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?
Hi,
I have applied thru Sab info and my case is showing IR since April 8. But I see that all who filed thru Sab info getting RFE for employee-employer relationship. Has anyone from Sab Info got approval yet??
Hi Saurabh,
If they have shown In-house project for everyone and USCIS is changing their status to RFE due this reason, what are the chances that RFE would be cleared and petition approved when RFE response is sent.
Can they show a Client letter now or will additional document related to in-house project be accepted?
Hi Has any Sab Info applicant got approved yet,
I have also applied through Sab info. I have got RFe, dont know reason yet, but expecting the common RFE ”employee-employer relationship” 🙁
Hi Saurabh,
If they have shown In-house project for everyone and USCIS is changing their status to RFE due this reason, what are the chances that RFE would be cleared and petition approved when RFE response is sent.
Can they show a Client letter now or will additional document related to in-house project be accepted?
Hi Komal,
Do you know if anybody from Sab got approval yet?
Has any Sab Info applicant got approved yet??,
Did they show in-house project for all the applicants? When one or more such petitions go to the same USCIS officer s/he will be really interested to know what this company is doing that they need so many people for in-house projects.
Think about it – how does a company pay for all these in-house projects? If they are working on a product then company earns money from selling that product to customers. If they are working on in-house implementation, then company should have enough funds to pay the employees during this period.
Truth of the matter is that in-house project is often a sham to avoid client letter. It may work when you show it for 1-2 employees. However, if you show it for all the employees, then you better be a big company like MSFT or GOOG.
Has everyone w/ Sab received RFE for this in-house projects?
Hi everybody
Does anyone know how much time does it take for an interview after approval notice??
I haven’t ever been to US.(Visa to be issued abroad), and have not gotten approved yet!!
Iman,
Once you have the approval notice and other docs, you can appear for stamping as soon as you see availability at your consulate.
thanks Saurabh, do you know how is an interview and what are the main questions for a person who is applying a H1b visa for the first time?
IMAN,
The questions can range from those related to you (education, experience etc) to H-1 position (duties, term, client/project, interview etc) to H-1 employer (number of employees, financial condition etc).
You can search for interview experiences online (on this blog or elsewhere) or ask your employer about other employees’ experience in your company.
Hi Saurabh,
I have applied for H1b visa through a consultancy located in Atlanta. This consultancy offers many services to its clients also. My application status has changed to RFE yesterday. Everyone who has applied through this consultancy has got a common RFE related to employee-employer relationship. I think they have not submitted client letter and must have shown some in-house project.
My Questions are , what are the chances of getting approval in this case. How long will it take to process my application now? Will Uscis give its decision before 1st Oct 2013 or can extend more? Should I upgrade my application to PP?
Please advice me..
Thanks in advance !!
is it sab info ??
Sonam,
EER is issued when USCIS wants to know how the employer will control your tasks and activities at the client site. You cannot upgrade to PP, unless your employer is ready w/ the RFE response.
If everyone has received this RFE, then your employer should not make stories up. This means they cannot say person XXX will be monitoring your tasks/updates etc at client sites for all the applicants. What is your employer saying about this?
Hello,
i got my receipt number(after a long wait in may) ,but my employer says he has paid the fees for premium processing ,but my case seems too be a regular processing ……he is not responding to my queries,
he says he has paid premuim fees ……
i dont kno wat to do .????????
Vinayak,
If the online status doesn’t use the word “email” then it is not PP. What’s the current online status?
Take this up w/ employer that the petition should have been processed by now if it was PP. If the employer has really paid for PP then they should be concerned about the lack of activity on the petition by USCIS.
Hi Friends,
Is there any one whose H1B application was filed by ASAP solutions group. What is the status on your applications.
H1b receipt number is WAC13141511** is still in IR state. Wondering when will it be changed.
Anyone here with similar experience ?
RPA
Just received today my receipt notice .
Petition received april 8
notice date april 29… eac1314850xxx.. and when i check its initial review..is it really possible that receipt notice may be too late, i’m just wondering , but of course I thank God for this good news.
WAC1314250*** Still Initial Review for me too
My reciept number: WAC1314151*** and is still in Initial Review. Do you know anyone in Infy whose H1 B is approved with this series?
Hi All,
Any one in WAC13140***** series got any kind of response????
Hi All,
My employer not sharing the receipt number with any of candidate. I got a confirmation from him that My application has been picked up in lottery. Is there any possibility i can get the receipt number? i did not understand why he is not sharing.
