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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. Dear Friends,

    My case says “Decision” in the USCIS Tracker for more than a Month.
    But the description says as below. Does it mean my case is “Approved” already.
    What will be the next steps. Appreciate if someone can respond.

    On May 2, 2014, this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER was approved and we sent you an e-mail notice. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

    Reply
      • Hi wipro,

        What does that mean did you tried contacting them to understand it clearly. To me it means USCIS have completed the lottery selection process for all and have kept wipro’s petition aside as they dont have time to send even a receipt for selected. Then how is USCIS got to point to even provide approval to other regular application.

        I think wipro’s game is over and they are just fooling employees with wrong hopes.

        Thanks
        Bapu

        Reply
        • Whomever yet didnt get any responses, will get the rejection starting from June 16th to June 31st (Last response date) – Delay Due to huge number of application. Note Accepted Application its already shared with employer and respective members. Try for H1b 2015.

          Reply
  2. This is the communication got from wipro

    This communication is pertaining to your application for current year’s H1B Cap.

    Kindly note that your application is still pending with the USCIS and USCIS has not taken any decision on the same. As per the latest communication with the authorities, they require additional two weeks to act on all pending applications. Accordingly, until 15th of June we will not receive any updates from the authorities on our applications. This delay is due to the huge volume of applications which got filed at USCIS. We anticipate updates in batches commencing from 15th June 2014 till month end.

    In the meantime, we request you not to do any follow ups with GIMS team, Service Connect, or Support Centre as there would be no update beyond this on your application. Appreciate your support.

    Thanks and regards
    GIMS Team

    Reply
  3. I applied my h1b on premium processing and still not recive any thing so that means I am not selected but I want to knw that if apply in premium processing and if I am not selected than they gonna answer me earlier,still not recive anything

    Reply
    • Even thought we applied as PP they have not cashed our checks therefore you will get an answer faster only if selected as PP. I am AD\PP\VT and I have not heard anything yet. We just have to wait to get our packages back PP\RG will all get them in the same time.

      Reply
  4. Approved WAC141395**** on 21th May. RP/RQ
    I have been a silent watcher of this forum for last 2 months finally got approval. Thanks guys and best of luck.

    Reply
  5. Guys
    Do you know until when I should except a RFE ? and if i get one would I be able to see it from uscis website by checking my receipt number?

    Reply
  6. AD/RP/EAC – APPROVED!!!!

    EAC-14-137-53XXX
    Notice Date – April 10th
    Receipt Received – April 17th
    Approved – June 3rd

    ALL THE BEST !!! FOR THE FOLKS WAITING OUT THERE.

    Reply
    • My was approved as well and my employee have already received the notification in the mail. What next??? Should I be expecting a notification from USCIS in the mail or something?

      Reply
      • My was approved as well and my employer have already received the notification in the mail. What next??? Should I be expecting a notification from USCIS in the mail or something?

        Reply
  7. Just got an email from my org saying its all over pretty much and next steps/options …though they have not received rejection packages.

    Reply
  8. hi! can someone help me?! does it matter that our lawyer sent our application after the deadline (april 1, 2014)?? we just knew it lately that he sent it on april 1 or 2…. and my co-worker just recieved a package today with her application and checks and a rejection letter… so does that mean im rejected too…?? havent received mine tho.. 🙁 pls help! thnx

    Reply
    • You have to send your application in such a way that the USCIS receives it within 5 working days (from Apr 1). This year, Apr 7 was the fifth working day. Hence, if it was sent in such a way that it delivered on or before Apr 7 (i.e, Apr 1-7), then it should be fine.

      Reply
      • ohh…. thnx.. im sure they received it between april 1-7… because it was stated on my co-worker’s rejection letter, that the application they received from april 1-7 was randomly computer generated picked.. both of us applied same time and with same lawyer.. but i dont have any news bout my application.. should i just wait??

        Reply
        • its not necessary if two packages were sent together…they get accepted/rejected together….but given the amount of time that has passed…it looks like both yours and my package will be on its way back anytime soon …but we can still be hopeful that its not.

          Reply
          • hahaha yeahhh!! but some people just received their reciept number today too… but of course its better to prepare for the worst… when did you send your application??

  9. Hi Everyone,

    I work closely with attorney for our company H1B n other immigration related.
    Today we got one rejection notice (package) back.

    If your employer got the rejection package, you can always ask for the rejection letter which proofs that the petition was filed and received by USCIS on so & so date, so your employer or any consulting firm cant fake around.

    All the best guys!

    Reply
  10. Feeling Blessed!!!

    My H1B got approved on June 3.
    RQ/RP.
    Applied last year but didn’t get through. But luck came my way this time. So don’t get disappointed guys. Wait for ur turn. God always has a plan for us:)

    Reply
  11. How far is it true that my employer says that the Returned packets are only from one center and the other center is still processing?
    Here in this case my employer had filed from VT so I’m really not sure if we still can be hopeful for few more days until VT also dispatches Packets…

    Reply
    • I have heard that ppl had received the rejection packages from VT as well. So we can only hope till package is returned.

