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What’s After H1B 2015 Lottery ? FAQs – Receipt Numbers, Processing Times?

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Updated : April 21, 2015- Modified content on additional petitions than 85,000 quota – wait-listing for denials 

As you know, USCIS conducted a lottery on the 172,500 H1B Visa petitions filed for FY 2015 quota and did a press release indicating that the 85,000 petitions selected will be notified with receipt numbers and those not selected will be rejected and returned. I have seen many of our readers asking questions on variety of topics like below.

  • What are the Next Steps after H1B Lottery by USCIS ?
  • Who will get the case number ?  Do I get an email ? Will I get a hard copy ?
  • Who will get the rejected application ? Employer or Employee ?
  • Did anyone receive H1B receipt Numbers for Premium processing ?
  • When will I receive the H1B Case number?
  • How many Master’s degree petitions were received  ? What were my odds in lottery ?
  • Does USCIS select more petitions than 85,000 as backup for denials ?
  • How do I know, if my employer really filed my case ?
  • Can I know the details of my case from USCIS ? What are my choices ?
  • Can I upgrade my case to Premium processing without receipt number ?
  • I have not slept in couple of days, when will I receive my receipt number?

This article addresses all of these FAQs.

What are the Next Steps after H1B Lottery by USCIS ?  

  • USCIS notifies selected Premium Processing  applicants about their receipt numbers
  • USCIS then notifies all selected non-premium/regular  processing  candidates about their receipt numbers through postal mail
  • USCIS completes all premium processing applications adjudication by May 12 (15 calendar days from Apr 28)
  • USCIS continues to process non-premium processing cases once their premium processing applications load is down
  • USCIS starts sending out rejection letters to non-selected candidates

Some of these steps may happen in parallel, while some may happen sequential. Also, the timelines are based upon historical data and it is not possible to predict actual dates for this year.  For general info, you may also read  USCIS Processing time for Regular vs Premium

Who will get the case number ? Employee or Employer ?   Do I get an email ? Will I get a hard copy ?

Usually  the employer/ immigration attorney, who filed the H1B petition would receive the receipt number.  The employee will NOT get any email or hard copy of the receipt number from USCIS.  For selected premium processing petitions, an email with receipt number will be sent to the attorney and then followed by a hard copy in mail. For selected regular processing petitions, a hard copy of the receipt notice with receipt number is sent via standard mail.  Either case, nothing will be sent to the employee, it will always be sent to the employer/ immigration attorney.  Read about What USCIS H1B Case number means

Who will get the rejected application, not selected in lottery ? Employer or Employee ?

The employer/immigration attorney will get the rejected application that was not picked in the random computer generation process/lottery.  It should include the fee you sent as well, unless it was a duplicate filing by the employer for the same employee.

Did anyone receive H1B receipt Numbers for Premium processing ?

Yes, some of our readers have indicated that they received Premium processing case receipt numbers on Friday, April 11th, 2014.  Check the sample USCIS H1B 2015 email receipt.  There is no guarantee that everyone, who filed under premium processing, should receive the case numbers right away this week or in the next week. They may start to receive the case numbers anytime from now, nothing to panic that someone got it and you did not.

USCIS said April 28th  is when they will start the premium processing, How come some are receiving the case numbers and emails  ?

Here is the exact USCIS statement  “While the Form I-797 receipt notice indicates the date USCIS received the premium processing fee, the 15-day processing period set by 8 CFR 103.7(e)(2) will begin no  later than April 28, 2014. “.  If you read carefully, it says ‘NO LATER THAN April 28th “, which means that they will start the 15 day clock for premium processing by April 28th, does not mean they will start on April 28th.  So, technically USCIS can start the processing and send out receipt numbers for Premium processing any time before that as well. In fact, they have already since Friday April 11th.

When will I receive the H1B visa 2015 Case number, if I am selected ?  Regular vs Premium ?  

