USCIS accepts various kinds of H1B petitions, such as new H1B cap-subject petitions, petitions for H1B extensions, H1B petitions for the transfer of companies, and H1B cap-exempt petitions. One thing is common: they all receive an H1B Receipt Notice from USCIS indicating they received the H1B petition.
When you look at the USCIS-issued Receipt notice for the H1B petition, it would have a receipt number or case number. This number can be used to track the petition’s status with USCIS.
If you are new to the process, looking at the long number and guessing what that number means can be puzzling. In this article, we will cover what the H1B Case Receipt Number or Petition Number indicates by looking at each of the letters in the H1B Case Number.
As a background, if you are a first-time H1B applicant, you will need to go through the H1B Visa registration Lottery process, and only if you are selected in the H1B lottery, then you would be eligible to file an H1B petition with USCIS. Also, the H1B petition can only be filed by a Company. As an applicant, you cannot file the H1B petition alone.
What is the H1B Visa Case Number? Petition Number?
USCIS sends a “Form I-797C, Notice of Action” after they receive the H1B Petition. This form is called the H1B Receipt Notice. It is a generic form used to notify the receipt of a petition or application, but the Class requested field indicates whether it is a receipt notice for an H1B petition or not.
As part of sending the H1B receipt notice, USCIS assigns a unique case receipt number for every H1B petition they receive. The receipt number consists of 13-digit alphanumeric characters and typically starts with three alphabets, like WAC or EAC, based on where it was filed.
This 13-digit alphanumeric number is called the H1B receipt or H1B Petition Number. It appears at the top of the H1B Receipt Notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action), as shown in the screenshot below.
H1B Petition Number vs. Receipt Number
People sometimes use the term “H1B Petition Number” and ask for the “H1B receipt number”. This can be confusing if you are new to it. The “H1B Petition Number” and the “H1B Receipt Number” or “H1B Case Receipt Number” mean the same thing and are often used interchangeably.
On some websites, you may be asked to fill out the H1B Petition Number; in some cases, you may be asked to enter the H1B receipt number or USCIS H1B Case number. In all these cases, you would use the same 13-dight alphanumeric number on the H1B receipt or approval notice. If you are filling out the H1B Visa Stamping application, you will asked to fill out the Petition Number, which is nothing but the H1B Case Receipt Number.
Understanding the H1B Case Receipt Number, Petition Number
Of the 13-digit alphanumeric characters that are part of the H1B Case Receipt Number or Petition Number, each set of characters has a specific meaning. We need to break them out properly to understand them correctly.
We should break down the H1B Case Number into sets of characters grouped like below:
- XXX—XX—XXX—XXXXX
- EAC—24—128—50345 ( example for H1B FY 2025 filed petition)
Now, let’s look at each of the groups of characters.
First 3 Letters of H1B Case Number: EAC, WAC, LIN, IOE, SRC
The first three characters indicate where the H1B petition was filed.
- EAC – Vermont Service Center (old name: Eastern Adjudication Center).
- WAC – California Service Center (old name: Western Adjudication Center).
- LIN – Nebraska Service Center (LIN refers to Lincoln, Nebraska).
- SRC – Texas Service Center (old name: Southern Regional Center).
- IOE – IOE stands for Integrate Operation Environment(where the petition was processed); it is not a service center location but indicates that the petition was filed electronically or electronically scanned and processed. In the H1B petition context, it was scanned at a shared service center and then processed. The service center details will be at the bottom of the receipt notice.
Following 2 Letters of H1B Case Number: Year of filing
The following two digits indicate the year when it was filed. It is not the fiscal year but rather the calendar year when the petition was filed. Do not try to read something that says WAC2023XXXX to think it is related to the year 2023, you should only look at the following two letters after the first three characters.
- For the H1B Visa FY 2024 season, it would be 23
- For the H1B Visa FY 2025 season, it would be 24
Subsequent 3 Letters of H1B Case Number – Computer Working Day
The next three digits indicate the computer working day of the USCIS fiscal year that starts from October 1st. It indicates the computer workday does not include weekends and holidays. USCIS computers do not work on weekends and USA National holidays :-).
October 1st is when the fiscal year starts for USCIS. If your H1B was filed on October 1st, it would be 001. It is a little tricky with this number; computer workday indicates only working days and not weekends.
For example, if it is October 20th, it would be the 16th working day or something like that…For April 12th, it would be 134 as the weekends and federal holidays are taken out. You can use websites like TimeAndDate to compute that number.
- For April 8th, it would be 128.
Subsequent 5 Letters of H1B Case Number – Actual Case Number
The following five digits is the actual case number and is assigned based on some internal USCIS logic. There is no guarantee that it would start with 0001 and go in sequence. Sometimes, it may start with 5; sometimes, it may be with other digits as well.
- One sample number would be 51244
Below is a nice visual explaining the H1B Receipt Number format. It is the same as any other USCIS Receipt Number format.
How to Check the H1B Case Status on USCIS.gov?
After you receive your H1B Visa Receipt case number, all you would have to do is to track the status on USCIS website. Read How to Check H1B Petition Status on USCIS website.
Premium Processing for H1B :
If you were to file H1B visa petition under premium processing, you would have received the case number and a confirmation email that your petition was received by USCIS and it is under processing. Usually your attorney or your employer would get that information. Once your case is approved, similar email with approval status would be updated via email. A hard copy would be emailed after the emails to the address specified in petition.
Regular Processing for H1B:
If you were to file your H1B visa petition under regular processing, you would not necessarily get an email from USCIS, rather you would get a hard copy receipt mailed to your employer or attorney. Also, decision information would be mailed to your attorney or employer after the decision.
You can read Steps after H1B Lottery – Flow Chart to know more on the next steps
Did I miss anything? Any other thoughts to add?
