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 ?
hi all,
my visa has been approved on July 30th wac1314150***, RP, IT Field.
Thanks to all!
Hi,
Congrats.. Can you please tell ur experience and role for which the h1 was applied for?
16 years, technical marketing
Thanks.
Congrats bro!
Hi Saurabh,
Can you please help me by answering questions mentioned below.
My attorney provided my copy of I-797B, I-129, according to him its not mandatory to carry the original I-797 to consulate for stamping. Is it true?
And also I have scanned copy of Offer letter from employer, will it be sufficient or should I request for a hard copy?
Thanks,
Vikas,
As per the consulate site, copy of 797 will work.
“You must bring your I-129 petition receipt number and a copy of your Form I-797 to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate in order to verify your petition’s approval”
It is ok to carry signed copy of the offer letter.
Thanks Saurabh.
-Vikas
My Husband’s H1B is still in Initial Review status (RQ/RP). He is currently in India.
There is a requirement for him to travel US shortly on B1 visa (for official purpose).
As per my knowledge, inorder to get the H1B visa stampped after approval, he would require hardcopies of documents. And approximately it would take around 1 month to get the documents from USCIS and from Employer.
Please correct me if my above assumption is wrong.
Here is my question :
Incase my husband has to travel to US on B1 visa, after H1B is approved and before H1B is stamping, is it possible?
Also, is it possible to change the status from B1 to H1B (before Oct 1)
Incase my husband’s H1B is approved (when he is in India), and if he has to travel to US on B1 visa, will it be possible for me to apply for H4 Visa(soon after my husband’s H1B is aaproved), get H4 stamped and travel to US along with my husband.
Kindly suggest
Please Suggest,
Yes, he can travel to US on B-1 while H-1 is pending or has been approved. He should do his thing in US on B-1 and then return to home country.
You cannot accompany him on H-4 while he is traveling on B-1.
If i for any reason become out of status or have to leave usa temporarily will that have an affect on my h1b .can i leave usa and come back if it is approved with stamping done?.it is still in IR
PLease let me know urgently required
h1b seeker,
If you are out of status, you can go out of US and return on unexpired stamped visa and petition. If the previous visa is still valid, then you can use it.
hi all,
visa approved today wac1314052***
thanks for all valuable comments and saurav,
can i know the petition period for all approved it is 1 0r 3 years
i heard that on an aerage all got 1 year its true?
thanks
RP or PP? and what field?
RQ-RP-IT
h1-b help,
It can vary from 1-3 years depending upon what employer requested and what USCIS deemed appropriate based on submitted documents.
hi guys
my case number is WAC 131450… series it is initial review from April 8th
any guest when I can get the result
thank you
Any observation of WAC 140/141/142/143 series guys? Any one got approval from this series recently .
i am too waiting … wac 143 series … wish they start these series soon.
M in 143 series too. Waiting …..hope something positive happens in a week or two.
wac13 140 51 042 –RFE – 23 July 2013
wac13 140 51 040 –Approved -23 july 2013
wac13 140 51 044 –Approved – 22 July 2013
wac13 140 51 045 –Approved –23 July 2013
wac13 140 51 042 –RFE – 23 July 2013
wac13 140 51 040 –Approved -23 july 2013
wac13 140 51 044 –Approved – 22 July 2013
wac13 140 51 045 –Approved –23 July 2013
This means 140 in progress.. 141 for another week. Then 142 and then 143.. Picture abhi baki hai dost.keep posting so that It will feel we are not alone in the journey .
Got RFE today only WAC 142 series … waiting for more details 🙁 🙁
I’m still waiting, my receipt number is EAC-13-139-52XXX. Anyone else waiting with the same series number?
Hi, I am EAC-13-138 and still in IR.
As per my observations, there is 30% cases still in IR in my series.
Series 136 and earlier seem to me as 95% done, but 137 and later seem to be in the middle of progress.
Mine is in series EAC13-144-51** Still in IR 🙁
Same here for EAC13-144-51**
Mine is also EAC-13-138xxxxx & still in IR.
