As you know, yesterday USCIS released an official press note indicating that they received about 233,000 petitions and H1B lottery was completed. As of yesterday, USCIS indicated that the premium processing will begin no later than May 11th, 2015.
Today, USCIS released a news alert indicating that the premium processing for H1B Visa 2016 petitions will start from April 27th, 2015.
What does this change in premium processing date mean to everyone in H1B 2016 quota ?
It simply means that, if someone filed their H1B petition in FY 2016 quota under either in masters quota or regular quota and filed it under premium processing their 15 days clock for adjudicating the petition starts from April 27th. Technically, if everything was right and there is no RFE they should have a decision within 15 calendar days starting from April 27th, which would be May 11th.
So, technically, premium processing candidates for FY 2016 should receive their H1B case petition numbers/ receipt notices starting anytime from today via email. They should ideally have H1B case number by April 28th or 29th. USCIS might take some more time to release the case number or receipt notices for the regular processing petitions, as there is no SLA or time commitment.
This clearly tells us that the number of premium processing petitions filed this year were more or less same as last year and not too many filed under premium processing as USCIS anticipated. They adjusted the dates based on the work load they have. Also, with the push in the premium processing dates, hopefully, regular processing candidates petitions are processed slightly faster as well…lets hope so !
Also, they indicated in the press note that no changes to the premium processing petitions filed that are cap-exempt. Their processing continues to stick to the 15 calendar days starting from the day USCIS received the petition with the fee. Also, you may read the below to clarify on the processing times.
H1B 2016 Premium, Regular Processing time, Receipts Info
What are your thoughts on the H1B processing timelines by USCIS ?
Reference : USCIS Alert on Premium processing
any one from vermont center got receipt
Nope…
no 🙁
I am in AD/RP, do I still expect to hear by April end (if selected)? Or do I need to wait longer?
Hi, I am in the same Category Category as you. Mine’s 3 attempt. Me and family is waiting eagerly. All the best. Hope you get it. If you have an update please post it here.
I would like to know the same.
My petition has been filed under AD but RP. Do I still expect my receipt number by April end (if my case was picked in the lottery)
I am a bit confused on what they mean by this – http://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/h-1b-cap-premium-processing-begin-april-27
“On April 27, 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions requesting premium processing, including petitions seeking an exemption for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher”
No. You should expect it sometime in May.
I think so too. Its just that Fragomen does not give out the case numbers for us to check and it depends when they update after they receive a receipt notice.
Last year, my friend applied under AD but RP; He got acceptance in mid-June when he almost lost all the hopes, he was not even on waitlist or something. It takes a while for RP.
This year it’s my 3rd attempt with AD/PP
AD/PP Vermont Service still waiting – Vermont center
Fingers crossed.
Great. Found it through email? or by the cheque getting cashed?
Dint get picked yet, still waiting for the response from USCIS.
This wait is so painful as this is my last chance.
Yayy… My boyfriend’s H1 got picked m soo hapyyyyyyy…..(AD/PP/VERMONT service center)…
Great. Found it through email? or by the cheque getting cashed?
Thanks.
Sorry. Accidently I’d posted this to the previous post.
Guys,
What’t the diff btw Advanced and Non-Advanced processing? Somebody please respond. Thanks!!
It is Advanced Degree not Advanced processing
AD is Advanced Degree – who has done masters/MBA etc
Non-AD – Non Advanced Degree – who havent done MS/MBA and are applying in the regular app 65k quota
Cool… thanks!!!
California
Hi Guys,
I filed under regular cap, premium processing. I was notified by the attorney that I was selected in the lottery. Good luck everyone!
Which center? Thanks
Hello All
Does anyone know how long does it take to get to know results of being selected in the lottery or not for AD/RP….. anyway to find out? The anticipation is killing !:(
For AD/RP mostly expect in May buy can be as late as June.
I paid premium processing fee by myself, and it was cashed this morning.
I don’t know whether my employer’s checks were cashed or not..
Please provide details on AD as well as processing center. Thanks
Did some search on net, got information,
PP fee will not be waved off if application is not selected in lottery. So, as i understand, If application not selected in lottery, They will refund Application fee, but not PP.
Anyone have any thoughts on this.
Thats the reason i askes here those who are assuming cheque encash as lottery selection (no information from attorney or employer) might be the case of rejected case for which PP fee is encashed since as per rule PP fee is non refundable.So guys do not pay attention to cheque encash but wait for receipt mail.RP can take cheque encash as selection confirmation though.Correct me If I am wrong.
My employer’s checks are found out cashed too.
PP, ADV, VERMONT
no official email received yet, but called school to check the SEVIS status, and school provided me the EAC number.
Hope to get the official email soon.
Anyone through Sunita Kapoor law offices in texas.