Thanks,
Vijay.R
You can change employer if you have a receipt number. That is why he is not sharing. he might be afraid that you might quit and move on with some other employer.
Thanks. I am really worried since my application was submitted when i was in US with L1. Due to personal emergency i have traveled back to India. If my H1 approved i am planning to go for stamping and proceed further. Without Receipt not able to take any decision.
Vijay, request him to give, so that you can track status from India.
I am also in same position, but i have number to track. Still IR.
But now I am back to India and will go for stamping.
Vijay,
When you go for stamping, he will have to provide you w/ the copy of approval notice if he wants you to get the visa stamped.
Hello friends,
My husband got an RFE in May. Two weeks back, the lawyer said that he has mailed all the required documents to USCIS. But the status in the uscis website still showing as RFE and didnot change to RFE response review.
Is there anyone else who has faced a similar situation where the status didnot update even after replying to the RFE???
AD/RP/California center
WAC13134 series
hi me to with the same situation i received my rfe and responded for that but still showing respond to rfe
From the last update EAC13142***** series is being processed, has it progressed further? Anyone has approval with EAC13150***** series?
What is normally the time given to respond to RP RFE cases? Any idea anyone?
oracle apps,
60-90 days. Your RFE notice will have the actual deadline date mentioned.
Hi,
Congrats to those whose h1b is approved.
Today i was checking my case status and result was unexpected …..
The message says….”At this time USCIS cannot provide you with information for your case. Please contact the NCSC 1 (800) 375-5283 for additional information.”
I don’t know what it means…
Please help me to relieve this code……
Even I am on the same boat, just now spoke to Immigration officer they are aware of this issue. You can call them and tehy will give you the update.
hi, i have been seeing this msg for the past 10 days n ystrdy its updated as RFE 🙁 just waiting for further details from my employer.
Hello Manc did you get any update on this. I am on the same boat from day 1 i see this message.
Bad news is …..RFE
Hey ManC,
Can you please post the first 5 digits of the file number and also if it is a WAC or EAC ?
Eac13146
Do you have any idea abt RFE & chances of getting rejected after it
Manc, my wife had an RFE along with 8 of her colleagues last year. only one got rejected and others got approved. so there is very less chance if the response is proper to the RFE.
can you share the next 2 digits after 6
Eac1314653
when did the status got update ?
i m in 1314652
Today it self
i mean wat time of the day ?
Mine is EAC1314652 and shows the same status as you all since this monday 7/15
I got my H1b approved. It is WAC…got approved on Jul 8…. 80 days since the notice date..
@ Approved WAC…please post the first 5 digits after ‘WAC’. it will help others.
When was your petation filed and what series of WAC is yours, because mine WAC131475.
@Approved WAC, Please share your 13XXX number.
Congrats ciao, can you give the WAC series WAC13147????.
@Waiting, I am asking the person whose WAC got approved.
Hi,
The status of my PP application:
On July 9, 2013, 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.
What does this actually mean??
I know this could be RFE, but could you please confirm if USCIS will send RFE notice via E-Mail for PP applicants?
Thanks,
Hi,
Yes. You got an RFE on your case. You should wait till your employer reaches out to you for more queries sent by USCIS in the RFE.
Thanks.
Hi –
I need help on the status of H1B processing. My company has applied for the visa this march end, however I have not received my receipt number yet.
Because I have not received the receipt number, would it be fair to assume that it didn’t go through the lottery process and it will not be stamped this year.
Can you tell me how I can check whats the status of the overall process for me?
Thanks
deepakg,
If your employer has received no notification about the selection, then they should follow-up w/ USCIS. You cannot do it. However, chances that you made through the lottery are pretty slim if no receipt number has been generated till now.
Hello,
My petition EAC1314253996 got approved, i’m currently on a B2 visa and my I-94 expires July 18th, do I have to leave the U.S for stamping or can I stay? Would this affect my H1B?
Post Decision Activity
On July 5, 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.
For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.
APPROVED EAC,
You need to leave US when your I-94 expires as H-1 would have a start date of Oct 1. You can then return after getting H-1 visa stamped in the passport.
The other option is to file for B-2 extension or to move to any other visa status that you are eligible for (like F-1 or H-4 etc). However, talk to your H-1 attorney before filing for such a COS.
Thanks alot Saurabh!!!
