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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

 

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

   

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5,206 Comments

  1. Hey don’t lose hope. My attorney called me today and told me that he just got the receipt number. I know very well how painful it is to wait and slowly losing hope. I will share my receipt number as soon as i get it ( may be tomorrow).

    Keep ur fingures crossed.

    Reply
    • Anyone AD/RP/VT Bank check clear but receipts not received yet…… getting this details from my employer would be very difficult…..Could bring little hope for some of us…….add your valuable comments …..

      Reply
      • yes- me- check clear but no receipt from employer. Ask for the receipt # though- it shows in the screen image of check cashed.

        Reply
  2. Hi,

    I just want to share a few thoughts, with AD’s who are waiting and will have their OPT expire soon.

    I am in a similar position, and My OPT will expire in mid Nov.

    Now it is time to stop waiting.. if a miracle is going to happen, then great.. but don’t live in denial or hold on to false hope.

    I can empathize with the pain of having to leave the country, going away from your friends , loosing your job and selling all you belongings.
    But, you should be grateful that you got the opportunity to study in one of the TOP universities, and got to gain experience from a good job.

    Start working on alternatives,

    apply for jobs in other countries and your home country
    And please don’t ask me how to do this! Use internet!, it costs nothing to apply for a job. Research the work visa rules of other countries

    Reach out to your friends and ask them to forward your resume.

    Consider PHD/Post doc options if your are passionate about research.

    Worst case, go back to your home country and start over! You have a whole life ahead of you!

    All the best, and create opportunities for your self so that you don’t have to rely on your luck!

    – fellow AD holder

    Reply
  3. AD/RP/EAC

    EAC – 14 – 137 – 53XXX
    Notice Date – April 10th
    Receipt Date – April 17th
    Status – Initial Review

    Are there anyone in this series? waiting for any status update?
    -Thanks

    Reply
    • yes, me…

      EAC – 14 – 137 – 54XXX
      Notice Date – April 10th
      Receipt Date – No receipt received till date but found the receipt # through check cashed
      Status – Initial Review

      My friend with receipt # -EAC 141-36-XXXXXX got her’s approved on the 23rd.

      Reply
  4. Hi guys I applied for H1B for Fy 2015, now its nearly end of May I haven’t received any updates from my employer. Please let me know till when can we expect the lottery results? Is there is any chance of still getting the lottery results in June?

    Reply
    • Yes CPT is safe I know quite a few people you applied for an H1B on CPT and were approved. Just make sure the college is accredited and all your documents are in order. Also attendance is a must and your college can terminate your CPT at once if you have poor attendance.

      Reply
        • ITU is good also try Goldy Becaum in Delaware, Bellarmine University and
          Sullivan university in Louisville KY are also good. But do your own research and contact these colleges in order to get information since they might change their policies since there already was a large number of applicants last year and the number will only increase this year.

          Reply
          • Hi Anita,

            Thanks for valuable info. Do we need to attend this colleges full time and are fees high or less ……. pls share details if you have any and Is there any risk if travelling internationally on CPT regtrd with these colleges. When applying H1B next year is there any chance to get RFE……

            Thanks.

          • You can travel on CPT if your stamped F1 visa is still valid all you will need is a letter from the college and a travel stamp by them on your I-20. DO NOT attempt to get your F1 visa restamped through these colleges.

            As far as expenses tuition for one semester will be around $4K to $6K. Travel expenses are separate if you are from out of state. All these colleges have weekend classes. So you can work full time on weekdays

          • Also when moving on OPT to CPT there will be a period, maybe a week possible more where you will not be eligible to work legally in US make sure that you do not get paid during that period. If your company runs the payroll against your Social Security number during that period USCIS can reject your H1B application if they do.

          • My OPT ends on Nov 11th, i want to take up the January session.
            Can I stay in the US for this period?? 60 day rule?

            @Bapu
            I guess it would be better not to travel till you get your H1B next year.

            Check with your employer if they are okay with sponsoring your education. I think we have to also make sure we enroll in a course that is relevant to your major.

            Perhaps next year we have to interview at multiple organizations and ask them to apply for your H1B..

            Also be open to the idea of completing one winter session and then apply for CPT… (if your company can wait)

          • Do you know any colleges in New Jersey/New York city where you can begin OPT from 1st sememester?

  5. I have not received any update from my employer yet.. is this over?
    is this done? Thats it? Please update guyz…..

    Reply
    • No one can point a finger at a date and say this day is the last day. But chances are very very limited for anyone to get a receipt number now.

      Reply
    • There is no waitlist, according to a reputable lawyer (don’t have the link handy).