This waiting is killing 🙁
RS,
I am also in the same series EAC 13 139 51***..Still showing IR..Waiting for approval..:(
It seems EAC 139 is very slow..:(
Are u from IT field??
RS,
I am also in the same series EAC 13 139 51***..Still showing IR..:(
It seems EAC 139 is very slow..:(
Are u from IT field
Hi Saurab
I got my approval for H1 and I m in USA.My husband lives in Pakistan what is the process for him to get the H4 visa.
Thanks.
Adeel,
You have to send him the documents including 797 copy, I-94 copy, I-129 copy, LCA copy and other employer/project/client related documents. He will also need some proof of marriage like marriage certificate, passport etc
I don’t know the exact process in Pakistan, but he should check it on US consulate website in Pakistan.
My h1b visa got approved just now. I was part of wac1314051*** series. Thanks a lot redbus forum to provide valuable inputs and guidance throughout the process. Best of luck to all of you for your visa approval and future career.
@ Infy guy1
Congratzzzzzzzz
so, when are u going for visa stamping?
Are u currently out of US?
My h1b visa got approved just now. I was part of eac1314051*** series. Thanks a lot redbus forum to provide valuable inputs and guidance throughout the process. Best of luck to all of you for your visa approval and future career.
hi, frnds anybody here zedventures inc, n still waiting.
I know lot of people either got their approvals or waiting.
But, there are some people still waiting for their receipt or rejection package.
what is situation of those people because i am one of those.
is there anyone like me, still waiting for their receipt or rejection package?
you already dead, man.
hurry up to plan b. Seriously!
I am waiting too. My employer or attorney did not receive any intimation nor the packet from USCIS yet. Dear Saurabh based on your experience what would you make out of our current situation? Is there a concept of waiting list this year too as was the case in 2008? If that is the case then will USCIS inform us about this? Kindly reply.
I was in same situation until last week when i insisted my employer to check with USCIS and they called up USCIS and spoke to the agent to enquire about my application. Almost after 158 minutes of hold time my employer managed to get receipt number for me. I got my receipt number just yesterday when they forward it to me. Till last week i was in same situation, neither had receipt number nor package returned. And there was no notification from USCIS side till then as told by employer and i was in wait state. So you ppl also ask ur employer to check with USCIS and may be u are also in luck .
I was in same situation until last week when i insisted my employer to check with USCIS and they called up USCIS and spoke to the agent to enquire about my application. Almost after 158 minutes of hold time my employer managed to get receipt number for me. I got my receipt number just yesterday when they forward it to me. Till last week i was in same situation, neither had receipt number nor package returned. And there was no notification from USCIS side till then as told by employer and i was in wait state. So you ppl also ask ur employer to check with USCIS and may be u are also in luck .
you lie.
Dare you share your receipt number?
I have not received my EAC no. too. However my employer has said that due to slow processing at vermont delay is happening……….
I don’t know…….what will happen to my case. feeling very dejected.
Hi Saurabh,
I am asking this on behalf of my friend. He got his H1B approved, and went for visa stamping. And they informed him that it was going to be stamped. This was yesterday. Today morning, his future employer informed him that they have a change of plans, and were withdrawing his offer, and that they were informing the immigration services.
If he finds another job in the US, will he able to apply for H1B again this year? Does it matter whether the visa has been stamped in his passport or not?
s2000,
Another employer can file a cap-exempt petition for him on the basis of previously approved petition. It doesn’t matter if the visa has been stamped or not.
Hi Saurabh,
If the employer withdraws the H1b, can he still apply in different company with the previously approved petition?
What does an employee mean when the employer says the H1B withdrawal?
If the h1b withdraws will the petition be vaild and still can I approach other employees for h1b transfer with the same petition?
Renjin,
If the employer withdraws a previously approved petition, then it means you can no longer work for that employer on that petition. If another employer wants to hire you on H-1, then they will have to apply for cap-exempt petition for you using the old approved petition as reference. It is ok for it to be withdrawn.
Thanks, saurabh. That is definitely good news.
Hi,
Please help.
