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
Friends, Any updates today on Premium Processing?
EAC14134528**
Reg quota/ pp
When did you get notified? Which center? I am still waiting Non-Ad / PP
Better luck next year
Do no give up. Receipts are being issued just not for this year’s H1b applications but for extensions as well. Hold on till you get your return packet. I am waiting too, but what can we do, other than just wait.
Is anyone received receipts from Experis IT for Non-AD/Regular ?
ahha..yes I am there for you..
When did you received receipt no ? from whom you got the mail ?
H1-B visa is highjacked by companies like Cognizant, Infosys, and etc. In India they hire entire class of graduates, train them for a year, and then mass apply H1. Some of these “engineers” will get H1 for sure.
However, Google for example will spend money to recruit a person, that person will gain a lot of domain knowledge on a job (during OPT), but he/she has a same chance as any of those “engineers” from CTS.
It’s VERY unfair to Google and etc and I bet USCIS knows about it. I think if you apply from Google, you have much higher changes. Yes they still return some of Google’s applications (just to make sure it don’t look that obvious). But I am sure that company A applications get better treatment that CTS and Infosys.
Unfortunately not. I work for one of those top companies and we got a lot of returned applications a year ago. The process is completely random
My husband got job offer from Apple but his visa application was not selected in the lottery. I think the system is totally random.
For Infy, CTS, TCS, Wipro etc their bread and butter depends on H1Bs so we can’t help it. Secondly non ADs are not the only ones applying with multiple applications through fictitious companies. ADs too are doing the same through questionable companies, formed by the same entity. I work for FB, and I do share your frustration, but we cannot do anything about it, till immigration reforms streamline this process. Once stringent measures are in place I bet the no of applications will be at a reasonable level of 100,000. All the best!
I wanted to not join the series of posts that are not informative about the lottery… but this one hits the pain points. It’s not just Infosys, Tata, Wipro – along with them there are a bunch of “consultancy” companies, the ones that work in the EVC model + a bunch of very small “IT” companies who are virtually just body-shoppers. With the big Indian IT companies and those small body – shoppers / consultancies, you have more than 50% of H1Bs…the US govt is aware of this and has been aware of this for a long time, the only thing they are doing right now is issuing more RFEs and even more site visits, but nothing at a large scale. Also, this will not change anytime soon – if you read the proposed immigration bill, you will see almost nothing in terms of restricting the quotas for those type of companies (something is there, but definitely not enough) – so, for anyone that is not part of this non-sense – good luck! You have a good education, Europe, Canada, Australia should be your focus – US is clearly moving towards “outsourcing” within its own land -> cheap labor = cheap results that will show in a few years
Any AD/PP/VT waiting or am I the only one, +1 please.
I am also waiting
+1
OPT Ext expiring on July 2014.
+1
AD/PP/VT still waiting. But packing my stuff.
AD/PP/VT Fragomen .. still waiting
AD/PP/VT….
+1
Is it over for AD/PP/VT? Have you heard if in the past years any AD/PP got receipts later? Should I still have any hopes? I have no plan B so any advice would be appreciated.
All, just to share , don’t loose hope. Today I got H4 delivered to my mailbox.
To all of you, mine was NonAD- PP-Vermont.
Keep faith in god and do the hard work. And will pray for all. A night to sleep after 2 weeks of sleepless nights.
TheFighter – thanks for your encouragement! Did you get a receipt by e-mail or just the mail notification?
Yes, I got my wife’s H4 today delivered to my mailbox today.
I will followup with my company’s attorney now so they can check for my receipt.
I just thank you all at Redbus for the positive feedbacks and arrangements. Dream and work hard. Other things leave at God’s hand.
TheFighter – thank you for sharing! It gives me hopes that I could get it too now. Very happy for you – God bless you! Keep us all in your prayers
@ USToo .. Friend , will pray for you also. you will also get it. thanks again.
Is there any hope for non AD Premium Processing to get the receipt today?
Dear Friends,
Anyone heard from Fragomen about Regular Quota(non AD)/Regular Processing?
If so, please mention when?
