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

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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 ?

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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. Request to Everyone who have NOT made through the Lottery,

    PLEASE SHARE YOUR LOTTERY REJECTION LETTER FROM USCIS. You can mask your name/details if you dont want to reveal certain information.
    You can mail me at neelz24(at)gmaildotcom

    Hello SAURABH – I solicit your support in my attempt to have the USCIS LOTTERY REJECTION LETTER 2014 format shared on this forum so that we know whether our prospective employer (petitioner) have at the first place filed the petition on time i.e. first week of April 2013.
    I strongly feel that either they have filed my petition late OR have not filed my petition at all !

    SAURABH – I have received the following Lottery rejection notice –
    Notice date – 4/25/13
    Name – (Name is handwritten)

    Your petition, supporting documents, and fee are being returned to you. Your petition was returned for the following reason.
    USCIS received sufficient numbers if H1-B petitions to reach the numerical limitation for FY2014 prior to receiving your petition.
    If you wish to file a petition for classification on behalf of and H1-B nonimmigrant worker subject to the FY 2015 cap, with a start date of October 1, 2014, please submit a completed Form I-129 petition, with supporting document and fee, no earlier tha, April 1, 2014.

    SAURABH – Your advice will be extremely helpful. The content of this letter suggests that my petitioner may have filed my petition after 5th April and thus my petition did not qualify to be part of Lottery selection process at the first place.

    Reply

    • It could mean either one of the following:
      1. Petition reached on time, but not selected in lottery(unless USCIS sends a different one for such case)
      2. Petition reached late(like you suspect)

      Reply

    • Lottery rejection Sample,
      I haven’t seen sample letter in 2013, but here is a letter from 2008 lottery.

      Did they send you a scanned copy of USCIS letter? The wordings do look different but it is possible that they have changed the text since 2008. Maybe someone else who got rejection letter can validate.

      Reply

  2. I was wondering If everybody goes from Initial Review to “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. ” and then goes directly to either approved, denied, or RFE?

    any thoughts or comments?

    Reply

      • My Wife’s H1 Visa was applied . Her manager told her that she got selected in lottery.When she Checked the status in Portal it was showing ready for printing.She is not sure where to check this recipt number

        Reply

        • My Wife’s H1 Visa was applied . Her manager told her that she got selected in lottery.When she Checked the status in Portal in Infosys it was showing ready for printing.She is not sure where to check this recipt number.

          Reply

          • Hi Manzy,

            If it has been selected in Lottery the status will be updated as “Acknowledgment Notice Received from USCIS” in AIMS Portal.

            If still you need to make it clear Please Ask you wife to raise an AHD Request, they will reply with current status.

            Regards,
            Infoscison

          • Hello Infoscian,

            Thanks for your reply

            Can you help me where this status will come. She said that there was a hyperlink for H1b .Just when you click it a status was coming “Ready to Print” . Now also on Clicking the link when the second page opens the status comes as ready for printing. I think she is not able to locate where properly that recipt number would be updated.

            I think if it was selected “Ready for printing” Should not come still at that location .Not sure if the manager is just fooling them around.

            P.S I am not from infy so not aware how that portal works.

          • Hello MANZY INFY ,

            When you click on the visa ref. no. under AIMS on the main page it shows the file no. However since the status is Ready for Printing ask her to contact GI Team to receive the file no. Thanks & All the Best!

  3. I have my receipt number in WAC13135* series and still the status is Initial Review but I have a strong feeling that I would get it done this week.

    Reply

  5. Hi!

    My number starts with EAC143*, and it is still in initial review. I am considering requesting my employer to change it to premium processing. Do you think I should do this, or just wait it out? I see below that some later numbers have been processed, and some as early as 137 are still waiting.

    Another question is, I am in India, and need to do the visa stamping after acceptance (if it happens). How difficult is it to get an appointment for that – how long will I have to wait before that? Last year, someone I know had to wait for about 2 weeks – Is that the norm?

    Reply

    • Hi All

      I am one of the unlucky persons, from whom there is no update on lottery results, but I spoke to my consultant yesterday and he informed me that USCIS might be considering 30000 more H1 .

      I am not at all sure how valid the above details are, but just want to post it here.

      Thanks..

