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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 ?

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

   

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8,159 Comments

  1. Hi,
    My H1B got approved today…

    Would like to know the next process…

    I know that i will get documents from my Employer in 2-3 weeks.
    But how about my depandants?
    How to apply for my wife and kid?
    What is the process?

    Please advise…

    Reply

    • wait for your petition hard copy to reach to you, then you can pay the fee for visa interview. After fee submission, you would have to fill DS-160, and opt for visa interview. There is a page on this blog, where someone has shared his and his family experience.
      Refer this – http://redbus2us.com/h1b-h4-booking-visa-appointment-vac-process-interview-mumbai-for-fy2014/

      Reply

  4. Anyone in WAC1314151*** series got approval?
    CSC seems to be the slowest, Wondering when will they touch this series.

    Reply

  5. Hi sourabh,
    I converted my visa petition to premium processing, and it has finally been approved. Can you tell me what next? I know that I have to wait for the hard copy. Can I apply for the visa stamping appointment now? I need to apply for h4 for my family as well. Do we need separate visa stamping appointments? Do you have a page on the steps remaining? Thanks a lot for the wonderful site.

    Reply

    • S2000,
      Get all the documents from your employer. Fill DS-160 form for each family member including yourself and pay bank fees for each applicant. Next, schedule the biometrics and interview appointments. You all can appear together or dependents can appear on a day later than your H-1 appointment.

      Reply

      • Thank you light…

        PPl like xx have no manners…if someone doesnt know thwy will ask…there is nothing wrong…and i dint ask specifically for ur help…one u dont help and second u comment…shame on u ..u morron…..

        then y the hell do u come and ask for help here…y do u read comments…bcs even u need information….dont ever comment on anyone like that…even if u want to do….first look at urself

        Reply

        • hey thank to light you have the wrong answer you ass. don’t waste space in this forum, your question is easily answer on google, but you are so lazy that you rather ask somebody, come on man, because of people like you there is a lottery.

          Reply

          • Dude he is dumb! A lazy person will not take pain to post on a forum but he would google. A high degree of moron would post on the forum and take an illogical explanation for an answer 🙂 My point proved it!

            You dumbass OP, you gona have a very difficult life in US…

          • Ok so if you knew that the answer to a physics question is in the physics section of the library, would go through all the library or rather just focus on getting the answer from the physics section?

            Secondly do you KNOW the absurd amount of wrong information floating on Google? The nature and authenticity of an answer depends on the context in which it was asked and who is answering.
            Also why would you assume he didn’t do it? Maybe he did and just wanted to get a control group confirmation from here?

            Stop judging others on their knowledge base! Maybe it was a genuine question, FYI in India ZIP codes are called PIN codes so maybe if he or she is indeed from Indian then they didn’t know? Also stop using so many commas! Maybe go ahead and Google how to properly reply to a post.

          • Are you serious man ! try to type this in google: what is zip code in usa wikipedia, boom there is the answer! not rocket science. There has to be some common sense when asking questions. You can’t compare physics with zip codes dude, be smart when comparing two scenarios.

      • WHAT?

        I thought mailing ZIP code is the postal code (5 digit for US). Where did this Ph. # come from. Am I missing something here?

        Reply

      • it is US postal code (5 digit)….nuthn related to phone number…..if you dont know right answer…..dont give wrong info you idiot….

        Reply

        • You guys are bigger idiots including the OP, of course these things should be googled, you dont ask such stupid questions in forums and waste time of others in responding to these.
          It is evident that light was trolling, you morons!

          Reply

  9. Hi ,

    My Receipt No. is “EAC13142528**” and i got Request for Evidence from “Uscis”. Here is what i got from them . Please help me to understand this :-
    ———————————————————————————————————-
    On July 16, 2013, we mailed a notice requesting additional evidence or information in this case I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the requested information. This case will be in suspense until we receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires. Once we receive the requested evidence or information and make a decision on the case, you will be notified by mail. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update

    ———————————————————————————————————-

    Reply

    • This means that you have got RFE, and you have 90 days to respond. You would have to wait for you employer or lawyer to get in touch with you. They might share with you the exact question.