My petition(RQ/RP) has been approved. Before that it was in Initial Review.
wac or eac ?
first 5 digits please ?
pls provide 5digits of ur receipt numm…
Yesterday when i checked status it was showing Post Decision Activity but after a few hours it reset again in the same status as Initial Review. I could not understand how it happened. My R.No is WAC13139******.
Hi AMIT
Its stransge… so its clear that processing for petitions is by random process..
Mine is WAC13136 , but still in initial stahe.. urs is 139 and its processed…
Dont worry you will get it and sooner it will be back to approved stage 🙂
Thanks
SAP H1
Now again status changed as Post Decision Activity. What will be next any one has idea? When visa stamping interview will be starting?
amit verma,
People can start appearing for visa interviews after July 1 (provided they have received all the documents from their employer by then).
Mine is EAC13157xxxxx, still in initial review. Last updated on may 9th. Wondering if vermont center has started may application processing or not.
Hi All,
My case number is EAC131405****. Mine is RQ/RP.Today my case status is in RFE.
I dont know the reason of RFE,yet to call my employer regarding this.
Can anyone plz tell me how many days it takes to give a decission after RFE ?
It depends, in general it is 3 months, it may be low. The number of days is mentioned in the document sent by USCIS.
Don’t panic, it is your Lawyers responsibility to respond with appropriate information.
Be patient, you cannot do anything for RFE, lawyer has to reply.
Sorry, i didnot read the whole questions. Time to answer RFE can be 3 months or less as i said.
Decision is upto USCIS, I got mine in 10 days after reply.
It’s a pleasant summer, go enjoy the sun, don’t panic.
Hello Guys,
Please follow the procedure in this link to see if your petition has been picked up for processing. All those in Initial Review, Please post your Last Updated Date.
Mine is RQ/RP/VSC – Last updated 18-Apr-2013 – Which probably means, petition not touched after assigning Case number.
http://redbus2us.com/received-h1b-2014-receipt-number-with-eac-wac-what-next-check-status/#comment-106224
Post-Last-Updated,
Where do you find the Last updated date on the status page? I don’t see it anywhere. Mine RP/RQ/VCS EAC1314854***.
On left side of status page there is an option to create an account.
You need to create your account and then add your receipt number to follow it.
When you have added the receipt number, it will show the details.
Open account as a Customer.
Hi Saurabh,
Is it possible to get the petition details like ( Applicant Name, Employer who had filled the petition, LCA details etc) from a receipt number.
Asking because I have applied visa through a consultancy and they are not willing to share any document except receipt number unless asked amount is paid to them. And I am not comfortable paying any thing unless I get any proof that the receipt number consultancy is sharing is mine and genuine.
Could you please suggest what is best to do in this case.
Thanks,
Ritesh
Yeah really, what’s up with that?
I mean the H1 B procees right from lottery selection to port of entry is harrowing enough, plus throw in the drama consultancies, helplines, lawyer firms create adds to the frustration. In my case a USA company applied for my H1B through their lawyer firm.. After a lot of pushing the HR dept came to know after a week of lottery results that I have been selected. Then after two weeks of pleading I get my receipt number. Then I come to know one of my friends receipt number belongs to 2012 wac12156xxxxxx which makes it difficult to believe I have got my receipt number correct in the first place.
Pardon me for getting into conspiracy mode, but is it the case that some firms might like to drag it till the end to see how the chances of a candidate are, banking on the fact that there might be possibilities of other rejections therefore giving a hope that their candidates might have a chance later in the game, so till then wait and watch. Meanwhile keep the clients stranded with straws of hope?
Hi Saurabh,
Could you please suggest whats the best way to deal in above scenario.
Thanks!!!
Can you go to the consultancy office or send someone ?, there is no other way to find out if the I129 is your’s unless you see the document.
I didn’t understand the money part. Pay up for see I129 ?? , Confusing and disgusting.
Ritesh,
No, you cannot get the details from the receipt number.
It is very stupid of them to ask for money to see the receipt notice. What are they asking the money for? Do you know if the petition is approved or still pending?
Although I don’t know if this may work or not, but search for FOIA w/ USCIS. I know the employers can file it for their own petitions, but don’t know if you can file it as a beneficiary or not.
Finally I came to know today that I am selected in lottery…got a receipt number too from employer (WAC131385….)
But petition still not approved and in intial review..
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.
Any idea when this will be moved to next stage? Any chances of getting RFE if petition takes more time in initial review?
Thanks
Dat is great!!! Should v b still hopeful?
Even my case is still in Acceptance ans last updated was April 10th !!!
Please let me know if you hear anything more from USCIS ..
Thanks !!!
Can you please tell me where to check the last updated date for the case? I didnt find this on the USCIS website status tracker page. My case is still in intitial review.
Guys,
It seems so far USCIS processed till WAC1313553022 for Regular processing…So we can track from here how many petitions are processed..i know there will be Premimium and other petitions as well..But still we can get some information if we keep on tracking…
Hopefully I will get my decision next week…will keep posting updates..
Sorry to spoil your convictions, but actually I’ve been “stalking” this number I came up with , it’s wac1313550881, it was in initial review until yesterday, and then I got that message USCIS can’t provide any information now (…) or something like it, which indicates it’s being processed.
I’m also hopeful for next week, wac13136517xx
Good luck!
138 means the receipt was generated on April 18th, so just wait and watch.
USCIS seems to be approving petitions in random.
About how many months it may take… no answer, anyway you cannot work till Oct 1st.
Just chill and wait for the result.
Hello Friends,
Thought this information would be useful to share.. I found a way to find out if the case has been picked up for processing or it has been stacked after assigning EAC/WAC number..
Here is how you can find out..
1. Sign-up for Case updates under the link where the case status is checked,
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do
2. Provide any details valid details.. It doesn’t matter if it the details you provide here is related to your petition or not.
