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USCIS News : H1B Petitions Selected in Lottery Data Entry Completed, Next Steps

I know many of you have been waiting for the update on the H1B Visa 2016 petitions awaiting receipt numbers and the lottery results. It has been painful wait as always for many of you waiting… Earlier today USCIS released a news alert indicating that the Data Entry is completed for all the H1B petitions selected in lottery for the fiscal year 2016. Below is the quick summary and analysis.

Summary :  H1B Petitions Data Entry Complete

  • USCIS announced that they completed data entry for all the H1B petitions that were selected in the lottery.
  • USCIS will start to return all the petitions that were not selected in lottery and mail out all the rejection notices.
  • USCIS does NOT promise any time frame for  returning the packages not selected in  lottery due to the high volume and they ask employers/ petitioners not to inquire USCIS regarding their petition until they receive a receipt or return package.

What can we take away from this news alert from USCIS ?

In the past USCIS did not release any news alert like today regarding the data entry of applications. Many websites have been speculating that data entry is complete and spreading some rumors…I believe, USCIS has released this alert just to confirm everyone that the data entry is complete from their end and have all the stake holders on the same page…

It seems like the DHS Note to All SEVIS users released last week, has been generating quite a bit of  inquiries regarding the filed H1B petitions to USCIS…this alert is to clarify to everyone that they should not reach out to USCIS regarding their petition until they get some information from USCIS.

What is missing from this news alert for all the petitioners is that they have not given a time frame on when the employers/ petitioners can expect to receive the rejected petitions that were not selected in the H1B 2016 Lottery .  This could be very frustrating for everyone waiting for their petitions.

When to expect H1B case Receipts ?  Rejection Notices or Return Packages ?

If your petition was premium and selected in lottery this year, you should have already got something in email as the 15 days SLA for those petitions’ is May 11th, either for a decision or any action like RFE, etc.. If your petition was filed under regular processing, what I guess is that, if your petition was selected in lottery and receipted, if you have not received anything yet, you should expect your H1B case receipt notice in mail in the next couple of weeks….If you do not hear anything in the next 15 days or so, you probably need to think about your other options…

Having said that, you cannot be really sure if your petition was not selected until you get a rejection notice or return of your original package.  Last year, USCIS mailed out rejection notices for petitions not selected in lottery until late June.   What USCIS mentioned today is that they will release an alert indicating if they have mailed out all the rejection notices.  Well, lets hope they mail out those notices soon so that it cuts down the wait for many waiting anxiously…We wrote an article last year around your options, you can read the Options, if NOT selected in H1B Lottery so that you can be prepared…  Also, I request you to update your petition’s details in our H1B Case Tracker, so that others can get some high level info. The information is fully anonymous as it does not show any personal details.

As I always say, if you are lucky, you would probably get H1B receipt number, if NOT…don’t worry, it has nothing to do with your talent or education…it is an external factor and you should not lose your confidence on yourself…it is not the only destiny and end of your life’s dream…Just take your setback as an opportunity to explore options to work in other parts of the world…We will try to write articles on other parts of the world.

What are your thoughts ? Did any of you get return packages already ?

Reference :

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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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2,206 Comments

  1. can you tell me what does this mean, I get this when I check my case status in USCIS

    Validation Error(s)
    You must correct the following error(s) before proceeding:

    At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.

    Reply
  2. I am PP check not cashed yet (5/5). So I think it is pretty much done.

    Just for everyone’s reference, according to my calculation the rate for AD is 50.6%, nonAD 30.5% this year

    Congrats for those got selected.

    Reply
  3. I applied under non-advanced regular processing. I have not received a receipt yet and I am wondering if it is safe to assume that my application has not been picked up if the cheque has not been encashed?

    Please help. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. can you tell me what does this mean, I get this when I check my case status in USCIS website

    Validation Error(s)
    You must correct the following error(s) before proceeding:

    At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.

    Reply
    • There is always hope until you receive the rejection.

      However, it is very very unlikely. You should move on to Plan B with full gusto and assume you were rejected.

      Reply
  5. I was not selected last year (had to return to Brazil, which I didn’t mind, it’s not like I’m desperate to leave), but was selected this year in the lottery. I am certain it was a blessing in disguise. Although I was not expecting much at all being that I was applying from abroad, I ended up landing a much better job this time around,. Plus, I am learning new surgical techniques with minimal expenses in comparison to taking the same post-grad classes in the U.S.

    I feel very lucky that I wasn’t picked last year. Sometimes it seems as if something bad happened, but in the end, it was the best outcome ever.

    Advanced degree (doctorate)/regular processing/California service center

    Reply
    • I like what you are saying here. It’s sad to not get it, but we tried our best and if it’s not meant to be then it’s not meant to be.

