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
Im AD/RP/VT in the DC area. It seems like many of my friends in the area got receipt numbers yesterday. I haven’t heard anything. Do they send out receipt numbers numbers according to area? And is there still hope for AD/ RP/VT here ??
I have not received yet, I am in the DC Area too.
AD/RP/VT
Hi Guys, I have applied my H1b Under AD/PP/CA & did not get picked yet. Do applications under CA center still have chances left.
Is there anybody with the AD/PP/CA here ??
+1
+1
+1
Alright this is it. No more wait. What’s gonna happen is gonna happen. Waiting is not gonna change anything. I’ve lost my happiness for the past 2 weeks due to this and now am gonna take a break from this and start worrying if I get the petition back. AD/Regular/Vermont.
Dude..Don’t worry. Its not over yet. You still have chance for next one or two weeks.
The HR at my work informed me that for those who filed under Advanced degree- regular processing, there is hope till May 2nd week.
NON-AD/RP/CSC attorney haven’t got anything till now.
they applied for over 180, and have got response for only 20 till now, it includes AD/PP,etc
Any one waiting non ad regular vermont
I am also waiting.. Non AD/Reg/Vermont
Never been picked up in lucky draw till nw,this time biggest chance is decided by lottery…just can laugh on the luck.all the best to all the lucky 1s.
Has anyone received Non-AD/Regular/CA receipts today?
Waiting 🙁
+1
Not hearing much receipts for Non-AD/Regular, compared to other quotas.. Don’t know the reason!
Any non ad, non pp from fragomen, who got reciept?
Guys I am very confused right now. I graduated on December and since this was my second Masters from US, I didn’t have OPT. But I was offered a job when I was in the last semester. So I was on the 60 day grace period when I applied to be in my Husband’s F2 thorough USCIS’s new electronic system USCIS ELIS. The USCIS has not made decision in my F1 to F2 yet. And on April 1 my company filed H1-B for me to start working in October. I have not received anything yet but when I checked my USCIS ELIS account, I saw the sevis status date of my application of F1 to F2 to be April 10. I have heard that everybody’s receipt date is April 10 for H-1B. Is this a mere coincidence or did they access my other application when they chose my application in Lottery?? I am so worried. Don’t know what to do and whom to ask….
The two change of statuses should be independent of each other. You can apply multiple COS at same time.. Wait to receive your receipt. The last of the two COS’s you have applied for approved by USCIS will be your final status.
Thank you Mamta for replying… Ya I guess we can’t do anything but wait. No high hopes though…
Anyone applied through lamboley for non-AD/Regular/VT ? And got any response?
Waiting still for non ad regular vermont till when we can expect
My future employer received 3 Non AD/Regular Vermont receipts so far. waiting for mine. he believes all regaular guys will get reciepts in next 2 weeks based on last year pattern.
so is it over for AD/Regular folks??
Don’t think so though iam not tracking AD/Regular information . From my experience last year ,I think all regular applications (AD/NON-AD) may be processed are in the same lot or at least with no large difference between them . Suddenly in next 2 weeks you would see many people in every category(AD,NON-AD,Regular,Premium) updating their receipt arrival news.
We also need to take into account the mail delivery schedules,folks not actively sharing updates.
I am waiting too AD/RP/CSC
I am also waiting lottery results. My company attorney has not updated my employer yet!
sounds like you and me work for the same company since our attorney has not notified our org yet either 😀
just heard back from the HR that one candidate in my company has received the receipt for AD/Reg/Vermont. Do they send out receipts by attorney or by employer or otherwise? Since mine is AD/Reg/Vermont may be mine wasn’t selected.
Oh,… Can you confirm that? Non-AD/Regular/Vermont???
As I seen, you are the first one who get a receipt number from Non-AD/Regular/Vermont!
Congrat!
Non-AD/PP/VT waiting
Hello AD/PP guys,
There are atleast 20+ppl on this forum waiting for their receipts.This is just a sample, there could be many more. USCIS says they are going to start PP receipts no later than 28th. They are just going to start processing, they could even process after that, we still have some hope left. So lets stay positive till we hear back something. Dont give up! Even if we dont make it, we have many other options, this is not the end.
I have applied under PP. Haven’t received any update yet, USCIS will send updates over the weekend as well or 25th is the last date to send the receipt numbers under premium processing?
I applied under non AD/PP/VT, got selected in lottery and received receipt number on 15th. According to the receipt, the “date received” is April 10.
Does this mean that I should expect a response from USICS today as today is 15th day since the “date received”?
Cant believe I have waited for 2 weeks for my receipt and still the desperate wait continues. 🙁 AD/Regular/VT
Same here. Are they done with AD/RG/VT receipts. Most of my friends got it from the Cali center… Still trying to be sanguine..