3. After successful sign -up use, the “Add Case to Port-folio” and provide your EAC/WAC number.
As soon as you add your EAC/WAC number, some fields related to your case are shown below.
Receipt Number – EAC13139XXXXX
E-mail Alert – Y
Mobile Alert – Y
Last Updated(mm/dd/yyyy) – 04/18/2013
Form Number – I129
Form Title – PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
4. Now you can turn on email and mobile notifications.
Notice the field Last Updated. This is not available when you check the Status without registering. From my view, this field is updated whenever there is any small change in the system related to your case, even if there is no change in the Overall status which you see in State-Transition-Diagram.
This would roughly indicate atleast if there is something happening to your case or it is yet to be picked up for processing.
In my case the Last updated shows, 18th April, which probably is the date on which my petition was first entered into the system. And not been touched after that.
For others, if you see a very recent Last updated change, with status still in Initial Review, then it means that atleast something is happening to your case.
Even USCIS mentions the samething in the note below.
Note on “Last Updated” date:
Your case may have a new “Last Updated” date and you may receive an Email and/or text message notification of your case being updated, without the status of the case changing. This is due to internal USCIS processing being performed on your Case. This will be reflected in the “Last Updated” date, but may not result in a different status message.
So IMO, this is a good indication to know if something is in process to your case, or is it just waiting in the Stack to be picked up.
Thanks 🙂 I logged in and see last Updated as 19 April 2013 ….
THANKS .. IT WORKS 🙂
Saurabh,
Do you think all of these approval coming so early uder regular category are just wrong post .I mean USICS usually takes 4-5 months(from last year experience) to give any decision (even if it is RFE).How can it be possible that we are receving early responses this year.I am most surprsied to see that the approved petition are from regular quota.
I guess from this year Feb 2013, USCIS have minimized the duration for almost all the processing they do. You can check the same in My Case Status in USCIS website.
Thanks.
2012 or 2013 (which is in our favour),
They seem to be better prepared this year and hence faster processing than previous years. They anticipated lottery and huge rush of petitions and may have adjusted their resources to handle this huge work load.
Even I am surprised to see so many decisions in so less time. Way better than previous mad-cap-seasons.
Last year even candicates updating this blog were less coz there was no lottery done and last date of USCIS receiving application was in July 2012. Folks applied in month of June were to get results in September time frame and USCIS had no reason to put in more resource as input of applications were distributed across time frame.
Me again, sorry to keep posting, but I can’t do anything straight, I keep obsessing about my application.
So my receipt is wac13136517XX RP/RQ, I’m not in the US. Don’t know if there’s any other relevant info I should state.
Anyway, I see many people saying their application RP/RQ, just as mine, and with a number closer and closer to mine, has been processed, but I see some old ones ( like wac13133xxxxx) still in initial review. Why would that happen? I would have thought all of them would have been processed so far, but it doesn’t look that way.
Do they just get a folder from a pile and whatever the number is, after PP any order goes?
Somebody said there’s a priority of AD and stuff, but I see people without that having their approvals too.
So please somebody explain to me: is this all random? Will I ever get a reply?
Sorry if I’m not making much sense, my mind is a vortex right now, can’t think or do anything right.
Thanks in advance
@ Murilo,
As far as I know , it is random. I’m also waiting for the approval. Some of the receipt numbers beyond and around mine (wac13143…) have already got approval. Have patience. Let us hope we will hear good news soon.
Thanks, it’s good to know I’m not alone (is it cruel to think that, knowing it’s not a good place to be at?)
Anyway, thanks
you are welcome! No, it is not cruel to think that. Patience is the key now.
Hi All,
My receipt number is EAC13140*****. Till yesterday it was on initial review.Now its showing
“At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information”
Has anyone faced the same issue today?? What does it mean?
SZ,
Are you the one who posted similar question on Q&A blog?
No, I didn’t….
I was the one who posted in Q&A…..you were absolutely correct Saurabh. My employer had raised a concern for corrections in the I797C . The corrections were made and I received the corrected notice yesday. let me help this guy now.
SZ– you can still party:-) ……check with your employer if had raised a request with CIS for any corrections. However, the amendment is only for corrections post approval so you need not worry. All the best……
Hi
My application got selected on April 8. It was under regular processing. It still in “Initial Review” status though.
How long does it take to move further? Anybody has similar issue.
Any reply will be appreciated.
From the looks of it, they are randomly processing applications.
Keep checking. At least from the wac13143 series the case is, WACxxxxxxxxx87 got approved then the next 4 are initial review, then 94 is approved and so on. Keep checking. Best of luck.
Same is my case. My H1B visa has also got thru lottery on Apr 8th (RP), and still in ‘initial review’. Not sure how long this will take.
Mine is WAC13134 AD/RP/CSC, and mine has just been updated from initiail review to RFE…(agh) today.
Hi Sourabh,
My H1 is approved for 2014 fiscal year and I am in India right now. Can I change my employer before stamping or should I wait until the visa is stamped?
Thanks in advance.
I am not saurabh, but i have some experience on this part (few frnds jumped from one to other company).
Do you have the documentation with you (I797 and other docs which your company had submitted) ? If you have, you can transfer, a friend transferred from Infy and then came to US.
Well my guess is if you are with an indian MNC, they wont give documents till you go for stamping. Hope this answers your question.
Sorry for spamming but i have still not got the answer so re posting
My employer notified me that they received my package back and my application is not selected in lottery. I wanted to make sure he is not lying, so i asked them for the returned package. They sent me one scanned page which has a general text which says that USCIS reieved your application but you were not selected in lottery. But nothing in that letter confirms that this H1b was filed for me only.
This page has only a FileNo: which is blank and a FormNo: which has I-129 written by hand. Is the I-129 form returned by USCIS just one page letter with no detailas about the applicant? There must be some way to associate it to an applicant?