The premium processing cases selected, ideally should get receipt numbers by April 28th and a decision (approval or RFE) by May 12th ( April 28th + 15 calendar days)  as they are bound by 15 calendar day time limit.  For regular processing, ideally, you would receive the receipt numbers a little later. Last year, we have seen receipt numbers sent until late June. This year, we can expect it to be around the same or maybe a little late like early July, as the USCIS load has increased slightly ( Denying and returning more petitions )

How many Master’s degree petitions were received  ? What were my odds in lottery ?

Unfortunately, USCIS has not officially released any petition numbers received for the master’s degree quota. They have not release it last year too. If someone says a number, it is pure speculation. To calculate your odds in lottery, just use the 172,500. It may not be accurate, but gives you some baseline to know your worst case probability.

Does USCIS select more petitions than 85,000 as backup for denials ?

[Updated on April 21st, 2014 ]  USCIS did not release any official information for FY 2015 saying that they selected or wait-listed more petitions than 85,000 as backup to account for denials. Previously, in 2008 USCIS mentioned in their press release that they have  “wait-listed” some petitions to replace the denials, withdrawal petitions, etc.  But, for this FY 2015 quota, we don’t know.  If USCIS were to follow the same process like in 2008, they would have some “wait-listed petitions” put aside in FY 2015 as well. We just have to wait and see or hear from our users. No official information from USCIS on this.  

How do I know, if my employer really filed my case ?

Well, you have to trust your employer and get the information from him that your petition is filed. Usually, employers are upfront and keep you posted about this and send you the emails/hard copy scans from USCIS. You need to find this from your employer.

Can I know the details of my case from USCIS ? What are my choices ?

Well, this is a roundabout way. USCIS has Freedom of Information act , which can be used to get information regarding you file/case. This could take few months( 6 months ) as there are many requests.  But, there is no guarantee here as it is at the discretion of USCIS. Technically, the H1B petition filed is the employer property and you may not have full rights until you start to work for them legally on H1B. We have heard that some cases information was not disclosed. Again, it depends. Talk to an attorney for more clarification.

Can I upgrade my case to Premium processing without receipt number?

You need the USCIS H1B receipt number to upgrade your case to premium processing. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do, you need to wait for the case number.

I have not slept properly in couple of days, when will I receive my receipt number?

We understand that it can be very stressful period waiting for the petition receipt number and then for processing of the application.  Many of us have been in similar shoes and can empathize your pain. Unfortunately, there is nothing we all can do as it is not in our hands.  Please try to stay calm, focus your personal time on something that you enjoy or with your spouse/kids/friends. Do share your information with our readers on the blog, so all of our readers help each other. We plan to re-build our H1B Tracker with analytics, please post your case once you get the receipt number.

What are your thoughts ?  Did I miss anything  ?   Stay tune for more articles on H1B Visa 2015

 

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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5,206 Comments

  1. My firm filed for 19 of us. Regular quota premium processing-12 masters quota premium- 7 We lost hope but today the 19 packages where delivered and we were all selected. What a miracle.

    Reply

  2. I Know my friends wife inc my wife who all applied for h1b except my wife every one got it. Most surprising part who are all got H1n did not get job but my wife almost had job while applying h1b didn’t get in This year applied and waiting for results. So its part of my life we might see surprises in our life. We are all here to have wonderful life but not to curse others pointing finger showing weakness
    I feel everyone has right to apply for H1b irrespective whether they get job or not

    Reply

    • Not yet! I also applied for Non-Adv/PP/VT…Seems not too many people apply using PP for Undergrad. We have to wait…anyone else under same scenario?

      Reply

    • Non – AD / RP/ CA here – I heard from my attorney today that it might take another two weeks, as he has been receiving receipts of the AD holders’ receipts.

      I am hopeful
      AND all we can do is pray !

      Reply

  6. Hello All!

    I heard from my Employer today that I got picked in the Lottery.. My case is AD/Regular/Vermont.

    I dint get picked last year and this was my only hope!

