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

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

 

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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. Hi,

    i got receipt on 14th April but till now i am unable to see my status on uscis site.
    is there any one who is facing the same situation??
    or does that mean they have rejected petition??

    EAC14134XXXXX/Non AD/PP

    Reply
    • I am in the same situation..EAC14134XXXXX/AD/PP. I read on this forum that it happends to a lot of people. We should be positive and hope to hear something by end of this week or earlier.

      Reply
    • This is happening since the USCIS website is not being updated, just wait a while. This is common and many other applicants have faced the same issue.

      Reply
    • Why do you say it’s over ramesh? I’m non AD/PP/Vermont and my sponsor is located on Florida, still waiting

      Reply
  2. Hello Everyone,

    I am on F1 visa and working under CPT, doing masters in computer science. My emplyer filed H1b for me this year. But still did not get any updates. Center: California.

    Is there any way we can find out from college? I talked to college, they mentioned me that you have to check with your employer only. Please let me know. Thanks

    Reply
      • u can check your SEVIS record. I have heard AD people talking about it. Since I am Non AD/RP I am not very clear about the process.

        Reply
      • The international students’ officer at your school may be reluctant to check this, because legally, it is the employer who filed the petition. It’s not completely clear whether it is legally appropriate for them to check your SEVIS status for that reason. That’s what I have heard directly from my school’s office; however, they decided to look it up and tell me anyway.

        I have also read that the SEVIS status correlation is not 100%. If your SEVIS status changes to pending, and you have not filed any other application with USCIS, then it probably means you are through the lottery. However, if your SEVIS status doesn’t show any change from before, then it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are not selected.

        Anyway, like it has been for everyone here, this past month has been hell. Given that entry is done, I think the vast majority of us will hear by the end of the coming week, positively or negatively.

        Reply
  3. Mama Mia, how on earth after 99% giving up do i get a receipt notification update from Fragomen for non-AD/PP. Had lost hope after reading all the updates here…

    Reply
  4. Just asking again if anyone from TTS (telecom technology solution) have received the confirmation from HR?

    Reply
  5. Hello guys,
    I just got my receipt no. EAC 14147****** . AD/PP
    AD/PP.. All of you guys please don’t loose hope, there is still hope left..
    Want to thank all of you, specially waiting,lost hope ,jay.kumar all this through which we stay connected.. All the best guys.

    Reply
  6. Hi Friends
    Finally I got the good news. Waiting since 3 yrs to write this comment .
    My HR mailed me today morning at 7.30am that my application got picked in the lottery. This is my 3rd & last attempt for H1 B. I thought that I am out of the lottery this year too,but to my surprise got this.Hope all my freinds who really deserve will get it for sure. Good luck friends & pray for you all.

    Reply
  7. For Non AD Non PP folks

    1. USCIS site, does not say that all receipts have been sent out. So, not sure, if we need to debate on the validity of those messages as quoted by few of you.

    2. Getting receipts depends on which center (Cal / Ver) it was generated from and how its taking to reach your onsite office and importantly, the mode of communicating to applicants (as mostly, it is done through batch update).

    Net net, lets keep hopes alive till May 15th.

    What say ?

    K. Achu

    Reply
  8. Uggghhh. It’s been a horrid week and now the weekend to get through with no chance of news! Horrid to hear that they have finished creating receipts. There is still hope though, so hold on! Thinking it is time to sit down and seriously discuss plan B (which we don’t have yet!!) with the husband…
    ( ND/RP/VT)

    Reply
    • USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed…. is it same as generating receipts? can anyone confirm?

      Reply
  9. Officially one of the worst days of my life… Not just for missing the lottery (ofcouse that was huge) ….. But other stuff too… Anyway… Hopefully those who got it can kindly pray for all us here… Even though 99.999999% it’s over….

    Finally if anyone of the lot that missed it and wanna stay in touch… We should set up a group to not just discuss our issues but future plans… Let’s fight as a group and help each other… Because only we can understand the pain of missing out… Those who got in can also join… But anyway just a suggestion

    Reply
    • if India is a country developed like america, we would not have thought of h1b..anyways…there are still chances ..the game is not over…lets wait for few more days…

      Reply
  10. I see few of them got the receipts for non ad,regular processing, vermont. I am keeping hope till next week and then I believe it’s over.

    Reply
  11. I got my Receipt Number EAC14135****** on April 16th. (Premium)
    But, my case status is not yet found in the site..
    anyone with the same situation ??

    Reply
  12. all gone damn it…. I don’t know waiting for ten more days will change anything but just keep hope
    Hope is a good thing 🙂

    Reply
  13. Hey All,

    I received My wife’s Form I-797C, but still i have not received my petition #.

    I have updated same to my company, They informed me my H1-B petition picked in lottery. so…..fingers crossed………….
    my wife case # EAC-14-146-5***……

    Reply
  14. I am Rq/rp/vt
    Talked to my employer today. He filed 15 h1b. 2 were for master degree.
    I don’t know how many were premium. But I guess none of them he filed were premium. He said he got both master degree h1b cases selected in lottery. Rest 13 non master are still pending. He asked me to wait for 2 more weeks.