Hi Friends
I know many of u all waiting for petition approval , and i know u all will get through soon
I am happy to say that i am done with stamping last week.
This forum was a great help for me since last 6 months and i have learnt a lot on while H1B process. Thanks to all .
Wishing u all the best
congrats Sid !!
request you to please share more details around timelines … guess it was premium processing … it would help us
yes mine is pp
Hi Sid,
Where did you appear for visa interview? how was the experience? Could you please elaborate on it?
Hi
Is there any one whose H1B application was filed by ASAP solutions group. What is the status on your applications.
Hi suarabb!!!! I found out that majority of the approved decisions are in IT profession. Do we have a possiblity to be approved comsidering that i am applying in skilled nursing facility not the IT industries. My dilemma is i decided to upgrade my application from RP to PP last june 17 to know immediately the decision because my tourist visa is nearly expired this august 4. But what is irony, that until now its already july 6, my status is still in intial review. I do not know if my employer is honestly applied for me in PP which i already pay the appplication fee. So here comes in my mind that i have to get a plane ticket in going back to my country in case my status is not yet decided by uscis by august 2 to avoid illegal staying in america. So ill just wait the decision in my country. Once my H1b is approved , what will i do? Do i will go to the US embassy here for stamping my visa or the uscis will forward my documents in the US embassy here in our country. Or i will go to america imediately using my tourist visa. Coz my tourist visa will expire on 2018. Please help me what will i do if ever my application approve by the uscis. Thanks and god bless.
Bisaya,
Even non-IT applications are getting processed. Even if your H-1 gets approved, it will have a start date of Oct 1. So you will have gap b/w Aug 4 and Oct 1, unless B-1/2 extension is filed. A cleaner way is to leave US and then return to US after getting H-1 visa stamped.
Your employer seems to be taking you for a ride. So it may be prudent to talk to a good attorney who is not associated w/ your employer. What is the employer suggesting about expiration of tourist visa?
Also, staying in US on tourist visa for close to 6 months can cause additional scrutiny during future visa stampings.
Hi Saurabh,
My H1B is currently in Initial Review through a consultancy. Now my current company in India wants to apply an L1 for me to travel for 6 months. My question is can I ask my company to apply for L1 while my H1B is in process. If yes, can I postpone my visa interview incase my H1B gets approved.
There is no need for an H1 interview. If your H1 gets approved when you are in US in L1 status. you can apply Change of status in US and no need a visa stamping until you go out of the country.(US)
Hi thr ,
I used to work for a Indian IT firm , was in USA for 3 years . My extension rejected after 3 years and when they apllied H1 b ..that also screwed up …they say L1 and H1b are two different things …. either you are lieing now or you lied before …same person L1b and H1 B ..same time ..no no ….. L1 B is for you company specific tools ..h1 b is for open market high skill… I will advise not to Mix …Stick with H1 B ..thats a lot better ….. and if you are under 30 , single L 1 B is a suicide ….just the stamping part …with in USA ..all well ..you can switch visa also ….. and L1 stamping only happens in channi …you might get a waiting queue for 3 months ….best wishes …
hi saurav
my hib visa for 3years have approval and later at the time of extension it was rejected normally any h1b visa has to be for 6 years but i dint get any extension after my 3 years later i came back to india n this year i have applied for cap excemption so what are my chances of getting my h1b approval
can any one please guess for my above mentioned question
i went to us for my ms in 2003 to 2005
later got i year opt
Saurabh/All
i went to us for my ms in 2003 to 2005
later got i year opt
later got my h1b approval
but it was only for 3 years when i again applied for h1b extension it was rejected
then i came back to india and after 2 years now my employer filing my case for cap excemption
n recently i received rfe based on employer financial status please tell me what are my chances of approvals any suggestions any answers
Saurabh
please respond to my question m waiting
Indian,
Well the chances depend upon what your employer responds to the RFE. Only the employer knows what their financial status is.
Thanks ….I was under the same impression if it wud hamper my H1B chances..looks like it wud b wise not to mix them up and end up answering a lot of questions later on …
H1 Query,
Your H-1 and L-1 are being processed by different employers for different job requirements. As long as you have qualifications for both positions, it should be fine.
In the case where it was denied, it was filed by same employer. They filed H-1 after L-1 was denied and that too for the same job description. That led USCIS to question how the same job be qualified for both H-1 and L-1.
Your case seems different.
can any one tell me how many cap excemption cases will be approved on receiving rfe??????????????????????????????????