      Reply

  11. Hi All,

    Does anybody have idea how the processing happening in WAC? I am in WAC-13-137 series and it is still in IR. When I did sample check, I found that most of 137 series either received approval or got RFE. Same with few of the 138 series. I belong to one of the top Indian IT companies. Are they conducting any lottery to pick up the cases now or are they reserving the large IT companies requests for processing at a later stage. This is the first time I am applying for H1B, so kind of concerned.

    Reply

  13. Hi ,

    My employer/attorney sent me a form – PERM-Labor Certification Form one month back..
    When can i know the status of that case? How this case works?

    If anyone have proper idea on this…please provide some info..

    Thanks
    Babu

    Reply

  14. Hi Saurabh,

    I have B1 and waiting for H1B approval. Just wanted to know if my B1 will get cancelled if H1B is issued.

    Thanks,
    NB

    Reply

    • you can have both b1 and h1 at the same time … i got both of them stamped in 2006 … but these days in some cases they cancel it i guess but not sure

      Reply

    • NB,
      Like Alok said, it is possible to have both of them stamped in the passport at the same time. However, it is VO’s discretion whether to cancel B-1 w/o prejudice when approving H-1 visa or not.

      Reply

  15. Use this to track multiple cases or for sampling. You can successfully enter 95 case numbers at a time.

    uscisstatus dot herokuapp dot com

    Reply

  16. RP/RQ/IT/Desi consultant/IT/10 years exp approved yesterday (15th).
    EAC1314650xxx

    Email notification works perfectly, got email at 8:45 IST this morning.

    Good luck all….H1Dreams….

    Reply

    • One of my friend did last year. We have approximately 16 employees. I am going for stamping this Oct as well. Hope this helps.

      Reply

      • thanks for the details … my visa was refused couple of years back with a company with 80 employees … this time its with a company with less than 20 employees, so am worried …

        please update details once you are through with stamping …

        Reply

  24. Any one with the series WAC1314050*** got approved ? mine is still initial review but people ahead of me started getting approved not sure why 🙁

    Reply

  25. Hi

    My case no is wac 1313850xxx, which is still in IR, I observed they are started giving with 950 series

    And I also observed in 750 series the same XXX digits matching with mine are still under IR, so bit confused abt how they are exactly proceeding.

    Reply

  26. Hi All

    My case RQ/RP-IT, WAC1313950*** Approved on JULY 11th

    “Post Decision Activity
    On July 11, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.”

    Need your inputs in this
    1.How Many days it will take to get the original Hard Approved copy(I -797).?
    2.What is the best time/Right time for appearing for Visa Stamping?
    3.I am Near to Chennai/Hyderabad can i attend for stamping from any one of these centers for successful stamping?

    Thanks in Advance.

    Reply

    • H1B Raja,
      1. Employer/attorney should receive it within 30 days
      2. There is nothing like best time. You can appear for stamping once you have all the docs and there is availability at the consulate
      3. Yes, you can go to either place

      Reply

  27. Hi Saurabh,

    <<>>
    1. I have a passport which was taken before marriage. Surname in my passport is “Before Marriage”.
    Example: AAA ZZZ
    2. Now, In my Son DOB – my name is with “After Marriage Surname”
    Example: BBB ZZZ
    3. My husband got H1B approval and dont know how to mention my name in DS-160 form. (Means my name as per passpot (before marriage name) or After marriage name)

    We are in Dilemma how to proceed further.

    Please advise, wether i need to proceed with my passport as it is “Before Marriage” (or) Need to change the surname as it is “After Marriage”.

    Which is better choice?

    Please suggest us the consequences..

    It will be a great help if you can advise…

    Thanks
    Santhi

    Reply

    • Hi Santhi,

      I have never changed my wife’s surname in her passport after marriage. I have always used as mentioned in passport. I had marriage certificate attached wherever necessary.

