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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. I was hired by a very small dental clinic. Learned about being picked in the lottery on April 24th.

    Already renting my apartment and looking into what type of car I am getting.

    It’s so exciting!

    I was not able to secure a visa last year due to the lottery, and had to return to my home country (not India) after my OPT, which made things very hard for me as I am not licensed to practice anywhere other than the United States.

    I had to rely on family and all, living with parents, etc. I managed to apply for a job from abroad and landed a much, much better job.

    At the end of the day, though, I really deserve it. I worked so damned hard and have been through so much B.S.

    I am still getting my degree accepted in other countries though, as I have realized I cannot trust the U.S. immigration policies which are absolutely crazy. They seem to want to cater to illegal aliens nowadays.

    Reply
  2. NON-AD Regular process…10 days back my employer said…my cheque got encashed…..also sent select email…still receipt did’nt came…do i still have hopes…

    Reply
  3. Anyone with regular process and advanced degree get any information or tracking number? My application was submitted at California service center.

    Reply
    • I did. This was my second time and finally I made it to through the lottery. AD/RP/VSC. My center is Vermont though.

      Reply
  4. Has anyone had luck/experience going through the process with a small start-up? By small I mean less than 10 people, no HR, having to hire an external lawyer to go through H1B…that small. Still heard nothing back but fearing the worst.

    Reply
  5. anybody from Google (Mountain View) still waiting for their RP receipt number ? Few of my friends have lost hope.

    Reply
    • my application too was sent to CA center. still waiting for any information. Do not even know if my application was picked in the lottery

      Reply
    • Congrats Krish…Do you know when was your cheque cashe? I believe u r RP/RC/VT…

      Also did you received the receipt today or got informed today by your employer?

      Reply
      • Mine is RP – Vermont

        Got the form I-797C. Notice date is mentioned as April 29th and received receipt on 13th May. Good luck!

        Reply
        • Hi Krish, you filled through any consultant in US or any MNC. I did through consultant & ni news yet. You got it today gives some home.

          Reply
  6. YES YES YES>.i got selected. i am from CTS and they told me my H1b is approved. i am now ready to take a job of an american and do shitty coding. 1000’s of new CTS h1bs will be arriving in US this Oct along with other sickos from Infy , TCS and HCL. JAI ho H1b.

    Reply
  7. Concerned that my employer might have missed a line in our address (not put the floor number) and we are not registered with the post office (we are a small start up). I know it’s a small chance…but what if I got selected and my receipt notice got sent back if USPS was unable to deliver?? Do they mail to the employer or lawyer? Will they resend? (RP/NON AD/VT)

    Reply
  8. I am from Infosys. One WAC number is updated against work permit in AIMS. But status remains “filed with USCIS” – bulk stage movement.
    When i check my case status, I am getting following status.
    Case Was Received On April 13, 2015, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC15145XXXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case.

    Does that mean i am selected in lottery.. Please confirm..

    Reply
    • Does it mean that all H1-Bs are coming in USA for software coding only ? What about real engineering stuff like hardware engineering, manufacturing engineer, circuit design guys, radio frequency engineers ? Bio-Tech folks ?

      what about them ? their H1-B s are being suffocated due to large number of IT H1-Bs, and worse is that they do not even have consultancy companies to help them apply for multiple H1s.

      Reply
  9. FYI,
    Igate officially announced on selected and non selected petitions.So I will say bye bye to Redbus2US. Lets see next year.All the best to everyone.

    Reply
  10. News from TechMahindra. Close to 6 K ( company strength 90K) applications this year for Cap. First list received from embassy for about 2.5K applications that includes both selected as well as rejected. People I heard don’t know this yet, I got this news because of friends at high places…I believe the company is waiting for the final list to just avoid (delay) attrition/panic/depression/suicide/murder amongst the employees.

    Reply
  11. I could see for few colleagues Iaura is updated with receipt number but no official updates so far. Till when we can expect internally.

    Reply
  12. My check got enchased last week and till now haven’t received receipt number. My employer said to wait
    Please any body tell me, am i still in the game or how?
    Mine is through RP

    Reply
    • Well, if they the check cashed in the last week, probably attorney or employer would be getting regular mail [not email], as yours is RP, in one week to 10 days. So, you probably should wait till mid of next week and then check with your counter part regarding I-797C

      Reply
        • Man, your check is en-cashed and if you are sure about it, then why are leaving it to hope. You got picked in random selection. Congrats !!!

          Reply
          • Venkat,
            I heard that even if its picked,sometimes receipt number may not come. Thats the reason am leaving it to hope.

