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USCIS received 124,000 H1B Visa 2014 Petitions – Official Lottery Update Results

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As predicted by us earlier on USCIS official news update date, USCIS did an official press release today disclosing the details of overall petitions received and lottery process followed, including results. Below is a brief summary of the H1B Visa 2014 news release.

USCIS Official News : Summary of H1B Visa 2014 Lottery Results press release

  • Big News: For the first time in USCIS history since 2008, H1B Visas 2014 cap reached within the first week of filings, i.e, first week of April.  You can check out US Economy and H1B Visa Lottery
  • Total H1B Petitions received :  USCIS received a total of 124,000 H1B Visa petitions for fiscal year 2014.
  • Lottery Information : USCIS conducted a random computer generated random selection process, also called as lottery, on April 7th to select the petitions needed to meet the regular cap of 65,000 and masters cap of 20,000
  • Lottery Process followed: As described in our detail H1B Visa Lottery process, USCIS followed the same thing.  First USCIS conducted lottery process for Masters quota petitions and then the petitions not selected in masters lottery were merged with regular quota pool and random selection process was conducted for remaining pool to select 65,000 petitions.
  • Petitions Not Selected in Lottery  : If your petition was not selected in lottery, USCIS will reject and return the petition along with the filing fee, except for duplicate petitions.
  • Premium Processing for H1B Visa 2014 : To facilitate the data entry process and meet the timelines, USCIS will begin premium processing for H1B Visa 2014 from April 15th.
  • Non-Cap Subject Petitions Accepted :  USCIS will continue to accept non-cap subject petitions i.e, that have already been counted towards to the cap, including petitions filed under below category
    • H1B Visa stay extensions
    • Employee terms changes for H1B visa worker
    • H1B petitions filed for Change of employers
    • H1B petitions filed for concurrent working for more than one employer

Did I miss anything ?

Do you have any questions ? What are your thoughts ?

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Author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu
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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11,589 Comments

    • My Boss called and there was 78 minute wait time. He then had a call back setup. They called him back searched for my name and found nothing. They said it could still be processing. It will take in total 45 days from the 8th of April before everyone is told.

      • i think ur boss just lied. there is no way like that u can call and get info…

        wait till u get official mail with reciept number.. dont just end up in problems

  2. Just a random question..

    Wat is the effective date of your H1b if you have an Advance degree from US?? Like in H4 cases its Oct 1st

      • People who are on OPT(if it is valid after October) and if they want to use their OPT completely can do so.

        Your employer have to fill an extra form for change of status and can mention the end date in that form so that you can be on your OPT till the date you mentioned in that form and then move to H1.

  3. Any regular processing who got approvals ??!
    Please post WAC/EAC, first 5 digits.
    This is to help calculate the processing speeds for non-premium.

  5. are there any people here who applied as RQ/PP/CSC but were not selected in the lottery and received their packages back? i’m RQ/PP/CSC but my lawyers haven’t received either the receipt number of the package so i don’t know if i’m selected or not.. how long should i wait?

  7. Guys,
    Is there any logic like atleast one person per company will get selected into lottery?..
    My company applied for 3 ppl . No cheque encashed and no news for any one.

    Totally worried. I am looking for L1 to H1 . No updates so far:(

      • Hi
        I am also looking. I am also L1 to H1. No idea whats going on. Its crazy. its making us more tense. i called employer and they said they got few yesterday but not for me. No updates for today, as they did not pick up the phone.

  9. Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001 makes it a crime to:
    1) knowingly and willfully;
    2) make any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation;
    3) in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative or judicial branch of the United States.

    In many states impersonation itself is a crime. California’s false personation laws make it a crime to impersonate someone else in order to harm that person, or to gain a benefit for yourself.

    So, please do not call up USCIS impersonating your employer. In doing so you would be commiting a crime and will be liable to prosecution effectively jeopardising your career and stay in US forever.

    • WHAT?

      USCIS does NOT ask the full name of employer. They may ask the name of the person they are speaking to. Now, all operators are different and if some do ask for a full name, give them your real name.

      It is an open, public phone line. The number is accessible to the public and allows anyone to call. There is NO provision that says you must be an employer or attorney.

      In fact, the first option offers employer, attorney or even third party to be put through. If some operators won’t give out information to beneficiaries, then so be it. Just hang up.

      Most of the information requested is centered around company name and employee name and information. That’s it.

      Now please point me to where people are “falsely impersonating someone else to harm that person or gain benefit for themselves against that person”.

      HOLY HELL, people. Relax. And be smart.

          • You can speak to them but if they ask whether you are an employee, employer or attorney before releasing information and you say that you are an employee, they won’t release any information.

          • No necessarily true. What they ask appears to be at the discretion of the operator, and some bypass that question and merely ask what type of case you are calling about etc. No impersonation required.

            Now, this is not a rule and this is why I say be smart.

          • My friend called USCIS and they asked him if he was a petitioner or beneficiary. He is not smart, he told the truth and they denied giving him any information. Looks like literally anything can become a topic of debate on internet.

          • If you are wondering whether something is ethical or not, in most cases it’s unethical – this applies to almost all situations.

          • It seems people are not getting it still. If you pass through the stages to reach a rep, you are acknowledging the fact that you are an authority who has the right to the beneficiary’s Information. Note that a beneficiary cannot use that system. So you are In the wrong here if you do it.