      When I was abroad, I have endorsed spouse name in her passport. It was quick in abroad as they can still issue a handwritten endorsement ( this is back in 2008) not sure how it works now. so when I renewed her passport again in 2012, it automatically added to her new

      I heard that in India ( at least in tamilnadu) they stopped issuing any handwritten endorsement, so if you want to change your last name or include spouse name, you might get a new passport.

      my suggestion is : use your marriage certificate if you dont have time. Else you can explore the tatkal option for getting this changed.

      Reply

      • Hi SK,
        Thnkyou for your reply.

        My Doubt is –
        1. My passport is with Marriage before surname
        2. My Son DOB & Passport has my name as it is After marriage
        Will it be a problem in US while applying for H4 & GC process as well if my name is different in my passport and my son passport and DOB?

        Please clarify if possibl..

        Thanks
        Santhi

        Reply

        • Santhi,
          It is ok for the last names to be different. In the DS form use your current name i.e. the one w/ the marriage name as last name. If you end-up getting a new passport (not necessarily now but in future), it will have your new name.

          The DS form also asks if you have ever been known w/ any other name. There you can mention the old name for yourself.

          Reply

  28. Hi Saurabh,

    I applied for H1 this year and got selected in lottery , got RFE for degree certificate and My employer replied to RFE also with necessary documents. My Family want me to take a home loan here. So my question is,whether this loan will cause any problem to my visa processing or any questions during stamping?
    So please comment on this …..

    Reply

  30. wac1313751XXX…mine is still under initial review with comments ‘On April 22, 2013, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129. Anyone with this status …Highly ppreciate your response.

    Reply

    • mine also same status…my rep num is wac131405**** so u r in front of me, can u pls update me status…i heard that this is an error those who got this status they got chnaged status o some other..so we will wait/…..

      Reply

  31. Hi guys,

    I am on EAC13145**** Series .. any updates for any of those in 145 series..
    application selected on april 8th, received notice april 25th and has been in IR ever since..

    Reply

  32. Is there anyone who is still waiting for lottery result? i.e. neither got receipt number nor package returned? When will USCIS process waitlisted applications? Please reply

    Reply

  34. Does anyone know what is going to happen with the people who are left in IR? USCIS is leaving many IRs in every series.

    Reply

  35. Is there anyone who is still waiting for lottery result? i.e. neither got receipt number not package returned? When will USCIS process waitlisted applications? Please reply

    Reply

  37. HI All,

    USCIS is working in WAC 1313950*** series.
    People are getting approvals,REF

    Please be alert and check your status Guys
    Mine is RQ/RP-IT-WAC13139508**” Approved” on JULY 11 th

    Reply

  38. Hi all,
    I have applied through a consultancy. My receipt number is WAC13138*****
    RP/RQ. I got RFE few days ago.
    It seems RFE rate is very high this year. But as I have applied through consultancy so I am little scared. Please let me know if anone has received approval who has applied through a consultancy.

    Thanks in advance…
    Please reply if you know someone who has got approval and has applied through a consultancy. That will relax me.

    Reply

    • Hi Sarthi,

      I had applied via consultancy and received approval on 02nd July without an RFE. So stay positive.

      RQ/RP
      EAC13146*

      Reply

  40. just saw that status changed to RFE for my application.

    so what is % of getting your pitition approved if you get RFE?

    also what is the typical time to get decision after getting RFE

    Reply

    • HI H1BAaspire

      I noticed that of the people are getting REF’s in this Series …WAC1313950***
      That may be for some additional documents/Evidence ..Required
      Don’t worry ..Keepin touch with your employer and ask them for the reason of REF.
      Chances are depends on the REF responce from your Employer-Be positive ..You will get it

      GoodLuck

      Reply

  41. one more week is over. it has become kinda habit to check the status everyday in uscis site and come here to see what ppl. are saying. it feels good when someone say they got approval. also good to see ppl. connecting and try to help others. all the best guys. cya all next week as I am still waiting..