Those getting receipts mail its confirmed that they are picked in lottery but those confirming cheque encash is it possible that these might be case of PP reject and also duplicate penalties?No intention to worry someone just a thought
Nope, it’s all or nothing. If a PP check is cashed, that means the application was selected in lottery. If the application is not selected, the packet and check (including premium processing) are returned.
Any one hearing anything from Shah & Kishor attorney firm?
Hi Guys,
Non-AD/PP/1 App/1 one employer/Vermont
Nothing has received yet.
What is difference between PP and RP. Is it just time? PP will be faster then RP.
Yes… and you will get access to the office analyzing ur case. you are guaranteed a result in 15 days i think.
Mine went to Vermont from Texas and is RP.Did not hear anything until now.
Thanks
Mine is AD/PP/First time/1 one employer and from texas
I haven’t heard anything either
keep in loop and hope the luck strikes
Where are Texas applications going to?
Vermont or Calif?
TEXAS application will come under SRC?
Or this is merged in Vermont or Calif?
Anyone from TEXAS got receipt yet?
Where is your employer located? If your employer is in Texas, then its Vermont.
Dear All, has any one got receipt for the non-AD and PP. when i see the receipt number that few posted say EX: EAC1513XXXXXX, which mean these are 13 Apr. if it is APR 14 and 15, will the number change. and also if any one have receipt number indicating the same.
Please advice, there are lots of genius in the group, Please spend some time to clarify me, thanks guys
So WAC or EAC followed by 15 (year) – 133(is day of the year out of 365) so this number would change every day. Couple of years back my H1b was WAC1314450*** so it was year 2013 and 144 day of 2013.
thanks
I found that the check I gave for premium processing was cashed last night. Does that mean my application was picked in lottery for processing? Please share your thoughts.
@Prasad : How many application u had processed this time?
My company that I work for fulltime filed my application. I payed the premium processing fee.
Congrats! you are selected 🙂
hope so 🙂
Congrats dear..
could you please specify the category you applied under?
Advanced/Non-advanced
Premium/Regular
AD/PP
Mine is cashed this morning too…
I’m pp adv at Vermont too
Congrats! you are in!!
Hoping to join you!
Hello.. Has anyone tried to crack the lottery selection algorithm by using the history data of selected.
Can anyone share the link for the good h1b tracker avaliable.
I have cracked it ,… Even u can crack it ,…. just have Crack-Jack biscuits dude
Any receipts received/heard till now for non-AD PP??
Filed 3rd time AD, non-premium. Does anybody know when I can expect non premium, AD confirmations to start coming in. Family is desperately waiting. Appreciate any info. Thanks
Can somebody please help me out
Mostly they send out alphabetically with respect to the first letter of your surname. AD/RP, you should hear by end of April for sure.
Ur application is selected ,.. We are in process of sending it ,..Have fun and party tonite
-USCIS
Is this the end for Vermont PP/AD?
AD/PP/1st attempt/single petition
I got an email on 14th 1PM from lawyer that California Service Center has received my petition.
(WAC15133…..)
Hope that helps.. and good luck for all you guys..
Congrats Heff! Hope we join together!
Any update from Texas side yet?
anyone from Texas got the receipt?
Any one from Ogletree Deakins (Attorney) heard anything yet?
it’s very pity that you guys future is decided by lottery
My application should be filed as RP, as my employer said it will be filed, I don’t know if it was or not, but if it was, I don’t see a chance this year as well, record number of applications, we wait for long time to get employers to pick us, but then this bloody lottery just ignores most of us…
we do not have choice. I ve been waiting for the h1b for amout year and never expect that number.
Does it take longer for USCIS to cash checks from regular applications as opposed to PP applications?
hello,
i am a Non AD/Regular Process/Indian MNC. when can i expect the result of lottery. i know there is a no specific date.. i am just curious about the approx timeframe…
I am also in same shoes, will let you know once I get any update.
Still waiting .. tense moments.
Guys, just received the number. WAC151*****44. (AD/PP/Second try)
congrats!
im pp adv at Vermont
Check is not cashed, no sevis status changed
Does is mean it’s very possible I didn’t get it?
Wait to the end of April.
Wait till 27th of Apr. Wishing you luck!
Hi, did you/lawyer get an email confirming this?
Thanks.
Got receipt number yesterday. WAC15134XXXXX – AD/PP 2nd attempt, ONE AND SINGLE I94 application (one employer only – no cheats). I share this info for those desperate due to employers messing up. – they entered wrong start date due to clerical error, already working on the amendment, but the good news is my application was not rejected based on this and in fact, is in process – I may get an RFE, but nothing we can fix =) – Don’t loose hope, good luck y’all!
Receipts from Vermont have been received (e.g. EAC1513452500)
Did you receive the email or are you just pointing to a random USCIS Vermont case. Several immigration lawyers have confirmed that no receipt emails from Vermont have been received yet.