    Been following this blog for a long time now and saw a lot of emotions.. All that we can do is Pray….

    Good Luck everyone!

    Reply

  8. Hello,
    My employer emailed me that they just received
    an email from my attorney saying that my application
    was selected for processing. I am AD/Regular/Vermont.
    Been on this section since I had submitted my application, and
    it helped me a lot to ease the level of uncertainty we all have been
    experiencing!! Don’t lose hope, I’ll keep my fingers crossed

    Reply

  9. hello guys..i am still waiting for my receipt and its very very stressful. I am unable to reach my attorney and so i keep checking my email almost every min. are they still giving out receipts for premium processing ?

    Reply

  10. I have recieved my Reciept number, but when I go to check status it shows me the message – Your case can not be found at this time in My Case Status. Please check your receipt number and try again.

    Should I wait for some more days?

    Reply

  13. Hey guys

    i am in a flight school, do you guys think that I can ask for my SEVIS update ?
    And if it hasnt been updated it means that I didnt make it through ?

    Non ad-reg

    Reply

  14. Need help!

    I received a paper from Department of Homeland Security with a receipt number. When i put it in the USCIS case status tracker i get “Intial Review”. IS this being accepted in lottery? My HR doesn’t believe so and thinks this is only reciept that they got my application. But she is fairly new. Can i accept this as good news?

    Reply

      • Hi Sci , No this was sent to my VP-HR. She casually mentioned it to me and i did not care too. But then a friend told me that this might be it! so I checked in with them and asked you guys in the forum. Very helpful all of you! Thanks! and Good luck!

        Reply

  16. I am non-AD/PP/VSC not receipt yet 🙁
    no update from attorney as well, he said wait and pray.
    did any one had rejection mail? i.e. not selected in lottery?
    at-least i stop hoping…:(

    Reply

  18. Got picked in lottery. Got the number.
    I am not sure when my attorney got the news but my series is from April 15. *WAC14133……

    I am PP/AD/CA

    And yes I had checked my status at DSO last week and it was updated.
    So 99.99% (0.01% could be an error :P) if DSO shows a change that means you got it!

    One request: Sometimes our comments get a little too negative. I would just request folks to motivate others and show them support rather then putting in a negative comment.

    I know it is tough! I was super stressed and depressed! But it helped me when people said positive things to me and motivated me !

    For those of you who are putting in positive and motivating comments! Thank you! 🙂

    All the best every one! I will continue praying!

    Reply

    • Hey congrats. And yes I agree with your comments you need to be really optimistic now. Also, optimistic support does help you. AD/Regular waiting 🙂

      Reply

  20. My petition was for AD/RP/VSC. I haven’t received any update from my attorney, but school DSO informed me about an update in my SEVIS status, with a receipt number EAC14**… . Does this mean my petition was picked up in the lottery?

    Reply

  23. Anyone has an estimate for the number of application received for the advanced degree cap? Not sure why USCIS is not disclosing it

    Reply

  26. Hi All,

    I have been a quite reader of this blog and waiting to receive the notice of my H1B petition. Just a while ago, I got a email from my attorney that they have received the notice. For those are still waiting for your case, there are still hope. It’s been a quite long waiting time…

    AD/RP/VSC

    Reply

    • Have not heard a word back from the attorney…not even “Sorry dint receive anything yet, hang in thr” ….congrats to you my friend….you just received an email today right ?? Do you know when the attorney got it though??

      Reply

  27. Hello Everyone,

    I have been a silent observer reading through almost every one of those 1600+ comments on this post so far. I truly understand what every one of you have been going through while your fate is being hammered under a computerized random selection process (aka lottery). My comment is specially for those who are still holding by a diminishing light of hope and also those who have been in US for quite sometime and this year’s lottery result will prove to be a make/break situation. I would like to share my own experience with you hoping it will help you on the front where you need it the most, your “thought process”.