    So guys don’t lose hope. Personally I would still wait for atleast 1 more week. Or atleast I would wait for my employer to get result of some h1b cases out of 13 pending. Praying to GOD.

    Reply
  15. Hello Guys,

    My application is Ad/Regular processing and until today, it was saying case not found and today it has moved to following message, in post decision activity.

    On May 2, 2014, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.

    Mine is regular category and it has already moved to approved stage.. I am so Happy.. I was rejected last year due to RFE.. I wish you guys all the very best. Don’t loose hope.

    Reply
      • same here dude…denied cus of RFE last year.

        applied again this year, but yet to receive receipt number this year.

        still thinking god is there and will help me 🙁

        Reply
        • End client I was working was had a strict policy of no client letter and Rfe was asking for client letter…. So ultimately they rejected the case.

          This Year it got approved, on May 2nd, I am just Regular Processing with Advanced Quota.

          I know it is tough… but god is watching us and he knows when to give and what to give.. All we cab do is pray and work hard towards our goals…

          Reply
          • reason was regarding, employee-employer relation and company’s tax related documents.

            unfortunately they couldn’t provide the required documents. so it was denied.

    • Guys,

      Do you think 85k applications can be done within 3 weeks?

      So, hold on, have patience and things will be good at the end. 🙂

      dont let some one else’ s emotions take over you.

      Reply
      • Believe it or not I have seen the tweet on twitter they have mentioned that
        USCIS is done with H1-b Petition entry
        I don’t know what should I expect
        I am hopeless

        Reply
        • No. It means today would be the last day for receipt generation and we can except the receipts sent by next week. So don’t lose hope till next week. Mostly we will know next week. Keeping fingers crossed.

          Reply
  16. hi friends my petition was approved and in Post decision activity and im planning to travel to india in another two days i have OPT valid till number so the question is can we travel to India with post decision activity does that effect h1b

    Reply
  17. I got my receipt today. Happy for me hope every apllication should pick if there is a chance . Good luck all

    Reply
  18. USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap petitions that were not selected in the lottery. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require highly specialized knowledge in fields such as science, engineering, and computer programming.

    Reply
  19. Hi I got my receipt today from EAC from my employer. However when I go to the website it says ‘Your case can not be found at this time in My Case Status’. Does that mean I don’t have a valid receipt….this is especially confusing because apparently USCIS is done with data entry…so I should expect to see my data here right? Also what actual info do you guys see on this page?

    Reply
  20. My lawyer told me to hold a little bit but I know for sure that the check has not been cashed. My question is: are all checks cleared when the entries are inserted into the database?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Not really.. I had asked same thing to my employer.. he said this time the receipts are generated and sent and the cheques are encashed later..

      Reply
          • I spoke to my employer today morning at 11.. no updates till then.. nothing on the check encashing also.. he then called me around 2 to tell me he just received my receipt.. so it can be either ways.. keep hope.. All the best!

          • lucky you man….i guess all of us waiting would do anything to be in your place…its just sad …that so many of us will end up our night in tears….but super happy for you …..i`m sure you must have done good to deserve good 🙂 Good luck!!

  21. AT THIS MOMENT ..I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A QUOTE WITH EVERYONE …YOU FOLKS HAVE BEEN LIKE MY FAMILY GIVING ME HOPE AND EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT WORK OUT ..I WANTED TO SHARE THIS :

    “We spend our whole lives worrying about the future, planning for the future, trying to predict the future, as if figuring it out will cushion the blow. But the future is always changing. The future is the home of our deepest fears and wildest hopes. But one thing is certain, when it finally reveals itself, the future is never the way we imagined it.”

    Reply
  22. USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap petitions that were not selected in the lottery. ”

    Got this email from USCIS as I have subscribed for alerts. USCIS tweeted this too. So I think today they finished sending the receipt and if we don’t get it by next week, GAME OVER 🙁

    Reply
    • already posted a few times below…but thanks for posting again:( Game over man …game over

      Reply
      • No. It means today would be the last day for receipt generation and we can except the receipts sent by next week. So don’t lose hope till next week. Mostly we will know next week. Keeping fingers crossed.

        Reply
  23. Damn atleast had some hope but now I have lost everything. How bad that a system can decide future of thousands of people. 🙁 AD/Regular

    Reply
    • i know man….so many careers …wasted by a computer generated lottery.

      Reply
    • Hold on it says Data Entry is completed. Does not say anything about, mailing receipts completed. Nor all receipts being mailed out. All we can hope is till next week.

      Reply
      • Arpita,
        But those receipts generated will be for Non AD’s not for AD’s. Its time to pack up for AD’s.. 🙁

        Reply
        • I am AD/RP but now i think all receipts that will go out will be non AD/RP

          Reply
          • That’s what i think .. I thought AD’s had some hope till the 10th of May dint know I would loose my chance this soon… 🙁

        • I know 🙁 But what can we do other than wait? I am mentally prepared for the worse, and I am already selling off my car tomorrow. I was glad we all could share our anxiety, sorrow but regret we could not share happiness.