      There was a wait list several years ago, that’s why people are assuming there is one this year.

      Reply
      • Hi Scientist,

        But USCIS has not officially ever said that there is no wait list? or has it?

        lawyers and immigration law firms say a lot of things..

        Reply
    • I don’t think people will have the heart, to declare their rejections here. Would you and me announce it, if rejected? It would be inhumane to ask people to declare their rejections here.

      Reply
      • I certainly would announce. Don’t see anything “inhumane” about it….unless you prefer to stay in denial.

        Reply
      • @Sonal, While I agree with you, I think people should as a good Samaritan notify, so that people can then expect their rejections soon and be prepared for it.
        AD/RP/VT
        Status: Approved.

        Reply
        • Arpita, believe it or not, though I got the receipt # from HR on 4/28, HR still has not received the mail notice! it’s showing as Initial Review online since a very long time… keeping fingers crossed

          Reply
          • @AD/RP/VT
            As per my lawyer, VT is flooded with lots of applications. And it has always been the tradition of VT for processing appln. slowly. There is no surprise in this.
            And this time USCIS is unusually sending out a lot RFEs, when the employee-employer clause is not justified in the petition well enough.

          • thanks Arpita- the info from your attorney is helpful…hoping my company has filed the application properly so I don’t receive an RFE

    • Yes, I’ve been through the lottery & consultants who didn’t cleared in lot have started getting rejection letters in our organization, not all of’em but some ..

      Reply
  6. Not fair to other nationalities

    http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-where-americas-most-skilled-foreign-workers-are-coming-from-2014-5

    Reply
    • Hi,
      I have not received EAC/receipt but selected in lottery as per my employer information. My Employer is saying I may get the receipt a month period later. Is this situation possible? Please reply as I am confused on this. Is any one in the same situation ?

      Reply
      • Your employer doesnt want to give you the receipt number because then you can try to get a transfer done to another employer.

        Reply
        • Thanks Rajnish.
          Is there any way through which I can get my EAC number from USCIS? or When can I expect my EAC number from my employer?

          Reply
          • Ask yourself this question: do you really want to work for someone who is potentially flat out lying to you?

          • Yes, @needInfo, Mr.Scientist is correct due you really object yourself working under such a contractor or employer whatever!! (Why do they create such a hassle for employee’s).

          • Well people hardly have choices. Its like desi fresher’s who aspire to join IBM/Accenture/Infy/TCS/Wipro but as the entry level criteria of these companies are stringent, they never get offered. But few years experience with some small time or dummy employer and then these same companies who rejected the candidates when freshers would be willing to hire them. Suppose IBM has a project needing XYZ skill in US, whom do you think they would hire? Some one who has less/fake experience but H1 from a small consultancy or a Masters’ with 10 Years exp but no H1?

          • @Rajnish,

            I see your point. However, it seems like those who are unable to convince an established company to sponsor them shouldn’t really be eligible for the H-1B program at all.

            The whole point behind the H-1B program is that employers should have a significant disincentive to hire non-U.S. workers. I don’t fault people applying to these consulting shops to get jobs, but I do fault the USCIS for not filtering the body shops out much more aggressively.

          • @VK
            I don’t know why they create such an hassel.
            @Rajnish : As per my knowledge one can transfer the petition only if he has I797 . In this initial time no one try to transfer it. Please correct me if I am worng.

            Is there any one who is facing the same situation ?

    • There should be a separate category of VISA for people who come here on short term projects. I know L1 and B category visas were abused, but still there could be something which would be hassle free and allow IT companies to conduct their business without totally depending on Lottery for their revenue.

      Reply
      • @needInfo : Transfer is very much possible if one is sure the receipt belongs to them and the petition has been approved. A good attorney can get the transfer done without the I797 but with only the receipt number.

        Reply
  7. For those with fake H1B petitions

    1 out of 3 H1B recipients will have unannounced USCIS visits this year. H1B revocations already happening.

    immigrationlawyersnj.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=171:fraud-detection-and-national-security-directorate-fdns-unannounced-on-site-inspections&catid=37:corporate-compliance&Itemid=120

    Reply
    • this is not new. This is happening but in very rarely becuase of staff concerns in USICS. They come for inspection months after getting approval and by that time even fake h1b will be in some job in some place and he ammend that to his h1b. so very few get caught with this.

      Reply
    • This is true sometimes DOL in close conjunction with USCIS does visit IT companies, where the clauses of H1 Employee-Employer Rel. is abused.

      Reply
    • I doubt these visits are effective. Maybe they are used to scare employers. There are lots of jobs where there is a very legitimate reason for the employee to be not in the home office most of the time.