      Reply
    • Yes. It takes USPS 3-5 days to deliver first class mail. ImmigrationGirl is saying that 797s are rolling in. When it stops, you can stop hoping.

      Reply
  6. This is my third attempt GP/AD/Vermont, I have to travel back, if not selected in lottery. There are many people moving back to home countries due to status issues, many people working at their home countries with valid H1B/L1b due to no Job at USA. Crazy USA.

    Reply
  7. To the selected lucky guys (AD/RP)
    i have a question, If you have ever checked with your DSO before you knew got selected, how long did it take your lawyer to receive the receipts from the moment you checked with your DSO that your SEVEIS was updated with the receipt number?

    Reply
    • Hi pani ,

      You got any info on this , am also looking for the same answer to avail .
      Please share the info once you have it .

      Reply
    • Depending on the bank, it can take a few days for the cashed check to show up. But, game over if not by the end of the week.

      Reply
      • Hey Mo
        My employer gave a money order. And money orders usually get update right away. But when i talk to my employer they say it has not been cashed. Does it mean I am not selected since the data entry is over? Or should i wait till end of this week?

        Reply
  8. Hi All,

    My petition got selected and i have got receipt number from USCIS as well.
    On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC***4450***, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 13, 2015, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

    Reply
  9. What does the following status mean:
    On April 27, 2015, we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker EAC******** ?
    I have’nt seen this for others who were selected in this forum.
    Thanks in advence

    Reply
  10. is the lottery system fair for educated ,talented, experienced???
    I came to US 3 years back on L1 when there was no lottery. In last 3 years many big companies started abusing the system just to induct more workforce.
    There should be proper check on this, or its going to be worst than any other lottery.

    Reply
      • I still don’t know about my lottery status, but even if I get selected I don’t support this lottery system.
        From the blogs I could make out at least 50% of workforce going to be swapped on 1st October, some have to leave US even though they have contributed this economy and many will enter US of which many don’t know importance of H1B.

        Reply
    • There are proper checks for this.
      My H1 got denied last year because the employer submitted wrong documents even after RFE.
      I am in the project for more than 4 years now.
      Lottery indicates that demand is more than supply.
      There are considerations for increasing the H1 cap limit to 180K.
      Everything takes times.

      Reply
  11. My employer called me and said that he has received the receipt number today. I applied in AD/RP category. Receipts numbers are coming don’t loose hope guys.

    Reply
  12. USCIS website is showing that my EAC number is approved and emailed an approval notice.but my employer is not recived any mail about the same.any idea,when my employer will get the approval mail.iam waiting sice april 28th.its actually normal degree with PP.

    thanks and best regards,
    Siva.

    Reply
        • Once you get selected in a lottery I-797 C form is generated and once the petition is approved I-797 A (if applied from US) ot I-797 B (outside USA) is generated. Hope this answer your concerns.

          Reply
  13. AD/RP

    Hey guys, I have a question and any comments will be very helpful to me at this point. Early last week, I checked with my DSO that my end date of work authorization has been automatically extended to 9/30/2015. But as of today, my lawyer hasn’t received any notice from USCIS. I know the fact that USCIS announced the completion of data entry. Is there a possibility that I get the receipt? Or extension of authorization date to 9/30 actually does not reflect the selection of the lottery?

    Reply
    • It usually is a good indication. There is no other reason to get the extension. RP receipts are still coming in. So chill and relax. You/lawyer might get your notice soon.

      Reply
    • I’ve got same situation with you. I contacted ISSO and they found a change of status pending on 4/24. And I confirmed with them that isn’t OPT extension pending. But as you said, no receipt till today.
      What’s happened?

      Reply
    • btw, are you applying OPT extension at same time? Coz as I know, I have another friend meeting the same situation, he’s applying OPT extension.

      Reply
  14. Emailed Lawyer yesterday to see if the check cleared. The answer was no, which took all our hope. Surprisingly, this morning got an email with the receipt number. Thank God. The petition was for my wife though. I made through lottery last year and she made it this year. One and only one application filed. Have been hating all the multiple applicant through body-shops and will still do.

    AD/RP WAC ****

    Reply
    • I asked my HR last night and check wasnot processed.You are saying after the announcement on the USCIS website check was cleared?

      Reply
  15. Hi,

    I got a receipt number from my employer and not able to make out it got selected or not. It says My case is received in the USCIS website. Does it mean it got through in the lottery ?

    Reply
  16. Hi,

    I got a receipt number from my employer and not able to make out it got selected or not. It says My case is received in the USCIS website. Does it mean it got through in the lottery ?

    Reply
  17. Hi everyone..Just want to know, how long we can wait to know the exact result. As of May 4th is it done? if it is done then the employer know whether the case cheque is encashed or not? if not encashed which means no luck? Are they sending batch by batch result? very curious to know..please someone who knows it , please share kindly.. it will help ppl like me a lot.