      Reply

        • Hi
          So that means there is still some reason to smile for people like us, who has not received any update on H1 lottery so far.

          Thanks

          Reply

      • Katie,
        What’s your employer’s source of information? Unless it’s a reliable source, its all guess work and finding some “reasonable” explanation for the delay.

        Reply

    • s2000,
      If you want to know the result early, then go for PP. Even in this case, you cannot use the petition until Oct 1, but you can at least go for the stamping. Visa interview availability dates keep changing. You will have to check it online on their website to see the latest information. They usually publish it in block of 2-3 weeks.

      Reply

  6. Got APPROVAL!!!

    EAC1314553596 receipt notice date April 25th. Approval notice date: June 12

    RQ/RP Economic/Accounting major

    good luck everyone

    Reply

    • oh wooooooow you wrote your whole receipt number, you are an angelllllllllll 😀 just read the question in the reply before your 😀

      Reply

        • Man you are great :D, that’s the spirit, positivity and sense of logic :D.

          Thanks for your wishes, and hope you successfully pass the final step (stamping interview) if you are out side US, if you are COS your are totally DONE so (Get the hell out of here) lol 😀

          Reply

    • Would you please tell me have you already got the paper approval from USCIS?
      I got the approval on June 14, but I still have no paper documents from the lawyer.
      Thanks a lot.

      Reply

      • Approved on June 12th, get paper notice by lawyer on June 17, it took about one week ! you should get it really soon ! 🙂

        Reply

  7. Guys, could any one tell me what could happened if some one write his whole receipt number???
    What could any one else use it for and how????

    We have been months not showing our whole receipt number and I think lot of us don’t know why we do that, so if there is any one know including Saurabh knows why we shouldn’t please tell us for our knowledge 😀

    and what ever mine is WAC1313852610

    Reply

    • very good question, I too want to know the reason behind this, we all try to hide the full WAC/EAC number , any specific reason for doing this ??

      Reply

      • I guess just to be on the safe side. Frankly speaking I am afraid to put my petition number. Don’t know who might misuse it.

        Reply

    • Question,
      That’s a very interesting question. One cannot do anything about the receipt number posted by others. But if your employer searches online and finds out that you are posting questions, then it may cause some bitterness (depending upon what’s being asked).

      As long as one doesn’t have anything negative to put online, it may not hurt knowing the entire receipt number. Having said that, lot of people prefer to err on the side of caution and post only the relevant digits.

      Reply

  9. I just did some random check and i could find that from WAC131375705 to 10 has the same status that is cannot provide the status this time..

    God knows what is happening…

    Reply

  11. Well it seems that they are reviewing very randomly, my receipt number is EAC13148505** I got the message: “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.”

    And all the receipts numbers below or above me are still in initial review.

    I guess now I have to wait and see if I get approved, RFE, or denied.

    Reply

      • The poetry in your name has made my eyes sweat 😉
        What is this water erupting from my eyeballs? What sorcery is this?

        Or maybe I’m just too oversensitive under all this overwhelming process.
        USCIS – Under Stress Caused by Immigration Status

        Reply

        • Well the story and sentiments date back to college days, but after 12+ years it is as close to reality as it could be 🙂

          Reply

      • mine is RQ/RP as well, did you get RFE straight after initial review or it went to :we can provided information in this case …. and then to RFE?

        Reply

        • xx, \

          can you share your work field ? IT/accounts/healthcare etc.. It will help us understand the processing sequence..

          Reply

          • Rj,

            I got a double major in International business and Economics, job is related to international sale and marketing

        • Weirdly mine went straight to RFE, no “At this time we can’t display…” etc. stuff.

          So it was Initial review till June 17th. And I wasnt even expecting them to do anything about it till next week. And then out of nowhere it went to RFE.

          Reply

    • It does look very random…I am also from the EAC131485* series… btw, do update if there is any change in ur status…are u applying from India? Or h4 to h1?

      Reply

  12. Hi,
    Anyone who has applied from experis US this year and got approval.
    Mine is WAC131375**** still waiting in initial review.

    Reply

    • Hi From India,

      I applied through Experis US.. EAC 13138** Still waiting in initial review.
      Do you have any idea about Experis work culture & experience , salary , approach to employee etc.. ?