Yes this is very stressful and it’s no fair that those AD candidates already working may need to leave the country/house/car etc here plus hopes if not selected. sadly this is the third year I am in line for H1B. Every year I have faced bad luck with something or the other
Hi Friends,
I have been following this blog since last week. For those of you who got picked in the lottery, congratulations and all the best. For people like me who are still desperately waiting for the result, good luck. Remember guys, if we are determined, nothing can stop us from achieving our goal. No one began the race at the same point; So no one will stop it at the same point. We have a long way to go. “When one door closes, another door opens”. Do not lose hope. No one knows what we have in store for tomorrow. Keep your sprits high! A lottery can never be a deciding factor for our life.. Believe in hard work and follow your Heart 🙂 Be happy!!
My employer got 8 RD/RP/VT till now out of 23 he applied. waiting for mine
Where is your attorney & employer located?
Hey guys I didn’t understand one thing.
There is some deadline about PP process for to get a Receipt Number?
My attorney said even though the PP will start on 28th I can get the Receipt Number even in June. Is it true?
Thanks in advance and please answered me.
Carmelo
Sure thats possible, If USCIS does not process a premium petition in 15 days it’ll return the PP fees and process it normally.
Thanks for your answer.
So all PP applications have a chance to get selected later than 28th, right?
Okay I saw a lot of the selected AD/RP/VT was received on 4/10/14.
Mine was actually received on 4/04/14. Do that mean Vermont center has already sent out all the results received before 4/10:/14???
“Okay I saw a lot of the selected AD/RP/VT was received on 4/10/14.”
this is not application received date, it is application processed date. USCIS stopped accepting applications/receiving after 04/07.
Dont worry. keep cool you will get it.
Good morning everyone,
Is there still chance for AD/RP?
and what exactly VT means?
Thank you
Vermont center
+1
AD/PP/VT waiting
+1
me too waiting. one AD/RP/Vermont at my work got it which may mean i am not selected because my company applied for only 2 candidates under AD
+1
Guys, lets keep the hopes up till we get the rejection.
ONE MORE TIME
whoever is a AD/PP/XX +1 please.
+1
+1
AD/PP
still waiting
+1
+1
+1
AD/PP— Still Waiting!! No update in SEVIS and check has not been cleared so far……looks like game is over…
+1
+1
+1
+1
+3 including my friends
+1
AD/PP/VT..waiting
AD/PP/VT….still waiting…
+3 – another friend got his email 04/10…. CA center
I am AD/PP/VT – called fragomen and they said that receipts are still being sent, even for PP – and that I should wait… not sure if there is any hope tought.
It seems that VT
+1
+1
+1 AD/PP/CA
+1 for my friend
Good morning !
I think there are many who applied under AD/PP are still waiting for an answer. Hopefully, we will get a positive result today.
– Is today (Apr 25), the last date to get receipts for AD/PP applicants ?
– I heard that some (AD/PP) got receipts yesterday. I am not sure when it was actually issued. Sometimes, attorneys email their clients after few days. Do we have any confirmed news (AD/PP receipts issued yesterday) ?
– I think we can retain some hope till May 12 assuming we are wait-listed (provided we did not get our application back by May 12).
– I think we need to actively work on our backup plans from Apr 28 (Monday). Unfortunately, there are not many choices other than going back to our home country.
Good luck guys/gals !
I am AD/PP/VT, no receipt yet. I can’t believe mine was not selected in both lotteries.
Same here. 100% unlucky and all hope is gone
Same Here still waiting AD/PP
same here. 2nd time lottery and used up all OPT. No other options left, so desperate…..
You are a great source of encouragement to those who are still anxiously waiting for the AD/PP and other lottery receipts. Please stay positive and do not give up hopes.
@MAk: Good luck mate.
AD/PP/VT.. stilll waiting
AD/PP/VT Still Waiting
+3 including my friends. all AD-PP-VT
All my other friends (abt 20) who did AD-RP-XX got their receipts this week, do you guys think applying in premium dented our chances.
Many of my friends who applied in AD/Non-Premium got selected already.
I don’t know what is happening with AD/PP. And I see so many people here in this forum who is still waiting in AD/PP. Don know what our fate is gonna be! 🙁
I can see some EAC# generated y’day like EAC1414355000 for premium processing. What does it mean? Do we stil have hope. My petition for non-ad/Pp/ Vermont
Can’t be sure. It can be cap exempt. But Plz don’t loose your hope. All the best.
Hey Guys,
Some help needed guys. I checked with my school and my DSO replied in an email saying -“Your SEVIS record reflects an approved extension”. What does this mean?