Please advice, what document should i ask my employer to share in order to confirm that my H1b was actually filed?
Could you ask for a delivery tracking # etc?
My attorney mailed the package via Fedex next day service, and the tracking # was associated with my name and AD status, company name etc. Though this may not really be an evidence that they filed the petition.
Hi saurabh,
My friend was tracking this site last year as his H1B got filed and he saw that last year many of the regular processing applications wre getting RFE initially and later on getting apporved but taking almost 6 months in many cases but this year he can see many regular processing application getting responses withing few weeks and most of them getting approved .Do you think this year we won’t be having much delay for our application getting procesed as last year also not as many RFEs as it as issued last year as usics is already getting a lot of critisism becuase of its early statement saying about receiving too many applictions within weeks which resulted lottery to be held this year.
I am eagerly waiting for ur response as my petition is filed in this year quota
Reply
Hi,
Got my case status changed to RFE. Receipt no WACC13135. Just wanted to update everyone here. RQ/RP/CSCE
Does anyone know within what time frame we need to respond to rfe? How long does it take to receive the courier with rfe notice?
Thank u very much.
You should receive letter from USCIS asking for extra evidence, that letter will also say the time frmae. My friend got RFE, and she has like 80 days. Good luck.
My case WAC13134 got updated to RFE too. Hope both of our petitions will be approved!!!
Anyone came up across this one- Is this an RFE?? or status can change latter on
the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. A notice was sent on this date explaining the specific reason for stopping the premium processing of your case. This notice will contain detailed information on further action required by you. Your premium processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case.
Hi everyone,
My H1B application was submitted on time (03/29/2013). From the lawyer website, I could notice that my status changed to ‘RFE Received’ on 04/22/2013 and currently display ‘RFE Due Back’ on 07/08/2013.
Given what I could read on the web, it seems that almost everybody got his package / acceptance letter back. But so far absolutely no news on my side.
When contacting the lawyers, they told me they would notify me as soon as they get an update on my case…
Any advise?
RFE sounds like you got through the lottery, they just issued a request for evidence (RFE) which your lawyers need to reply to.
Thanks for your prompt answer!
I kind of stay pessimistic since my lawyers never told me what was the RFE nor the fact I possibly got selected in the lottery. Also, the RFE notice has been issued more than a month ago. Does that seem like a plausible delay?
At the same time -and that is somehow giving me hope- I think that a refusal notice would have been sent earlier if the application was not going through…
Hi Tasoeur,
If your case status shows as RFE, that means it is selected in the lottery. The RFE reply date is mentioned in the documents sent by uscis to your lawyer. Typically they give 3 months to reply, but it may depend on case to case basis.
I applied to transfer in dec-12, got RFE in feb 13, replied to RFE in end of April 13 and got visa approved in May 2nd week.
RFE is common for people who join consultancies who are not prime vendors (as far as i have seen), even Indian MNC’s also have got some RFE’s.
Dont worry, just confirm that the receipt number is yours and ask for the I129 which your lawyer received.
–Vamsi
Hi ,
Currently I am on H4 visa in US. I have applied for H1 and got approved.
But my H4 is valid till July 31 2013 and my H1 start date is from Oct 1 2013.
Hence my lawyer suggested me “that I must apply for an H4 extension from the expiry to 09/30/2013 as my H1 will start from 10/01/2013.”
So now my question is, Is that possible to apply H4 visa extension for specific time period??
Thanks..
hi…. still not received anything … waiting for the lottery result…. . is the game over or can we still hope …. any waiting list……. please advice…..
saurabh plz help me……..
Hi,
My case status online has been showing that an RFE was mailed on May 22nd.However,my employer has received a second receipt notice,which is similar to the earliewr onebut with the date may 23rd.Any idea why this happened?He hasn’t rceived any other documents from USCIS eversince.FYI,I am AD/RP/Calif center
My employer notified me that they received my package back and my application is not selected in lottery. I wanted to make sure he is not lying, so i asked them for the returned package. They sent me one scanned page which has a general text which says that USCIS reieved your application but you were not selected in lottery. But nothing in that letter confirms that this H1b was filed for me only.
This page has only a FileNo: which is blank and a FormNo: which has I-129 written by hand. Is the I-129 form returned by USCIS just one page letter with no detailas about the applicant? There must be some way to associate it to an applicant?
Please advice, what document should i ask my employer to share in order to confirm that my H1b was actually filed?
I am also in the same situation, my employer also send me a scanned copy. what is your email id. I will forward what I got it from my employer. still I have some doubt about that scanned copy. my id josephbinil at gmail dot com pls forward the copy u got it from your employer. we can check each other what we got it same format or not.
i think for WAC, it processed till WAC 13 138 ****
You could change the USCIS fiscal day and see till where it processed from the case status site 🙂
I can see a receipt wac1314252xx in approved state. Are they doing this randomly?
My receipt no is eac13140xxxxx and not approved yet. They are working on applications randomly .
Seems my game s over :(…AIMS Status is “Ready for printing”…Called up GI team and they told me that my package has been returned. But my SPM says my name is not there in the rejection list which she has received . Somebody help me .Do i still have a chance ?
u can apply for L1b or any other country. was in infy few years back and i had done same. i went to europe.
Hi i am also in infy and i got my receipt. I dont want to hurt you but if GI team is telling you that they got your packet back then yes there is no hope now. Your manager will get to know about your rejection when GI team will publish another list of rejected candiate.
I would like to tell you that i tried in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and didnt get selected and this time i got selected so only time will matter and game is not over its over for this year only and you have still many years to go for it. You will try next year and may be somthing better would be there for you. Ask your manager to send you somewhere else there are many other countries where they need people based on skill and exp level.
Dont think that game is over just relex and prepare yourself for next bettle. This is just begining.
Cheers and enjoy dont waste time in such thing and dont loose your mental peace.
