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
I filed Non-AD, PP, from New York (so it’s Vermont?).
Still haven’t heard anything from my attorney yet.
Do I still have hope?
Yes, all non-AD/PP haven’t been processed yet. I still wait for mine (Vermont Center). My colleague already received hers, but I’m still hoping. Best is to keep you busy and do what you like (for me it’s going to be a funny TV show) and wait… 🙂 Good luck to you.
PP/AD/VSC..This wait is gonna be the death of me. Last chance..can’t believe this is actually happening.
Good luck mate……i hope you get yours. I have not got mine either as of yet 🙁
I wish the same for you brother. You in the same category?
I dont think i`m PP
You’ll be safe dude. Check this out, a stupid cow missed 2 pages from my application last year when she filed it. Talk about shitty luck.
2 pages, so did you not get a chance to resend the documentation?
That b!TcH informed me 2 months later when it was all over because she was scared. I wanted to choke her right then.
Hi Guys,
Got a confirmation from my attorney today that the case has been picked up in lottery, but its not pulling up in USCIS site. Many thanks to almighty since have been trying since 2012.
All d best to everyone out there.
Hi,
Are you a master degree holder? Because my attorney said so far she only received confirmations for master degree holders. And I’m a bachelor degree holder…a bit worried 🙁
Hey,
I dont come under Advanced Degree quota. I am under regular quota. Dont worry, you will hear the news hopefully soon. 🙂
thank you! and congrats btw! (totally forgot to congrats you first…sorry about that…)
Well deserved after a wait like that. Congratz, I’m happy for you. I’m waiting and hoping. We will see 🙂
i was also trying since 2012..this time got in lottery..lets hope for the best..
I am still waiting .. applied through PP/ vermouth , do any one know when is last day to receive the lottery result
OK, guys, you need MORE patience !!! Last year i filed under reg/non-pp and didn’t get any news until 4/30! before that, no changed status on SEVIS, no check showed cleared! and it took almost a week sent from VSC to my lawyer’s office ! and some of my friends didn’t get their physical receipts until mid-May.
Most of you guys will be fine! Cross fingers for you!
Non AD/ Regular / CA
I have not heard anything from my attorney and the cheque which is attached in the application is also not been debited till now. Looks my application is not picked but still didn’t loose hope as this is just a beginning.
Hope for good in the upcoming loterry years.. 🙁
i applied last year and i couldn’t get through lottery and this year applied under Premium, still no news. why me?
Though i know I will nt be picked in the race of luck.but still refreshing the page nth time ,there is no way to know until company gives us some info.so many plans are shattered.even the blessing of n numbers of god cannot change the fate for the rejected 87000 people …….why nothing easy in my life grrrrrrrrr
93,800 people..
Lawyer Received physical copy today morning (snail mail).
AD/PP/VSC
Lawyer confirmed never receiving email for my case. The physical copy of I-797C says premium processing service requested.
EAC141315xxxx
non-AD/PP/CA ..Just heard from my attorney ” Receipts have started to trickle in, but very slowly, expect more info by end of week or early next week”
dont think everyone in PP has heard back, need to hang on and keep fingers crossed for few more day
I filed under Advanced degree/Normal Processing. I called my school’s international office to check if there was any SEVIS update being made she told me that there isn’t any and the last day of the employment still remains the same. So does this mean that I’m not through? Any guidance regarding this would be of great help.
I called too ….no change at school ..i am guessing its getting close to being the end of the road for us.
Any idea when we might hear about Advanced degree, Regular processing? Getting really tensed and not able to concentrate in work too.. 🙁
Please don’t jump to conclusions just yet. They are still processing PP files. Last year it took close to two to three weeks before PP was done. You’re AD/Regular… you still have time to find out. I would start worrying close to Mid-May if I were you. Last Year, I didn’t find out till June and I was Reg/Reg and I still am. Just breathe and stay calm.. don’t panic.
Also, the DSO will only know when your file is picked up to be entered into the system.
Thank you so much. This wait period is really kinda weird. Involves loads of patience.
Its hard to keep focus….sorry to cause panic …..but its really nerve racking as you already know !! Lets hope we all get it!!
Trust me! I definitely understand but you have to keep in mind that they have to process 85K reciepts and it hasn’t even been a week since the lottery. PP takes precendence over Reg and AD takes precedence over Reg Quota. So, they will first notify all PPs (both AD and Reg quota) THEN they move on to Reg files (AD and Reg Quota). They have to manually feed it in and that takes time. The good thing is that in the past they have worked through the weekend to send out notifications (specifically for PP) so that every one knows as soon as possible. They won’t be done sending out notifications anytime soon and some PPs will still be trickling in until the end.