Thanks
Yes, I got mail from fragomen on 25th April, that they received my receipt by mail.
Non ad/ regular
Thanks luck Bychance.
I am also waiting!
I know a consultancy which received 14 Non-Ad\RP receipts upto now.Not sure total how many they filed. I am waiting for mine.
Which consultancy?
I filed through x-pertize.
Reg Quota/ Reg process
Yes
Is there any chance for Non AD/PP or its over?
I would say wait until May 3rd. After that chances might be slim.
Same case, I feel it is over.
People started getting non-ad/regular receipts from 24th Apr. Stii waiting here.. Not sure till what date we can expect..
Does that mean it is game over for AD/regular???
Hi Losing hope,
We can’t decide like that. But, as you know, last week USCIS has dispatched bulk receipts for AD/Regular. Similarly, they should release for Non-AD/Regular this week, I believe.
But, any one can receive a receipt, any time till end of May’14(based on their luck).
+1
Did anyone receive receipts for Non AD /RP/ CA?
Dear Friends,
Anyone heard from Fragomen about Regular Quote/Regular Processing?
If so, please mention when?
Thanks
Even I am waiting to hear from FRAGOMEN.. non AD/regular processing.
Any news/updates from Egan LLP?
I don’t think we have great chance now. We should start to talk plan B with our recruiter
True ….. but my attorney is not even responding….. kinda screwed here…..lets hope we get something by monday. I am still keeping my hopes high for some reason ….. how can it be tht nobody heard anything not even a reject…..thts kinda weird
All, just to share , don’t loose hope. Today I got H4 delivered to my mailbox.
To all of you, mine was NonAD- PP-Vermont.
Keep faith in god and do the hard work. And will pray for all. A night to sleep after 2 weeks of sleepless nights.
The Fighter- Thanks a lot for your positivity man…..given me hope…. Appreciate that. Best Karan
sleep well my friend
Any news/updates from Egan?
No none for me so far……getting worried now…..have you heard from them?
Any one got receipts for non-ad/regular today???
Saurabh,
Do you have any updates on this?
Thanks,
JK
One of my friend received receipt for Non-AD\RP.She is from L2 dependent to H1.I am still wating for mine(Non-AD\RP).
Life is not so easy.During my childhood , I used to think our success/future depends only on hardwork/Intelligence, but tats not the case now. Life is completely based on luck.How bad it is..:(
I’m just curious. Why change L2 to H1b when you can also get work permit with L2 visa? What is the advantage of changing the visa type?
For L2 visa now a days they are many rejections.Tats the reason the couple applied for H1 B.
That true.. Life’s not easy, and fair at all! I wonder how is it fair for some to have to work visas… as u mentioned L2 and H1… and some do not even get one H1, after advanced degree.
I got a received a notice for my husband H4 which means I’ve been accepted.
reg/ non ad/ vermont
Congrats MK 🙂
which company he got it approved? Any how congrats
guys i have a received a letter from uscis for my husband
it is saying its a recipt for calss request H-4
what does it means?
it is I-797C from, notice of action
It means your application is picked in lottery..Generally USCIS send dependents notice at home and your notice to attorney…Congrats
Can you give us a few more details…I mean what the text says. Cause 797 can be an approval notice…so not only lottery, but approved as well.
Guys please help me
I have recieved a letter from uscis its is a form I 797c and it is for my husband it has a section of notice saying class requested: H4
please help what does it mean
It means your application is picked in lottery..Generally USCIS send dependents notice at home and your notice to attorney…Congrats
guys please help me
I have received a letter from uscis that has a recipt number its for my husband and it has a part mentioning the class requested:H4
what does it mean
It means you are picked in lottery. Your h1b receipt will be received by your attorney soon.
AD/PP/VT Still waiting, +1 f you are too.
+1
AD/PP/Vermont
When was the last day that receipts were still emailed?
I think for AD/PP it was last week. I got mine for non-AD/PP on the 15th.
Do we have a chance?
My Lawer said , you have time until May 12.
so hold on for one more week.
But as per USCIS they are going to start PP processing from April 28th. So is there a chance?