      VNV

      Reply

    • HI From India,

      I applied through EXperis US – EAC13138* under intial review.
      Do u have any idea about EXperis regading their work culture, experience , employee relationship etc,,
      I am also from India.

      VNV

      Reply

      • Hi,

        Also applied through experis EAC131435XXX.Still in initial review.Could you guys plz post if your status change?

        Reply

  14. Another daily observation:

    EAC131405xxxx – i.e. Series #140 have begun to see some processing. So keep an eye out.

    My own case of 145 series got an rfe yesterday. Gotta see what that is but not wholly unexpected.

    Best of luck to all! Hoping for Approvals all around.

    Reply

  16. I believe they are almost done with the 136 series.
    now they have started picking 137.
    Any updates from 136,137,138 series?

    Reply

    • WAC13138…. still waitng…no updates yet..Let me know if any one from 138th day got update…Thanks and Good Luck!!!

      Reply

        • Did a Random Survey of around 73 applicants in the WAC13136519-520xx range and here is the summary:
          31 Approvals
          32 Initial Review
          9 RFEs.
          1 Unable to Give More info message.

          So it still seems only 50-60% of messages in the 136 range have been processed.

          Reply

  17. HI,

    Mine is RP/RQ – WAC13136515**, from last two weeks the status 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.

    Any idea, why they are not updating it?
    Is anyone’s else case is pending in this status from last 2 weeks ?

    Reply

    • Mine is also RP/RQ – WAC13136515**, from last 10 days the status 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.

      MAny say we may gets either approved/RFE/Denied status soon..
      Hoping for the best..

      Thanks

      Reply

      • I think they will not reject petition on first shot. They will give chance like RFE or something. Did you guys got RFE b4 getting this status?

        Reply

  19. Hello ,
    any one heard near WAC13136517**. many people started getting some news in this area, but mine is still in initial review.

    are they really doing it randomly…

    Reply

    • Any one know how they are doing.I am also in same category WAC1313652xxx.Still in initial review.But strange to know that out of 10 petitions in my series only 2 were not touched.Mine is one of them.
      Lets hope in by week end we will get some thing.

      Reply

  20. Just got the famous status on my case “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.”. Need to wait for the actual status.

    Mine is RP/RQ….WAC131365****

    Will keep you posted

    Reply

      • it would be really nice if you guys can share WAC number, expect last 2 digit. mine is WAC13136517**

        its really big torture now to wait for approval..not sure why it is so slow in california center. other one seems to be going much faster.

        Reply

        • There’s definitely something wrong with this series. I’m wac131365178x and still in initial review. I can’t work, rest or have fun. Even if the visa goes through I’m afraid I’ll be let go because my productivity has gone south with this process. I’m in IT, RP/RQ, already working for this company as an international third-party.

          Reply

  21. Anyone filled H1b for PT (Physical Therapist) and got approval? I am in RQ/RP/EAC13146 (init review) , trying to understand if the processing is sequential or based on job background. Plz share Quota/Processing/EAC vs WAC info if you can. Thanks.

    Reply

        • RP/RQ and still the glorious “Initial Review”

          BTW my wife is PT and she has started her credential evaluation with FCCPT. She is MPT from India. If things fall in place, she will travel with me on H4, complete her NPTE and start looking for H1 sponsors for next year.

          Where did you guys do your BPT/MPT?If from India, have you guys cleared your NPTE already?

          It will be great if you can share your experience.

          Reply

    • My cousin is in PT. RP/RQ. It was EAC but do not know the case number. He is already working in New York. Got his approval May 6th

      Reply

  23. Saurabh

    I am updating about my friend situation which we were discussing about previously. My friend had applied for H1B last year got a RFE then later denied. He applied this year under cap exempt since he was counted to cap last year. He got a RFE regarding client and employer-employee relation nothing related to cap exempt.

    Reply

    • Reader,
      Interesting. What proof did he include for cap-exemptness? Just the old receipt number (as he doesn’t have approved 797)? Maybe the USCIS officer just looked at the I-129 receipt number and didn’t do a check to see if it was approved or not.

      It will be nice to see where this case leads to.

      Reply

        • This is really interesting case. Please keep us updated. I know a case where it was filled in 2012 but was withdrawn by employer before came to decision but after reaching the cap.
          Saurabh – any advice ?