    Like most of you, I too dreamt of going abroad and working for a reputed org and make use of my experience. My journey to the world of H-1B and visa began in 2006 when my petition was approved and appeared for an interview at Chennai consulate. I was hammered on top of my head with series of questions (almost 15+) and finally it was concluded that there exists no client, it was an in-house project. This was the time when I had no idea about this whole visa system. Finally learnt about 221(g) and that I was refused the golden ticket to an elusive world of opportunities. I was a network admin then.

    I did not feel bad, not so much as I have learnt to adapt to changes better than others. I quickly changed my track and went into SAP ERP platform and since then have been working on it. I have built almost 7+ years of hardcore experience around it.

    This year like most of you, did apply for the visa, got through the lottery and now awaiting next steps. Between 2006 and 2014 a lot has happened. I applied for H-1B at least 5 times but made some considerable progress only this year. At this moment I am not sure what will happen between Apr 28th and May 12th and following days, but then I am already prepared, I want you to be prepared too. It’s not end of life after all.

    I have always believed in one thing – if you are totally determined towards a certain goal, you may have to take numerous paths/routes but you will eventually reach there provided you don’t give up. Never ever! It takes time and patience but you will get there, just keep working towards it. I have been through it since 2006. I see something for me in 2014, long journey but no regrets. I made the most of the opportunity, it was never the end of it. It was always the beginning of something better. That’s how I looked at it and that’s how I suggest YOU look at at it.

    My dad (he is no more) used to tell me when I was a kid that during a storm those trees survive that knows to bend and let the storm pass by. Those trees which can not bend are uprooted forever!! Think about it.

    Cheers!

    Reply

    • I am AD/RP/VT, i checked with my school and they were able to tell me that my case was picked and gave me the receipt number. No news from my attorney yet.
      All the best Guys!!

      Reply

    • Great man! That’s inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

      I liked especially “those with a goal” can find many ways and H1B is just one path among them. If H1B itself becomes a goal, then you hit the end of the road like many of us here are, especially me. Thanks Again!

      Reply

      • i do realize that H1b should not the be the sole goal in life ….but as of now ….cant really think i have any other option but to make this the sole goal as the case with so many others. Your story is definiely inspiring and gives us all hope to fight, so lets keep the fight going and hopefully we get it this year.

        Reply

    • HI Rajs,

      I am just wondering, if you have once h1b in 2006 why did you tried again all these years. i think you will be exempt from new application cap and can apply or transfer h1b any time if you have old i797 form with you.

      Reply

  29. I am Non AD/RP/VT, asked my attorney today he said wait till the end of this month. According to him they got last receipt in mid May last year.

    Reply

    • i can feel you pain mate…i am in a similar position …my attorney has not even responded back …so all i can do right now is pray and pray hard!!

      Reply

  30. If we are competing for who is in the worst situation, consider mine:

    – I have been here since 1998 (yes, you read that right) — 16 years!!
    – Spent ~60% of my life here
    – I have a Ph.D. from a top-5 institution.

    Reply

    • 16 years! How come you stayed in the US after graduating without a H1B for so long? I am just curious. No offence. Does a post-doc come under F-1?

      Reply

    • Scientist.. Your stats and mine are quite similar except I have a Bachelor’s degree not a PhD. In my case, I aged out of my parents GC application and am now stuck with my own process. I’ve applied for the second time this year. I didn’t get through the lottery last year. I know how you must feel. Hang in there… we’ll make it through 🙂

      Reply

    • To hv: none taken. I’ve been on various non-immigrant statuses for all this time. It’s not completely abnormal, if you entered the country as a minor with parents. And yes, I finished my Ph.D. last year, not a long time ago.

      Funny thing is that if I were illegal (I am not), I would qualify for the Dream Act stuff, and get EAD, etc, maybe even permanent residency if the law passes.

      Reply

  31. Just spoke to Fragomen, they said that they received a whole bunch of receipts yesterday and the day before. Likely, to receive more over the rest of the week.

    I say hang tight till the end of the week.

    Maybe start exploring that plan B after the 28th.