          • QWERTY, you are not entirely right.
            I bypassed the automated questions because I believe one of them gives you the option to ask about “case status” regardless of who you are.
            Then, I was asked by the rep if I was the applicant and I said yes. She asked me if the employer was present, I said no. Then she said that I have to wait for 30 days to pass from the moment I filed the application in order to find out details. She said that if the employer calls or if the employer is present, she can give case-specific information.
            I’m not sure if there are any repercussions for pretending to be the employer. Most likely there aren’t …but I decided to be truthful and hopefully I will call back tomorrow with my boss present.

      • What if someone knows his collegues’s name and use that system to know about his immigration status? It’s illegal to do it. Go for it if you are trying to convince yourself. Stop spewing information that could hurt someone. There are stressed out people here who cannot think straight now here.

        • What is your point, exactly?

          I said, USCIS does NOT necessarily ask for anyone’s full name. Which means, you may be able to get information without lying.

          • When you press keys on the touch phone acknowledging that you are either an attorney, company rep, or third party you are already lying. That’s my point. Now do they establish if the caller is who they think he/she is another matter. All they have to do is to be nice and make a note in the system that ‘caller is potentially the beneficiary,’ can trigger a red flag. There I no reason to be not to be paranoid.

            I am of course speculating they they will make a note. But I have my reasons to do so. When I called then some months ago for my status, they wrote everything down. When I had to call them again on the same matter or update a different rep had those previous noted with him. He then asked me to verify all this info again.

      • @ffff: What the hell? Can you even read? Can you string through words to understand a sentence?
        I said and quote, “please do not call up USCIS impersonating your employer”. Did I say do not call USCIS at all?

        I am advising people not to commit a crime and you have issues with that!

        And, I have quoted a federal law and a California state law. Both are two different laws. In case your attention span is too small to have grasped that. If someone impersonated s/he already broke a federal law, it becomes insignificant if in doing so s/he broke a state law too.

        • Guys, no need to attack each other. We all have different views/ interpretations etc. We are only here to share our opinions and advice.

          Thank you to those that gave out information on how to call USCIS and thank you to those who have warned us about how giving out false info could backfire.
          I guess just read what everyone has to say…and draw your own conclusions. We do not need to fight in order to agree on everything.

          • You still don’t get it.

            Some things are wrong, you don’t draw conclusions about them after hearing different views, they are just wrong. Like playing with fire is dangerous, no matter how many different views you hear about it and then decide to play with it you will still get burned.

            So, unless an attorney tells you it is perfectly safe to impersonate you should err on the side of caution.

    • After I posted the above question, I just got the receipt from my lawyer. Received date : 8th, notice date – 19th, receipt number starts with eac. VT center. RP,RQ.

  13. I have no clue why I end up refreshing this page every few seconds. I keep telling myself that it’s not going to help but somehow I still end up reading the same comments over and over again.
    At this stage I just wanna know the result. Even if I am rejected just lemme know; at least I can plan my life better. One thing that I have not been able to understand in this whole process is why USCIS can’t send an ’email’ to the RP (non PP) candidates as well. The last I checked emails were free.

    • Right there with you dude! Refreshing constantly as if somehow I will see my receipt number here :P. But it does help to read about others outcomes and postulate on my own.

      I just read that the receipt was received and the check was not cashed yet. Gives me hope as my check hasnt been cashed yet. So fingers crossed at least either till Friday or 30th.

      Best of luck to us both!

      • same here guys,
        I allready called USCIS and didn’t get any info. nothing from employeer or lawyer.
        I want my yes or no now!
        hard to be patient and this blog doesn’t help, but I can t stop refreshing.

    • @STUCK,

      JUST PRAY AND THINK POSITIVE ALWAYS. YOUR RECEIPT IS ON THE WAY. I SUGGEST TO WAIT… IT IS NOT YET OVER..
      GOODLUCK IS WITH YOU!

  16. Just wanted to say that you all seem like very smart and lovely people and you all deserve to get your visa. I take most of you are from India, and as a European I really admire how supportive and polite you are to each other. Some Europeans and Americans in forums like this would be arguing and being rude by now, they have a lot to learn from you guys.

    I’m still waiting RQ/RP/VSC, my lawyer keeps suggesting J-1 visa but I really don’t want to take that road.

    Best of luck to all of you!

    • @chelseanyc
      for a suggestion, god forbids if you dont get selected in this lottery try for CPT. Get into an acredited college, register for one or two classes, get 40 hours of CPT and than apply for next year April again.
      I am waiting for my receipt too, if I dont get through I`ll get into an acredited college, get my 40 hours CPT and go for classes on weekends and you will still be able to continue your work in USA if you are currently employed.

      • Paromita
        thanks for validating this. its an option i have started exploring as well.
        I believe that having already spent 2 years on f1, i am eligible to pursue a CPT (full or part time) from the 1st semester itself.
        Also, do you know if the CPT can stretch beyond 2 semesters?
        looking at my luck, i think i will require at least 2 more shots (years) at the lottery to have any chance of making it.

        • Hello,
          I think CPT is for one year but I am not sure. Check in with the university you are planning on joining.

          • Ya check with univ. as some allows you to take CPT from day one and others requires you to take some credits first.
            I got my WAC no. from sevis update but CPT was my plan B

      • @Paromita
        Thanks for the tip! I hadn’t even thought about that! I didn’t realize I could go straight on CPT. I just finished my OPT a couple of weeks ago though, so I don’t know if I am even entitled to CPT at all, I think I can’t do it. But that’s a great piece of advice in general, others take note!