Hi All,
My Case# EAC13138512XX is also in Initial Review. My case was submitted on Apr 1st and selected through lottery on Apr 7th. It’s been in the same IR state from Apr 8th. Finger’s crossed.
Thanks,
Govindaraj
Hi Saurabh,
I have submitted just my 10th, Inter and final year marks sheets and provisional certificates of B.TECH
My receipt number is WAC13144502** .. still in intital review.
I am worried, will it go into RFE, as i dint submit my complete marks sheets?
please suggest!!
Thanks,
Sunny
Hi sunny,
have u submitted the orignal mark sheets or just a photo copy of the marksheets.
Thanks,
aishwarya
just a photo copy of the marksheets
Sunny,
It will be officer’s discretion whether to ask for mark sheets or if to be fine w/ the submitted certificates.
Thank You Very Much Sir For Your Reply…Gives me some confidence and hopes back again!!!
Hi guys,
Do you have any idea …. how much time we have to wait for the updates on the status change.
My recp no is EAC13144********.
1) The shock of lottery 😛
2) was not sure i was going to select or not…
3)seen people getting selected… and thought mine wont come… sleepless night … lol and checking these site it was very helpful!! thousands of people like me lol…
4) got my recipt no…. was happy for a week..
5) again waiting………………… lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! seeing people getting there status which is forcing me to check mine again and again 😛 :P… still no change..
6) what Next……………………………….. 😛
can any one give me a idea what next and till when you guys think.. that it will be all done.
i have seen some good answers from saurabh and others which was very helpful for myself and others….lol
all share there queries and emotions.. here 😛
Best of luck to all !!
hope it get change soon :(((((
Koolbeeer
Hi saurabh\people following this site
Thanks you all !! mine is approved 🙂 on 19th july.
cheers and best of luck to all !!
Hi All,
First of all I thank all of you who updated there status so far on this website..
Thank God finally approved!!!
I Received Approval Notice on 3rd July.
Initial Review date was on 8th April.
Petition number : WAC13138513**
RQ/ RP
Good luck to All !!
which field? IT?accounting?……;
IT
congrats buddie.
Has anyone got approval for EAC******* cases for initial review of 8th April?
Looks like the 8th April cases are being picked up now but not sure if EAC*** cases are also being picked. Being impatient ….kinly update.
You are so lucky….
Mine is WAC1313750*** and still in Initial Review..
Hi 100%Lucky,
you are 200 % lucky. 🙂
Mine is WAC13137500** still Initial Review.
Congrats dude!! looks like your prayers have been heard 🙂 pray for me too pls.. WAC13141***** is mine.. may be August i may hear something about my case.
Thanks!!! Hope you all get good news soon…But not sure how USCIS is processing these petitions…petition ahead me are not been considered…Anyways Good Luck Guys!!!
Hi Saurabh,
My receipt status is INITIAL REVIEW
but Message is updated as below “On July 3, 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”
I am worried on what is happening. Is it a RFE??? Please let me know what this messasge means?
It means your employer/lawyer changed the mail address to which any formal communication will be sent. Nothing else
oh thanks a lot for the reply
I have applied for L1 to H1 COS and waiting for my petition approval. however, my company has lost the project to another vendor. i want to know if it is possible to transfer my H1 to new company immediately after getting petition approval or it can happen only after oct 1 as it will be valid from Oct 1. also, is it mandatory to have stamping first before transferring the H1 to another employer. the new vendor will take over the project by september so i want to know if my petition is approved by then from current employer than can i initiate the H1b transfer or i need to wait for Oct 1 and stamping.
Kapil,
Another employer can file a cap-exempt petition for you even prior to Oct 1, once your current petition has been approved. It is not required for visa to be stamped for this to happen.
Hello Folks,
By no way you can estimate your processing date as USCIS do not follow the sequence of the case numbers that has been given to us. They have their own sequence which is completely based on which day/order they have received the petitions.
Also, DO NOT consider the acknowledgement receipt date as the sequence that they are following. I got these information from my employer’s representative who is a trusted source of mine.
So the average processing time being 60 days is 60 working days of the USCIS field office where your petition is being processed. Moreover nowadays a lot of normal petitions are requested to convert to a premium processing which is further delaying the remaining regular quota petitions. So this is a regular phenomenon with USCIS every year and folks who are still awaiting their results needs to wait for some more time. Patience is the key here and nothing else you can do at this moment of time. It is expected by august that all the petitions would be ready with the decisions.