    Good luck everyone!

    P.S AD/RP/? … Waiting.

    Reply

  32. Just received my receipt number
    Non AD / PP / Vermont

    I have already lived here for 6 years with college, OPT, and OPT ext., so I feel like I need / deserve this a lot more than people not in the US who have nothing to lose if their application is not chosen in lottery.

    You can disagree, but that’s the reality of the situation. I hope all those that have a larger stake in the game and would have a more detrimental affect if they were to miss out should have a better chance..just saying.

    PS I know more about the visa process than 99.9% of people in this forum, so ask away. This includes H1, F1, P1, OPT, OPT Ext, cap gap

    Reply

    • Well, words that usually hurt readers are “already lived here”, “have nothing to lose”, “I need / deserve this a lot”.

      Reply

    • AD/PP — still waiting

      Thank you for the update, it was much needed. I’ve been here over 7 years now, got my BA and MA from top 3 college and university, I’ve basically build my entire adult life here. Currently happily employed and living in DC, and it feels humiliating, to say the least, that where I live and work after my OPT expires will be determined by a random computer selection.

      Congrats to you and all the best!

      Reply

    • I’m with you. I’m in the same boat. I can understand your pain.
      Only difference is I haven’t received my receipt yet.
      Tough to digest to not get “random” selected this year too!

      AD/Reg

      School->OPT->OPT STEM->H-1B (Try 1)->H-1B(Try 2)

      Good luck mate!

      Reply

      • I am in a similar situation as you.

        BA -> Stem -> H1B (Try 1 – not chosen) -> STEM Ext -> (Try 2 – chosen)

        And to those that are hurt by the words “already lived here”, “have nothing to lose”, “I need / deserve this a lot”, you have very little to lose. For you, it’s like bringing in a $100 to the casino, you lose, and you walk out mostly unscaved.

        For those of us with a life/car/girlfriend/stable job/apartment etc that is all on the line, it’s like walking into the casino with your whole life.

        Only in our world, there is a limit on the amount of people allowed in the casino and it is flooded with people, each with a $100 chip.

        Reply

        • Well I have a friend who has lost all.. He is jobless now because of no h1b… No offence .. But other people too are coming there for their life …

          Reply

          • can we stop with who deserves it or not …why dont people understand that is not the criteria ……..neither is naything else…its a dam computer generated random pick ..thats all that matters.

      • I can only laugh at our frustrations!

        MS – phd discontinued – OPT- OPT ext – H1B (2014) (Try1) – H1B (2015) (Try2)

        No receipt yet.

        AD-Regular-Vermont

        Good luck everyone who got selected this year. Hard luck foe those not selected. Lets work hard for next year.

        Reply

      • If your lawyer has not found out by now, then you are in the back end of the group. However, people are still receiving receipts today and there are always a few ‘held back’ in case some that were chosen in the lottery are not eligible or have their visas denied.

        Reply

    • Congrat!
      I’m in the exact same situation like you, but still waiting on Non-AD/PP/Vermont.
      Do you know if USCIS is still sending a large amount of PP receipts? It’s been a long time and like many others, I wonder if the chance is getting smaller…Especially when I see RP people start getting receipt, I’m not sure is PP is almost done or it’s too early to say. Please let me know what you think! Thank you!

      Reply

      • It is still too early to say. I know when I closely tracked this last year there were people still receiving receipts into the first and early second week of March (for PP people that is).

        Reply

    • Congrat!
      I’m in the exact same situation like you, but still waiting on Non-AD/PP/Vermont.
      Do you know if USCIS is still sending a large amount of PP receipts? It’s been a long time and like many others, I wonder if the chance is getting smaller…Especially when I see RP people start getting receipt, I’m not sure is PP is almost done or it’s too early to say. Please let me know what you think! Thank you!