A random one
People / Law-firms have confirmed Vermont cheques cashed. No-one has got an email yet. (8:20 pm EST, 15th Apr 2015)
PP/Non-AD/Cali. no reply
This is my second year of applying for H-1B (AD/PP/Vermont). My premium processing fee check (which was paid by me) was cashed in by VSC (Vermont Service Center) last night. Does it mean that I got picked up in the lottery ?
I am yet to hear anything from my Lawyer or Employer.
Yes you are……….
It is illegal to pay for your own application!
It is all good if you pay premium processing fees, employer has to pay h1b application fee
One can only pay for the Premium Processing Fee. It’s legal. Please, just try to look around a little before claiming anything.
Hi,
USCIS won’t return the premium processing fee if your application hasn’t been picked. So, just because your cheque has been cashed does not mean that your application has been picked.
Anyway, I hope you application gets picked. All the best.
My Lawyer said that they returned everything (including premium processing fee) last year when my application wasn’t selected. This time around my employer wanted me to bear the expense of Premium Processing fee. But, I can’t say for sure. Although, I am yet to hear anything from either employer or Lawyer.
I just called Fragomen NYC and they did not receive any receipt notices from Vermont center yet.
ad/pp/vermont…still waiting
ad/pp/vermont…waiting
got it…AD/PP…BAL(Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP) starts sending confirmation..good luck to evryone..
Vermont center?
Thanks
I don’t know.I m really sorry..how to know that actually? I am working in north side and my company headquarter is located at seattle..
No need to be sorry at all.
I really appreciate your information. 🙂
I am not sure either… cuz I thought BAL is the law firm in DC.
nope..they operate from CA..most of the major mnc’s associated with BAL law firm…ATB 🙂
No need to be sorry at all!
I really appreciate your information ! 🙂
If your receipt number starts with EAC its from vermont, if it starts with WAC then California.But as you stated your lawfirm,(employer- just a guess) is in cali, mostly your application should come under california service center.
Picked up.. So happy..
Congrats.Do you know which center? and if you dont mind which state your from? Do they send the receipts state wise?
How do you know which is your center? Still waiting for news from Fragomen…
I applied under AD/PP and this is my 2nd attempt. I haven’t heard anything till now, neither did my attorney. Can I still hope to receive anything? I already have two Masters and not receiving a receipt will just burden me with the debts I made to study. I heard California center is sending it out and I would come under Cali center. Any information is highly appreciated. Thanks
2nd try and 2 Master Degrees?! You did invest a lot in this chance. This is 2nd filing too. I have been like sitting on a fire since I haven’t heard anything about my case. I hope you and I will hear some good news. I hate this lottery, we study so hard for our future not for this lottery.
Absolutely.I did work so hard and work for a top notch company as a full timer. The company is ready to help and do anything to keep me but this system sucks.Good luck to you too.
This my second attempt too. My opt expired last year.
For some reason I am a lot calmer this year, probably because I have already left US.
Dont worry, if you are hardworking things will always fall into place.
Also don’t loose hope, wait until april 27th at least. Stay positive and practical.
Did you applied in AD quota?? Does filing H1B from outside USA with US masters counts under the AD?
From my past experience, it’s still too early to say anything. My friend who received email confirmation by the end of April under AD/PP last year. Still long time to go.
Thank you. Will keep hoping for it.
I know how it feels. Came to US in 2009 and have double Master’s and this is my third attempt. Still haven’t heard anything. Lets hope we get it this time.
When did you graduate? I came in 2009 too and finished my MS in 2010. Applied in 2011 for FY2012 H1B and got it in two weeks with PP, since the cap was reached in November. FY2013 H1B reached it in June, so how come you didn’t get it? Did the lawyer mess up? Good luck for you all guys, this spike in H1B applications is terrible 🙁
Graduated in 2011 Summer and was on OPT and didn’t apply for 2013 Cap hoping I can apply for 2014 Cap. Since then lottery has been screwing me big time 🙂
This is my 3rd and last attempt and I haven’t heard anything yet! 🙁
Why last attempt? Is thr any limit to apply for H1b Visa?
By last attempt I meant its the last attempt before my OPT extension expires.
What does AD/PP mean?
Thanks!
Advanced Degree/Premium processing
How long would it take for the reciept, after the cheque has been encashed.
No body can say that, if your sure that cheque is encashed, go have a blast, your applic is picked 😀
Dats wat my attorney said, the check was encashed this afternoon.
Congrats mate, was yours a AD or regular petition? Also is it premium? Which service center?
If you can answer these it would be helpful for others to estimate.
Yes AD/PP vermont. This is my second attempt.
Right now information is just about the confirmation of Lottery pick and assigning of Case number to the petitions.Case study,cross checks and approvals will begin from 27th April onwards for PP.