I’m aware that a lot of people have heard back positively.
My question is whether the receipts in this category are still coming in, or whether they have stopped.
USCIS said they will start processing all PP applications received for FY 2015 on 4/28 – I think that means that they are done sending receipts.
Of course, there are also the rumors that they made a wait-list and some, very few, might get a receipt afterwards.
There weren’t a lot of receipts for AD/PP this week and even non-AD/PP.
guys please help me
I have a letter from uscis for my husband it is a I-797C and it is metnrioning that class request: H4
what does it mean please help me
I got an email from my lawyer saying my chances are almost zero, and he suggested to start looking for other options.
Is it all over for AD/PP?
I would appreciate if you can answer my query on H1B cap exempt scenario.
I was previously working with an Indian employer A and my H1B was stamped in December 2010. Due to my family commitments I had to relocate to some other city and I left that organization. Due to this urgency, I had to surrender my visa at the time of separation and it was canceled with “canceled without prejudice” status. Please note that on that H1b visa I didn’t travel to USA at all.
My question is that now if I am applying for fresh h1b with my current Indian employer B then will I get the benefit of h1b cap exempt rule of 6 years? I still have the original copy of my h1b approved petition with me.
I would really appreciate your reply on this case as it would help me a lot.
Not sure whether it can be cancelled. But if you have receipt number you can go and check the status on uscis site
Thanks, I have checked the status of my case number, it is showing post decision activity!
I’m obviously not a lawyer, but I think you have already been counted against the cap, so you can probably apply and not be subject to the cap again.
Given that your visa has a canceled stamp on it, it seems like you applied for a different visa after you got your H-1B?
You should *really* talk to a lawyer….so they can look at your details, but as I understand it you are cap exempt until 2016.
Hi Ash,
As u have not travelled to USA i think you will get the benefit of cap excempt rule of 6 years 🙂
Hi Nadi,
I have travelled to USA after that but on business visa! I hope I am not counted against cap till 2016.
Any Non-AD/Regulars got receipts today?
JK i am waiting still… my emp told wait till next week 🙁
I got same response from my employer. But, seeing some receipts here. Don’t know what to do .. Let’s wait n see
jk, did any of your frnds/colegs receive receipts for non-ad/regular?
I got the receipt on apr14 and when I search for case online it cannot be found. When I search for other applications which are greater than mine, I can see there status, does anyone has the same issue? Please let me know. I am very tensed now.
Your case can not be found at this time in My Case Status. Please check your receipt number and try again. If you need further assistance, please call the National Customer Service Center at 1.800.375.5283.
Why to feel tension. Check with employer/attorney.. Better call NCSC.
because petitions can be rejected and not seeing your case updated makes you nervous .. I’m in the same situation
what do you mean by petitions can be rejected? Attorney got the i129 receipt by email and she forwarded it to me.
same issue here … I think we need to wait until next week (or May 12th the latest). I randomly search for some petitions number and there are about 3-4 days for which Vermont didn’t load any applications in the system (all petitions that were released in those days were PP, regular processing didn’t started yet)
I am also unable to track my case status though the receipt date is 10th April. Little tensed.
+1 , my receipet date is also 10th Aptil got notified on 16th April , but not able to track
the case.
I am with a big consulting firm and my employer filed an H1 in premium. I have an advanced degree from US and currently in OPT stem ext valid till Dec. I haven’t recieved any communication of a reciept. Does it mean end of pursuit for this year or should i wait for the return of application?
If i need to wait for the return of application; do any of you have any idea if that process has started.
Is there any intimation from USCIS about an application being wait listed?
sai,
Based on previous years rejections, they selected more than 85,000 cases to compensate the rejections for current year. There is no wait list concept.
Was today the last date for premium processing receipts or if we can expect them to work through the weekend/Monday?
Was today the last day for AD-RP-VT
So is hope over for all ad/rp???