      Reply

    • I havent heard back from Fragomen, and I know most of the people in the company already have their receipt. I check my SEVIS status, and my OPT still for exp jun 13, I know when you are selected in the lottery your SEVIS ext the gap on your status until sept 30th.

      the wait is killing me .. I also been here for about 6 years. Is there away to contact a private lawyer so they call USCIS to check on my status. I beleive they already have the results, but because the number of applicats they are taking to long to send averything. Opinions??

      Reply

    • If my h1b gets denied, can I apply for OPT STEM extension in the 60 day grace period? My opt expires in May. I am AD/PP/Cal, got receipt.

      Reply

      • congrats…..on getting the receipt ..i wish i could answer ….but as long as your opt dint expire..i think you can apply …once opt expired not so sure..but then again …dont believe me..i could be wrong

        Reply

      • You are fine. But just to be sure, apply for the extension too. Just a matter of $400. Better be safer then safe :). I did the same.

        Reply

    • This is my fourth year trying for H1B. USCIS has not even released the number of applications it has received for Advanced Degree. Would you have any idea based on past estimates?

      Reply

      • this forum sometimes freaks me out …when i read everyones tale of sorrow …from what i am hearing april 28th or around should be the end of the road almost …like 85% done ..kinda thing ..not surewhat to make of it nwo

        Reply

    • Living in the U.S. (for any number of years) on an F-1 visa or OPT does not make you deserve an H-1 any more than the rest of the applicants. F-1 is a non-immigrant visa and does not allow for dual-intent.

      Reply

  35. Does any body from Austin / Regular and Non – AD ?

    From where my application will be processed. is it vermont ?

    And if so did any one received the receipt in this category.

    Your help is appreciated.

    Reply

  36. Looks like, it would take another week to see more of regular, non ad, vermont. Iam very anxious about it. God help us..

    Reply

  37. Are there anyone AD/RG/Vermont still waiting for the receipt? Did you guys all receive the receipt? I saw all non-AD. I’m so tensed now

    Reply

    • AD / REG / Vermont. Still waiting. Not sure whether to give up. Running out of OPT Ext in a couple of months. HR says to wait. No response from Lawyer or school.

      Reply

      • Me too. My opt will be expired in the beginning of June. Everyone is telling me to wait but I can not calm down anymore

        Reply

        • It feels so ridiculous, study hard for 2 years, get a “genuine” job, toil hard at work, get promoted, apply for visa….and DEAD END.

          Reply

          • Absolutely! I am not even sure, what to do next. It’s a little frustrating when you, really work hard at school and then get your dream job only to be held at the mercy of a lottery….

          • A genuine job is where you don’t have to twist and tweak your resume and blow it off to an altogether new level which even our own self finds it hard to believe. If you still don’t get what I mean then “Abki baar Modi Sarkaar” 🙂

    • Same here.. Its like am waiting forever. 🙁 Don’t know how many days I will have to be in this weird condition. Days are going like hell. Not able to concentrate in anything. Professional and personal life is totally based on this lottery now. 🙁 🙁 🙁

      Reply

  40. Did we hear anything about “Non – AD / Regular / VERMONT” and not california ? Bit tensed about this 🙁

    Reply

  41. On April 17, 2014, 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.

    What does this mean????

    Reply

    • It will be approved. Once the alien registration number changes it means it has been reviewed. I went through the same thing last year. Same process also for my EAD card 2 years ago.

      Lucky you

      Reply

    • Dese,
      Need more information regarding your case. What visa are you currently on? Did you leave US recently? Was the H-1 petition filed w/ COS?

      Reply

  42. NON-AD/PP

    Just now got an update from the attorney office. They have not received any response from USCIS so far. They said they are going to manually check with USCIS. I think the game is not over yet for PP applicants 🙂

    Reply

  46. Good morning !

    I am still waiting under AD/PP/VT category. It appears that PP applicants are still getting receipts. Let’s keep our hope alive for few more days (until Fri). PP applicants, please reply below.

    Another day…..another 10 hours of grueling wait….lets hope that this ends soon. Hopefully, today is our day !

    Reply

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