  13. My check got enchased last week. Still no receipt number. Mine is RP
    Employer saying,it will be coming. Wait till this week

    please tell,am i still in the game or out!!!! Please

    Reply
      • I heard that Wipro sent out first list for candidates both selected and rejected. If you have not received email then don’t lose hope….just yet. All the best. May the Force be with you….cheers

        Reply
        • R you sure Wipro is sending Rejection Mails because as per USCIS they send rejection at last….pls dont spread rumors

          Reply
          • I am not spreading rumours buddy, believe me, if you haven’t got any email then you can still harbour some hope. Rest I leave it to you…good luck. I am waiting too so is my girl friend, we both are in W.

          • I agree , i haven’t heard of any rejection emails so far even GIMS didnt mention of this

      • Dear All Wiproites, Keep hopes, just the first list is out, like every year, many more will get and yet to come. Keep hopes and pray well.
        Ask your seniors who got H1B for better details or understanding..

        Reply
    • Dear All, You will get it..Special mention for Wipro, you all know that the travel and VISA team has been very professional and consoidering company credit, we are next to INFY in VISA, far better than other companies and I am sure that your process is far better than other companies. So keep hope, work with wipro and get your VISA. Best way to go to US is certainly VISA.

      Reply
  14. GI team is giving updates for the AHDs raised, like whether picked in lottery/no receipt yet, for picked cases they are mentioning that stage will be updated in AIMS

    Reply
      • AIMS has been updated based on the response received till yesterday. GI is not expecting any more after this week

        Reply
        • One of our colleague got an update today.
          Was eagerly following this site for updates from infy. Just thought of updating for others from infy who are eagerly waiting like me.
          Riding on my luck for 2nd time..

          Reply
        • When did you frnd got the update?
          Is it in the early morning itself or in the day time?
          Reason for asking this question is to know if this updates are coming from US or India.

          Reply
        • I just called GI….they have not received my application till date 🙁

          just fyi….Updates are done in US timings.

          Reply
  15. Guys…Sorry if i am asking silly que. what is meaning of AD/Non-AD??

    in many comments i have seen AD/PP/.. ?

    pl let me know terms.

    Reply
    • No buddy.. still waiting for update.. VTS tool says petition submitted. Last update in tool was on 23 April.
      Keep posted if get any update.

      Reply
  16. Regular Processing.. SEVIS not updated and no activity in bank account.. Do you think its the end or is there still hope?

    Reply
  17. I know everyone eagerly waiting for receipts. The faith is already decided and we are at receving end. Don’t tag yourself as lucky or unlucky.May god decided a bright future in different path.
    These are my two cents. No offense please.

    Reply
  18. GOT it finally
    We are pleased to inform you that your H-1B application for the FY 2015–16 has been selected by USCIS via lottery process. Your application status in IMS portal has been updated as “Receipt copy Received”.

    Reply
    • Hi WIPRO ppl, so our company started sending results from yesterday. First lucky 1000 were informed. Pls post if ppl receive emails today as well so that,we ll know they hav started second batch of 1000

      Reply
      • called GIMS today morning, they were saying “they have recieved only 1000 application id’s as of now from US wipro. and they are yet to recieve remaining in batches. ” according to some other source wipro has recieved around 4200 reciepts already…not sure which is true

        Reply
        • Hmm , I got to know tat Wipro USA has appx. 4200 receipts received so far, They are processing it batch by batch , yesterday they sent list of first 1000 applications to GIMS offshore to update in IMS and lucky ones got their emails. They are planning to process it in batches of 1000 and procedure should finish may b in next few days.

          Today , i guess there were no emails – Lets keep fingers crossed for second round of 1000 emails.

          Reply
          • Today morning i have raised one ticket to GIMS, they have updated that ” we have recieved only 20% of application reciepts as of now which are distributed already and expecting to recieve more in coming weeks”

            but they did not updated from where they recieved this 20%, from US GIMS or USCIS…..where is this 4200 figure come out? is it true?

    • 4200 is info from GIMS guy only – They said only 1000 receipts were sent on day 1 i.e on 12th , rest of the receipts are being processed by wipro USA and will be sent out in next few days , but you know what these things are never damn 100% true !!

      Reply
      • that is true anyhow, lets hope for the best, if 4200 figure is true then every 1 person in 2 will get the receipt. all the best…

        Reply
        • I wish the same 2 all wiproites here , please post when anybody receive emails. Good thing is GIMS will chose one particular day for sending emails Like 12th.

          So , chances of getting email of any random day are not there at least.

          Reply

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