I am a masters student …filed my h1 this year …how do i know if i was filed under regular or PP. I am guessing regular …..so is this the end of the road …if i do not hear back soon ….considering so many of us already got one
Do not lose hope, though I know it is hard – i just spoke to my attorney, and they did not get any receipts yet, I do not think it is just an unlucky attorney but rather, there is still time for us to hope…
Thanks for the encouraging words ….i guess some of us will get it and some of us will be left out …but i promise to support this community either way….good to know you have so many people around going through the same nerve racking stuff as you.
I applied at Vermont, regular, under masters cap – nothing yet. Just emailed my attorney to see if they got anything. Going slowly insane….
Any one got receipt number with the following sequence WAC141335**** please let me know i am AD/PP/California service center
2 other employees from my company got the receipt number yesterday and I am still waiting. Why should this happen? Can it mean that I am not selected in the lottery?
Also, I have done my Masters from the reputed University from the US. I had premium processin.
Same here. My colleague got her receipt number this morning (Vermont, Non master, PP) and still nothing for me (Vermont, Non master, PP). I’m not sure if that means something or not, all the applications may have been mixed during the process, and we may still receive our receipt notice later. Any previous experiences, guys?
Thanks.
I just received the receipt number from employer. It was Premium Processing filing under Non-Masters quota at California Service Center. The date of receipt is 14th April and the law firm received it Today. I think there is definitely chance left. This is second time for me to go thru with the lottery -WAC1413551XXX
I’m waiting for Regular/PP. But if I’m not approved when will they let me know?
Got my receipt number today but I can’t see its status on USCIS website. The mail was apparently sent out at 8:45 AM today. My application was: Non AD/ PP/ VT
I have applied AD/PP/CA center. Is CA center done notifying all the selected ones or I do not have any hope now. Please let me know
Mine’s AD/PP/VSC. Still waiting for a miracle. Last chance for me. Hope it works out for all of us. Bolo Bajrang Bali ki Jai
Is it like all premium processing cases selected in lottery have been notified (or) is it like uscis is sending receipt notices in batches?
Usually what is the time frame for premium processing receipt notices after lottery selections? (time frame other that that specified by uscis i.e. by 28th April’14)
PP/AD/VSC, is there any hope left yet or is it curtains for me?
You still have time up to a day or two.
any regular – non pp guys received yet?
Nope!
Nope.. Still waiting….
Mine is filled under the same category .Once you get any update,please reply back.
Has anybody received the receipt number in regular mail for AD, Regular processing(Non Premium processing) from Vermont center ?
I read in previous comments, some people from VA/non-pp/AD have received receipt numbers through their lawyers. Don’t think anyone mentioned they received receipt through regular mail.
AD/Regular?Vermont.. Am waiting too.. 🙁
I just received my receipt number WAC141355XXXX, NON-AD, PP, Fargomen Chicago. The lawyer sent the email to me directly!
Regular/PP:Receieved Reciept number just an hour ago.
Any regular has information?
Just got my receipt.. WAC1413351XXX
PP/AD/Cali/Fragomen
Please note that Fragomen got my confirmation on 13 April but forwarded it to me on 15 April..
So the lawyers might be a little slow is forwarding the information. Keep faith and hold on guys.. Best of Luck.
PS: :Last year applied and didnot get thru.. Waited 4 months last time to just get my package back.. So this year was very critical for me.. Just be patient. Best of Luck..
Did you also see an update on the Fragomen’s IHP Website with a Receipt NIV #?
Congrat on getting selected!! I’m still waiting as hell here…..
Hi 🙂
Congratz, I’m happy for you! I have a question : Last year when you applied, did you apply also with Premium processing? Just wondering, because I’d like to know what they do when they reject an application sent with PP. Did you get notified before and then you received the application back or did they just make you wait 4 months without sending you any updates?
Hello everyone,
My colleague received her receipt notice this morning :EAC1413453XXX.
She applied as Non Master/PP.
Our application were send together by the same attorney and same company, do you guys know if that means that I should receive my receipt notice (if any) soon? I don’t know how they assigned the application IDs, or how they proceed when they notify for each case, if they follow the IDs in the numerical order or not. Very stressed right now, like all of you guys who are still waiting.
Mina,
Even though your petitions were sent together, and assuming both are selected, it is still possible that receipt numbers are sent out on separate days.
Hi today i have received Receipt number AD/PP/California service center
All the best to everyone hope everyone gets the receipt number and approval.
I got a confirmation from my attorney that they received physical copy of reciept for my application today morning. However, they did not receive any email about my case. They still have not shared the receipt number with me so I do not know the validity of their confirmation.