I got approval 10 days back but didnt get the visa stamping documents from my employer till now.
Can you please tell me how much time usually employers took to send visa stamping documents.
Thanks?
Hopefully,
It varies from employer to employer. It is their discretion. You will have to check w/ them.
Thanks Saurabh
Hi Sourabh and all,
I got my petition approved. RQ/RP/IT.
Can you please let me know what all documents will i be getting from USCIS along with approval notice or just an approval notice. Because i could see lot of people discussing about some documents named I79etc…..
Please let me know….
Regards,
Rajaram
Congrats
Please share ur series as well…it will be helpful for many ppl like me 🙂
Thanks,
Sunny
Hi Sunny,
My Receipt no is WAC1314052***.
Regards,
Rajaram
Rajaram,
USCIS will send only the approval notice i.e. 797 to your employer/attorney.
Thanks for the information Sourabh…… 🙂
Hi all,
my receipt num is wac1314052***
i think USCIS finnished the 140 and stepped in 141, but mine is still IR showing the below message
“On April 22, 2013, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER”
i know some people got this message, after that what message u got.. let me know pls
Thanks…
Hi Saurabh,
I got my Approval on June 4th and just yesterday i got my hard copies of approval documents.
Now only Stamping left. But as per my employer, i can go for stamping only after September. Please correct me. And i have few questions below, please answer.
1) My employer sent me Original I797B and a copy of I129 and other related documents. So will it be fine with the Copy of I129 ?
2) In my supporting documents, its written that i have done my BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, but where as i have done my B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Will there be any problem while stamping?
3) And my employer is a product based company and he sent me purchase orders and service agreements. which does not have my name mentioned on it , will it be fine while stamping ?
Kindly answers the questions.
you can go for stamping anytime after getting h1b approval and related documents, but better to do as your employer wishes, think he wants you to be ready with documents, etc
getting ready for stamping.
1. Original I-129 is submitted to USCIS. So it is ok to have the copy
2. It shouldn’t be an issue, but check w/ your attorney if this typo can cause issues and requires an amendment w/ USCIS.
3. It may be fine. Ask your employer if there are other employees who went for stamping recently and what their experiences were.
Hello Guys,
Any one from EAC13146508** series got their Approval ? i could see 811 in this series got approved…apart form that almost all r in IR.
Regards,
Vermont SC
EAC******* 811 is not a new H1B applicant. that may be for H1B extension.
me still waiting…..EAC13146502**…and I am assuming that it will take at least a month as I can see many are still in IR in EAC1313****** series.
RS,
Dear Saurabh,
I am being into this forum from April onwards..I am in series EAC 139..What i am watching is that 139 series seems to be very slow moving..Can it be possible somehow to knock USCIS to know the status of people who are in series EAC 139 and still in Initial Review ??
Waiting for your earliest response..
Thanxxx..:))
Hey buddy,
yes, I think these series are very slow.
I am from EAC -13-138 and haven’t got approved.
Morover, I am day-by-day watching randomly 30 petitions from my group and only 20 of them are already approved.
So 33% of petitions still awaiting approval :/
Me too from EAC-13-138 series & the status still shows IR.
Does USCIS really process the petitions in order of these series, I see few people in the series after me & got approvals/denial/RFE.
As per my observations, the latest series which is mostly done (90%) is 136. So we need to wait till 137,138 will be slowly filled.
RS,
Normal processing time in the year of lottery is 2-6 months. If your employer/attorney contacts them, they will not provide any meaningful update. You can continue to wait or upgrade to PP to get quicker result.
Saurabh,
As my start date is slated at Oct 7 this year and my H1B status is still in IR, do you reckon USCIS would actually notify me after my start date or does USCIS normally decide within a reasonable time before a start date?
I dont know what’s the drag but I reckon KPMG should be qualified enough to sponsor H1B for employees. Appreciate your response!
Thanks,
Kenneth
Kenneth KPMG,
They are not required to process the application before the start date. Most of the petitions will be adjudicated before Oct 1, but some can remain pending in Initial Review or RFE status even after Oct 1 (or Oct 7 in your case).