I’m not telling but asking if today was the last day of receiving receipts or encasing checks for AD/RP
I have no idea.. And I am really scared
I think, we should not give up just as yet how much ever discouraging it is as PP receipts are still trickling in. Last year, one of my co-workers received his AD/Regular receipt from VT as late as May 3rd Week. He however said that his case was similar to mine where in several AD/PP and or Regular Applicants received their receipts as early as April 3rd Week. So I am just anchoring my hopes by his explanation…
What about AD/RP/CA???
No Idea, He applied while he was posted at Boston, so his center was VT. I have had a lot of friends in AD, this year and the last. In rare cases I have come across rejects from Ad category. For example I know one such case whose H1 reject happened as his attorney and him missed the RFE deadline.
I am almost certain that a few applications are wait-listed unofficially, because many times AD petitions get rejected due to minor errors by applicants such as working for non e-verify company during 17 month OPT extension. For example I had a Russian friend who was PhD working with a Bank which was not e-verify. These spots are back-filled by those wait-listed.
Hmmm…. I’m really scared…. Really really scared 🙁
No Idea…. in the sameboat..AD/RP/CA.. nothing heard.
To All AD Guys,
If at all applying for H1, or planning to do so, make sure, till you get your H1 not to invest on a new / semi new Car, Apartment Leases, or take up Contract Phones. If extremely necessary invest in a car which will get you by for a year or two.
Try to save up as much as possible, for rainy days like these. If necessary set up NRE accounts in Indian Banks, and start depositing your savings. It will earn you 4% interest tax free rather than a lousy 0.025% here. This makes for a better financial planning. Cause if at all, we have to abandon everything and return, you will at least have some buffer money to rely on, till you get the next job.
I have lost all hope as of today, and will try to make the best of this weekend.
I wish you all the best and pray that you all have your dreams fulfilled.
~AD/RP/VT
Arpita.. Wonderful advice… Sadly it might be too late for some of us…. Hoping like hell I get the receipt.. My only hope is that my lawyer has not said a single word… So no news could be good news…. Or atleast I’m foolish enough to think so
@losinghope_I need to be strong, I understand your situation as I am in the same spot and the feeling is mutual. My advice holds good till you get your GC.
I am sure we will start the next week with a fresh ray of hope. We are all in this together, and I pray you get it as well as all of us.
Arpita you surely sound more composed than me at this moment… I definitely agree with your advice… And will keep It in mind… Praying for all the desperate souls here… Hoping we all get it….as all of us need it equally bad
I think this should be valid for everyone in US looking for a change of status, whether they are selected or not. I understand that for people that weren’t selected – the truth is harsh – you need to have a plan B or make peace with your situation as of right now. But, even for people that got their receipt – there is a 30% chance your case will get RFE or denied – do not assume everything is over just because you got a receipt, there are so many RFEs and denials for minor errors (like attorney or clerical ones) that you should not thank your lucky start yet. I got selected, I do not belong to any body-shop company, my nationality is not even Indian – but still … unless you have a green a card – be always prepare to leave at any time
My employer applied through Bal Global (attorney) for H1B. Mine is non AD, RP, VSC. When I asked them to check for checks, I got the following response.
Hi Rajesh,
We have started to receive many receipt notices as well, but I haven’t seen yours come yet. As we filed over 5,000 H cap petitions across our firm, our accounting team is reluctant to look up the checks but hopefully within the next two to three weeks we should have received the majority of the receipt notices for accepted cases. We will let you know as soon as we hear on your case.
Which firm is that? 5000 applications? That is ridiculous.
Why is it ridiculous.. This is the legal company processing for various employers.
Its true dat balglobal is prefered by most IT firm.Even my employer filed through BAL.and no update yet
My file has picked in the lottery itseems, yesterday i got to know from my employer,still iam waiting for Reciept number
Was it Premium?
@Rajesh
can you see any status update on BAL web on ur case
Status not updated yet.
Hi Rajesh,
Even my employer filled the H1 petition through BAL still no response from them. Let me know when u get any update from them
just got receipt mailed in this morning.
REG/NON-PP/WAC
WAC-14-138-53XXX receive date: 4/10 notice date: 4/17
good luck everyone !
Congrats!!!. when your lawyer got it ?.
this morning, then he told me immediately.
