was actually filed?
You can try to ask for a copy for the I129 for your case, because it’ll show that what the document is for and who is it for
My status shows initial review and it says clock has been stopped since 05/30/2013. I am so much worried about it. My lawyer says he has not received any RFE yet by today. I am wondering since the case is premium process why it been taking so long to receive the RFE. Please advice. I really would appreciate it. Thank you
SRK,
My status also showing Initial review but it’s updated today itself.
PP case..let’s hope for the best..
SRK,
Did your case status move forward?
Anyone got 2nd rfe? Please respond.
Hi, please help,
My H1B got approved nearly two weeks ago and my employer only got I797C approval notice (courtesy copy only). Waiting I-797A.
Any one in the same boat as me? ??????
Congrats, same here!!
Feel free to email at nvedia at gmail dot com
I am making a group so that people who got approval can discuss and start preparing for the future ahead
Is there anyone from Accenture who got the approval notice for H1 2014?
No. Still waiting.. any idea when it can be communicated..
nope … no idea…and no deadlines…
i am getting below messages.
At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.
can you help me on this and what need to do.
even I got the same message today..
I got the Same message. i think USCIS is processing our petetions, we may get update in next few days….
Hi,
Any updates to you on ur case? I am also sailing in the same boat. Bit tensed situation.
pls respond
Hi Guys,
From today onwards I am getting the below message while checking my H1B application status- Please let me know what is this? I am very tensed now.
At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.
Regards,
Sanjay
Sanjay,
Wait for sometime 2-5 hrs it could be both approval or RFE.
Chances for approval. All the best!!!
Many people got the same msg ..for some it was approval..for some RFE..
@Sanjay
I got RFE after this message
@Sanjay,
I also got the RFE after this status message. It took 2days for my case to update into USCIS portal to RFE status.
Sanjay,
Ur’s case is premium or what? Category?
Thanks All.
I was really in tension but after looking your replied I am fine now. I will wait for a week and lets see.
I processed in Regular not premium
Regards,
Sudip
I am waiting for more then a week but no update .. not sure …
U might get an approval!
any updates?
hello everyone…..is there someone who got the same message and under premium processing? I got the same message and i am under Premium processing…..starting from June 4 2013 i am seeing this message.
I got my Receipt# on May 31st(friday first thing in the morning).
thanks!
I paid my employer visa fees and also lawyer fees to file my visa .What should I request for to be sure that my employer did file my H1 ?
I did not revived any package back nor I received a receipt number .
Thanks
Sam
@samj its too late but u can ask him the courier tracking details. Anyways they should return u money except lawyer fees if its not selected.
you should file lawsuit against your company in case you get denied, the company MUST pay for application fees, the lawyer could be pay by you but the fees no. That is against the law!1
Dear Saurabh
The EAC number given to me by the employer is eac131045120*… How can the working day be 104(numbers which suggest day)…. I suspect something fishy…. please give some thoughts..
I would suggest you to ask for scanned copy of the receipt.
Mine is reg/reg process wac131355 series still initial review.Can i convert to premium.Any body please suggest me.If i convert to premium can i get new receipt no or old one.
You can convert to premium at any time but your receipt number will be same. The status will be changed to acceptance and will get a mail mentioning the 15 days clock start.
Well guys..after all that waiting, I finally have an answer and no surprise.. got my package returned. I was RQ/RP and my company had 80% H1’s selected. I’m meant for something else I suppose! Until next time..
Well guys..after all that waiting, I finally have an answer and no surprise.. got my package returned. I was RQ/RP and my company had 80% H1’s selected. I meant for something else I suppose! Until next time..
My status from friday “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information”.
what to do??? im worried….. pls help me with this….
It will be either changed to Post decision activity or RFE soon.. are you on RP or PP?
Regular processing/ Regular quota … VSC…
Hey buddy what are you first 5 digits of the receipt no.?
@GV
Even I got the same message today
@vijay … Pls let me know … If u get any change in the status……
EAC131435####
@GV
I got RFE after this message
i am getting same messages.
At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.
can you help me on this and what need to do.
I received the same message and its sitting in the same status since a week. Not sure what will be the next step!! Will keep posted!!!
Hi all,
I just got an email from my lawyer that my case was rejected (not even in the lottery) because USCIS said that my case was sent to a wrong center. My lawyer argues that USCIS made a mistake and re-sent my application arguing that it was sent to the correct center. Does anyone have any experience with this type of situation? Do I have any chances? I have been working really hard for past 5 years (4 years of college + 1 year consulting job on OPT) so I really hope that this did not come down to the mistake made by lawyer.
Thank you.
Hi There
My H1B visa selected in lottery 2013, but I am thinking of appearing for next year’s stamping, as there is no update on my husband’s H1B Visa in lottery this year. We want to give a try for next year’s H1 quota for my husband. Is that Possible? Any suggestion is always welcome.
Thanks..
I wont risk it to be honest with you, every year this is getting harder…
Hi H1b guy
Its very difficult for us to move when I will work in US and my husband will be on H4, sitting at home. Its good for us if we both can go there on H1 and work. Can I appear in stamping sometime like Sep 2014 with this H1 selected in lottery this year 2013?
Thanks..
Hi I of course would not know for sure, but I doubt thatyou can get a visa stamped for oct1 2014- if your visa is approved for oct 2013. There’s a quota every year. And with the immigration reform, H1 may be able to work as far as the home country authorizes it.