Hi Saurabh,
I have a question here my H1B has been picked up in the lottery and waiting for approval, and currently I am on L1B my first 3 years on L1 visa expires in 17 Sep 2013 but my I-94 is valid till 2015.
1.Lets say if i do not hear back from USCIS till 17 Sep 2013 can i stay a little longer until my H1B petition approval and go for stamping in India once i receive my Approval?
2.Is it legal to stay and work in I-94 without applying for L1 extension, also will it create any issues during my H1 stamping?
Please advice
Thanks.
Raj,
1. You can continue to stay and work on L-1 until I-94 expiration date. L-1 visa stamp in your passport doesn’t determine how long you can continue to stay inside US.
2. In case of L-1, your I-94 allows you to stay and work in US. Lot of L-1 holders do that. Your employer/attorney can confirm.
Slight update and correction to my case: EAC13-145-53xxx RQ/RP IT.
April 8th – Selection in Lottery
April 25th – Receipt Notice / Initial Review.
April 29th – Received Copy of Notice via Main office.
June 18th – RFE change. (Was going to be 2 months on June 25th so avg processing time, setup text and email notification for change of Petition status update).
July 3rd – Received request of documents etc.
July 8th – Responded to the office with documents, they said they will review and send it off to USCIS.
July 11th – Got a text message from USCIS saying status changed but when I looked up it was still RFE. This led me to believe that perhaps they received my documents and have begun reworking on my case.
That is not the case friends. FYI last week I spoke to the main office and they said they are yet to send the documents back to the USCIS via the attorney and will do so within August.
I thought I would be hearing something back soon but it seems it will be a while before the case processed since the office is taking its own sweet time, etc.
It is important to always be on top of your case albeit politely. My company isn’t too large and staff is limited so it takes longer for them to process stuff. So again I am waiting and if there is any change in my case will let you guys know. Thought I will just give you all a heads up that such things happen and H1b petition is a slow process. Keep your hopes up!
Hi Guys,
I am working for Mahindra Satyam @Sydney,Australia and my company done H1B got approved on May.
Now I am planning to go to India for Visa Stamping on Aug last week.
My US Client was not able to provide client letter.
I Just need some info , during the interview is the Client Letter Mandatory?
Any risk ?
When is the best time to go for interview?
Thufan,
Client letter may or may not be required depending upon how big the employer is and how much VO is concerned about the financial stability of the company. If you are appearing for Mahindra Satyam, then client letter may not be mandatory as it is a big firm. Your immigration team can let you know about its necessity based on previous visa interview experiences.
Hi Saurabh ,
My receipt no. WAC131405** is still in intial review.All the receipt nos before and after me are approved…so what would be the reason for this…
Mine is in the 137 series and still IR….
My is WAC131385**** is still in initial review, don’t worry bro. atleast not RFE
Hi All,
Am asking this on behalf of my friend.
My friend’s company has applied for his H1
He would be shortly travelling to US on a Business visa (B1 visa)
His H1B Visa is not yet approved. The status is in initial review.
If his H1B is approved while he is in US on Business tour (in B1 visa), would it be possible to change the status from B1 to H1 and start working immediately without visa getting stamped.
Please clarify.
H1B clarification,
Yes, that can be done. However, he should be careful how long he stays in US (until COS approval) and how soon COS is filed after entering US on B-1/2.
Hi Sourabh & All,
Finally My petition had got approved on- 26-07-13. Thank GOD!!!!
Mine is RQ, RP, WAC1314052***.
Regards…..
H1-Dreamboy
what field? IT?
Hi Johnny,
Yes, Im from IT field… 7 years of exp, Tech Lead..
Hi Saurabh,
My wife got her H1B stamped recently in her maiden name. It’s valid till 2015
She is scheduled to travel to US in December 2013.
She already has her SSN in her maiden name as she came back from US in June 2013 and got her new visa stamped in July 2013 with maiden name.
Now, we are planning to get a new passport for her with married name (change in surname).
Any idea, whether there will there be any issues in travelling to US with new passport – married name along with old passport – maiden name – visa stamp in maiden name?