Hi ,
What does this mean?
Initial Review
On April 22, 2013, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance.
Hi
I am currently on H4 and My H1b is being processed under Premium processing. On May 29th , I got an RFE for submitting my husbands 3 most recent pay stubs to verify that has is maintaining his H1 status. The response to RFE was given may 29th itself.
I want to understand what happens now? My PP clock is still stopped since May 29th and my status remains “initial review”. No action has been taken. Am I now not in PP anymore and it would continue as RP? Or would my PP begin again with a 15 day period? I had only 1 day left for my PP time to get over.
Your PP clock will start again once USCIS receive RFE response. Your RFE seems to be normal one. So no worries. It will be updated in 2-3 days.
Have you submitted Client letter too?
Thanks H1B….yes I did
That’s good..Don’t worry..Wait for next 10-15 days..You will get your approval for sure.
Hope so 🙂
Keepin my fingers crossed..
Hi RFE TIME, Have you got any update from USCIS after RFE response?
Hi all ,
Can any one suggest me any online graduate (masters program) college names? Now iam in h4 visa.
Hi,
My case is not selected, and the package was returned back yesterday. I am thinking of plan b. I have four years worfking experience in my home country, and my company is willing to file l1 for me. But I am currently in US with h4. Do I need to go back to my home country to apply l1?
Please help.
@reject: Sorry to hear that.
As per my knowledge, company to apply L1 Visa, you have to be with company for atleast last 1 year and should be working with employer. This does not count your previous experience with company.
Thanks so much for reply. What can I do now?
From 2008.2 to 2013.2, I was working in the company. and quit my job come to US this March with H4. So I can’t apply l1 now, even if I go back to home country and join the company again? I have to join the company and work there at least one year?
Yes you need to go and work at least one year,then only L1 can file
Guys,
I received my H1 B premium processing receipt and case number on April 10 2013. Status son the website still says Acceptance.
But today I received my H1B packet back from USCIS with no letter stating the reason .
Any advice?? I add assumed if I get my case number (EACXXXX) then lottery was picked up.
Thanks in advance !
Did you receive I-797 C, may be your employer was lying?
Also, if you have receipt number you can track it on USCIS website, what does it say?
Manish,
I have the hard copy of I-797 C mailed by USCIS.
Online tracking still says Acceptance on April 10th 2013
@razor,
could u please specify
wat is the message in your acceptance stage displayed while to enter ur case number
@Durgesh: This is the message –
Acceptance
On April 10, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER and we e-mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. This case is being processed at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location. 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 call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.
@razor,
Thanks for the reply with the message ,
was there ay problem with ur checks sent to uscis or nething of that kind ,me too getting same message ..
so bit worried …
apprecitae your reply
No Issues… My Lawyer has put in an inquiry as there was rejection letter stating the reason on why my packet was returned.
Razor,
Your attorney/employer should follow-up w/ USCIS. Usually, they attach a rejection letter w/ the returned package. Some of the reasons for rejection could be missing LCA, incorrect checks, incorrect I-129 document etc.
Thanks !!
There was no rejection letter and same checks issued by my company is returned !
Lawyer called up USCIS and they were not sure what had happened and my request has been escalated to higher authority .
Hopefully they would ask me to mail the documents back and process my H1b.
All the check amount, document seems right,
Hi Rozar,
i am in a similar situation. did u get any update from USCIS.
My Lawyer has put in an inquiry as there was rejection letter stating the reason on why my packet was returned.
Hi,
A USA based company applied for 2 h1 b visas this year.
Both got selected in lottery.
However, the receipt number is different.
One is WAC12156xxxxx and the other is WAC13143xxxxx.
What’s going on?
Any idea?
The one with 12 is approved in sep 12.
Even if I modify the receipt number to WAC13156xxxxx it is in approved state.
I’m a little confused.
Appreciate your response.
REPLY
WAC12156xxxxx –> is last years receipt number
Yeah that’s strange. They both got their receipt numbers from their respective lawyers.
If I change the receipt number to wac13156xxxxx it says it is approved may 22 when guys with wac13132xxxxx are still waiting.
USapply,
Either the lawyer gave wrong receipt number by mistake, or if intentional then they are making a fool out of the person.
Hi,
A USA based company applied for 2 h1 b visas this year.
Both got selected in lottery.
However, the receipt number is different.
One is WAC13156xxxxx and the other is WAC13143xxxxx.
What’s going on?
Any idea?
The one with 12 is approved in sep 12.
Even if I modify the receipt number to WAC13156xxxxx it is in approved state.
I’m a little confused.
Appreciate your response.
Sorry one is WAC 12156xxxxx and other is WAC 13143xxxxx
Hi,
I applied for H1B and haven’t recieved either receipt or my package back. My OPT will expire really soon on July 1, 2013. I don’t really know what happened to my case. Need your advice on what I should do now !!!!
I am in same state. I have started doubting the employer now since everyone I knw have got their packets back if not selected.
Someone plz sugest!!
@Anh,
If you dont have any plans to go back to your home country/you dont want to, I would suggest apply for college, even if it is community college. If you can join the college before November 30th you are fine. Because rule says if your college is starting within 5 months of your OPT expiring date, you dont need to leave the country. Good luck, I hope you hear some positive news regarding your H1B.
Manish,
Are you sure about the rule “if your college is starting within 5 months of your OPT expiring date, you dont need to leave the country”? If yes, then can you point me to it; because my understanding is that one gets only 60 days beyond OPT end date to make a switch or leave the country.
Hi Saurabh,
60 days grace period is to leave the country after expiration of OPT.
But if you are going to school in next 5 months you dont have to leave and come back, you can stay for extra 3 months.
See below
What happen if I start a new program or my OPT expires?
When a student is admitted to a new program or transfers to another program, the remaining portion of OPT is terminated when the sponsoring school registers the student for the new program in SEVIS.