Hi I am PP/Non AD/VT. Is there still a chance or its all over. Its already 5 today and I have not herd from my attorney. Please advise.
Sorry heard, hat spell checks on the phone…..
I am in the same boat- I think the game is over for us.
AD\PP\VT
Do they always cash the check before providing the receipt number?
not necessarily – there were cases when they got the receipts but the checks got cleared out a week after
some people are checking their lottery result by seeing if the check is encashed or not. is this a sure shot way? I mean if the check isn’t en-cashed yet means can one assume that not been selected?
Received my receipt today. RP/Regular quota/Vermont
can you please update tracker so we know
R u non ad. And at what time u got to know it today could u tell me
There is still hope for PP cases. I found the following PP cases generated today:
EAC1414354172 – PP
EAC1414354950 – PP
EAC1414355000 – PP
EAC1414355090 – PP
EAC1414453004 – RP
How did you find them?
Python brute force.
+1
those might not be from this lottery – you have to submit I-129 for a lot of other things – transfers, amendments, extensions, cap-exempt employers, L1 visas. Plus all of the PP I’m seeing here, the note says something like “on April 24th we received the…” – for the selected PP applications in the H1B lottery, the date mentioned is the lottery date “On April 10th we received …”, even if you get the actual receipt one or more weeks later. So, to sum it all up – I won’t bet on the fact they are releasing any more PP receipts (unless they have a wait-list or something).
do you also think its over for AD/Regular??
For regular there are still generating receipts . we should wait atleast till 2nd week of may
yes thats right if they are dated APRIL 10TH then those are from lottery. whether its pp or non-pp
I don’t think that is the case. One of my friend received the receipt on April 14 and his case tracking says the I-129 application was received on April 11.
Hi sir. Are you working for USCIS ??
WAC1414453900 – PP
WAC1414454904 – PP
WAC1414454907 – PP
WAC1414454909 – PP
WAC1414454925 – PP
Where do we find this info? Is it accessible to all?
I had a look at some off them – PP yes, but they don’t seem to be from the H1 lottery – again, a lot of other immigration processes requires the filling of I-129 and it’s not like USCIS will process only H1B…
Stop giving people hope for their PP petition..
example:
WAC1414453900 – PP
On April 25, 2014, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
This above petition was received on 25th. so its not the one from lottery.Incase some one applies for L1 in premium processing they will also get same notification.
Those all are cap-exempt cases !!!
These are CAP Exempt Premium or Regular not the cap cases.
Guys i am freaking out and what a waste of the weekend…will not hear a thing for 2 days and keep sulking about it 🙁 Everyone who is left behind …i`ll pray for all of us ……i want people here who have suffered along with me to succeed in this ordeal….but would also take this opportunity to thank everyone for sharing thr respective sorrows and happiness with us….we are one common bunch either way …and we all know how gruesome the process is.
Is anyone still waiting for their receipt number under RP/AD ? or shall I consider it as being over? Thnx
I am waiting
m waiting too. ANy idea till wen we can wait before giving up?
My HR informed me that we can hope till second week of May but from the forum here, I have a feeling that USCIS has sent the receipts for AD/Regular/Vermont and unless there is a relay from the attorney or mail, we should receive the results today if selected.
@AD/RP/Vermont
I saw a couple selection notification today, for AD/RP/VT cases, but not like the numbers seen earlier from CA. Does it mean that Vermont is a little slow in sending these out? As I see when I google search VT related applications from the last 2 years, I am seeing a lot of people complaining about decision delays etc at VT..
I am AD/CA/Non-PP does it mean the end of the road for me ..or pretty close or do i still stand a chance???
AD/PP/not sure where.. My school even told me that they will not extend my OPT until my Sevis status updates. So I guess I will have to stop working in 2 weeks if I don’t hear back.. emotional and financial loss and a waste of all the work put in into making it all work!
NOTE 1: I am an engineering graduate student who applied under AD/PP category.