After reaching US, can she get her SSN changed based on her new passport – married name?
SV,
She can travel to US using the new passport, old passport, petition and visa stamp. She should also get H-1 amendment filed to correct the name in the 797. Ask your attorney if it should be done now or when it is time to file for extension.
For SSN name change, refer to this.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for the reply, do we really need to file a H-1 amendment filed to correct the name in the 797? because she got her visa stamped few weeks back and its valid till 2015. This stamping in itself for extension. her earlier 1 year visa expired in march, extension was filed and now she has a visa stamped in maiden name valid till 2015.
employer is telling us, if we get a new passport, the whole stamping will have to be done again with new name. doesn’t sound correct to me.
any inputs?
SV,
New passport doesn’t warranty new stamping. The new passport will have old passport number, which in turn will have the visa stamp. So IMO, it can still be used.
I suggest talking to your attorney and not your employer about this. The attorney can confirm if H-1 amendment is required now for name change, or if it can wait until extension is filed (and then extension petition will have the correct name).
Here is an experience shared by someone on another forum.
Hi All,
I am getting my status as”At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.” what does this really mean. Can any one tell me. and do any one facing this problem
Thanks in Advance friends.
Dear Arun,
It means that a RFE or approval is in the near future. All the best.
MJ
Thanks MJ
As per prior post experience.. It would be RFE..
Arun Kumar,
If it indeed is RFE for last 2 months, then your attorney should contact USCIS to know the RFE details. They should have been received within a month.
Hi Saurabh,
Actually the status is not REF it is showing like this “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.” and the same status is showing for last 2 months. My Receipt is WAC1313551***. What may be the reason.
Thanks Saurabh.
Arun Kumar,
Others have reported it to be RFE like the first replier mentioned. That is why I said if it has been RFE for 2 months now (I remember another post from you where you mention it has been this status for 2 months), your employer should get on top of this.
In either case, ask them to call USCIS and follow-up on the case.
Hi everyone,
My H1b approved just now…
Thanks for regular updates and tks for redbus2us website.
My case : WAC1314052***
Hi,
H1B approved on 16th July and valid from 1st Oct.
H4 expiring on 30th July and hence applied for extension on 8th July.
Now i need H4 status only for 2 months ie., from 30th July to 30th Sep. Can I send a letter to USCIS to approve my H4 only for 2 months.
Waiting !!!
Anybody in EAC13145***** Series got H1B approved ?
Please Reply …
I randomly checked one petition EAC1314550104.
And it is recently approved on July 23rd.
Hope that is what you wanted to know.
Btw mine is EAC131465xxxx.
in EAC13142***** but still in initial review
Yes, Mine is WAC1314153* and it got approved on 7/24. Thanks.
Is it rp/RQ ?
Me too in the same boat… Waiting!!!!!!
Mine is EAC1314552***
Hey all,
My visa is approved. WAC1314150***. RP/RQ. India, IT Field. Looks like WAC started with 141 along with 140.
All the best guys.
Congrats Friend 🙂
Waiting for WAC131445*** …..donno when i will get it
Just waiting waiting waiting waiting and waiting…. 🙂
I am also in WAC131415**** series. Just waiting for good news..
Did you get an update yet? i am also in 141 series..
Hi,
Urgent response needed.
My H1B COS is approved and valid from 1st Oct,2013.
Im currently on H4 which is expiring on 30th July,2013. I also have valid B2 visa for the next 9 years.
In order to stay in US legally I have two options, which one would be ideal –
1. Extend H4 till 1st October.
2. Convert from H4 to B2 till 1st October.
LavanyaH4 to H1,
This has been responded in another thread started by you.
Hello guys,
I am also nervously waiting for approval.
I am EAC-13-138-51***
Since I didn’t hear from USCIS since April 7th, I am getting a little worried, if we can do everything on time and I can come on Oct 1st as my employer wants me to.
Thus my question:
Can anyone please tell me how long does it take from L129 PETITION approval to H1B VISA stamping?