          Reply

          • Rj,
            Yes it will be interesting to follow the case. I still think it is not cap-exempt until the previous petition has been approved (otherwise wait-list will not be applicable). As the petition has been filed w/ PP, we should know the result soon.

  24. Was anyone subject to second RFE ? Clock on my case stopped for the second time after the RFE was responded ? What RFE can I expect..PLease respond. Thanks !!!

    Reply

    • What was your first and second RFE? It seems to be we both are on same boat. Could you please tell when was your clock stopped first time and second time? Is this RP/ PP case?

      Reply

      • May and June.. First time they asked for client letter, health insurance, COntracts. I dont have client letter and that is where its lacking I guess, but I did submit email reply from my manager that they cant provide the letter, in response to the first RFE. Second RFE still waiting to hear. Will keep posted !!!

        Reply

      • @ H1B need some info please.
        I am in same boat as well…

        I have applied H1 transfer..may 3oth and got receipt and June 6th PP CLOCK stopped and i got RFE….Employer responded and Jue 14th PP 15 day clock started it says (under initial Review)….so now my question is……..
        How long does it take in least case to get updated status from USCIS ? I am in really so so so so bad situation where my L1B 5th year end date is June 22nd and my company has given me tickets to travel on June 22nd….and I need to know the response by friday in least case……so i was curious…if they take 15 day PP from June 14th or they take from the INITIAL Filing date???

        please respond…anyone!!!

        Reply

    • @ H1B

      can u explain more about ur case…..when u filed , is it PP? and when u get First RFE? and when u responded and 15day clock started…when u get again SECOND RFE pleasE?

      Reply

  25. Case Update:

    RQ/RP/VSC – EAC1314553xxx As of today RFE. Mailed the RFE today. Hope to receive it in a few days and respond. I have an IT related job so I was kind of expecting this. So not totally caught off guard and know my strategy. Will respond ASAP.

    More updates as this progresses. I will document all proceedings here. It also helps to sign up for the case Alert via Text/email people!

    Also just my observation past few days for EAC/VSC cases in the series of 140-145 have been picked up for processing. I suppose people in the series may hear soon. Please let us know here so we can observe if it is proceeding like that.

    Reply

      • @IRIS

        I know 😀 Would it be bad of me to be a tiny bit envious of your status? lol

        Like I knew I would most def get an RFE given my info but I was hoping for a small chance that I might actually get Approval ^_^

        Congratulations to you anyways. Enjoy. Get ready for the stamping.

        Reply

        • haha, THANKS! You will be fine! and the process time for your case is normal. for me, it’s just because im not doing IT job, so mine is quick!

          Reply

  26. Hi Saurabh,

    Q#1: In the resume which was submitted along with petition; my experience was updated as 5+ yrs. But in the I-129 petition form i see that my experience was updated as 6 yrs one month, will there be any chances of issuing RFE for these kind of typos..?

    Q#2: Also there is no space between my initial and my name in the provided experience letter will there be any chances of issuing RFE for these kind of typos..?

    -V/r
    Rahman

    Reply

  27. RS

    Dear Saurabh,

    My receipt no is EAC13139*****. Like others my case is also showing initial review.Its showing in my case details that USCIS has last updated my case on 18th April.Its already 2 months,still not getting any news.Please let me know another how many days I have to wait.When I am signing up my account and checking the Processing times from the Processing Table its showing for EAC office they take 2 months time to process Form I 129.
    My case is already 2 months..How long do I need to wait??Wheather they are doing randomly or serially?

    Waiting for your earlist response.

    Thanxx.

    Reply

    • RS,
      Something I wrote on this blog sometime ago:
      Processing <2 months -> you are lucky
      Processing 2-6 months -> you are normal
      Processing > 6 months -> you are unlucky

      So you are still in that normal zone 🙂

      Reply

  28. Responded to RFE for premium on June-3, still clock not started, status didn’t changed. How many days it will take to restart the clock.

    Reply

    • h-1b transfer,
      The online status should change within a day or two of them receiving the response. If not, then you should ask your attorney/employer to follow-up w/ USCIS.

      Reply

  29. my lawyer just got APPROVAL notice mailed in !!! SOOOO EXCITING!!!
    Mine is EAC 13145535*** RQ/RP company and lawyer both in Houston.