I am AD/PP/VCS. And haven’t heard anything from my attorney yet.
Congrats. It seems you got selected. To re-confirm ask DSO if SEVIS record has a petition number attached to it with update information.
when did you contact your school?
I contacted them yesterday. I just spoke to my DSO – she herself is not sure of what this exactly means. But she is saying the the SEVIS record might be updated differently for each individual as the officer who is updating it might put a different “comment” for ease case so its difficult to judge.
Still not sure what this exactly means :(. I did not ask about the petition number though. Let me give it a try.
I am still waiting. My employer said they are still waiting for my file number, no news yet
Any update on Non AD/Regular/CA. Haven’t heard of any case yet.
on the same boat
Waiting for Non-AD/Regular/CA as well.. Any idea till when we can expect the receipts for this category?
+1
+1
+1
Is there Any hope for NonAD/RP/VT ?waiting for receipt number?
Hello everyone,
my OH is Non-AD/RP/Vermont ( I think) – I will be H4 if successful. Heard nothing at all yet and like so many other, the wait is killing! Hard to concentrate, every day focused on the one thing! This website has been a great relief and an interesting read. Good luck to everyone – how horrible that it all comes down to chance/luck.
Is there hopes for Non-AD/RP/VT ??? Waiting for receipt number.
Guys – can i ask a quick question. I see lot of ADs here. Does AD mean – Masters from US only? Is Masters from non-US universities also considered as AD?
Only us master’s I believe
Any higher degree under STEM program of US universities comes under AD.
Not STEM only. Any masters or higher from US school qualifies.
My case has been selected!
Received date 4/10/14.
Notice date 4/18/14.
AD/RP/VT.
I am so happy. Hope everything goes smoothly.
Good luck everyone!!!
Can you please tell us when you got this news???
My attorney sent me an email on 4/24/14. Wish you all the best of luck!
Congrats, glad to hear your news. Hoping same for me and others.
Thank you, OM! I know it’s has been stressful. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for all the applicants on this website!
AD/RP/VT.
Can we still hope for some good news? Or is it just Vermont is a little behind sending the mail notifications?
I was seeing a lot of AD/RP/California acceptances a couple of days back.
I am so nervous, if I have to go back I am sure my parents would want me to settle down, and I just want to pursue my career for now. :(.
Oh God Please Help me!
Honestly I don’t know how it is working but I’m sure you still can hope for good news. I can only assume that delay is because of the mail service. I was fortunate that I received the notice earlier than expected.
Wish you the best.
Im AD/RP/VT too! Wow… was the notice sent through email or regular mail? Im so nervious, I still haven’t heard anything from my lawer. This is so nervewrecking.
For RP, notices from USCIS are sent via mail to attorney
All,
Is there still any HOPE for non-AD/PP?
Really, it is frustrating for me, I am unable to WORK!!
Hello Guys, anyone got receipt number from CA center for Bachelor Degree under Regular Processing? Congrats who already got receipt……good luck guys………
It is all over, only thing to wait for is a mail that was probably slow, nothing generated today. If you filed under regular consider a masters degree to increase chance for next year. If you have masters look for camp exempt employer( non profit. United Nations, credit union banks, universities, world bank
Another option is to just do CPT again but them this can cause a rejection if you eventually are picked for h1-CPT is abused highly( school on uscis radar is especially university of North America Virginia and Goldey Beacom)
Otherwise, home is calling. Many opportunities in Europe and Canada.
Thank god mine approved AD/RP/CSC
My company filed 14 and i was the only one praying for.Because all other cases are approved. I thought i was only left. But i got receipt notice today.
Congrats !
Were all 14 cases under AD ?
ALL AD
Really 14/14? 100% success rate?
All were PP?
2 are Regular and the rest are PP
My Attorney told that my check got deducted on April 18th itself but still didn’t get the receipt yet. – Non AD/PP/Vermont. Is it really possible ? Did anyone have similar problem?
That means you’re selected, congratz
My lawyer also Mentioned my cheque was cashed out. But no other news after that.
anyone who received the receipt a week ago and can’t check their case online?
Yes, I have the same case
I received my receipt on 4.11 and I still cannot see my case status and my sevis has not been updated either..they are way too slow
Is there still any point of hoping for non-AD/PP ?
I am still waiting under AD/PP/VT category. I know that there are many other AD applicants waiting for their H1B. Lets check out the various options that we have. The most important thing is the amount of time each one has between today and their end date (i.e., legal status to live and/or work). Typically students on F1 get 60 days grace period. They can stay but cannot work. I assume that many would have kept few backup options even before applying for a FY2015 H1B.