Does the email say you were picked? I thought they will just send you the received confirmation now and picked/rejected later
I’ve been silently following along in this forum for a while now, figured I’d share my good news and give some of you hope
Just received response from Fragomen that the petition was picked up.
AD/PP/3rd attempt and I only filed a single petion from my company
WAC15*****249
Dude, I’m in same boat. AD/PP/3rd attempt, still waiting..
All the best, I understand the waiting can be a pain.
And I only filed a single petion from my company.
Congratulations! 🙂
Hey guys just a doubt – the premium processing will start on 27th April .. How come people are receiving the receipt numbers ?? Mine is not under premium processing, when will I come to know about the result ?
The actual processing of petition starts on April 27th but the fact that USCIS acknowledges the petition means that it has moved on to the next step of the process.
Congrats dude
Do you know if the status of your sevis changed? Can we check with our DSO now since the lottery is already done?
I’ve heard that this is possible but in my previous attempts my DSO wasn’t willing to give me this information stating that it would not be correct to draw conclusions based on it.
Oh ok. Thanks. Will probably wait until tomorrow and call the DSO to confirm.
What’s the center? Cali?
yes
Congratulations. Could you please confirm if it’s a 15133 or 15134 (serial no showing date effectively)
15134
15133 would imply it was recived in March which means it would have to be a non cap subject petition
you know what, my bad, I misinterpreted what the 3 digit sequence repsents , your question is valid. From another page “The next three characters indicate the computer working day of the USCIS fiscal year. It starts from October 1st of the fiscal year. So, for this fiscal year starting from October 1st of 2013, it would be 001 for Oct 1st, it increments for each working day and does NOT include Weekends and Holiday. This day corresponds to the day your H1B Case was receipted by USCIS, it does NOT indicate when they received your petition or filed.”
Congrats!! Your good news has definitely lighted up our hopes. I am AD/RP on my 2nd attempt and it would be my last since my OPT is expiring this year. Just curious how could you make it to your 3rd attempt? By CPT? Would much appreciated your response.
Graduated in decemeber, started work in February so fall into cap-gap
Thanks Marc and congrats again!
Indian fakers and cheaters and the scam agency USCIS be happy on blood sucked money . After investing nearly 60K $ for a advanced degree imagine being kicked out with debts . Indian consultancies and body shop cheaters are the biggest frauds and should be arrested and uscis should be ashamed and investigated for its policies
i agree. Why is USCIS ignoring such huge frauds?
In a way uscis is exploiting Indian students by not regulating cheaters and more and more foreign students will be in debt
You want that all of them who studied here in a XYZ institute should get H1B . Studying in USA is not a big deal ..
lol…seriously
Not to you maybe but to majority it’s a big deal as we don’t go to some fake university . My university is reputed and my skills are high and i am in a great job . I wish students were cap exempt and Indians workers strictly under cap
Clearly you are someone who have not studied in US and also a person who sees no ethical issues in applying through multiple companies. Mark my word son, you will get down in the faster rate than you went up.
USCIS should accept more number of people in lottery than the cap. Say 100k for 85k visas. Then hard scrutinize fraud/unethical/multiple applications and let the genuine win. This way, genuine guys will be less effected by fraudsters. I think maybe the concept of a large waiting list should be introduced.
Agree
Ehay the hell you guys arr behind Indians? You went to US for advanced degree paying 60k$ thats your choice.You chose this path to get H1B visa ans settle for ever in US? Than you are the biggeat cheat you had different intentions the moment you entered US.In the name of advanced degree yoh had been cinsumi g US resources for long time and now you are claiming for your 1 st right for visa? Why is that so? You dont have good universities in your own country or you belong to some 3rd World coyntry.Stay in your limits before spitting shit from your regionally biased mouth.
I have been living in US for 6+ years and it’s my third year applying. And those Indians apply 3+ applications each year. I prob have paid more tax than their one year salary. and you think it’s fair?
Anyone whose petition was filed by Fragomen in California received a receipt number yet?
Just received mine,AD/PP
Congrats!! I am still waiting. AD/PP. Fingers crossed!
Heard from the attorney this morning! They received the automated email from USCIS with a receipt number.
– Masters
– Premium Processing
– California Service Center
Congrats!
Congrats 🙂
Congrats to all who got the good news.Happy for you guys and God Bless you all.Best wishes for all others waiting.
To all the tense people, do visit Visa Balaji temple and pray hard… good luck to everyone… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilkur_Balaji_Temple
“Luckbychance” will get screwed the moment his another petition gets selected.No use complaining to USCIS……its all business and even they are making huge money out of such cases.They will reject duplicate petitions (Post lottery-This proves why I am saying so,rejection should be prior to lottery) and keep the money with them.There are fools like luckbychance who have enough money to throw away and care damn and USCIS is cashing on such cows.