    Good luck everyone!

    Reply

    • Hi IRIS,

      Congratulations on your approval…..I was just curious to know if your approval has been updated in the USCIS site as well ? or you came to know of this news only through your Attorney ?

      Thanks

      Reply

      • well…. never check my status after I knew I got selected in the lottery. it shows that the receipt date is April 25th and the Notice date is June 15th. I think it’s pretty fast for my case. I believe it’s all RAMDOM! so keep patient ~ good luck ! 🙂

        Reply

      • never check my status after I knew I got into the lottery 😛
        it shows that the receipt date is April 25th and the notice of approve is June 15th, I think it’s pretty fast for my case. Be patient ,you will be fine! 🙂

        Reply

    • Congratulations!

      This is exactly why i think profession DOES count. I don’t believe USCIS process the applications randomly, yet we see applicants on day 140 still in IR while others on day 145 get approved… i’m guessing there are different immigration officers for different professions because one person does not have the knowledge to process all. So, different officers means different working rate, and i’m also guessing that the more “rare” professions get approved faster because their officer’s got less applications to work on (hence day 145 approved while day 140 still IR).

      Reply

      • yes! that should be one of the reason! Im in Accounting major, not the IT guys, so maybe there are much more less people in my categories !

        Reply

    • Yeah they have started to work on the EAC13140-145 series apparently.

      I am EAC1314553xxx And I got RFE today 😛 . Not too worried since I am in IT and my job scope is covering way more than I am technically qualified for. But I can provide the info they need. 🙂

      Just glad they picked up my case for processing. RQ/RP.

      Reply

  30. WAC131375**** has started getting attention. I tried about a hundered random reciept numbers and around 7-8 were issued RFE/Approval on around June 13. It seems this week we should get most of the WAC131375**** results. Btw, I am seeing a lot of RFE’s, is this normal ? Because it scares me up a bit, as I think USCIS is being extra harsh because of the lottery thing.

    Reply

    • Now there’s something I don’t understand. If they’re tending to day 137, and mine is still in initial review (through lottery, that much I know), then what does it mean? Not even a RFE and they’re moving on?

      If anyone has any thoughts about this, please let me know.
      Thanks

      Reply

  31. Hi guys – Just something I have observed

    EAC13140xxxxx series seem to be mostly done. When I search for numbers for day 141 series nothing comes up. Next up after that is day 142 series. I am wondering if they are following through that . mine is RQ/RP EAC131455xxxx. Next week will be the 2 month time after the receipt number was generated. Wonder if I will hear something by next week on the 2 month Mark? 🙂 Hope so. Been a while now. Have setup text/email alerts.

    Reply

    • I hope your wish turns out to be true. But I see lot of petitions in 138 onwards still pending, only USCIS knows how they are taking up petitions for processing….

      Reply

    • Hey, I just observed that few numbers from the 141 series have also got their results.. guess they’ll begin with 142 day this week….

      Reply

    • Its all very random . You cant make out a definite pattern. Many cases are still left for 138 , 139 and 140 series. Also have seen quite a few 141 , 142 and 143 series getting approved.

      Patience is the key my fren.

      Reply

    • Funny thing – I got an RFE today 😛 haha

      Not too worried about it. But I am certainly glad my prediction and or observations were close. yesterday I mentioned that and today they picked my application up for processing. Since I am IT and my job scope covers way more than just my technical qualification thats why the RFE I think. But I should be able to provide them the info. Will keep you guys posted.

      Reply

  32. New day and new week started and Lets hope that people in WAC131375XXXX will start getting some news from now onwards..

    I am in WAC13137507XX sequence and waiting to hear some good news in next couple of days…
    All the very best to the people waiting for their approval status and good luck to the people who are busy in scheduling their visa interview 🙂 …

    Reply

  33. Responded to RFE for premium on June-3, still clock not started, status didn’t changed. How many days it will take to restart the clock.

    Reply

    • @ H1B Transfer…

      I am in same position…I was under H1B Transfer PP….i got RFE where the CLOCK was stopped…it was JUNE 6th…employer responded and they got docs and on June 14th PP Clock started…….it says( Under initial Review)

      My question now…How long does it take to get the status updated????? do u know anyone who is in same situation or any info please?

      thanks a lot!!