      Reply
  12. Hello Folks,

    Today at 11:30 AM, I got rejection notice. I applied last year and also this year. Both time my package did not came in lottery 🙁

    Hoping for next year now….

    Reply
  13. I got receipt number dated April 18th

    RQ/RP

    WAC14139******

    Has anybody received approval confirmation? Any idea about when to expect approval? Heard last week about someone who received approval for receipt WAC14149****
    Please advise

    Reply
  14. I’ve applied for H1b his year and I’m still waiting for the rejected package to be returned. Due to some family reason, I have to travel to india for 6 weeks with my husband. We also have to go for visa stamping.

    my question is, will there be any questions for me about my pending case..

    Any inputs?

    Reply
    • I don’t think there might be a problem since you said you were not picked up. However to my understanding if you leave the country while your visa is processing it is considered abandoned. That’s why they don’t recommend you traveling until the visa is approved.

      Reply
      • Thanks for ur input. Called my employer and he said the same thing. Since mine was filed under PP, I sud’ve received my receipt long back. Till now since he did not hear abt my case from USCIS, he says that I sud not have any problem.

        Reply
  15. I was shadowing this forum for sometime now. Lottery Rejection notified by my HR today morning. (Shucks I hate clearing out my desk, too much mess.) I had anyway no hopes post April 30th and was expecting the worse any day now.
    My plans:
    Just gonna transfer out to Toronto Regional Office. Relax and Enjoy 2-3 weeks worth of vacation.
    Qualification: Doctorate
    USCIS has been a little haphazard in sending receipts and rejections.
    Good luck everyone.

    Reply
  16. I have my OPT expiring on July 14th and I made it through Lottery. However I have got an RFE for my pay stubs and W-2s. I already got my Cap – Gap I-20. I wanna know if my Cap-Gap will be valid after my OPT expiration date since my H1-B is Pending now for that RFE. Will you please advise ?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • you should be fine, your cap-gap allows you to stay until you receive a final answer. Since you have an RFE, it is not the final decision yet so you can continue working even after your OPT expires. But you will probably receive an answer for your RFE before July 14th, especially if you send the documents/proofs immediatly

      Reply
  17. AD/PP/CA

    Been a troll at this forum for a long time without posting anything. Hearing everyone’s status and comments has been very useful throughout this process.

    Today I received the return packet from USCIS. To be clear, my lawyer received it and he sent me a copy of the return letter from USCIS. So its all over for me this year for sure. Currently working on a Plan B of transferring to another office outside the US and applying again next year in H1 or L1 status.

    Hope you guys find this useful and good luck for those that are still waiting!

    Reply
  18. Company that I am working on OPT has filed for H1B petition on April 1st 2014. By May 1st 2014 my OPT ended, however by that time we have not received any communication from USCIS, and hence my school DSO extended my I20 till June 1st 2014.

    As of current date I am yet to receive any communication (not even the rejection packet). My school DSO says that they cannot further extend i20 without any decision by USCIS and advising me to stop working after June 1st. ( From today)

    Contrary to the schools suggestion, my attorney says that by law, your OPT cap-gap extension is valid until your H-1B petition is rejected, denied or revoked. In your case, the H-1B cap lottery rejection is considered a rejection that would end your cap-gap benefits. Once we receive a rejection notice, you would no longer be authorized to work in the U.S. If the rejection has not arrived by June 1, you are still authorized to work even if your I-20 extension has expired. The receipt of the rejection notice is the event that would end your employment authorization.

    I am in a dilemma on whose advice I should follow. Any one in same boat any suggestions that you got from ur school or attorney??

    Reply
    • uscis did mention that student can work up to june 1st and they didn’t mention about after june 1st.i am in same boat and i stooped working.

      As per rule we need to stop working after june 1st….thats what my lawyer suggested…..and their are no clear directions from uscis….. At this time you need to listen your DSO….

      Thanks.

      Reply
    • I echo Krishna’s point, my opt expires tomorrow and my last day at work was Friday. My DSO and attorney advised that I am not eligible to work beyond my opt expiry even though technically the application is pending.

      Reply
      • As per rule from USCIS any H1B application if accepted and in pending status for that time employee can work and continue working after approval status. Please see in lottery there is no difference between an application is accepted or employer never applied for H1B.

        Reply
    • I agree with everyone. I was in a similar situation when my OPT expired on May 12, but I got an extension till June 1 (Sunday). My DSO did not extend it further and my lawyer advised me that – “though the language around a further extension (till Oct) is fuzzy, the final decision always rests with the DSO”.

      Hence, I decided to stop working from May 30 (Friday) to avoid any complications next year if I apply for H1 again.