At the completion of OPT, students will have a 60-day grace period to leave the country, change visa status, or transfer to a new program of study with a starting date no later than 5 months after OPT completion date.
http://www.ufic.ufl.edu/ISS/currentF1studentsOPT.html
Manish,
Interesting!
This official doc from ICE does say that one can transfer to another school during the grace period (under certain scenarios), but it doesn’t mention anything about 5 month thing.
Its better to consult a lawyer as DSOs and schools at times have different interpretation of the law than ICE (and that’s why we have schools offering CPT from day 1).
hi everyone, i have 1 qstn – i am in usa on L1 and my H1b application is currently in initial review and i hope it will be approved in couple of mnths. can i go to india immediately after petition approval and change my employer? will i be able to go for stamping after joining new employer? i want to stay in india for 5-6 mnths and then travel to usa on h1b from new employer.
For Regular processing , WAC-13-138-50280 to WAC-13-138-50290 only WAC-13-138-50286 got approved but others are in Still Initial Review phase. How they process applications ? Any idea
i just checked the stasus agai for above mentioned receipt numbers. it is still showing XX286 is approved,….
i think none of RP/RQ/CSC is moving to next stage after “initial review”.
I believe these are the AD/RQ or PP application
Today my petition (L1 to H1 – COS) status has been moved to ‘Post Decision Activity’ directly from Initial Review (it was in Initial Review till yesterday evening).
Even though my petition is in Regular Processing, got approval decision quickly. Thank God!
Here is my summary:
– Petition delivered to USCIS (California) on April 1st 2013. [Regular Quota/ Regular Procession]
– Received and acknowledged by USCIS on April 8th 2013. (Receipt number generation date – ‘WAC131xxxxxxx’) – Unknown till 24th April 2014.
-On 24th April 2014, came to know that my petition got selected and receipt got generated. Got this update from employer with scanned receipt copies.
– On the same day (24th April 2014), petition status was in Initial Review.
-On 29th May 2014 (today), petition status has been changed to ‘Post Decision Activity’ with below message.
”
Post Decision Activity
On May 28, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.
”
This means my petition is approved. Now am waiting for approval notice hard copies from my employer.
I hope/wish everyone will get good news ASAP.
Thanks!
Excellent mate…..congrats, what is your first 5 digits of receipt no ? Just trying to see what day your receipt was actually generated by the computer.
can u give us the first 5 digits? 1313/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9?
It is WAC13134xxxxx. Hope this is the information you are looking for.
I received scanned digital copies from my employer too, today.
got RFE just now ..EAC RQ/RP/ 131415XXXX
Same has happenned to me, It’s in initial review for a month till yesterday and today It has moved to post-decision Activity.
Best of luck to all, seems the things have started moving. 🙂
@Saugat Roy,
Could you please provide digits till calender day
@Saugat Roy,
kindly provide your first 6digits case number (ex. EAC135140XXXX)
thanks
Hello,
My receipt was acknowledged on 8th April and got the notification on 19th April with my acknowledgement number – EAC13140XXXXX
Mine case is a fresh first time H1B visa, normal processing.
But on checking on USCIS tracker- I am seeing the following update:
“On April XX, 2013, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance”
Any idea what’s this?
Hi, what was your case? RP or PP, RD or AD?
Thanks
Can you please elaborate RP or PP, RD or AD??
I did not understand what is this!!
Ok got it..
Yes mine is Regular processing, General Quota.
You will see such a message if you are currently in the US or were in the US some point in time. No reason to worry. It only means someone opened your file for processing.
All the best with your processing.
@Farmer,
Does it apply for a person who only has a B1(business visa) and has vistited US?
@imesgr,
yes, My status has been changed to the one that you posted. I also have B1/B2. Visited US sometime back. I hope it is because of B1/B2 the status changes as such. Nothing to worry.
@Light,
Thanks for the info. I hope I did all things correctly while returning back from US on B1 visa..(I guess it is I-94 which has to be handed over to the airline check-in people?)
@imsengr
I believe it applies to anyone who has been in the US at some point in time. In all likeliness it is the i-94 number.
Thanks Farmer!
But I am presently in India and have never traveled o US before!!
The status of my H1B application changed to Post Decision Activity with approval notice on 23rd May, at 7 pm, after a week on Initial Review after uscis recieved my rfe documents. When I checked the status the other day, the status had moved to Decision with approval notice and it is the same till today. H1b processing was done in premium processing. My employer says that they have not received any email, which is weird as they received emails for all Premium processing and asked me to wait till they receive the decision in mail. Is this normal? Has this happened to anyone?
CC,
As it was PP, your employer/attorney can email USCIS about the case and get the update. They should get the email about the approval, and the paper notice should be received within 30 days.
@CC: It has happened to me. Attorney did not receive Email on Approval but directly received mail on 797 and other docs.
@honeb : After approval how many days it took to get the documents via mail???
For my receipt number, it has been mentioned like below. Can anyone tell me, what is it
On May 28, 2013, your address was changed relating to the I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER that you filed. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance
Om sai ram,
Most likely your employer/attorney correspondence address has been changed w/ USCIS. You can confirm w/ them.
Hi Saruabh,
I confirmed with my employer, there is no update requested for my address. Any idea what is it.
am in H4
Om Sai ram,
Not your address but the employer/attorney’s address. Did the employer/attorney change their own address w/ USCIS?
Hi Saurabh,
they said they didnt change anything.
It may not be your receipt number then? Did you see the hard/scanned copy of the receipt your employer got or they only gave you the receipt number?
It is mine only.. Confirmed
Got RFE today.. I am worried now.. what are documents they generally ask ?
OM sai ram,
RFE could be easy or pretty difficult. Instead of speculating, its better to wait for your employer to receive the actual notice and then worry about the limited documents asked in that letter.