      The most effective way to curb abuse is to simply be more aggressive in prevailing wage calculations, and to make sure that the employee receives 100% of the salary listed (no cuts by body-shops, middle-men, etc).

      As long as there is a financial incentive to abuse the H-1B, bad actors will continue to do so. So they should take away the incentive. The proposed S-744 bill is a step in this direction.

      Reply
  8. I am still waiting for my status RP/Non AD, My employer is saying they did not receive any update about the lottery pick. Anyone on the same boat?

    Reply
  9. My employer told they haven’t got any update yet, as of yesterday…are there any chances of getting the receipt number? or the game over??

    Reply
  10. Guys still not heard anything and the worst part is that the attorneys give a standard email saying we cannot give you any info. its still being processed, check tracker for further updates. Cant they be honest and tell me its a bit too late now.

    Please tell me what to do. Cant just sit there like a dumbo and not look at other options so please advice me with a Plan B.

    Also and EGAN people have any information please feel free to share. I am soo not happy and really dont know what to think or make out of this situation. Please respond….

    As a side note have there been cases that have been accepted late? as in is there still hope or we are just waiting for our packets to be returned at this point in time….

    Any help would be appreciated!!!

    Reply
    • Same situation as well.

      USCIS should post a notice on their website saying that all receipts have already been sent. The tiny, tiny fraction who might be on the waiting list can simply be notified of that directly.

      That being said, I don’t understand why companies are wasting time in waiting for the physical packet to come in, when it is 99.9% clear that those of us who have not been issued receipts have lost in the lottery.

      Reply
      • USCIS had tweeted on May 2nd that they are done with data entry for H1B2015 which means all the receipts are sent out.

        Reply
  11. My dream of making it to the US started 12 years ago when I graduated from college and it remains as a dream even today. The search for a sponsor started since the FY 2009 season, at a time when most of my friends were in the queue for a green card . Years passed by without a sponsor. Finally got a change to apply this year in Non-AD/PP/VT. It so happened that I had to try my luck at a time when H1B applicants reached record high in 2014. My H1B sponsor says “sorry. We do not have hope in your case”. Of late, the most irritating question that I hear from US is ” any plans of coming to US?”. I have always thought that luck is nothing before smart and handwork. The lottery results have proved me otherwise. Now, what should I do to be lucky?

    Reply
    • Sorry to hear about you. My case is similar and after so many years, though it would be wise to give up hope, still feel disappointed in many ways. Good luck to you for the future, and hope future has something better in store for all of us.

      Reply
    • Relax dude. There are people who have been living here for years with kids and haven’t got in the lottery. Fair or unfair, they still have to wrap up everything and move back.

      Reply
  12. Hi,

    I have got selected in lottery and my petition is in “Initial Review” status, but my onsite manager (whom i have given during Petition submission) is resigned the job from our organization. Will there be any impact in my approval process?

    Please suggest….

    Reply
    • Hi .What is ur notice date? Is it fresh application or is it from L1 to h1B. Also can u share ur first five digits of ur application.

      Reply
      • Hi,

        My H1b Petition shows in initial review. I received email from my employer on 2nd that my petition is selected in lottery.

        EAC 14 147 *****

        Do you know which series they are approving now

        Regards

        Madhukar

        Reply
    • Hi,
      We didnt recive any update from GIMS yet. heared a batch will be reciving email this weekend. Hope for the Best. Let me know if you recive any update.

      Reply
      • Hi WiproChennai, where did you hear that news..? Me too waiting for any news from them. hope what you say is true, and we get the news soon!

        Reply
  13. Hi,

    I have filed for normal processing…still haven’t get any information on this. As per the information provided here, I understand it might take end of June or early July. I have paid my employer $3,000. If in case my case is not selected in the lottery… how much money I’m going to get return?

    Reply
    • Its illegal to pay for ones own H1. If not got through lottery, I really doubt anyone is going to return you any money.

      Reply
      • Hi,

        Hey, I have paid the amount for filing H1 B for me to an organization (Employer)…through one of my friends reference. My friend is already working through that company for the past couple of years. Why would one file for any one without paying money?…Can you be more specific what you are saying here?
        Thanks,

        Reply
        • Your employer is not allowed to charge you for the cost of filing the visa petition and LCA. They *are* allowed to charge you for premium processing, which is about $1200, if you opted for that. This is the law in the US, go check it out or speak to an attorney. It appears your employer is breaking the law, so I would strongly suggest you find another one. Who knows whether they even filed your petition and what else might await you further down the line. Stay away from this stuff – you might regret it otherwise.