1. Going back to school and enroll in another Masters (beginning Summer/Fall, depending upon your status expiry date): If you join in Fall, you will be eligible for CPT only in Summer (most degrees). Hence, you cannot work for a company. Your current offer will most likely expire. Finding another job (by Feb end) and applying for a H1B in Apr 2015 to work from Oct 2015, without a CPT/OPT is extremely difficult. Even , if you find a job, there is no guarantee to get a H1B (AD) next year too. There might be 200,000 applications.
2. Find a job in non-profit organizations that are exempt from H1B cap. Time is an issue here.
3. Apply for a different visa (J1, TN, others) within 60 days of grace period. These are extremely difficult.
4. Applying for a Green Card (EB1 or EB2) within a short period of time is also difficult. EB1 is extremely difficult.
5. Going back to school and enroll in another Masters and then choose IT consultant: Find some IT consultant, one or few may apply for you and hopefully you will find one H1B. I don’t think that H1B selection policy will be updated.
6. For those who don’t like option 5 and if other options are not possible due to a number of issues (personal/family/financial conditions and time factor), they will just a book a one-way flight ticket after getting the H1B application back, have a garage sale/Craiglist advt and sell one’s stuff, give the car and house/apartment keys to the appropriate people, say bye-bye to credit card bills and go back to one’s home country.
Comprehensive. Good one.
7. go back to your home country
Look at last line of #6
i am converting to h4. h4 ead on the way
Haha, I was going to say the same thing, but you have to realize that for 90% of the people here, their country is now about to elect a genocidal maniac….no wonder they’re trying to avoid him.
Point 1 is much better.
Does anyone know the odds of having the petition accepted/denied once they’ve been selected in lottery given the historical rates of acceptance/denial?
cheers
we could calculate it USCIS disclosed the applications received for AD. nonetheless.
probability for general cap is 43% and for AD it is between 70-77%
I just got it today from CA office …
AD\RP\CSC
Hi,
Very few people from CA centre have got the receipts for RP – this is what it looks from the comment thread..
Anybody from non AD /RP/ CA centre got the result?
Ditto….. waiting. ..
Waiting Vermont center
It is all over, only thing to wait for is a mail that was probably slow, nothing generated today. If you filed under regular consider a masters degree to increase chance for next year. If you have masters look for camp exempt employer( non profit. United Nations, credit union banks, universities, world bank).
Another option is to just do CPT again but them this can cause a rejection if you eventually are picked for h1-CPT is abused highly( school on uscis radar is especially university of North America Virginia and Goldey Beacom)
Otherwise, home is calling. Many opportunities in Europe and Canada.
Hi All,
Today Morning my attorney received the Receipt notice.
I applied under Advanced Degree/Premium Processing/Vermont Center.
My Attorney is from Texas, My employer is from Pennsylvania…I am working in California….
Hope Every one commenting in redbus2us will get their receipts soon.
PP/AD don’t loose hope…you guys still have chances till May 12th..
My attorney got 4 Receipts today morning for AD/PP/VSC.
All the Best for you all..
Hi All,
Sorry Sorry there is a TYPO in my previous comment.
It is not Premium Processing…
I have applied under Advanced degree/Premium Processing/Vermont Center..
Oh God Sorry Again
I am so Confused it is ….
Advanced degree/Regular Processing/Vermont Center…
Yours is not PP. What about others that your attorney received ? Are they PP or non-PP ?
Hi UsGrad,
I applied in Regular Processing/AD.
My Attorney got 4 Receipts for PP/AD today.
Got receipt today…
NonAd/regular/vermont
Received date: 10 april
Notice date: 21april
Wish u all the best!!!
Are you able to see Case status on uscis website. is your check already cashed
That’s news !
Me in the same catergory, same service center…. waiting though !
i am waiting …….no sleep,no food, family full frustated,,,,,,,,,,God pls save me
if no h1b no life for me….
Hi All,
Really nervous and called my employer and got followed answer
1. they have received 80% of premium process receipts and done with PP receipts
2. this week receiving AD RP receipts
3. they have not at received any RP RQ receipts and they said they will receive RQ RP in next week and told me to wait till next week end (came to know that they have filed more than 80 RQ RP and till now not at received one receipt also in this category and will start to receive next week.
but here many people posted saying they received RP RQ receipts.
how much this is true don’t know……….. whom to believe……………… going mad………….
1. True
2. True
3. True
Your sample size is 80 and there are about 150,000 applicants. Even though your firm did not receive any RP RQ, it does not mean others won’t get it. You need to wait for few more weeks.
How can they have received 80% for any category — I don’t think the success rate is that high. Unless they filed 4, and you are converting them into a percentage…..which makes no sense.
Any update on Non AD/Regular/CA. Haven’t heard of any case yet.