Hi Saurabh,
what kind of docuements they ask, is it employer related document or employee related documents?
OM sai ram,
It can be either. Depends upon the case.
Could those who have already been approved post here if the status change happened during the day or over night? I can’t even work straight, I keep going to USCIS website and checking status non-stop… Received (post-lottery, I guess) Apr,8th, current status Initial Review. It’s a H1B to be issued abroad, I’m not currently in US territory.
My receipt starts wac-13136xxxxx
Thanks, congrats for the blog, it’s great to get in touch with people going through the same experience I am.
I received RFE notice during the day (around 1pm EST).. and the decision at around 7 pm EST. I don’t think there is any specific time frame when uscis update the status..
Hi CC,
My petition is in RFE status now and yet to receive RFE details by mail RQ/RP/VSC.
Can you please share your RFE details and the way you replied to it. Tell us which centre and quota too.
It will be helpful to many. Thanks in Advance
Imran
Sign up for automatic case status updates on the USCIS website, then you don’t have to check the site. I got an email and phone text message in the evening when my petition was approved.
Or if you have a smartphone, search the app store for USCIS apps which will check your case status for you automatically, there are a lot.
Hey guys,
My number is WAC-13-132-XXXXX. Trying to get a status update on my case from the USCIS website but all I get is a message saying “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.”
Any idea what this means? Anybody else seeing the same message? I got my receipt number on 4/10. AD/RP/CSC
Tried calling the number listed but since I am neither the applicant nor the petitioner, didn’t get a response from USCIS. Your help would be much appreciated!
That means, USCIS might updating your case status. Check after few hours, 40% chance of approval and 60% chance of RFE. My brother got RFE after seen this message in USCIS site.
Hi Dinesh,
My petition is in RFE status now and yet to receive RFE details by mail RQ/RP/VSC.
Can you please share your RFE details. Tell us which centre and quota too.
It will be helpful to many. Thanks in Advance
@Saurabh or Confused :
Today I am also seeing the same messsage…. what does exactly this mean?
Mine is RQ/RR … upgraded to premium.
My number is EAC-13-148-XXXXX. Trying to get a status update on my case from the USCIS website but all I get is a message saying “At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information
@pvd
I’m in the same situation now.
Did you see any update on your case recently?
@upen : not yet…… u?
What is your case status now?
any update to ur case? I am seeing the status message from past one week.
@pvd
No change in status, any update on your case?
@Saurabh or Confused
Today my case status is showing same message. Does it mean they are processing the case?
@Confused
Did you get a chance to check your status? Any change/update in the status?
Upen,
Lot of people who saw this message later received RFE or approval. So wait for few days to see what it switches to.
Thanks Sourabh.
It seems, I got an RFE. Though the status still shows as earlier, attorney was able to get the update, when contacted USCIS. Will update once I get the RFE copy.
My company has filed my H1B but I have not received any receipt yet. Can I get a confirmation if I have been selected in the lottery or is the receipt number the only way to ensure selection?
You can probably ask your employer or attorney to call USCIS.
If you have applied in Advance quota with MS/BS from US, you can ask your school’s DSO about the SEVIS status. Good luck.
My employer told me that the check for my H1B application has been withdrawn a month ago but I have not received receipt number yet. Does anyone yet to receive their recipts but know that they are selected in lottery?
h1b receipt awaited,
Ask your employer to follow-up w/ USCIS if they have not received the receipt but check has been cashed. Also, can they ask bank to tell them what’s at the back of the check (usually USCIS mentions the receipt number at the back of the check).
Thanks alot saurabh.
My employer just notified me that they received my package back and my application is not selected in lottery. I wanted to make sure he is not lying, as there is no name on NOTICE OF ACTION receipt and fedex receipt that he has emailed me. Is there any way i can find out ?
In the NOTICE OF ACTION receipt that he emailed Applicant,Receipt Number,Petitioner and all other fields are empty and i dont have any proof that he has applied for my H1.
Notice Date May 6 2013
Pls Advise
AD/PP/VSC
I do not think there is any method of determining this conclusively. You can ask for copies of the I-129 (H-1B) and I-907 (Premium Processing) forms filed on your behalf. The right hand column of both forms has columns for USCIS official use, specifically the form I-907 has fields for dates when USCIS received the petition, returned it or had it resubmitted. If you want to be subtle ask for the copy of the whole original petition returned by USCIS (not the copy employer made before filing), if you just ask for the first page they would know what you are fishing for.
But, the catch with this approach is that I am not sure if USCIS files their copy and keeps it with themselves or returns it to the petitioner for lottery rejects. So, you can get false negatives but chances of false positives are less unless your employer manipulates the petition before sending it to you.
My petition was accepted and approved. But, my copy of the I-129 petition in my visa packet has all the official columns blank since the copy was made before sending the petition to USCIS.
Also, can you please upload the copy of the Notice of Action for rejection received by you. I am curious to see how it looks and what it says. Blank out personal details (if any).
there is no hard and fast process to check this, i guess…
1. Employers are supposed to share the LCA (pdf file) to you and get it acknowledged that you have received the LCA. If you have received the LCA then mostly your employer would have filed ur H1B…why would the employer bother to get an LCA and not apply for h1…
2. You can ask for a copy of 129 petition. That should have ur name printed on it.
I see that you are and Advanced degree applicant.
You can ask your DSO to check if there is a pending change of status on your SEVIS record. If there is none, then it means you were not picked in the lottery.
Hi Guys,
I applied for my H1B and once the lottery is being done i lost my job at Client A. Now last week i got an RFE stating i need to resend docs supporting Project dates and Contractual,client,employer-employee relationship letters……..Now since i am in Client B , i am lil scared of what step i gotta take………
1. Should i resend the same client letter,contractual letters with additional documents from my end supporting employer-employee relationship (or)
2. Should i work in different way now since my client has been changed…….
Please suggest, i am lil nervous in this current situation.