Company A:
This company “A” is located in the US. This company spends thousands of dollars (recruiter/HR expense, interview cost (several candidates), relocation cost (selected person), etc.,) to recruit one person with a US Masters degree. This company trains this person for several months and then applies for a H1B. This person does not get H1B and the company is screwed now. The company will have this position “vacant” again and they have to begin the whole process again. Will this company hire another foreign national again ? May be they will hire someone and deal with him.
NOTE: I know about this process quite well.
Company B:
This is a big IT company outside the US. They have thousands of employees. Lets say that they have 2000 people specialized in skill “XYZ”. They have several projects in the US that needs 400 people with skill “XYZ”. This company could very well apply for 1000 people knowing that only about 40% will be selected. The good thing for them is that the company B will get all their money back for the remaining 60% of their cases. No loss situation ! May be they will need to do some additional training for the some of the selected ones who are not in the top level/category. Spending some time/resource to give additional training is better than not getting required number of H1B slots.
Company C:
This is an IT consultant based in the US. They could get a client letter from an Organization “ORG” that states that they have a project for 10 people, if they get H1B. The company “C” could have about 20 people with the skill that “ORG” needs and they file for H1B visas knowing that at least 10 people will get a H1B. The good thing for them is that the IT consultant company “C” will get all their money back for the remaining 60% of their cases. No loss situation ! May be they will need to do some additional training for the some of the selected ones who are not in the top level/category.
Company D:
This is an IT consulatant company. This company “D” has many other companies in different names like “D1”, “D2”, “D3” and so on. This company “D” files for a H1B for 1 person using each company name. This person now has a very high chance of getting selected. It appears that people are using these horrible tactics (Mr. Siavash here said that he applied under 5 such companies to get a H1B).
Summary:
Companies like “A” have a very slim chance of getting a H1B.
NOTE 2:
I applied for a H1B through a engineering company based in the US (just like company “A”). I am not an attorney. I also don’t know much about these companies like “B”, “C” and “D”. BTW: If in case, they got more H1B then required, can they just cancel few approved H1B petitions later without any issues ? Correct me, if I am wrong. I am just asking these questions regarding possible scenarios. I hope that these scenarios don’t happen. Can such things happen ? Are these legal ? Any corrective actions taken by the USCIS ?
your argument is very rational
Sad, but true – honestly company A should not have the same quota as the rest of those other companies and I think all of those scenarios are actually happening right now.
I don’t think the extra petitions a company gets can be cancelled and reused by others – companies from B onwards will wait to see how many people actually get approved, get stamped plus they might look for additional contracts / projects to use those people. I’m a petition from a company A so I share your frustration.
In either scenarios, the USCIS is the first winner because they collect fees from companies, and have a fun time tossing others’ dream and future around in their lottery.
The second winner will be the other types of company except A because they throw in the lottery pool thousands of visa applications for their employees. For sure, many of them will be picked up. And these many employees will bring money back to these companies sooner or later. The big loser is the type A company which invests in just one employee. If this employee does not get a working visa, the company will lose money. And the BIGGEST losers are employees themselves who invest what they have in this ‘opportunity’ but can not win a working visa.
I believe a huge chunk of applications are from large corporations.
Firstly, USCIS is not crushing anyone’s dreams. Secondly, no one is at loss including company A or the candidate. Company A can get another candidate with the same skill set and should have thought before investing in an employee. If you think, the candidate if qualified, he/she can get a job anywhere.
My question: Are you an H1B visa seeker? Speaking of qualification, earning an excellence award for my final project when I graduated did not help me land on any job. It took me two years to find the job I am having now.
@usgrad, I m following your updates from several days. Today my hr informed that they received receipt # for my case today. Hope you will also hear good news today. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Wish u good luck my friend 🙂
Congrats ! Your category ?
Thanks for your wishes. Have a nice weekend !
I don’t think they can cancel their applications later on. But, on the other hand, H1B visa means specialized skill. It doesn’t matter which country you are coming from and what your job profile is.
@usgrad, you have put these scenarios together very well.
But, your summary at the end has a flaw. Chances to have H1B selected for category A company are slim only from company perspective. But, from individual perspective, they are no different except for scenario D. Please correct if I am missing something.