    Reply
  18. Hello All,

    I just got the confirmation from my employer that 6 cheques got encashed today morning US time. Seems there is still a hope for RP applicants.

    Reply
  19. If i am currently having h1b visa stamped in my passport and I am in India. I have never travelled to U.S after getting my h1b. My Employer is not able to get me a US project and send me to US. In this case, Can i resign from my current company and try to get a job offer from US, staying within India.? Can i change my employer who sponsored my h1b and travel to U.S,if it is my first travel ?(Note: I have never travelled to U.S).Please reply.

    Reply
    • Definitely find a employer within India or in US who can make use of your skillset. Do not wait for the H1B to expire after all that visa is making careers for an individual.

      Reply
    • yes you can. Just that you need to apply to transfer the H1b to the new company. Takes about 2 months I guess, but you definitely can.

      Reply
  20. “USCIS announced May 4, 2015, that it has completed data entry of all fiscal year 2016 H-1B cap-subject petitions selected in our computer-generated random process. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected”
    This is from USCIS latest news.
    That means if the check is still not cashed that the visa is not granded?
    or it can be cashed later days?

    Reply
    • Does this mean if I haven’t received a receipt yet and I am non ad/pp, I’m pretty much done? My check hasn’t been cashed either.

      Is there any point in waiting around?

      Reply
      • PP is pretty much done. Lemme clarify (again). All PPs have a processing target of May 11. So by, say May 11, you don’t even have a receipt, then you’re done.

        Reply
  21. Non-AD/RQ/VT. just checked with the company and check is not encashed as of 4th may. with the announcement from USCIS, on4th may, saying they have completed the data entry, does it mean my application is not through the lottery? anyone else in same situation?

    Reply
    • Me too in the same hell 🙂 , But people say check is not an indicator . So we can take temporary relief whether or not its true !

      Reply
  22. I got picked in lottery this year, last time it was rejected. guys who are trying 2nd time never loose hopes. Good luck to all

    Reply
  23. This is a very excellent article. Especially I like these lines …. “if you are lucky, you would probably get H1B receipt number, if NOT…don’t worry, it has nothing to do with your talent or education…it is an external factor and you should not lose your confidence on yourself…it is not the only destiny and end of your life’s dream…Just take your setback as an opportunity to explore options to work in other parts of the world…We will try to write articles on other parts of the world.”….. This is very inspiring as we have chance of 30% or so to get selected.

    Redbus Admin – Could you please initiate another site such as “Redbus2UK”…..as I am losing hope day by day on US.

    Reply
    • Thanks. Real truthful information comes when someone really lives and works in a country. I have never lived in UK, cannot write by myself. Though I could read online and write, I do not like the idea as it would not have the same passion and confidence… I need to find someone who have genuine experience living there..Let me try to find friends or readers who can help us…

      Reply
  24. I am very sad. Don’t know what to do next. Waiting for h1b from two yrs. My all frds got selected in lottery. Now I am alone with this luck pain. This was my 2nd time.

    Reply
    • I didn’t get 3rd time in a row, AD/PP. All my friends have even started looking to buy houses and stuff. Get strong and move on..

      Reply
      • That’s real pain man. I feel for you. Having an advanced degree here and yet losing out to all these IT guys. sigh. Are you still here?

        Reply
    • Om,

      How do you come to know that your petition was not picked up. did you received any rejection notice from USCIS

      Reply
    • Om,
      I can imagine your pain…Life is tough at times with luck factor in action and favoring only few…Hope for the best, if luck does not favor you…maybe there are better things in life waiting for you…Stay positive my friend !

      Reply
    • Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. With significant chance of not being selected, there should be a good Plan B. Graduate school or cap exempt or something like that.

      Reply
  25. My employer says, Acknowledgement had been received for my petition. What does that mean? My petition got picked in lottery? Mine is Regular Processing.. Bachelors cap.

    Reply
    • Well, you have to check with your employer what he means by acknowledgement. It could mean different things. Not sure, if he meant the petition reached USCIS and the fedex gave acknowledgement. What would clarify is, if you ask him to share the H1B petition case number and send a copy of a receipt notice, that will tell you that your petition was picked in lottery and your H1B petition is being processed.

      Reply
  26. Today’s USCIS note created more confusion among the h-1B aspirents. Instead of data entry e.t.c they should have told that the petitions that got selected, EAC sharing is in process. This may take few weeks after wards we will start dispatching the rejected cases …!!!

    Reply
  27. Does USCIS return the h1b package with same Fedex tracking number? In short, I have the tracking number of my h1b package, with this can I find if I am selected in lottery?

    Reply

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