I know it takes several steps:
1) Shipping petition from USCIS to lawyer
2) Shipping petition from lawyer to employer
3) Shipping petition from employer to me
4) Applying and waiting for H1B interview (filling 160)
5) Passport delivery from US consulate back to me
Does anyone please know, how much time does these steps take? 2 weeks, 1 month, 1.5 months?
Thank you.
Long Boner,
1) Shipping petition from USCIS to lawyer >> up to 30 days
2) Shipping petition from lawyer to employer >> your attorney’s call
3) Shipping petition from employer to me >> your employer’s call
4) Applying and waiting for H1B interview (filling 160) >> depends upon work load at consulate. Could be few weeks
5) Passport delivery from US consulate back to me >> if approved, then 1 week. If 221g then weeks or months
Hi Saurabh,
My H4 is expiring on 30th July and an extension for the same was applied on 8th July.
Meanwhile my H1 COS was approved on 18th July.
I planned to withdraw my H4 if I dont get approval on or before 30th Sep. But my employer says that this action will still make my stay ill-legal between 30th July and 30th September. Is it true.
Yes. Your COS to H1 will become valid only from Oct 2013. Until then you will be out of status in this country, which is illegal.
Since you applied for H4 Ext on 8th July before expiration of H4 and if that get an approval before 30 Sep; you are good to continue and ur COS from H4-H1 will auto apply from 01-Oct.
But in case decision pending till 30 Sep and you said you already have approved COS that will get effective from 01-Oct, you can continue working on H1 fro 01-Oct and at that time you can withdraw your H4 Extension. That way you are all time on legal stay..
Yea .. I meant you should apply for H4 extn to hold a valid status until sep 30…
Hi Rj,
I heard that if you apply for extension and withdraw before actual decision then that period will be considered illegal ??
Withdrawal of extension petition won’t treat the stay as illegal. But the fee will not be refunded whatever applied for extension.
Withdrawal shouldn’t be before 01-Oct; let H1 will get effective from 01-Oct as you already have approval for COS H4-H1
Lavanya,
Agree w/ RJ and NS.
Lavanya as you said you have COS approval notice with you.. Usually COS approval happen if I94 or Visa expiring dates are on or after 01-Oct. But in your case I94 expiring on 30-Jul for H4 and new H1 will be valid from 01-Oct. If really I94 expiring on 30-Jul and you got COS approved with new I94 valid from 01-Oct; consider yourself LUCKY.
Hi NS,
thanks for your support.
However my employer is insisting that H4 extension should not be withdrawn on or after 30th Sept if I don’t get approval by then.
He says stay between 30th July and 30th Sep will be out of status. I’m confused and wants to double check with you guys
Lavanya,
If you are getting conflicting views, then ask an independent attorney. If he can provide you a legal text then take it and show it to your own attorney.
I am kind of confused. Hope someone can help me here.
Since there is no update about my H1b, I am planning to join at another university.
My OPT expired in July 2013 and now under cap gap. Since the H1b is taking too long, I thought I will take admission at school and join there to extend F1 visa. They me that the last date to update Sevis is 27th Aug 2013. So after that i am a full time student at new school. Class start date is Sep 3. So my questions are:
What if my H1b gets approved after they change Sevis with new school? They told me even if H1b is approved after Sep 3, I have to stay as full time student for Fall as I am considered as Full time student. Is that true?
if your H1 has got selected in lottery, why don’t you change it to PP and get result fast.
Wait_is_Long,
Change Ur H1B to Premium Processing by paying 1250 $ rather, if u r selected in lottery.. U will know the result in 15days
Hi all,
I’m in US on H4 . Filed for H1B . I got RFE on 7th may 2013 My employer told me they replied on July 23rd . Can any one tell me please how long USCIS takes to reply . I have been waiting since 2 months 🙁
Thanks,
Chandana
Hi Chandana,
Im in a similar situation except tht my rfe was replied on July 19th, but I do not any status change so far
Do u see any status change on urs??
Thanks,
Anshu
Hi Anshu,
I don’t see any changes in status ,I don’t even know how long it will take . I’m worried now .