Guys please respond.
I think you should speak the truth. The letters from client B should do the job for you.
As again providing the same paper may not be true and a simple check run on you might put you in trouble. Ask client B’s attorney for further help.
First of all thanks alot for responding “H1KiAag”. Well, all i know is i cannot ammend LCA while my H1B is pending and so i am wondering if going with Client B option will work out……..!!!
The thing is you wont be replying to the RFE but your employer. If client A is not your employer why will he even bother to? And on what Visa are you working with client B?.. Please provide the details ….
Hope,
If A is no longer the end client, then do no submit any information related to them. Your only option seems to be submitting B’s information. However, that would require a change in LCA as A and B’s location can vary.
So consult your attorney about it and see what they seem feasible. Maybe try submitting a new LCA along w/ a letter explaining the change of client/LCA from A to B. In the end, your employer are paying top dollars to these attorneys. They should come up w/ the solution or should have made your employer aware of the risks from the beginning.
Hi All,
I am reading this blog since my petition was filed, really it is a superb blog site
many peoples posting their experience, question & answers.
Received the receipt no. WAC13134XXXXX on April 25th, May 21st got approved.
Guys don’t lose hope, pray to god all will be well.
Thanks to all who is visiting this site.
RP/RQ or AD?PP?
Hi All,
My receipt # – EAC 13 139 54xxx. Receipt date 8 April.
Still in initial review. Anyone with same date and center, got visa approval?
exactly the same dude EAC 13 139 54XXX as per my lawyer he said it should be this week!
received also on April 8th
Mine is even earlier… EAC 13 136
Still in initial review 🙁 Not sure why this is taking so darn long while most others around that date have been processed already.
Mine is still earlier…WAC-13-135……i do not understand how USCIS processes the receipts, is it truly random or in order of receipt generation date………..
I don’t think it’s random, it’s generally processed by receipt date… There are just an odd few left out for some reason, I don’t know why… I think it could be by major (mine and some other’s who haven’t received anything yet) are business majors (non STEM and non-IT), so it may take them longer to verify degree necessity..?
Just to clarify, mine is RQ/RP/CSC…..
my receipt date was also on 8th April….
That’s scary… mine is WAC131345….AD/RP/CSC….No STEM, no IT…
Damn….hope it will be approved.
EAC1314451023 -> Approved on 13 May Itself..
With you guys still waiting, I am in for the long haul 🙁
wac13143……
my receipt number is wac-13-143-….
what is your notice date on the petition
well, both of us should have the same receipt generation date, although the date lawyers received the notification could be different
I think day 143 is 26th April.
My lawyers got receipt by mail on 2nd May
Mine is RQ/RP 🙁
thanks for the information … please post here, once you get any update … i will too update
sure. Is yours rq/rp too ?
yes, mine too is regular quota/ regular processing
i got the scanned copy of receipt, is there a way i can make sure the receipt belongs to me, i know that no employer will manipulate scanned document and give receipt number but just wanted to be 100% sure !!
h1b-2014,
You already have the best proof one can ask for (well except for the original 797C itself).
Guys,
I am also on the same boat. My Receipt number is WAC-13-143-5****. Any update your cases?
No updates……some random cases around my case are approved, but majority around day 143 is still in intial review….
i think regular processing regular quota is last on their list to process…:-(
I am also WAC13 – 143 – ****
I am AD/RP and i got approved last week.
In the same boat waiting wac13143xxxxx Reg/RR.
Mails were bounced to this ID 🙂 . R u into VLSI ?
Hi
On what basis petition are approved or rejected?
thanks
I think there are many factors.
1) Whether or not the USCIS belives that the position requires your degree
2) Whether or not the USCIS believes that the company needs that position
3) Whether or not the USCIS believes the company can pay the determined wage
4) Whether or not the USCIS believes the company is legit, not imaginery…
etc etc?
That is what I heard from my attorney etc.
They could audit your company by sitevisit as well…. It’s the government… They can say whatever they wanna say to reject you…..I think. 🙁
Shall i keep waiting for the receipt? Or is it done?
Employer has no information whatsoever. Its really frustrating. Employers should atleast communicate that cheque is encashed or not. They just sit silently and leave candidate in lurch. I am screwing up my mind, time and most importantly job in hand.
Hi,
I received receipt number WAC13135-XXXXX. It is in “Initial Review” stage since past 5 weeks.
Can some good soul here let me know how long do i need to wait? has anyone got his h1b status changed bearing the same “WAC13135” receipt prefix?
Mine is RP/RQ/CSC.
thanks !!
Minimum time is 2 months…
Moderate time is 2 to 6 months…
Max will be (Worst case) 6 to 12 months…
Hi,
my receipt no. was WAC13134XXXXX on may 21st i got the status as approved , my suggestion if it is regular then you have to wait , it takes bit longer time.
Urs is Regular or Premium ?
@Aki Regular or Premium ?
Hi,
I just want to ask if somebody’s on the same boat as I am.. I came to the US on a tourist visa and they stamped 6mos stay which will expire on 2nd of August.. Luckily, I met an employer willing to file my H1, got through the lottery and already got the receipt number. Im RP/RQ.
If I would get approval anytime soon before August 2, should I file an extension of my tourist stay? The H1 would only be valid on Oct 1 right? Or do I need to go back to my home country and come back here come Oct 1? My employer filed it as applicant in the country not out of US. What will be status then if the tourist extension is unnecessary?
Thanks and hoping for your kind reply
hi,
If u can get your h1 petition approved before ur tourist visa expires then u will be safe.. or else before aug 2 nd u need to leave US and wait in your hometown till u get an update on h1b petition approval… Hope it will be approved and u can go for stamping in your country to travel US in h1b visa and can start work from Oct 1st legally…
Thanks