        • Chelseanyc,
          i know that u can’t do an OPT after 1 year of full-time CPT; but i am yet to read about the reverse (i.e no CPT after 1 year of OPT); if you find any material on this topic, pls share it on this forum; i am banking on a CPT to tide over this year;

          • I will definitely look it up! I just suspect that they are related to each other, as if you use CPT you lose some of your OPT, e.g. if you have six months of CPT you only get six months of OPT instead of a year. So OPT and CPT are related, and if you have used a year of either one, I think you won’t get another, at least not straight away or for the same field of work. I might be completely wrong, which would be great, as the CPT option actually sounds pretty good, well at least it would be the best out a bad bunch.

          • yeah my understanding is that CPT is course related, so u can use it every time a course justifies it; (i hope i am right);
            OPT is after-study training and we can use it just once, and because a full time CPT is as good as an OPT, u cant do another OPT after full time CPT;

          • Do NOT go the CPT route! You have to be in your current major for one year until you can even do CPT. And there are very strict guidelines. It is illegal for a university to offer CPT from semester 1 and this can get you in big trouble.

            CPT is not to be used for obtaining or maintaining employment, it is strictly academic in nature.

        • chelseanyc – email me at pokerprofessional26 at gmail dot com and I will suggest you schools that can give you CPT…

        • But watch out. CPT has been in a tough scrutiny lately. It’s not that easy. Not to shatter your hopes but be careful. Search for CPT troubles nvau. A few universities were in big trouble handing out CPTs. Do not make a decision until you const with your DSO.

          • thanks Qwerty;
            i believe those were for non-legit universities like TVU? i have to do plenty more research, but yeah i intend to pursue this path only if its legit

          • @QWERTY,
            you are right people do face problems when they go to colleges where they just pay and dont even go for their classes. Thats a not so legal way to get 40 hours of CPT, and not go to college. But if you are registered in an acredited college with legetimate documents, classes and employment you are good. You do not need to worry as you will have all real and legitimate documents to begin with. Its a problem for people who tries to get things done under the table. Some do get lucky but some dont. There are a lot of options out there you just need to decide if you want to go the legal way or under the table; and if you have all legit documents dont worry at all.

        • @ chelseanyc.
          Yes i am right now in OPT, so yes I can start my CPT as soon as I register for classes in one of the acredited colleges. Hope that helps

      • @ Paromita

        for CPT do i need to take up any prior exams OR is it every college offers CPT program ?

        I am new to this but this is my back up plan if I dont make up in lottery.

        Your suggestions would be highly appreciated.

        • @waiting h1b
          I believe you do not need to take any exams unless you are really taking this CPT up for a real masters degree. By saying that i mean, for example my OPT is expiring in march 2014, So I have two options either i take up the 90 days of grace period and wait till june 2014 to get my H1 approved but if its an lottery again and i dont get selected than the only option I would have is to go back to my country.
          Second option is CPT- you get CPT only for two semester i.e one year. You can take courses which has to be related to your field and you can work 40 hours. By that I mean you can continue working ar your regular job if you are currently employed and you would need to take classes during the weekend or during evening.
          third option- if you are planning on doing masters than yes you would need to give exam for GMAT or GRE depending on your college requirement. For the first year you can ask for one year of CPT and have classes during evenings or weekends. and after one year either you again apply for H1 or continue to be a full time masters student as you do not get CPT for more than a year, as far as I know.
          I hope this answered your doubts and questions.

      • Hi @Paromita… Can you please suggest me universities that offer CPT and low tuition fee. I know not a relevent post here..but i am planning for backup options.

        Also if my h1b got rejected this year…can I do the same thing next year …like taking CPT and apply the very next year (even though the course not finished?)

        • look up state universities; for e.g., being in cal, i am looking at cal state universities; cheaper tuition, and admissions are open for some of the relevant courses i am looking at till june 1; look for courses related to ur current job so that u can justify a CPT;

        • u can apply for h1b next year even when u r enrolled for courses, as long as the job u are applying for requires only one of your completed degrees (previous bachelors or masters);
          double check with an immigration attorney;

        • @karteeka
          look for state universities or community colleges or institutes whereever you live.
          For example if you are in NY/NJ/PA area look for NY state university, City college of NY, Delaware university, NJIT, Rutgers… Look into www.collegeboard.com, that might help.

          Now I dont know how long you have your visa/OPT for?
          Suppose if your visa or OPT expires before October 2013, than you better register before October and get your CPT.
          But if your case is like me i.e OPT ending in March 2014, than I will be starting my classes from January/Winter quarter2014 and also apply for my CPT. I`ll continue working on my OPT till march 2014 and apply for my H1 April 2014 and continue working till I get my h` approved. And god forbids if I dont get my H1 approved or again if there`s another lottery in 2014 than i`ll just continue studies and get my masters done.

        • @karteeka
          look for state universities or community colleges or institutes whereever you live.
          For example if you are in NY/NJ/PA area look for NY state university, City college of NY, Delaware university, NJIT, Rutgers… Look into http://www.collegeboard.com, that might help.

          Now I dont know how long you have your visa/OPT for?
          Suppose if your visa or OPT expires before October 2013, than you better register before October and get your CPT.
          But if your case is like me i.e OPT ending in March 2014, than I will be starting my classes from January/Winter quarter2014 and also apply for my CPT. I`ll continue working on my OPT till march 2014 and apply for my H1 April 2014 and continue working till I get my h` approved. And god forbids if I dont get my H1 approved or again if there`s another lottery in 2014 than i`ll just continue studies and get my masters done……..