          Reply
        • @Sanju,

          Your employer should pay for H1b visa and your employer should start giving salary to you from day one if H1 get approved. but in reality most of desi consultants are breaking this law. They are charging from candidates and they will only start payroll if you get some project. everyone knows about it and no one complains on this, as end of the day we need some sponser. but if you want to fight and single complaint on this to USICS with proof will kick that employer either in Jail or out of this country.

          Reply
          • Ya……That’s right . Its illegal to charge a candidate for H1 Fees. (Except for premium processing fees). Still lot of desi consultants charge money as high as $5000 for filing…….what’s worse is that most candidates have no visibility that their filing was actually done or not…..consultant just say that you didn’t got through the lottery. I have seen quiet a few people loosing their money for no return…..since last year when the lottery system came into play !

          • Should I ask my employer for proof whether they actually filed for me or not?
            Can you let me know what exactly I should ask for proof?
            Thanks,

          • This is one of the tough question. there is no way to prove it. its 100% on trust. if you insist he can show you some money order and some fedex tracking numbers and some layer fee receipts and some LCA, but again all these may belong to some other H1b candiadate and he can show same thing to 10 people. I have this same doubt on my wife empolyer initially when we are not hearing anything and after few days i heard she get picked. so as i said its totally on trust.

    • It’s an illegal act, either you ask someone for H1 or someone asks for H1 petition. As VISA itself say’s H1 Sponsor visa means Employer needs to sponsor an employee for required job opening. Please don’t encourage contractors to do such a kind.

      Reply
    • Well that is not true. There are no guidelines by USCIS on who pays. The deposit should be made by the employer. If he does not get picked they will have to refund him the money as simple as that. It can be done if an employer is not filing for H 1B the cost can be borne by candidate byt it has to be filed by the employer.

      It happens a lot with outsourcing companies where the vendor may not necessarily provide the H 1B cost but can file for H1.

      Reply
      • @GaneshJiRoxx their is an official rule buddy; that employee should not pay H1 expenses (such as attorney fee, LCA fee) to employer. Breaking the law knowingly is considered to be more than condensing an offense, results of departing the country or termination of work may occur. Here’s the link (http://www.dol.gov/wecanhelp/h1bworkers.htm) check illegal deductions. And as said please don’t encourage any contractors or employers to do these kind good people may suffer in b/w.

        Reply
      • USCIS does not provide those guidelines but Department of Labor explicitly says its illegal. Read the same at http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/FactSheet62/whdfs62H.pdf

        Reply
        • No, I mistook him for saying that consultancies charge service fees to file your petition as one of their services like a product in that regard. Sorry might have misunderstood him. Apologies my bad!!!

          Reply
  14. Still haven’t received my a receipt number or any word about my status. I filed with PP. Its very stressful. All I can do is wait and hope, but I think its too late?

    Reply
  15. Got lottery, good luck and stay working in the US. No lottery, still good, fate decides that you have chances to develop your own country and your later generations will not suffer the same.

    Reply
  16. Game over!!! Plan B…back to India I will work on same thing from India at half US salary, instead of paying taxes to US Govt I will pay to Indian govt. They can stop H1s cant stop offshoring. Even if 10% of rejected candidates go back its around 10K jobs lost by Americans…..

    Reply
  17. Dear All,

    I am sorry but I would say it seems like over, my employer has already started working on other alternative plans for us …

    I will try next year… But I really wanna say, it’s miserable… However, still… guys…good luck! Sometimes, there is miracle!

    AD/RP/CA … stop waiting now…

    Reply
    • I’m waiting. Still.

      But I’d bet a lot of money that we’re not getting a receipt. I just want to get the rejection packet back ASAP so my company can formally start discussing alternative routes.

      Reply
      • I am waiting knowing very well that the possibility is very remote.

        The USCIS conducted lottery on Apr 10. I really don’t know why they keep all the un-selected ones for such a long time. If they want to keep some applications as a “backup”, they can very well keep some (may be 25%) and then return the remaining back by April end. Well, I know that I cannot complain but these are my thoughts.

        I am actively working on other options (Plan B) full-time at work. I am grateful to my company for supporting it. I am expecting to finish preparation (Plan B) by mid-June. I am 50% sure that I may get a receipt or my application back my mid-June.

        Reply
        • usgrad, your mistake is in assuming that whatever USCIS does follows any logic ;-). There are a million different ways they can improve the system. I think one route that USCIS itself proposed some time back is that companies would apply for slots through an online process on April 1, without sending any employee-specific materials. The companies would later send in complete applications depending on how many slots they got. But guess what, they decided not to go for it — probably because the lawyers would lose money.