My petition was filed for AD/PP/VSC.
I checked with my DSO and they said that there is a pending COS on my SEVIS but no receipt number for reference from USCIS. The pending COS notification on my SEVIS is showing up as of today morning.
Does this mean that I was selected?
(sorry for spamming Saurabh)
Guys anyone from the AD/PP/VT got any updates. I see some non AD notifications out already. Does that mean they have sending all the notifications to the AD guys??
anyone heard any updates from vermont in regular/pp quota? Its been 3 days and haven’t heard anything. Is this end of show for me?
Yes. I received the same. EAC1413453xxx. Bachelor’s/PP/ H4 to H1.
All the best to others !!
When did you get that receipt? today?
Yes. Morning 8:49
Cool. I am still waiting 🙁 Regular/PP
Don’t worry mate ! All you can do at this time is wait. I waited for this day more than a year !! . I have seen many cases who recieved the Receipt no PP/Regular even in the month of May/june lastyear.
Even I applied last year, It didn’t picked 🙁
can you please give me the full recepit number that would be very helpfull…….
am still waiting to hear on this
As per LuckyThisYear User, the receipt is
EAC1413453xxx – This means EAC 14 134 53XXX
EAC – is VSC code (eastern adjudication center)
14 – fiscal year
134 – represents the computer working day in the fiscal year.
53XXX – is the actual case number. Its starts with “5” so we can ignore it. 3XXX is the actual number of petitions they entered so far (atleast until LuckyThisYear got her receipt). Now the question is 3XXX cases are processed from CA and Vermont or only from Vermont?
I think that’s just Vermont working at a snail’s pace. The last receipt number from CSC was WAC1413554410 which means that the last 4 numbers represent their individual applications processed so far. I like to believe that’s the case. AD/PP/VSC hoping for a miracle.
The CA and Vermont ‘can’ have same numeric but for two different people. For example you can check the below two case numbers (from last year’s) EAC1313850880 – Vermont and EAC1313850880 – CA. Though the ‘numeric’ part is same the ‘prefix’ is different 9based on the location where the case is filed). So there is no association between the case numbers / no of cases processed by each center. Also don’t forget to consider that these numbers are ‘not only’ for H1B ! there will be many other types of visa applicants in between these receipt numbers. Hope this helps !
The CA and Vermont ‘can’ have same numeric but for two different people. For example you can check the below two case numbers (from last year’s) EAC1313850880 – Vermont and EAC1313850880 – CA. Though the ‘numeric’ part is same the ‘prefix’ is different 9based on the location where the case is filed). So there is no association between the case numbers / no of cases processed by each center. Also don’t forget to consider that these numbers are ‘not only’ for H1B ! there will be many other types of visa applicants in between these receipt numbers. Hope this helps !!
Small change ..EAC1313850880 – Vermont and WAC1313850880 – CA.
What after 9999 .Will the total characters increase?Just want to keep my hopes,if that ius the correct method of checking the latest score..:)
OmSaiRam,
That would mean that USCIS center entered 10,000 petitions (across all forms) in 1 day. You are expecting way too much from USCIS 🙂
Anyone from Vermont Service center, I got a mail from my Lawyer with a receipt number and saying mine got picked up in the lottery. But case Status from the USCIS status check showing case not found? Is it gonna take some time to get updated to their system? Mine is AD/PP/Vermont.
Good Luck.
It will take a day or two to reflect the same in System. don’t worry!!
Same situation here, have EAC for AD/PP/VT but does not show up on USCIS Case Status website. Please update if yours shows up and I’ll do the same.
When did you get the mail?
Yesterday…but email says USCIS received my application on 10th
I think it’s over for us guys with PP Master’s degree. Nothing yet for those who are in Texas.
Not yet ! My Consultancy is still getting the receipt numbers for Master’s. All the MD / PP/Vermont are informed to wait till end of this week
People with masters have chance both in regular quota and masters quota so you need to relax!
Latest premium processing receipt from California Service Center-
WAC1413554410
They are still issuing premium receipts. Good luck folks!
If not selected in the lottery by when will I get the rejection notice
It depends on case to case. Be positive.
br,
Rejection notices may start going out in May and continue through June.
Everyone who posted that they received receipt notices today said the actual date of receipt was 4/10…. I called my lawyer and he said he hasn’t received anything yet. Is it over for me?? I am premium processing masters degree Vermont. Please advice. Do I still carry hope?
I’m in the same boat as you but we have until April 28th to find out since that’s when they start processing premium applications so if we don’t get a receipt by then, then we know that we have not been selected.