        • @karteeka
          look for state universities or community colleges or institutes whereever you live.
          For example if you are in NY/NJ/PA area look for NY state university, City college of NY, Delaware university, NJIT, Rutgers… Look into collegeboard, that might help.
          Now I dont know how long you have your visa/OPT for?
          Suppose if your visa or OPT expires before October 2013, than you better register before October and get your CPT.
          But if your case is like me i.e OPT ending in March 2014, than I will be starting my classes from January/Winter quarter2014 and also apply for my CPT. I`ll continue working on my OPT till march 2014 and apply for my H1 April 2014 and continue working till I get my h` approved. And god forbids if I dont get my H1 approved or again if there`s another lottery in 2014 than i`ll just continue studies and get my masters done.

      • Guys,
        what are the accredited universities that are offering CPT?

        Any idea?

        seems like we all are in the same situation.

        Share the word please

        • T,
          look for state universities where admissions are still open for some of the courses; and then in every region, there are many smaller accredited colleges; u’ll have to do some research on those

      • i am on H4. Can I think of opting for CPT ? I know I have to change my visa status to F1 first.
        But after that how can i go ahead on this ?

        Please guide

          • so in my case I have to change my status from H4 -> F1.

            Then enroll myself in some university and do my major for atleast 1 year. after which i can apply for CPT .

            Is this the way how it works? Sorry to bother you but I am new to this and I really need to think as a backup plan if nothing works out this year on my H1.

            Please suggest

          • @sai,
            Yes because you are in H4,, first you have to apply for F1, than after 3 months as them to apply for you SSN and you will get to work 20 hours CPT/week in campus. Ones you complete one year of college which is 2 semester than you will be able to apply for 40 hours of CPT.

          • Thanks Paromita for your reply.

            Quick question : Since i already have my SSN do i still have to wait for 3 months to get 20 hours CPT/week ??

            I stay in PA , do you have any idea on some universities out here with low fees.

            I understand I have to do lot of R n D on this but your suggestions would be highly appreciated

          • @sai,
            I honestly wont be able to answer that question. I dont want to give you wrong answers as I know how much stress you have atm.
            Why dont you ask your lawyer if you have one.
            As far as I know you get 20 hours of CPT only if you have a good academic GPA. By saying so i`m guessing you would first need to be registered for 3 months or so and have a good academic GPA and based on that you can ask your university DSO to apply for your CPT.

            Ones again I dont know how would this work for you because you are on H4, so first i think you would need to change your status to F1. May be there`s an option for h4 to study and have 20 hours of CPT. I honestly dont know, its better you take some legal advisors help.

            Also for universities try for Villanova MBA- they have an assistantship program where your tuition actually gets waived off around 80-90%.
            Assistantship program is basically you get to teach in college as well as take classes. So the tuition for your classes gets waived off as you will also be teaching in that college.
            You might also check Bloomsburg university, Drexel, Temple, West chester. I dont know where you exactly live, but these are all near King of Prussia area closer to downtown philly.

          • @ sai,
            Just for more clarification I came to USA as an H4 under my dad`s H1. So i did my high school and first year of college as h4. Than I had to change it to F1 because first as the child of H1 holder I cannot stay in H4 if i`m above 21 and I also wanted to work. So I had to change my status to F1. I complete my studies and now I am working on my STEM OPT which is expiring in March 2014.

            Now if you are a spouse of a H1 candidate I dont know how that will work for you. But if you are under your mom or dad`s H1 than you would need to follow my steps.

            As an H4 you are not allowed to work at all. You can study but not work.

      • @Paramita…Hi
        I live in Mt Laurel, NJ. Can you tell some colleges around which gives CPT/OPT in the first semester. Also, can we share our contact details so that I might ask for some guidance if God forbids, I need them. My mail is my username at gmail dot com

    • I am European too and this situation is stressful. J-1 is not an option, nor is any more school. It sucks but I am positive, I suppose. No news from anywhere yet. Same category as you.

      • I know, going back to school is really not an option for me either, can’t afford it and it would yet again hinder career progression. And won’t go back home either! But you’re right, let’s stay positive!

        • I’m with you. I also really don’t want to be going back home. I keep being told it’s still early for most of our category, so we technically still have “weeks” of waiting. It sucks I know, but hey. Hope’s the last to die.

        • hey I dont know if you are from IT or not but try for colleges/universities which offer assistantship programs in that you get to teach in that college and also be a student and attend classes. The biggest advantage for asssistantship is you get your tuitioned waived off 90% or more. Look into colleges like Villanova university, Bloomsburg university, NYU. I dont know where you guys live in USA but just throwing out some options, hope this helps.
          These are all for masters degree and you can also apply for CPT. You can also look for MBA a lot of the colleges offering MBA has assistantship program.

          WIsh you all the very best and hope we alll get our receipts and not worry about getting into studies again.

    • Same here, chelseanyc (also European, and also living in Chelsea, NYC funnily enough.)
      No change in SEVIS. Lawyer told me this morning that receipts are slowly trickling into their office, but haven’t asked about cheques.

      And I agree, I’m glad there are people out there in the same boat. Thanks, everyone!

      • How funny! I just moved to Noho from Chelsea, such a great neighborhood. We should go for a drink and celebrate once we (hopefully!!!) get our receipts!

    • Well said.. I’m Turkish.. I think the same way and appreciate how everybody is supportive and polite!

      still waiting to hear a good new…AD/RP.. 🙂

      After investing so much money, time, and energy for my MBA and getting a good job and convincing my company for h1b by showing them amazing things (this is their expression); this wait is being the most stressful and and, the same time, the longest in my life.. :s

      I wish good luck to everyone on this forum!

  18. RQ / RP .

    ok Guys .. Finally the employer told me that i was selected .. He gave me my petition no. He didnt say when he got the petition no.