Please share the status if you get approved .
Thanks,
Chandana
Hi,
I replied to my RFE on 3rd July and still no update. Its RP. WAC13134***** series. I will just say, be patient. The process takes a lot of time.
Hi Chandana,
What is the reason for your rfe? Is it for client letter? Me also in same situation.
Thanks,
Jainy
Hi Jainy ,
Yes they have asked for client letter and employment hand book .
Chandana,
You haven’t been waiting for 2 months but actually just a week. When RFE is issued and your employer prepares the response, that’s the time spent by your employer and not USCIS.
Once USCIS receives the response, they usually adjudicate it within 60 days, but it can take longer as well.
Finally my H1b is approved . But a new Dilemma has started…
Although not passed in house but with Immigration reform having the clause where 15% above can’t work at Client site , biggest confusion is should I leave a stable job in India and take risk and more to US or not take the risk ?
What are you guys thinking about this..I am guessing some might have though about..
Thanks , Srini
Dont risk stay in India 🙂
Srini,
One cannot perfectly time the future. However, H-1 gives you the opportunity to change employers. So if you are confident about your skill-set and expertise, then you can come to US on any employer and then move to a more “protected” full-time employment.
Hi All,
I recently upgraded my H1b to Premium Processing and got RFE on Jun 19th and my employer said that he replied to rfe on July 18th.
But as of today I do not see any update on the status. It still shows that “Premium clock stopped on June 19th …”
Its been a week and Im kind of tensed.
How many days does it usually take to get the status updated after sending the rfe documents?? Please help me
Thanks,
Anshu
Anshu,
Did your attorney receive any notification about the final decision? They are the best people to follow-up w/ USCIS about the case status.
Hi Saurabh,
I haven’t heard anything from attorney yet. Neither the status moved to RFE Response review not the premium clock started.
How many days does USCIS take to start the premium clock after receiving RFE response??
Please let me know.
Thanks,
Anshu
Anshu,
At times the online status is not updated promptly. Still your employer/attorney should contact USCIS to ensure they have indeed received the response and get the acknowledgement date. It will be 15 calendar days from that day.
Hi Saurabh & All,
I’m in US on H4 and my H1 was approved on 16th July 2013.
My employer says I’ll be on H1 status by default from 1st October,2013.
Is this true ?? Can this happen that both my COS & petition was approved .
How can we be sure that USCIS approved my COS along with my petition. Offcourse while submitting petition my employer had taken all my H4 documents and sent it in the petition.
H4toH1RK,
You should look at the approval notice. If it has I-94 attached to the bottom of it, then your COS has also been approved and you will be on H-1 status from Oct 1.
If there is no I-94 attached, then COS has not been approved, and you will remain on H-4 status even after Oct 1 unless you enter US on stamped H-1 visa or file for separate COS.
For COS approval, they should have asked for your spouse’s H-1 payslips, 797 etc.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your response.
I checked with my employer, he said I-94 was attached in approval docs.
As my H4 was expiring on 30th July so I applied for extension in first week of July and it is still in initial review. Can I send an amendment letter to USICS to approve my H4 only till 30th Sept as I have valid H1 from 1st October.
H4toH1RK,
You should confirm w/ H-1 attorney but you can either:
– send them letter asking them to approve for shorter duration, or
– withdraw H-4 extension after Sep 30th. This will not make you previous stay invalid as you were staying based on a pending application. Check w/ attorney on what kind of proof to keep w/ yourself for future reference
Hi All,
I got RFE on 15th July but till now I have not received any info from USCIS regarding what the RFE for. My employer have not received any info regarding the same.
Can anyone please help me with this? how can i find about what the rfe for?
Regards..
H1B RFE-Status,
Employer/attorney should receive it within 30 days; else they should contact USCIS and follow-up.
Hi,
My H1B application is approved this afternoon.
Please find the details below:
EAC1314252***
Initial Review: 8th Apr
Changed to PP: 11th Jul
Approved: 24th Jul.
Thank you all for the support and updates in this forum. This forum really helped to understood the process and timelines about H1B visa application.