I think even I believe so.
My company has told me the wait time ranges from 90 to 120 days. Mine has passed 60 days, hope to get approval soon enough.
Though I’ve a question – my I94 and H1B are both expired. The H1B extension request was filed before I94 expiry, so right now my status is valid. Though I’m wondering if I plan to leave the country (leaving the job). Will I be allowed to stay in the country after my last day at work?
Until your decision is made, you cannot stay beyond your last date after grace period.
Hi All,
Any idea which is current day application getting processed or approved in WAC. Mine is WAC13140 521** ….
Mine is WAC 141 th day and in initial review. When I happen to randonly check numbers after and below mine, to my surprise I found few applications were approved.
How is it possible? I checked like 50 to 60 numbers and in that around 5 numbers were approved.
Are they upgraded to premium or USCIS is so randomly processing the applications??
Karan and Hari,
if there was a like option here, I would liked your comments!
I abs love my country ..INDIA !! and am always praises about it.
Anyway, Saurabh Thanks for the quick update. I think I will get my decision on the last day of 6th month.. 😛
trying to make things lite! Keep updating people as and how your status change, it might help us!
Thanks.
how annoying can it be !!!
I am soooo frustrated with the wait.. even worst is I had to decline a very very good opportunity back in India relying on this visa thing and what do I get “STILL NO DECISION” its in “INITIAL REVIEW”
Paid the lawyer a fat amount to do this process for me and when ask him if he can put a service request cause it is almost 3 months now, he says, they are like this only and we can just wait!! Sometimes I don’t understand why I put up with this country and its n number of flaws and inconvenience!! pathetic…
(some of you may be thinking I am here cz even I wanna earn in dollars.. noooo, I am putting up with this madness of “staying in USA” just because I love my spouse.
ohh.. me stuck up !!! :(( :((
mine case number EAC131485** .. I think it will take a year.. disheartened 🙁
even i don’t want to print dollors.. I am putting up with this madness of “staying in USA”, just because I love Blond..
Disheartened :(,
The processing time is 2-6 months. 3 months still translates to half way through.
convince ur spouse to move to india. many are moving back. atleast u can take ur spouse there for a smal vacation and may be she will like it. in any case in next 10-20 years life will be better in countries like India and china compared to US. Still many people are enjoying more in india compared to here. i myself waiting desperately for approval of H1 so that i can go back to india. i want to live in india for sometime and keep h1 as a backup for 2-3 years.
oh yeah.this waiting is killing me.I know its half way but still i am at IR with EAC13137 ***** series.
Nothing moving atall. Anyone any update ?
Anyone got any update for EAC -13-139-52XXX series? I guess this the slowest moving series.
i m also waiting for one in 138 and another in 139 series. looks like uscis is deliberately doing it slowly so that more n more ppl. pay for PP. i can see so many messages in this forum saying they converted in PP last week etc. its a good way to make money.
EAC1313952*** same boat man nothing since april 8th
Hi Saurabh,
My H1B petition is denied based on the following reasons:
“Not submitted sufficient documentary evidence of proposed in-house project and employment. have not submitted copies of contracts, statement of work, or agreement between your company and the ultimate end client company to whom the software product will be delivered. Furthermore the record doesn’t include any evidence of end client employment from your company, a vendor, or end client letter.
You contend that the beneficiary will be employed at your office location in the capacity of an “IT project manager” however the records doesn’t include sufficient information or documentary evidence of such endeavors.”
My question to you is:
1. Is it worth while to apply for MTR or appeal. What are the chances of a decision change.
2. If we get a end client letter, will it help? Since in the initial paper work my employer showed an in-house project.
Sorry to hear that KKM..are you on PP case..I am in similar situation and waiting to hear back from USCIS.
Saurabh: your advice will be helpful for this, please suggest.
Initially I was in RP, I converted to PP 2 weeks back and received this denial last week
You contend that the beneficiary will be employed at your office location in the capacity of an “IT project manager” however the records doesn’t include sufficient information or documentary evidence of such endeavors.”
were you hired as a project manager? did you not have client letter or know client project?
KKM,
Did you receive a RFE or directly it went to denial status. Most of the case they will send a RFE to submit documents and then they will adjudicate the decision..
WE received an RFE initially and RFE was responded back 5-6 weeks ago. I am not sure what was asked in RFE since my employer never shared the RFE details with me.