    EAC131395**** – The status is in Initial review.

    Guys keep your fingers crossed . I am sure you ll be selected . Just keep asking the employer about your details . I think they are still processing the RQ/RP . Dont lose your hope if it gets delayed.

    Now i have some more questions ..

    1. How do i know if this EAC no belongs to me .
    2. Generally how long it takes to arrive at a Decision for the RP.
    3. When will we get the petition in our hand. Would the USCIS send us a copy or are we dependant on our employer for this ?

    Thanks again for your support.

  19. I got receipt and waiting for the decision (approval or not). The decision is supposed to reach by yesterday but still no update, rather my status is still at “acceptance” via online. Anyone under the same situation?

    • Dude…don’t worry and don’t completely relay on case status updates. I saw many cases for last couple of years where “you will get H1 approved and the case status still shows Initial review ”

      what do you mean by ‘The decision is supposed to reach by yesterday’??

  20. please respond this

    WAC131385*****
    WAC131395*****

    EAC131385*****
    EAC131905*****

    WAC131405*****
    WAC131415*****
    WAC131425*****

    EAC131405*****
    EAC131415*****
    EAC131425*****

    HELLO ANY ONE RECEIVED THE RECEIPT NUMBER WITH THE ABOVE SEQUENCE ?

    IT TAKES 3-7 DAYS ?

    i am RQ/RP/WAC

  21. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! Finally got the receipt!.

    On April 8, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or contact our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

    WAC131385xxxx

  22. Are I129s being still issued at VSC? Somebody posted a EAC number based on how they checked the site. Seems like numbers till EAC1314452285 have been issued today so far for petitions received on April 8th (which I believe is lottery date). So do we still have hope?

  24. Hi Guys,

    I need some help. I am on H4 visa currently and applied for H1 in RP/RQ/CSC. Is there any way to know the COS from H4 to H1. Help is highly appreciated.

  25. Hi All,
    Please do not call USCIS and risk your self (or atleast your chance). They have sofisticated fraud detection system. If you are cought, forget about H1, you can never land in US in your lifetime (or you may face criminal action for identity theft/faking identity and subsequently you will be deported from US incase you are in USA). This is not Indian system to take it for a ride. This is my sincere advice. If you wish you can take risk. Please wait like thousands of other applicants who have applied for H1B.
    I am not sure, who is giving this dirty idea.
    __________
    Thanks,
    Raj

    • I will clearly tell them, that I am an Employee and not the Employer. Can I still check my case status? If they will say Yes, I will ask them. Otherwise, it’s fine

      • @Dreamer
        Yes, you can.. but they wont reveal any details to employee.
        uscis won’t reveal any details to employee
        only employer/attonery can get those details.

        I suggest you to be patient and wait for H1b receipt or reject receipt from uscis. All the best!

        • @Luck, I will give this a try, I am calling them,
          I will tell them that I am an Employee, would you be able to tell me my case status?
          Worth a try, If they say, no, I am anyway waiting

        • @Luck, I will give this a try, I am calling them,
          I will tell them that I am an Employee, would you be able to tell me my case status?
          Worth a try, If they say, no, I am anyway waiting

          What say?

    • Agree.

      Also, to be fair to USCIS, one must give them time. They are processing 85K applications. It’s no joke. And they are also bound to decide on so many petitions that come under the premium processing category within 15 days. So, please be patient guys.

    • I concur. That’s what I have been saying. It not just unethical. It’s a federal offense to impersonate and lie to a federal system to retrieve private and sensitive information. If anyone had already done it and think that was smart, I do not know what to say. Those who are waiting and planning to call… Don’t.

      I understand the pain of waiting. Politely convey your situation to the HR and have then call. If you are already working, just walk/drive over to the HR and present your case.

      Don’t be stupid to think that you can fool the system. Your employer has already submitted the fees for fraud prevention. I am sure USCIS has a good system to protect data from theft. If you are adamant to brute force it, be on your own. Do not try to persuade others who are understandably stressed.

  26. Hi All,

    I got my H1b approval but my SEVIS is not updated in my College records?? I don’t know why??? If anybody have the same issue.

    • I got the mail confirmation letter from USCIS indicating the application has been selected in the lottery. Last time I checked, neither the checks were deposited nor the SEVIS had been updated.

  27. We need an article about ethics in the workplace and in general. If you can falsely impersonate your employer to find out about your case status, I wonder what else you are capable of. Please show some integrity and act with some class people. This isn’t a third world country where your actions won’t have any unintended consequences.

    • That is what we are saying this is not 3rd world country, process should be little more transparent. Selecting “Speciality occupation” candidates randomly in itself is shame for this country. On the top of that, lawyers and employers are taking ages to update the cases. I agree what people are doing is unethical. But its the consequence of faulty system. So peace. Good luck all.

      • People should be acting in an appropriate manner even if the system is faulty. You can ask your HR or Lawyer to call USCIS if you are really impatient. Otherwise, just wait for official communication and prepare for alternative situations in case you don’t get selected. Is is really too much to ask?

        • Only if it was that easy, asking from employer or attorney for the update, as you mentioned and I am sure even USCIS knows that people calling them are not employers, they are not stupid. They can tell you fro myour confidence level, you are employee or employer. But they know people are getting anxious as the process is coming to end and candidates have heard nothing.

          • Honestly, those aren’t good reasons to act so desperately. Is it in the best interests of employers or attorneys to hold updates from beneficiaries? They can’t update you because they don’t have updates.