@usgrad
Yes, H1-B visa is highjacked by companies like Cognizant, Infosys, and etc. In India they hire entire class of graduates, train them for a year, and then mass apply H1. Some of these “engineers” will get H1 for sure.
However, Google for example will spend money to recruit a person, that person will gain a lot of domain knowledge, but it has a same chance as any of those “engineers” from CTS.
It’s VERY unfair to company “A” and I bet USCIS knows about it. I think if you apply from company “A”, you have much higher changes. Yes they still return some company A applications (just to make sure it don’t look that obvious). But I am sure that company A applications get better treatment that CTS and Infosys.
AD / PP / Vermont
Is hope still alive for AD/PP people?
Has anyone received emails for AD/PP in the last couple of days ?
(I’m talking about time of USCIS email, not the time your attorney chose to relay this information).
Hi,
I am in the same boat, looking for some info. Which cold might help. Are we still having chances ? Is it possible we can get b next week which they say by May 2nd.
there is the waitlist (the attorney might have been notified if you are waitlisted) and 10-20% of selected petitions might get rejected and replaced by people on the waitlist. So you can potentially take the place of someone else.
Sorry to hear you didn’t get through – I remember you said you have a very strong case – Phd, stayed in US for a long time – I’m hoping you’ll find other ways.
Hi there,
How could we know if we are wait-listed? Does attorney get a notification from USCIS?
From where did you find the wait listed thing? Because I have checked USCIS website and they haven’t told that they have people wait listed. That was the case in 2008. But I don’t think they have announced any waiting list this year.!
Guys,
Any one received receipts today ? All my colleagues have received receipts. Should i continue to wait? or look for other options!?
Mine is AD/RP/California i guess.
I am in same boat. 🙁 did your check get encashed. Mylawyer told me people who received receipts got their check encashed two days before they received the receipt.
i have no idea about cheque, my employer filed for me. Don’t know waiting for how long would make sense.
NON-AD/PP
Folks,
Just now got mail from my HR that the attorney received receipt # for my case. I have not received receipt # yet. PP applicants, please hang in there. You may also hear the good news today 🙂 🙂
could u share the receipt number pls?
Waiting for the response from HR office. Will definitely share the receipt # once received. Wish u good luck
Thank you very much and Congrats
I got the receipt from Fragomen.
AD/RP/VT
So I got the receipt that means I got it right? The status shows initial review.
For everyone who’s sill waiting, hang in there and good luck!!
Hw did u get it from ? Through fragomen ihp site or through ur email?
It first came with the email and then I checked the site it’s updated.
When did you notice your check got encashed? I am still waiting 🙁
Any non-AD/Premium/CA folks who got updates?
Are there anyone left?
I am still waiting.
me too waiting…but I lost my hopes. Very sad..
I dont understand people complaining about their review status on USCIS. Come on guys you have the receipt and you know you crossed the first hurdle atleast..
Think about people like me who dont even know anything about their case..
Exactly!!!!!
They got through the lottery, can’t they have the patience to wait a week or two??!!!
Exactly..
+1
I’m sorry for you guys for not being selected, but even if you got the receipt doesn’t mean your case will be approved. There might have been clerical errors – like the checks are not filled correctly, the application has some typos and other things like this that can make a petition get rejected even if it was selected – this is why all of us who are unable to track our cases are starting to get worried
but you need to bear in mind sentiments of those who are under stress awaiting their lottery result. This is not the time/place that you should flood the post with those kind of questions.
Exactly..
some people are interested on whether or not they make it past the lottery. Others are interested in why they can’t check their status online or what happened to their selected petition and so on.
Everyone’s petition is in a different stage right now.
Good luck with the lottery or good luck in finding other ways to stay/come to US
USCIS centers does not have a uniform way of coding the receipts or maybe I am wrong. I remember when I had applied of EAD and the tracking receipt number I got, did not give me any tracking information on the first 4 steps and then after a few weeks showed approved. While the receipt I got on my EAD extension showed all the steps along the way….. I know this is a case of H1, but whatever helps mitigating your fears, avoid you from repeatedly asking the same question should be OK. Especially when there are people like us who are clueless about the status of our 1st hurdle.