After that couple of weeks my petition was in ‘RFE Response Review’ status and I upgraded to premium 2 weeks back.
The LCA was approved for ‘IT project manager’. Not sure what kind of supporting documentation was attached with the petition.
Did you applied for Appeal/MTR?
KKM
1. Chances will depend upon what kind of documents do you show to contest the decision
2. Was it for a real in-house project or a sham? Lot of companies use in-house project to escape client letter etc. However, if someone is working on in-house project then company should have enough funds to pay that person and how that will help the company in saving money (like implementation) or making money (like products).
Thanks Saurabh.
Should we produce a client letter now? Will it help or it may create another set of issues, Since earlier it is claimed that I will be working on an in-house project and now we are producing client letter.
KKM,
That would be tricky as the original petition was filed for in-house project and was processed on that basis. However, you have nothing to lose by filing MTR (except for dollars) w/ client letter.
What is your attorney suggesting?
I got RFE and the RFE is about project description, can any one tell if you got the same RFE, what are the chances of approval
Hi
Today this was my case status:
On July 1, 2013, 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.
RFE?
Yes it is RFE. Check with your employer or attorney for further updates from USCIS.
It wasn’t a RFE!
I got the approval status after 3 hours of this msg. Thanks anyways!
Skywalker,
That was a solid answer to Ravi..Lolz…No offence here for him..
Congratulations…
Finally u got it…I am yet to receive decision..:)
Let me know how it goes!!
Did any get approval in EAC131385XXX series
was about to put same qstn 🙂 i was expecting them to finish many applications in 138 series this week but it being a holiday week i think its not gonna happen.
Saurab,
I am in currently on L1B through employer A and I-94 valid until 15th Dec,2013. I have employer B filed H1 for me through COS . Assuming my H1 gets approved, do I need to change to employer B on 1st of Oct even though my L1 is valid until Dec? or can I continue on L1 until Dec and then change to employer B?.
Please advise
L1 to H1 -COS,
If H-1 gets approved w/ COS, then you are suppose to join B from Oct 1. You cannot continue to work on L-1 unless you take an action to move back to L-1 status.
Thanks Saurab.
Obviously, I don’t want to move back to L1.:)
has anyone in WAC1313251**** got any updates from USCIS?
Hi Saurabh
I am in US on H1B and wife is on H4 (Expiring 17 November 2013). This year i applied for my wife’s H1B and got selected in lottery and the application status is in processing.
Now as i am nearing my H1B expiration my company is asking me to apply for extension, i am confused here:
Do i apply for my wife’s H4 extension also along with my H1B extension and this will not interfere will here current H1B application with USCIS
Or shall i just apply for my extension and not her, what happens if the H1B petition gets rejected.
Please help, i know there would be many in such situation. I would really grateful if you can answer my query.
Rajesh,
Here is a similar question I responded sometime ago. Go through it and let me know if you still have any questions.
Is anybody here got RFE and then finally approved? If yes, what is the reason of RFE. I got RFE yesterday. Appreciate any comments.
I still see my case status as – “..On April X, 2013, your Alien Registration Number was changed relating to your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER..”
My file number is in the series EAC1314050XXX and it is still in Initial review!!
Received Approval Notice on 27th June.
Petition number : EAC13140522**
RQ/ RP
Good luck to All !! 🙂
Currently on L1B with I94 expiring on 20th Sep 2013 and current employer filed for H1B and is in initial review stage. H1B is filed with COS (L1-H1) and since COS filed before expiring of I94;
1. Can I stay legally beyond expiring of I94 (20 Sep 2013); if COS (L1-H1) case is in progress and pending for final decision.
2. And if COS approval comes after 01-Oct-2013; Is it ok to continue without going out of country for any visa stamping.
3. What if H1B approval come after 01-Oct-2013 and COS denied, whether my stay considered to be illegal for those days.
COS L-H,
Even if H-1 gets approved w/ COS, there will be a break in I-94 continuity. The current I-94 expires on Sep 20, while H-1 I-94 cannot begin until Oct 1. So you cannot stay in US b/c of this break in continuity.
Your L-1 extension needs to be filed in order for you to continue to stay in US beyond Sep 20. Until your H-1 COS goes into effect, you will remain on L-1 status and hence it is important to file L-1 extension if H-1 remains pending.