      Reply

    • I observed like they have started processing of next day before completion of before day. I have seen some case changes in 136th day while some of cases of 135 have not processed.In the same way they have started 137th day also.I am still waiting in 136th day.Mine is WAC131365xxxx.Hope I will hear some thing by this week end.

      Reply

  36. My employer not forwarded me receipt number. I have asked multiple time but they still haven’t forwarded.. I got lottery selection email from employer on 20th April. How can I know my status? Is any other member here got approval who got selection notice on 20th april?

    Reply

  37. Hi,
    I’m working with Company A on L1B since 01Feb2011 which expires on 15Oct2013. I had applied for H1B COS with Company B which got selected & approved last week. However, when I checked my latest I797, the H1B COS validity was issued only for 16 month(01Oct2013 – 30Jan2015). After talking to the consultancy, I came to know that, they have mentioned my L1 start date as 1Feb2009 (which is my B1 Visa date as per my PP for which I was in US for 2 months) instead of 01Feb2011. Since the start date was 1Feb2009, they have applied for my Visa only until 30Jan2015. So, basically I can say that they have represented in USCIS, that I have been on L1 for 5 years in US and my H1 is valid only for 1 year which will result in no further H1 extensions.

    Here are my questions:

    1. Is it possible for my attorney to submit the corrected dates to USCIS to fix this before 01Oct2013? If yes, will this change result in any consequences for H1B extension or GC processing?
    2. Attorney says they would fix the dates while applying for extension before 3 months of H1B expiry. Do you think I will get H1B extension if proper dates are submitted by attorney while applying for extension?
    3. The Company B wants to process my GC right now with-in a week. Should I go ahead and apply for it? Is it safe to apply now (before I Oct1)? Also, do you think applying for GC now (which will have my labor approved by end of this year) will be helpful for my H1B extensions?

    Reply

  38. Hi anyone from HCL got to know the H1B status……..i am unable to check since the company has not shared the Receipt number.

    Reply

  39. Hi,

    Recently my H1B got approved. and I want to go to US but not with the employer (A) who processed my H1B. Is it possible to transfer H1B to company B if I dont visit US single time with company A? How do I transfer from company A to company B.

    Reply

    • H1B2013,
      Yes, B can file for cap-exempt petition for you. Once approved you can go and work for B in US. If you already have unexpired visa stamp from A, then you can use that. Else, you need to appear for stamping through B after getting their petition approved.

      Reply

  40. I randomly checked and looks Like WAC13137 series in full swing, mine is WAC13141***, still long way to go so as per my observation for every day USCIS is taking 2 weeks time, as I remember 2 weeks back wac13135 was similarly in full swing….

    Reply

  42. Realy need help now.
    Just got a RFE from USCIS asking specialty occupation. I apply for accountant in an small size company, about 50 employees, 20-30 millian revenue. My attorney gave them all the detailed material but anyway we still get this RFE. He said this is a unreasonable RFE. If USCIS wants to push you hard, they will do anyway. He already experienced some cases like these. USCIS always have excuse to deny the petetion. What can I do now?

    Reply

    • I am so sorry to heard that.
      I also works as an accountant in a private company. However my company is not small, and we have some international business. I hope I will not get RFE from USCIS. My case number is EAC131375****, and it is still under initial review. What is your case number?
      I hope you can get the approval finally. Good luck!

      Reply

      • Mine is WAC13130. They said WSC is much more strict than ESC. I don’t know. My attorney told me that this kind of RFE is very hard to convince USCIS, because there is no guidline for this. It is so subjective that diff people have diff views.

        Reply

        • Have you got your Master degree of accounting in Unite State? From your case number I assume that you have. It is more ridiculous if you have a master degree and still got RFE.
          Hope you will get approval.

          Reply

          • Complete my degree last winter. sent USCIS everything even including my coworkers degree certificate. This RFE is absolutely unreasonable my attorney said and he is very upset about this.

          • I think the only thing you can do is ask your attorney to reply USCIS. Provide as much information as you can. I can’t find any another solution.
            I will pray for you.