        • I agree with asd. We have to obey the rules and cannot command.
          @Manish. How much transparent are the hiring teams in IT companies. To be frank atleast half of the candidates show fake experience and joining IT. Also, you can see that in US too especially H1B.

          • That is what I am saying Raj, if comapnies are not transparent in hiring candiadates and USCIS is not transparesnt enough about their selction and declaration of results. Why on earth you are expecting Candidates to be “Ethical”?

        • I agree with asd. We have to obey the rules and should not command.
          @Manish. How much transparent are the hiring teams in IT companies. To be frank, atleast half of the candidates are showing fake experience and joining IT. Also, you can see that in US especially H1B.

    • I am not sure your comment is directly to me. But I want to be clear that my employer updated me immdiately, and I did not falsely impersonate my employer!!! My employer notified me and show me what is going on. I am so appreciative that my company is so supportive. So PLEASE don’t even start. Ethics is important and everyone should know this.

      • My comments are for people who have already called USCIS pretending to be an employer or those who are thinking about calling as an employer.

        • I didnt call USCIS but i understand people calling USCIS is not that unethical. I probably would have done the same thing, if I was in their shoes.

          • well if they can’t differentiate an employee from employer – how can they be sure its actually the employee who is impersonating to know the status – it can be anyone who knows that employee and that employee’ s employer and just got curious to know his status 🙂

    • In all fairness, it is an open, public phone line. The number is accessible to the public and allows anyone to call. There is NO provision that says you must be an employer or attorney.

      Where is this written, exactly?

      In fact, the first option offers employer, attorney or even third party to be put through.

      USCIS does NOT ask the full name of employer. They may ask the name of the person they are speaking to. Now, all operators are different and if some do ask for a full name, give them your real name.

      Most of the information requested is centered around company name and employee name and information. That’s it.

      • Apparently, they ask you if you are an employee, employer or attorney before they release information. It is at this point that people are lying to get information. As an employee, one can call as much as one wants, but it will be a waste of time.

  28. Hey all,
    I know this may have been asked before, but asking again:
    Does the Check sometimes get cashed after the receipt has been sent out? Or sometimes even as its about to reach the office?

    RQ/RP/VSC. Asked accounts and no check cashed as of Monday and Tuesday evening. But also knowing that RQ/RP just recently started to receive the receipts. So trying to keep hopes up. No info from DSO and dont think I want to call USCIS by myself.

    Thanks! And Best of luck to all.

  29. I am silent reader of this forum Finally got my Receipt no (Rq/Rp/CSC ) from my employer , but still in panic beacause my employer didnt send the client letter/SOW along with my petition . Is that mandaotory? can somebody explain ?
    Congrats for those who got and my prayers for those who waiting .

  30. I’ve been following this blog since day1 – April 1st. I am a silent reader but I am not anymore because I just noticed checks got cashed. I still haven’t received any letter yet. I am under RQ/RP. .. Does that mean I got pick under lottery?

    • Depends.. checks got cashed but was it your check? Did you give a check to your consultant? If that is the case you can not directly conclude that it has gone through…. If it were your employers check to USCIS that got cashed.. well then ask your employer to see the image of the receipt number behind the check!! I think they could do it online!!

      • @hey: thanks for the tip, i just checked. yes it is company check and I saw it is stamped by USCIS, vermont service center!!!

    • Just confirm from lawyer and she said: “This is great news! Yes, this means that your petition has been selected by USCIS for processing.” OMGG

  31. Guys i just called USCIS and they were not able to find my name in there. I also noticed that on my I129 form, in the beneficiary information segment my lawyer didn’t mention my name or anything. In fact i was not able to find my name on both I129 and G28 forms. He mentioned it only on the cover letter.

    Have anyone faced this kind of issue before? Please help!!!

  32. RQ/RP/CSC……still waiting for the receipt. Any body out there waiting for the receipt? If I don’t receive the receipt no. by the end of this month…….does it imply that my application did not get picked in the lottery!

    • Hey Rahul Iam too waiting RQ/RP/CSC wait is killing me… heard from my company yesterday they are getting updates from USCIS.. so we hv no choice but to wait…

  33. WAC131405*****
    WAC131415*****
    WAC131425*****

    EAC131405*****
    EAC131415*****
    EAC131425*****

    HELLO ANY ONE RECEIVED THE RECEIPT NUMBER WITH THE ABOVE SEQUENCE ?
    WAC FILED TILL 142 WITH 141 THEY FILED NEARLY 4000 PETITIONS

    SO IT TAKES 3-7 DAYS ?

  34. Hi All,
    My h1B employer employer filed for 2 H1b’s, received by USCIS on 1st april (confirmed by fedex).
    Yesterday my employer called USCIS to find out our status. My colleague has been assigned his tracking number but there is nothing on the system for me. they said it has not been processed yet and there was no number assigned.

    Does this mean that I am not selected in the lottery, should I lose all hope now?

    Seriously stressed/depressed applicant

    • Dude, I am in the same situation, out of two applications filed by the attorney mine is not the lucky one so far, but I am trying not to looooose 🙂 (of course, not to LOSE) hope.

      • I’m holding out for the slim hope that they have already assigned a “fate” to my application and just haven’t gotten around to processing it etc…. have all applications been processed and they are just in the process of notifications now?

  35. guys, any help will be appreciated. Those who have got confirmation, did your employer give u a confirmation that your case is picked in lottery basis their cheque been encashed? I am also RQ/RP/VSC. I just heard from someone at my employer’s that the cheque has been cashed, but havent recvd a mail or any update form employer or lawyer that my case is selected in lottery. does that mean that my case is picked for sure or is it still dicey until I receive a mail/receipt. Could it be possible that USCIS debits account even if case is not picked in lottery and refunds later?