That is not correct. They Mentioned for PP no Later than April 28 means they could start anytime before April 28 probably this week anytime. Whoever did PP consider this weekend is your dedline if you won’t heard anything before end of this week then your chances will be very less but there were so many people last year recevied update on May.
Agree with Mo. They ‘can’ start processing the PP before 28th. So you can expect the PP results (whether the Case Approved/RFE/Denied) from this week it self. By 28th Apr all or ‘most’ of the PP holders will have a receipt numbers. Telling you with my previous year’s experience 🙂
Ok that’s weird because I read that they will start on April 28th but either way I think I will wait till the 28th before I give up hope. I have to get preliminary cap-gap extension anyway
But If I’m not selected they will let me know soon or just by May?
Nivi,
I agree with you. PP folks have ray of hope until April 28. They published April 28th after estimating PP load. So if there are huge number of PP applicants then receipt numbers may got out next week as well. However, as the date of April 28 gets close, chances of selection becomes lesser and lesser for waiting PP folks.
I just received the receipt number from my law firm. It was Premium Processing filing under Masters quota at Vermont Service Center. The date of receipt is 10th April and the law firm received it yesterday evening. Vermont Service Center has been sending out receipts at a slower rate than California Service Center. I think there is definitely chance left till the end of day tomorrow. After that, I will say that there is still some chance left till the end of this week for Premium Processing Masters quota.
It seems processed till WAC 14 135 5440*
Mine is also h4 – h1 applied thru reliance global in Pp still waiting fr receipt….
Please refrain from using any consultancy names, it is not good for you and company.
I haven’t received the email from USCIS or the attorney. Filed the petition under AD cap PP – considering that lot of people had already received – does it mean that i wont receive mine? Game over?
I am also in the same situation..!
I am also in the same situation.
Not yet ! My Consultancy is still getting the receipt numbers for Master’s. All the MD / PP/Vermont are informed to wait till end of this week
AD/Normal/Vermont- When do you think I might be knowing about the selection? This feeling of waiting is really getting weird day by day.. 🙁 🙁 🙁
Same here…AD/Regular processing/Vermont….I was unlucky last year…This wait is killing me 🙁
Any idea when we might get notified.. 🙁
Did anyone get any receipts from texas service center?
There is only two service centers for H1 processing Vermont and California. Assuming you’re in Texas your packet will be delivered to Vermont center.
How about Phoenix, is it Vermont or California?
Check here
http://www.uscis.gov/i-129-addresses
So it’s California service center, nice thank you!
*are
Oh.. Thanks for the info.. I m still waitin.. AD and PP
Man, I filed PP Master’s degree and haven’t heard a thing yet from texas service center. This is just killing me. I haven’t seen any receipt number yet in this forum beginning with SRC which is Texas Service Center.
There are only 2 service centers and texas will fall under vermont service center
I don’t understand why they don’t send the rejections immediately? Why do they wait until they’re done processing the selected files, it’s frustrating not to know, and then only get rejection after a few months, if they could have sent it immediately…
My guess is they keep some on the side in case they need to replace one application by another (if after review a case is rejected)? I don’t know.
Hi, has any one got lottery receipt for NON-AD, regular processing from Vermont centre?
Same here .
I am waiting and tensed like hell
It’s really insane….crazy day and nights…until we hear the results…
As of now I didn’t hear anything from my employer about H1B lottery results… how many days i need to wait??? As per the discussion with employer by 15th April will get the H1B lottery result.
just got the receipt number. AD/PP/CA.
guys please keep praying hard…. JAI HANUMAN JAYANTI
Received an email from the Attorney and the Receipt number.
Vermont/Premium Processing/Masters Degree..
Half the relief!!! .. My wife is yet to hear from her attorney.. Its a tense situation as the probability is 50% .. Crazy times..
Whats the chance of probability for genral non ad h4 to h1
Sant,
Did you receive the receipt number today? What time? and how?
38% Chance
Both you and your wife applied for it. ?? Is that true..
Oh my god…
Hi All,
I just want to update you that my non-ad petition/PP/California center has been selected in lottery and i got the receipt number from my employer today.
Thanks you all!!!!!
Congrats Gupta
General non ad h4 to h1 when can i hear picked r not
It may takes another 2 to 3 weeks
I got my approval today at 5pm est. AD/PP Vermont center. I think i can finally sleep well tonight. Thanks all. This page has been a lot of support. Good luck everybody!
Feeling fabulous ,
Did you get your H1b approval or you got selected in lottery ?
Sorry. I meant I got notified with a receipt number. Approval is the wrong word to use.