    Reply

  42. Hi,

    My case was filed with Vermont. My case was in Initial Review status until 10th Jul. It’s been changed to PP on 11th jul. Yesterday when I see the status it mentioned that it is IR state and 15 day premium processing started. But today when I see the status, it is in ACCEPTANCE state and doesn’t mention about the PP clock start date.

    Is this common. Of course I will wait but thought people on this forum should have some knowledge on this so posting this.

    Thanks in advance,

    Reply

  44. Dear All,
    I have been reading this forum from day 1 of my application and thanks a lot for Saurabh and other members.
    I got approved today WAC1313850XXX series but I have a problem. I’ve been living in UK for last 2 years and gave the UK address for the H1B application. My UK visa expires next week and I am going to move to INDIA permanently.

    1>How do I change my address at this stage?
    2> Do I need to contact my lawyer for this matter?
    3> Does this change of address affect my APPROVED status?

    Please help me guys…..Thanks in advance..
    SAURABH please need your advice.

    Reply

    • B2W,
      1. No address change required
      2. Not required
      3. No

      You can let your employer/attorney know that you are moving to India and will appear for stamping there. However, no action is required w/ USCIS.

      Reply

  45. Hi All,

    EAC1313754272–Decision status -Approved on 9th July.
    EAC1313754288-got RFE on July 1
    EAC1313754300-RFE response review on july 1
    EAC1313754312-Approved on July 8.
    EAC1313754333-Approved on July 12.
    EAC1313754394-got RFE on July 1.
    EAC1313754428-got RFE on July 1.
    EAC1313754454-RFE response review on July 8.
    EAC1313754454-RFE response review on July 11

    Reply

  46. I got my approval last night after a RFE. A RQ/PP WAC petition,131 Series.

    My heart felt thanks to this forum and Saurabh. These past couple of months have been a roller coaster considering I quit my job and came to US with my wife. My employers were very genuine and did not get the processing fee too.

    Good luck to all of you guys. This is a great forum.

    Thanks,

    Reply

  47. Hi All,
    I found this approved today.
    EAC1313754248
    Post Decision Activity

    On July 12, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

    Reply

  48. Just got my approval notice 😀
    RQ/RP EAC 131-405-****

    Non IT (Human Resources)

    April 1st: Sent in application
    April 16th: Got selected in lottery
    May 21st: RFE
    May 23rd: RFE received in mail (Not a specialty occupation and education evaluation)
    June 20th: Response Sent
    June 25th: Status Updated to review
    July 12th: we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION

    Thank you Saurabh for creating this forum. It might not speeden up the process but definitely helps to calm you down and makes the wait easier.

    Congratulations to everyone who has been approved, and everyone else just hang in there your approvals are on their way too way to you 🙂

    Reply

      • I sent my degree, transcript and all certificates with job description to an evaluator who is a PhD and prof at college.

        Reply

        • Hi,

          Congratulations. I am in exact same situation as u. Can you share where/how to find such evaluators? Can u reply at h1chillax gmail .com?

          Reply

          • My attorney took care of that. I am in the US on a student visa so was very involved in the application process. The attorney suggested an evaluator, the guy charged like $500 fr the evaluation. Bt it was the attorney who sent him the payment and the documents

  49. Anyone with WAC13140500XX , got any progress in their status.

    It is still in IR and when can we expect to some movement from this status ??

    Reply

    • I can see Some RFE’s after 140 Series as well.

      Does that mean , those who haven’t got RFE’s are on the way for Post Decision Activity ?? A possible thought ??

      Reply

  50. My Status came to “POST DECESSION ACTIVITY”

    My case:WAC13139508**
    Here is the message is showing:
    Post Decision Activity
    On July 11, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

    For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

    Am i got the Approval?

    Please reply back with your comments

    Reply

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