    • if your check is cashed then you are selected in lottery but the no will be on the way.
      uscis dont cash the checks of unpicked applications.

      • there are the chances of that happens if they submitted duplicate applications, then the checks will be cashed and application is rejected as well…but i guess it’s not the case for you, Rishika 😉

        • What do you mean by duplicate applications here?
          Same employer filing 2 petitions for 1 employee OR
          1 employee filing multiple petitions through different employers ??

          • same employer filling more than 1 petition for the same employee. And for example, if two petitions got picked in the lottery, no checks will be returned, it will be cashed.

            The other case (1 employee filing multiple petitions through different employers), I don’t know what would happen for this.

    • My lawyer contacted me saying that they received email notice from USCIS saying my application for picked. I had no clue when the check got cashed. But if your check is cashed, it highly means that you are in. you can tell your employer/lawyer to check the back of the check for receipt number (I saw many ppl suggested that)

    • @Rishika,

      For my friend/colleague they cashed the check two weeks before he received the mail news from lawyer.

  36. Guys any news when SSG will update about who all has been selected in lottery ?
    Seems like IBM,CTS guys are getting updates … only we are left … any news ?

    Regards
    Sonia Italiano

  37. Guys i had called up in the morning.. Though they didn’t have my record and I know all you guys wanna know about your status. please make sure you have all the info. Just want to make you guys aware that they record and note down everything you say including the name you give as who you are calling and all that. i am not sure if they will use that against you but just be careful. they type in everything and they lady asked me twice if I am giving the right information .. So if they are suspicious they might just make a record of it.. I am not saying this will affect your application but they clearly state that you have to be the employer/lawyer so be very careful..

    • I agree with you! you guys should ask employer/lawyer to call USCIS instead of pretending to be employer. you nenver know what might happen

    • Relax. I don’t think it’s that bad. They never asked for the caller’s full name. Though they might. And so what? Will they reject an application because you checked the status? They were polite – in my case – when I asked about application status. That’s all.

      Don’t get everyone paranoid.

      • Your are missing the point here. Once it’s impersonating and to a federal employee for sensitive information, it’s not about h1 application anymore.

    • yes i called them 10 days back to check the status and they asked for the employer presence when im on call failing which the details will not be revealed.
      as the employer wasnt with me i didnt proceed further.
      so yes juss make sure you have all the details with u before u call them.

    • I was wondering the same thing. It’s an offense to falsify your identity even over the phone. Most of the US companies have non-Indians working in HR and unless you fake your accent that well, they will know for sure. I am not talking about US Desi consultancies.

      The basic premise is that no one should be privy to the beneficiary’s information except the attorney and the designated HR official. If something is fishy and they make a note of that in the system, the fake caller could be in big trouble. Especially since they might be receiving a lot of such calls by now.

      So my recommendation is to not to take this route.

    • thats exactly why I dnt call them. I`m scared and I dont want to risk myself. I would rather wait even if thats causing extreme stress….

      • Even I am in extreme dilemma whether to call USCIS or not. I couldn’t call them though I have all the information.

        • @Rani,
          Yes I have all the information except for my lawyers name as mine is a big company and I had forwarded my documents to the company immigration department. But irrespective of that I dnt bother calling thm. I jus dont want to get into any kind of legal issues. I have enough stress to worry about and I would rather wait couple more weeks than to take this huge risk. It is either a hit or a miss.. Everyone is welcome to make their choice and I choose to rather wait than to take such a risk.

          • I agree, not calling is better, than calling and being thrashed and getting into something officially in which we should not be landing. Just think one thing that whateva happens, happens for the good and better. what if you app is not picked up and u get to know this today so its better to wait for a official communication because even if now they tell you that you are not selected then also u will wait fo rthe official communication and vice versa. Dont panick dears jo hona hoga hogaee…or koi use rok nai sakta…chill n keep calm…my hubby has told me this as i was panicking to call USCIS and made me understand n i got it :)…so sharing…should be helpful

          • Hi All,
            Please do not call USCUS and risk your self. They have sofisticated fraud detection system. If you are cought, forget about H1, you can never land in US in your lifetime (or you may face criminal action for identity theft/faking identity and subsequently you will be deported from US incase you are in USA). This is not Indian system to take it for a ride. This is my sincere advice. If you wish you can take risk. Please wait like thousands of other applicants who have applied for H1B.
            I am not sure, who is giving this dirty idea.
            __________
            Thanks,
            Raj

          • Hi All,
            Please do not call USCIS and risk your self. They have sofisticated fraud detection system. If you are cought, forget about H1, you can never land in US in your lifetime (or you may face criminal action for identity theft/faking identity and subsequently you will be deported from US incase you are in USA). This is not Indian system to take it for a ride. This is my sincere advice. If you wish you can take risk. Please wait like thousands of other applicants who have applied for H1B.
            I am not sure, who is giving this dirty idea.
            __________
            Thanks,
            Raj

    • Guys,

      Check the Below link, they have defined a Proper Esclation procedure, first step is a Call. and they record it in the system to meet the defined SLA. if they are sepecific about only employer/lawyer should call the number, then there might be a reason for it. what if your employer/Lawyer decides to call them after 30 days? when they have a procedure defined, it is better to follow that. we can always push the employer to call them..

      http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=ddce0b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=ddce0b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

  38. Hey friends, have been following this section closely and got lot of support here.

    RQ/RP/VSC – Mostly probably selected based on the check. But no receipt yet.