          Reply
          • arpita…i think it is wise…to start looking for quotes for your car….no point waiting for the package to come back…..

  24. uscis$twitter

    sad new guys

    USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed. USCIS will now return rejected packets

    Reply
  25. Guys,
    I received my receipt # on Apr 11th. I applied under AD/PP/VT.
    My case status shows it is in Acceptance stage.
    But I read Acceptance stage should not last for more than 2 days.
    The receipt #s which are in series before and after mine are either approved or in post decision stage. So I am just curious if anybody is aware about how long it takes to clear the Acceptance stage.

    Some of you who have not received the receipt yet might find it frustrating to see questions about case status. I can totally understand your sentiments as I was in your shoes last year. All I can say is to try to be patient and pray hard as this ridiculous method of selecting the applications in lottery has left us with no other option.

    Any response to my question would be greatly appreciated.
    This is a great forum giving many of us good platform to ask and discuss our concerns.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  26. from uscis website :

    USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap petitions that were not selected in the lottery. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require highly specialized knowledge in fields such as science, engineering, and computer programming.

    Reply
      • neither can i …can you please post link …searched whole uscis website and also google nothing

        Reply
    • LINKKKKK????? WHERE DID YOU FIND THIS ???????? PLEASE REPLY BACK ASAP …THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF

      Reply
      • The link:

        I got this mail as I have opted for email notification from uscis. After your clamor I went to the website to check the mail information. however I could not find it. Sorry about it however trust me, I could not past the screen shot here.

        Mail came from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

        I am AD/PP/VT watiting guy.

        Regards
        KS

        Reply
      • just read it arpita…so i guess its over now : ( Still cant imagine this has happened….unbelievable …that it would wrap up so early …afterall …all the experienced attorneys and firms all said it`ll take a while before its over …EVERYONE said wait till MAY END OR EVEN JUNE

        Reply
          • I am really impressed with your attorney and his/her response time …here i have not heard from my attorney even once….

          • i am not sure what to do now ….IBM guy ….this does sound like the end…now to just wait for the package.

          • good luck arpita….hope you have a great great year ahead…despite this disappointment and hopefully …things get better from here…after all this does seem like rock bottom

    • This is fake because I just checked online on their website and also spoke.There is nothing written of that sort. Few of my friends recieved receipts even on MAY 15TH Last year.
      So please do not share faulty information.

      Reply
  27. Got my receipt number today.

    Feeling relieved..
    RP/Non AD/Vermont. missed my chance last year and all my prayers paid off.

    Thanks everyone!! Wishing everyone good luck

    Reply
  28. Looks like its all done now, time to pack my bags and leave. Only those few who have been waitlisted have a slim chance now. Sucks but time to face the truth and stop hoping for a miracle.
    Can’t handle the stress anymore.

    Reply
  29. So I guess the only ones left are for the NON AD/Regular. I see nobody getting receipts under AD/Regular category.. Its done and now will wait until the rejected packets reach.. 🙁 AD/Regular

    Reply
    • I am with you bro ….nothing yet ..i think its packup for us 🙁

      Reply
  30. Finally I received mine.
    May 2rd. Non AD/RP/CA
    I got the H4 notice receipt first for my husband and the following day I got the H1 receipt from my attorney!

    Reply
    • Congrats!!!. Did your attorney received h1 notice today. Can you provide receipts number removing the last 5 digits

      Reply
  31. Got lucky in lottery.RQ/RP/Vermont.Receipt is EAC-14-144-5****.Received date – 10th April.Notice Date – 25th April.

    Cheers!

    Reply
  32. I think it is almost done, time to pack my bags, only those few who are waitlisted have a slim chance now. Rejected packets should be in the mail soon.

    Reply
  33. I am AD/PP and don t have OPT extension
    I lost all my hope and not going to ask if there is anyone in my situation

    Now I have new question and just want to no when I am going to get the rejection letter

    Have anyone received rejection letter from USCIS?!

    Reply
      • ps

        u r awesome buddy…seems like very positive person…I am in the same boat..last day my employer said no cheque encashed yet..does it mean its over fr me???want it so bad..as I been in US fr 5 long years in L1 ..now looking for h1..badly want to go back there..

        Reply
        • I guess you could apply L1 again if possible and come back thats gud option :). Best of luck .Hopefully we get it 🙂

          Reply
        • PS, do you know your L1 stay will also get counted for H1b visa. so basically you will get only 1 year more if you get h1b.

          Reply
          • He has gone back to india and if stayed more than 1 year . The clock restart again. so he might again apply and get l1 ofr 5 year or h1 6 years

    • My employer applied for 15 out of which 4 applications RP/RQ, check was encashed yesterday. Mine still no news. Does that mean other applications are not thru in the lottery. I am very much worried now.

      Reply
  34. Can someone please update the latest Receipt number. The most recent that I can see in the forum is XXX14146 .. anyone received a receipt post 146 ? I believe 146 was either Tuesday 29th or Wednesday 30th.

    Reply

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