Thanks Saurabh …
If H1B approves with COS then L1B ext is good option; here may be few situations :
a. Later on if L1B ext denied after 01-oct ; will there be any issue for those few days gap, as H1B COS should auto active from 01-oct.
b. OR if L1B ext got RFE after 01-oct; is any option to withdraw that ; as H1B COS auto active from 01-oct.
c. OR if L1B get approved ; then what will happen to H1B or COS
d. BUT if H1B approves without COS; then completely its different way.
COS L-H,
1. No, it won’t impact you. You were legal in those days as your timely filed L-1 extension was in progress.
2. Yes, L-1 employer can withdraw it
3. You will move to L-1 status from L-1 approval date. To go back to H-1, you either need to file COS or enter on stamped H-1 visa
4. Yes, then you are relying on L-1 extension to get approved before filing for H-1 COS. The other option is to enter on stamped H-1 visa
Thank You Saurabh
What if H1B approves without COS and if we file for L1B extn also before expiring of I94; Is it possible to request for COS when L1B extn is in progress after 01-Oct-2013.
COS L-H,
If H-1 COS is applied after your current I-94 has expired, then USCIS will want proof of L-1 extension approval before approving the COS.
Here is conclusion; Since COS L-H is already requested with H1B before I94 expiration; so any chance if COS approves along with H1B then filing L1B extn to cover gap and later withdraw after 01-Oct makes sense. But if H1B approve as CP then later all depends upon L1B extn approval ; further if RFE or denial comes for L1B extn then its difficult to get an COS approval and H1B can be availed only via CP.
COS L-H,
That is correct. You can run this through your H-1 attorney as well.
Hi All,
Finally my wait is over. my receipt status shows as Approved last night. Receipt # is EAC-13-139-54XXX.
hi dear friend
is your form sub-type as a visa that should be issued abroad? my case number is EAC1314052 but I think it is going too late, it is still in initial review!!! my case number shows that , I should received some news sooner!!!
Iman,
I am not sure about Form. But mine is a COS from L1 to H1.
Hi Saurabh/Experts,
I have a question about filing fees… I have been selected in lottery and my case is in Initial review since April 8th, and my filing fees cheques have all been encashed by USCIS for further process and now its initial review, my question is at this stage, if at all my case is rejected… what happens to the fees which has already gone in USCIS’s account…
VB,
Nothing is returned by USCIS if the petition is selected and is subsequently denied.
Lovely.. Congratulations on your approval!
Can you share when did you get the decision-Approval ?
Hi Guys,
Mine is 13143***** and no news as of now… as I said earlier, they are doing according to date, and all who were picked up on April 8th,irrespective of the receipt no,have not heard anything yet… keeping fingers crossed that I hear from them soon :(((
i got approval notice. my case was picked up on 8th April 2013 only.
Hello,
Can any one update me about whether client letter is mandatory or optional during visa interview ?
Is it compulsory if the job is full time – not contract?
Thanks,
Lovely.
Congratulation for getting the approval…can you let us know of your receipt number so that we will get some idea about the current running series….
Lovely,
It depends upon the job profile and company. If you are going to work for a consulting company who places you at a client site, then client letter is pretty much mandatory (more so if the company is a small-medium size company).
If it’s a large company or a product based company, then client letters are not applicable.
What will be your job on H-1?
hey Guys,
My R.No is EAC131385**** Regular processing
Petition received on 8th Apr
Changed to initial review on 17th Apr
Still its in initial review…
has anyone in the same series got any updates… ???
Any idea when i might get an update…
Tnx
Mine is EAC131385XXXX and still in Initial Review from 8th of April. Finger’s crossed.
Thanks,
Govindaraj
mine is EAC13139 and still in intial reviw since april 8th
Mine is also in Initial Review from 8 April … Please guys post what about you ? Any body receiving updates ?
Mine is also EAC131385196* , 8th April, Initial Review.
WAC13142512XX, 8th April, Initial Review
mine got approved yesterday
rq/rp – EAC1313851960
Mine is also @ initial review state. Any idea when it can get approved.
To Approved and Got the Approval..
What is your received date..
Any idea how much time USCIS will take to provide update after responding to first RFE in PP case. I know they have 15 working days TAT but could anyone suggest how many approx min days USCIS will take to respond?
Approved and Got the Approval,
What was your date of receiving ? and Notice date.. if you can share a lil info to help me know where my case stands..
Thanks in advance ! and Many Congratulations ! 🙂