I would like to wish everyone who are waiting for the approval gets their good news sooner.
And I appreciate Saurabh and the team for making this forum lively.
All the very Best to everyone.
Thanks.
got approval today noon.. to post decision activity…when do i get the approval notice..
RQ/RP VSC EAC1313954xxx
Approved,
Mine got approved on 3rd and as of last week lawyer had not received the document.
can we know what field all of you?
I am in IT-Electronicc
My visa got approved on 22nd
WAC131395****
RS,
Are u from IT field?? I am also in series EAC 13 139 5****.Still waiting for approval…
Donot know when this WAITING will come to an end…
My H1 as been approved. AD. I have a question, when the the approved original I797c is received by my employer. Do I need ask him the original or will I be given a copy of it ?
Thanks,
SG
HI SG
I am also in the same Boat
I got approved on July -11, Still Din’t get the Original Approved notice from USCIS
Please let me know when you get it
Thanks for your support
SG,
Original 797 is received by employer/attorney within 30 days. They can decide to give the original to you or just a copy. Its their discretion. Most of the big employers send the original.
Hey Guys,
I am nervously checking my case status every couple of hours too.
Does anyone know some online USCIS case tracker?
Someone posted one of them here a month ago. It was able to track multiple cases at once?
Does anyone remember that URL?
The idea is to watch 15-20 cases infront of your case, so you can see the progress of USCIS.
Me: EAC-13-138-51***
http://uscisstatus.herokuapp.com/
Looks like wac13143 series is going to hit September mark. Time for PP.
Hi,
This could have been asked by someone else on this forum, but I am asking again for more clarity.
My H1B application is changed to PP on 11th Jul from regular. Today, I see that “the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped. A notice was sent on this date explaining the specific reason for stopping the premium processing of your case” on the status. But for my dependents whose I539 is also submitted for COS says is approved as of today and is in Post Decision Activity.
My question is whether my application is approved and needs some more time for getting updated in the system or is it still not sure of the approval.
This used to be a message one would usually get before approval or RFE.
The problem is that the Premium Processing is of a maximum length of 15-days. Thus, cannot exclude the premium processing clock just stopped because it has reached its maximum.
Anyways, you should get some notice soon, even if they couldn’t make it in the 15-days period. In that case they’re supposed to reimburse PP checks.
Thanks …
I have one more question, my dependent’s I-539 is approved which was filed based on my H1B application. Does this means, mine is approved or still fingers crossed?
Waiting_For_Approval,
Logically your H-1 COS should also be approved if they follow the rule-book correctly. However, USCIS has erred in the past and do not consider yourself in clear until you see your own COS approval.
Finally status is showing “Post Decision Activity” and approved on July 23rd.
All the best for my dear folks…
Hi Saurabh,
text showing “On July 24, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.”
Can i consider that my petition has been approved by USICS.
Pls confirm.
Whats your first five digit of receipt number?
Either you don’t understand English or you’re a complete idiot. Read the notice and see that it has the word approved in it.
Infy RCL,
That’s what the word “approve” signify in your status message.
Finally my long wait is over. Today my status updated to Post Decision Activity and text containing Approved on July 23rd.
File sequence: WAC131385****
Field: IT
Position: Lead.
Thanks a ton Saurabh for your timely update. Best of luck folks who are still waiting for decision.
Congrats dude. Can you update you filed under RP/RQ or PP?
Must be RP. Infy normally does not make PP petitions..
Mine is RP/RQ.
How many days will take after Post Decision Activity ?
Congrats everyone. My petition is also approved last week. Any idea when can we get the approval papers?
Member / Metoo4m Infy,
Employer/attorney should receive the approval notice within 30 days. If not, they should follow-up w/ USCIS.
Hi all,
Just sharing my information with you as I have been a visitor since the beginning of all this…
My receipt no. is WAC131435……rq/rp
My employer consulted with lawyers and decided that it is going to take a significant time for this to be processed in the regular processing queue.
So they were kind enough to upgrade to PP last week.
And it is approved now. 🙂
Wish the very best to all of us 🙂