If these question (few that are posted right now) depresses you, you are not going to like this site starting mid next week when all the approval posts start flowing in for the PP applicants.
This is what happened last year and it is going to happen again.
i do not understand Why not share list of people who were not selected in lottery???
Any Idea why this is
EAC1413554171 it is processed
EAC1413554170 is not trackable.
Why there is no series in Vermont. Is it the case for California as well?
Anybody got receipt numbers in this week for Non AD/PP?
Hi All,
I am from CA center and RP , NON AD
Heard from my attorney yesterday 24th April. Received Receipt/WAC Number.
My Attorney also sent me a scanned copy of receipt.
WAC – 14-141-xxxxx
Notice Date: April 21, 2014
I also checked on USCIS website for status and it says ‘Initial Review’
I hope this means that my case has been selected in lottery for further processing
I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for over 7 years since I came here. I’ve studied and worked very hard to be sponsored for this job. Honestly, I had no idea about the visa lottery until yesterday…Now I am nervous..really nervous. I do not like the idea of having my dream and future decided by a lottery. It’s not fair.
This is really not fair. Mine is a similar case
whats unfair is non AD people getting a bigger quota (65000) than the AD guys which is just 20000 and on top of that your entire future depends on a stupid lottery.
This is absolute bullshit..Atleast the ppl who spent time money hardwork in getting a degree and a job here should be given larger quota and preference..
If you are AD you have a quota of 20k. If you are not selected in it, then you are again pooled along with everyone for the 65k quota. There is nothing unfair about it
Well said.
Please realize, Getting AD in India is far difficult than in US!
It’s not about getting AD in India or here. Most AD students here are already employed with investment in terms of housing, car etc. Also, the job scene in India for many AD students is not adequate for their fields. On the other hand – the regular cap is filled mainly by big IT cos. Those candidates coming from India don’t have anything to lose if not selected in the lottery
I agree that TCS/Infosys/Satyam etc. filing such a huge number is wrong for others. They need better systems where they put a cap on the number of applications from one employer etc.
But just saying that every AD holder must get it before non AD holders is wrong.
Its just like saying only folks from MIT/Stanford can have a quota. Just understand how other talented AD folks would feel
your argument about non AD amuses me and it is absurd…..you must have learned probablity in the school, apply that….AD guys pooled into the normal pool, if they missed in 20k.
Same here, AD/RP?VT.
AD lottery if decided by a mere computer should be allowed to notify the results, by our SEVIS on a website for the 20,000 selected under AD. At least then we can have enough time to take next steps, including planning our exit. We have invested a lot, taking up leases, car, furniture to resolve these takes 2-3 weeks minimum.
I agree Arpita. The immigration system here sucks. And AD students are facing so much problem. Most of those under general cap are applicants for big IT firms from India and they don’t have much to lose if not selected. Don’t know what to say but very helpless right now
Thats absolutely true…… I am AD/RP/CA…. nothing so far heard from the attorneys!!… don’t lose hope!! We might hit in the regular cap! Life’s not fair!!.. it was never in India, neither it is in US! People with fruadulant H1 who don’t even have jobs in US got selected, but people like us with AD,proper jobs do not.. and the worst part is, we are just killing ourselves with worries every single day, and no one cares about it! Sometimes I feel, no one even care that we are human with emotions, and we are scared and waiting, every single minute to hear something from the attorneys about the “absolutely justified lottery”!
Guys please help me
I have recieved a letter from uscis its is a form I 797c and it is for my husband it has a section of notice saying class requested: H4
please help what does it mean
That means you are picked in the lottery. I was in similar situation and received the H1-B receipt from my attorney.
I agree with you.
Life is never fair!! When we come to US with hopes to make our lives better and study hard, and finally when we think that we should get what we deserve, some people sitting in India, get it for free,we are not even considered to be humans with emotions and feelings. No one cares that we are worried, waiting, anxious, unable to sleep every night. Justice from the UNIVERSE I believe is just like this!