    All the very best to others waiting. I’ll pray all of us here get it soon.

  39. Called USCIS and they said nothing is coming up for form i129 for the employer who has filed the petition. Looks like m out fd game…

    • Same here. That doesn’t mean the end though. They are still processing petitions so your case might be coming up.

  40. Hello Guys and Gals,

    I want to know one thing that If I can take appointment in July and if I get through the process and if my Visa is approved, What would be the validity of my Visa?

    July 2013 – June 2016
    or
    Oct 2013 – Sep 2016

    I want to know this just because I have a huge notice period to serve in my current organization. At the same time, I don’t want to waste my 2-3 months from total validity of 36 months Visa.

    Thanks.

    • Depends on your current status too. But if you are outside of US now, you can’t start working at your organization till Oct 1st.

      For me, I’m F1 visa, and I can apply for cap-gap extension to work in the US till H1B takes effect on Oct 1st

      • Hello Friend,

        I am outside US and I can understand that I can’t work before 1st October. I want to know if I take appointment on July 2013 and get it approved, the visa validity still will be from Oct 2013 to Sep 2016?

        • You are allowed to come here 90 days before Oct 1st , but can’t start working. And yes, visa would still be from Oct 2013-Sept 2016

          • I agree. Through Lottery should still check with attorney about this. That is what I know, the 90 days thing was couple yrs ago. I’m not sure if it has been changed.

          • @H-1B: What sadistic pleasure do you derive from misguiding people?
            @Through: You can enter US only 10 days in advance of your H-1B start date, which will be October 1, 2013 for you (consequently end date will be Septemeber 30, 2016). You can go for Visa stamping at a US Embassy/Consulate 90 days before you want your visa.

  41. hi I am just curious to know , whether we can send an email to this id(csc-ncsc-followup@dhs.gov) for asking about the status of the H1 petition, I havent recieved any updates or any reciept number so far and I in AD/PP/CSC .
    If any body did and got a response please let me know

  42. latest EAC number not moving ahead..

    EAC1314451099 – last number… did they finish processing the receipts???

    we’ll know by the end of the day…

  45. How to call USCIS?

    Number to call USCIS – 1-800-375-5283
    Information they may ask
    Employee name/Date of birth –
    Company name – (Make sure you give the exact name of the company, refer W2 if you have it or any tax copies)
    Employer Identification number – You can get it from W2 or tax copies (assuming you are working for same employer, else you can get it from HR)
    Company address –
    Attorney name – Again, if you have the copy of petition, you can get the exact name of the lawyer who filed
    Alien Number – They asked me for alien number which I did not have so she said its fine

    Feel free to email at ewebkoop on gmail address

    • I dont know my attorney`s name. Mine is a big company and I had forwarded my information to the immigration department. I am soo scared to even call USCIS. What if they ask me my attorney`s name and I am not able to answer. What happens than?

    • Hey San,
      How long is the wait time? And when you call do you ask as the employer or employee? I think I have all the required info since i have my petition copy, LCA and W2. But I am not sure if I want to call them as my employer really. Trying to check on Checks cashed. NO info there yet and DSO wont disclose.

      RQ/RP/VSC still waiting. 🙁 Hope get to know something by this weekend. Else plan B.

      • hey the wait time is 80-90 mins ..i just called . after that also its not sure that they will give u the info

  47. just called USCIS….they said my information is not yet entered
    i have no idea what that means.
    and then they said, look up if the check has been cashed.

    • Same here bro!
      Be patient USCIS is still entering the receipt into the system , so it would take some time to get our receipt. In the mean time you can check you check to see if it is cashed.

      • @Nihal: I called and received the same response. I think they haven’t picked our petitions. That’s what the lady told me. I don’t know how accurate she is though.

  48. Just now called USCIS and they gave me the receipt number ..
    It is EAC1314252XXX
    They said cheque would have already been cashed.
    They first ask if its been 30 days and I said no its been 25 days so he forwarded my call to another officer.
    All they asked is Employer name and applicant’s name
    If they dont find your info in the system, chances are you not giving the accurate employer name like some employers would have services/technologies ltd/llc in the end

    Good luck to everyone!

  49. Hello everyone,

    I’m a complete stranger to the H-1B thing so if someone is kind enough to tell me what all these acronyms mean:
    AD/RP/VSC
    RQ/RP/VSC
    EIN

    I really appreciate your time and patience.

    • AD/RP/VSC -> Advanced Degree/Regular Processing/Vermont Service Centre
      RQ/RP/VSC -> Regular Quota/Regular Processing/Vermont Service centre
      EIN -> Employee Identification Number

    • AD/RP/VSC means Advanced Degree, Regular Processing, and application submitted to Vermont Service Center (CSC is for California Service Center)

      RQ/RP/VSC: regular quota, regular processing, and Vermont Service Center

      PP is premium processing.

    • AD – advanced degree
      RQ- regular quota(bachelor’s)
      and processing are of two types : regular( 2 monhts) premium (15 days)
      the centre is the place where ur application is processed and it depends on where your employer claims your work location is.
      so it AD/RP(processing type)/VSC(center)
      all the best

  50. I applied for H1 this year.
    RQ/RP/VSC.
    USCIS received my application on April 1st.

    Waiting for the receipt….

    Just now, I called USCIS to find out about the status of my kids change of status to H4 which was applied along with my H1.For this application, my kid is the applicant. I thought in this way, indirectly I will come to know whether my application picked after lottery.

    USCIS said to wait till end of this month.
    If even after end of the month, we don’t hear they asked me to call them again.

    Hope this info may help you all.

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