My employer notified me that they received my package back and my application is not selected in lottery. I wanted to make sure he is not lying, so i asked them for the returned package. They sent me one scanned page which has a general text which says that USCIS reieved your application but you were not selected in lottery. But nothing in that letter confirms that this H1b was filed for me only.
This page has only a FileNo: which is blank and a FormNo: which has I-129 written by hand. Is the I-129 form returned by USCIS just one page letter with no detailas about the applicant? There must be some way to associate it to an applicant?
Please advice, what document should i ask my employer to share in order to confirm that my H1b was actually filed?
Did u get your money back..
I did not pay any money nor am i supposed o pay anything. It is my employer who took care of all the expenses
Hi There
My H1B visa selected in lottery 2013, but I am thinking of appearing for next year’s stamping, as there is no update on my husband’s H1B Visa in lottery this year. We want to give a try for next year’s H1 quota for my husband. Is that Possible? Any suggestion is always welcome.
Thanks..
@sahil , they dont take any money from you that means there is no reason for your employer to lie. Unless they are sadist and they want to make fun of you , possibility of this is 2%
How did you come up with 2% ? :-p ?
they have messed up my visa couple of times before, making me suspicious that they might have pretended to file just to pacify me
I paid my employer visa fees and also lawyer fees to file my visa I am in the same boat. What should I request for to be sure that my employer did file my H1 ?
I did not revived any package back nor I received a receipt number .
Hey guys,, Anybody here from Zedventure Inc, I am WAC13136….. RQ, RP.. ? Status initial review.. Reciept date 8 Apr. Need to find friends on the same boat.
Hi Kuchbhi,
Mine is also in same status. WAC131365_ _ _ _
@SAPH1..
good to know.. 🙂 … i guess our receipt no also would be closer ones in series.
@SAPH1. please click on link at my name (“kuchbhi”) to be in touch..
test
even i am on the same boat….WAC13136517**…guys please update if any of you hear something.
long wait to know lottery result, now waiting for approval
mine EAC13139xxx same status rq/rp
@SAPH1, @still_waiting and @GB.. R u all from Zed Ventures Inc…
Guys one of my College with WAC13135*** got approval as well, and I can also see for WAC13135**** around that day i.e. 135 almost all got some status so I guess you guys are next…..you will hear something very soon….. mine is still long way to go as I am WAC13141****… All the best guys.
Send me an
email
Anyone from Deebecon got approved? Is there anyone still waiting for the confirmation regarding lottery selections from Deebecon? I have got selected in the lottery but my status is still initial review was told by Employer…
Dont know when the status will be changed to Acceptance?
Hi H1bSeeker
I also applied thru Deebecon and selected in lottery… after that no news abt it… He is not willing to share the receipt number and also said he will let me know when the status changes :(…. No transparency from their side
Even for me its the same, no calls after I got selected in the lottery. What is your category ? Have you tried calling them? What is their response? When I called they told me that the status is still in Initial Review..But we are seeing lot of people of getting approved now…
Hi H1BSeeker
Mine is regular quota/regular processing… The way he responds when asked for the receipt number When I was selected in lottery stopped me to call him again… So no idea how is it going
Hi Another One,
Please keep me posted when your status move from Initial review to Acceptance? I am Non AD/ Regular Processing/.
sure H1BSeeker
I am still waiting for Package return…Anyone still waiting for it?
I am sure i haven’t selected in lottery, no check cashed yet 🙁
Anyone still waiting on Lottery result?
Me!! RP/RQ/VSC. I have no news yet. No updates on SEVIS record, No reciept, no return package. I am getting really annoyed with being in limbo. Any answer is better than no answer.
Good luck to you! 🙂
I am also in the same boat.No reply , No return Package Yet.
Does anybody know when is the deadline date for all the return Packages ? I am wondering why USCIC is not making even a single statement regarding all this process..?
Really frustrating !!! Please some experts here, do reply.
I also have not recieced any news on acceptance or rejection from my employer. They say that they have not hear any thing from USCIS. Are there any hopes of getting selected in the lottery still?
I was informed today that my application didn’t make it through the lottery. Good luck to everyone. I hope things workout in your favor!
For those who didn’t get the answer they wanted, things happen for a reason. Maybe there is something better waiting for us but we just don’t see it yet.
Reg/Reg/VSC
I got my receipt on 7th May which says they received my application on 8th April. But its still shows as initial review. How long is the decision process?? Still waiting
Got news from my recruiter that my application didnot get selected in lottery !!!
One day my dream will come true…
Though luck never favored me in my life.. one day I will come back strongly…Dreaming for that day 🙂
Got news back from my lawyer, my package was returned on 05/29/2013, as I was expecting no surprise here.
Anybody Regular Processing / Regular Quota approved in WAC by now?
I’m WAC 13136517XX and still in Initial Review (Accepted Apr,8th), so my 2 months are running out, I know there’s no SLA for RP, but how hard are they trying to keep the 2 month goal?
I am also WAC1313654***, waiting for approval. Same case of 8th April. and 2 months would most likely not happen, it would take longer. Good luck though.
same here…WAC131365xxxx …RR/RP…still in initial review…
Do they count 2 months from apr 8 the or work day 136, which would be April 17th your case ? I am rq/rp with day 138.
Same here,
I am WAC1313852XXX. Got reciept on April, 19th.
Hi Kuchbhi,
Mine is also in same status. WAC131365_ _ _ _ RQ , RP