          • Thank you SSZ,
            I will do that. I just sometimes feel angry to USCIS that they take so many advantages of us, because very few people would challenge them because of the time and money consuming. I hope there will be more and more lawsuits against those guys to stop them from abusing the power.

  43. At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.
    Im getting this message from 2 weeks… The status not changed to RFe/ approval/denail….. No info with the attorney… I dont know whats going on…. Before changing to the above status ot was initial review… Dont know what to do…

    Reply

  45. Hi Saurabh,s

    My wife’s L2 to H4 petition moved to decision status stating that they mailed a denial notice. But my L1 to H1b is still showing as initial review. How can they deny my dependents petition without taking a decision my petition? Moreover it has not gone to RFE at all, direct deny.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • L2H,
      Maybe your decision is also on the way. In the past, they have approved dependent’s petition even before approving H-1 applicant’s petition. So the opposite may also be possible. There is also a possibility that the denial was in error (for e.g. they forgot the link b/w her petition and your’s). Better to wait for the denial notice to know the reason.

      BTW, were the petitions filed together or separately? Yes, they should at least issued RFE before denying it.

      Reply

  46. Hi Everyone,

    My H1 application was filed under premium processing with series of EAC 13133********, which is still pending. The receipt date of my application was 04/16/2013. Later received an RFE on17th April,2013′ and in response all the documents were sent on 05/02/2012. No progress yet.

    The only msg that it displays is On April 17, 2013, the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.

    Not sure if the receipt series highlighted by Arnav really works or not. Hoping that things comes soon for all of us. The trend showed since May 2013 with other friends in similar situation always received approval on most dates that were friday’s fo the week.

    Hoping the Friday today brings approval for most of us.

    Wish you all the luck for awaiting response.

    Thanks,
    Fleur X

    Reply

    • Fluer X,
      Your petition was PP and the RFE response was submitted on 2nd May, correct? In that case it should have been adjudicated by now. I am surprised your attorney is not on top of this as PP cases are supposed to be adjudicated within 15 calendar days of RFE response. Talk to your attorney ASAP.

      Reply

  47. Hi,

    My H1B got approved yesterday but I forgot to include my wife and 5 years daughter in the application. So what I can do now. Can I take them with me when I will go for visa stamping and ask the consulate to stamp visa for my wife and kid.

    Or what is the best way to do the process, please let me know

    Reply

      • Can I apply for H4 visa when I am in India. As my H1 just approved, so after stamping can I apply for H4? or I have to visit US first for that.

        And there will will two separate H4 application for wife and kid?

        Reply

        • New H1,
          If you and your dependents were outside US at the time of filing, then the dependents are not included in the petition. They can go for H-4 visa stamping along w/ you when you appear for H-1 stamping, or they can go after your H-1 visa has been stamped.

          Each person needs to pay the visa fees, complete DS-160 form, complete biometrics and appear for stamping (together or separately depending upon how it is scheduled). The kid may be eligible for interview waiver program depending upon the age.

          Reply

  49. WAC131435…..
    RQ/RP
    Anyone similar around day 143 approved yet ?
    Looking at the pace at which they are processing it might spill into July easy.

    First the excruciating wait for lottery results, and now wait for the approval.
    I can’t remember being so anxious for anything else in my life…..not even prior to wedding :-p

    Reply

  50. Hi Saurabh,

    I am still waiting for my lottery result. There is no communication form USCIS. As per your knowledge , Could you please tell what could be inferred from this. Am I in waiting list or I have to wait for package to be returned.

    Which has highest probability. I am thinking of plan B, which could be quite costly for me and a hope is not making me to go forward.

    Thanks …

    Reply

    • NAV,
      Even if there is a waiting list and if you are on it, USCIS will at least notify your employer about it and not leave them in limbo. Your attorney should follow-up w/ USCIS and you should prepare yourself for the worst (i.e. non-selection in the lottery).

      Reply

      • Not sure about your point..if that is true atleast some one by now should be informed about waiting list…but till now no one posted that he/she is in waitinglist….

        Reply

        • h4toh1,
          My point is that if there is a separate waiting list then they would have notified people who are on it instead of leaving them in limbo. As no one has mentioned about being on waiting list, there is a good possibility that there is no separate waiting list and all such petitions have already been issued case numbers (i.e. accepted).

          Reply

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