          Also, out of curiosity, what does Plan B entail for you? The only possible routes I can think of are green card sponsorship right away, or O-1 visa.

          Reply
      • Hi, any idea on how to get into Canada other than study visa? Is getting an job offer without work permit is possible? As you said I have enough PR points but not sure how to proceed. Any thoughts on this would be great.

        Reply
        • Well you can try for open work permit if your spouse is working/studying there.

          you can get started on PR and it may take upto 1-2 years to get approved, and then look for a job.

          If you have really good credentials there is no harm in trying for jobs by applying online.

          Reply
  18. Got my receipt on April 23rd & the case was not found until May 03 on which it went straight to Post Decision Activity. I received the H1 approval notice I-797A a couple of days back. The only remaining part is getting the VISA stamped on the passport whenever I travel outside US.

    The whole experience has been stressful and full of uncertainty. I guess after investing so much money, time, skills & dreams, atleast the AD guys deserve a better treatment. So much on stake only to be determined by a lottery.

    Good luck!
    -Sid

    Reply
  19. Hi,

    I have received EAC number. But online status, it is showing case not found…..It has been more than a month that the status is same…case not found….what does that mean ? Are there any1 going through same…I am worried….Thanks.

    Reply
    • I went through the same thing for a month it said status not found then it directly went to approved. I was PP, if you are RP then it might take longer.
      No need to worry

      Give your stress wings and let it fly away

      Reply
  20. Non-AD/Regular/Vermont (EAC) – consultants in our organization started getting their cases moved to Approval (post decision) status from Initial review from y’day, mine is still in ‘Initial review’..
    All d best to everyone who’re still waiting to be picked up in lot ..
    Pavani –

    Reply
  21. I’m still waiting. Have been calling employer frequently but he says he’s not heard anything. This wait seems to be never ending. Cannot sleep properly. Many decisions are based on this. Have put my family’s whole life on hold for the last 3 months. Hoping and praying everyday.

    Reply
  22. when we can expect approval notice for regular processing.

    My series starts with eac 14 147 ********. I got email from my employer on 2nd may it still says initial review.
    any one would be able to advise on this

    Th anks

    Reply
  23. Hi guys,

    Does anyone know any universities in bay area that give you CPT from first sem?

    ITU seems to be once such example.

    Reply
  24. GUYS is it true that if you don’t get any RFE then your case will get approved?
    and till when I should expect a RFE ? my notice day was 22 april.
    Reg processing/ reg

    Reply
  25. GUYS is it true that if you don’t get any RFE then your case will get approved?
    and till when I should expect a RFE ? my notice day was 22 april.
    Reg processing/ reg

    Reply
  26. Hi, I searched the H1B petitions for my company on a list of filings (not on USCIS) and found mine – on the site it looked like this:

    H1B Visa Petition Case Number I-*********!

    Id I-***************
    Submit Date 3/4/14
    Decision Date 3/10/14
    Case Status Certified

    Does this mean anything? i.e. can I tell from this whether I’ve been selected in the lottery, or does it just confirmed I’ve been filed?

    Reply
    • It is the Labor Certificate Filing.

      It does not mean anything; it just shows that an LCA was filed on your behalf and was approved to be used towards your H1B petition.

      Reply
  27. hey has anyone researched into ITU and UCSC extension?

    www.ucsc-extension.edu

    All ADs waiting please share your CPT plans…

    Reply
  28. Hi Friends,

    Don’t loose hopes! my employer said he received receipts for Non Ad/Reg/VT last week. Lets hope for the best.

    Reply
  29. AD/RP/WAC- RFE

    WAC- 14-138-53XXX
    Notice date : April 17th 2014
    RFE : May 12th 2014

    But i did not receive any details about RFE by mail, its been a week.
    My question is, how long does it take to receive, RFE details by mail and who will receive it?, is it my employer or my attorney?
    Please advise. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Hi AD/RP/WAC- RFE,

      I too got RFE on 13th May and my employer emailed the scanned copy on 16th May .mine is RQ/RP/EAC. Requested the employer details in RFE.
      Your attorney will receive the mail from USCIS.

      Reply
      • Hi, could please write the first number of your receipt?. I’m asking because I’m RQ/RP/EAC too but my application is still on Initial Review and the number is EAC14142XXXX

        Reply
  30. I am rd/rp/ca still waiting for the receipt, my employer has received 14 out of 25 receipts and said he may not receive anymore, however my husband has received an email yesterday from his company saying, they hav received Rfe for his dependent h1′b petition…. We r very confused, has this happened with any of u guys? Or is this a normal process..at the same time employer says he has not received anything from uscis yet…please suggest

    Reply

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