      Reply
    • MANY people (including myself) have not yet been issued receipts. This almost surely means that we have been unsuccessful in the lottery. So I wouldn’t suspect that your lawyer is lying simply based on that.

      Reply
      • Hi,

        My employer said 1 month back that cheque has been cashed, so it would have been picked in the lottery. Is there a chance that cheque will be cashed but not selected in lottery. Please clarify. I have been waiting from long time.

        Reply
  19. Frnds,

    I have filed my petition for fy15 under regular quota & I see no update from my employer all this days….is their any chances or everything is wrapped up for this year ?

    now I have a bad feeling that if my employer really has processed my petition or just fooling around, this is the first time i am applying so can any one tell how would I know if he has done good thing for me ….I have tried asking him for sharing LCA and I see weird answers, any online tracker can tell me ?

    Reply
    • There is a way to track LCAs filed by companies, but it would be hard to identify which LCA was intended for you.

      Also, remember that it is completely illegal for the employer to charge you filing petitions.

      Reply
  20. Yesterday I received an email from HR with receipt number EAC-14-148-xxxxx

    It says received date 10th Apr and, notice date 30th Apr … I am trying to contact them .. But does this mean mine was selected ??

    Reply
  21. your notice I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER was processed and mailed to the address on record. If you have not received it within 30 days of May 5, 2014, contact customer service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move while your case is pending, please call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

    what does that mean? Is it RFE or approval or denial ?

    Reply
    • Lucky you… when did you recieve it? I think this is your receipt and not approval. Definitely not denial. Not sure if its RFE.

      But, when did you recieve it?

      Reply
      • This is my online status on USCIS website on Post Decision Activity. My Attorney messed up everything. He shifted his office and my receipt went back to the USCIS and again they mailed him to the new address.

        I got the receipt on 27 may and when i checked it online my status was showing the Post decision Activity with the above message.
        Not sure what exactly it is and why it is not showing any approval, denial or RFE ?

        Reply
  22. I know most of us don’t have enough time but there is possibility of getting a cap exempted job at universities and apply for premium exempted H1. That’s what I am trying to do.

    Reply
  23. I wish there was a cap on H1 only for Indians as they are the ones eating up 99% of the visa. What’s worse is, half of them don’t yet have jobs. What a joke. You guys sure do know how to cheat the system.

    Reply
    • Hi Damodar,

      I did my masters from an IVY league school, worked really hard in my under grad and grad. And now working on some amazing technology here to improve healthcare from last 2 years.

      If i don’t get picked in the lottery I too will have to give up everything I have to start over, with a constant fear that someday at a flip of a coin by whole life can be reset to zero, even if i work really hard. 🙁

      I will equally suffer due all these fake applications, who have paid for their H1B fees themselves, applied multiple times, some of them don’t even have a “project” to work on.

      I hope they pass the immigration reform soon, which will make it difficult for fake IT consultancies to file multiple and fake applications. Though it maybe too late for me, but will at least help future generations.

      And I am an Indian too. Please don’t generalize.

      All the best!

      Reply
      • My rage was more towards them cheating the system but I feel you. I really hope USCIS knows they’re being cheated and give visa to genuine candidate like you and me.

        Reply
      • @ADPPCA : Really hope you make it buddy! and dont give up hope.. maybe it doesnt go the way we imagined, but it is our responsibility to make sure our life is worth it. When one door closes, something else opens. Good luck! 🙂

        Reply
  24. Hi……I can see more receipts generating. The last receipt i saw is EAC 14 168***** can anyone explain? Do we have hopes

    Reply
  25. Got from multiple sources that USCIS has completed sending all the receipts who were picked in the lottery for this year.

    However, your case is not gone till you receive the rejection package.

    Both these statements are not same. Because, there will be some cases where USCIS will keep some applications on hold to replace the rejected lot from the initial lot. So, if you have not received rejection letter by mid June, you still have a chance in the second round replacing rejected applications.

    Reply
    • Multiple reliable sources have said that there is NO WAITING LIST this year. That was only a few years back.

      Reply
      • I am with RK, that USCIS def. hold some as waiting list. or else every one should be getting thier packets back by now. it been more like 50 days since lottery happend. why they are holding money orders and application packets.

        Reply
      • this is what I got

        We sincerely regret to inform you that your H-1B petition has not been selected in the lottery system conducted by the USCIS for this year’s H1 CAP.

        we will evaluate other possible visa options and notify you based on the requirements.

        Reply
  26. Non AD/RQ/VT
    Almost the end of May. Anyone received rejection packages or receipt numbers lately Please post, it will help people like me who are still waiting

    Reply
  27. anyone from cognizant got receipt number in last 3 weeks? ..I have been following up with GIT team but no real updates from them….they said by may 30th we will be knowing the status…

    Reply
  28. Hey guys,

    Any idea by when can we expect the approvals to happen for RQ/RP/EAC?
    My current status is Initial Review and its been same since a month.

    My receipt is EAC-14-144-*****

    Cheers!

    Reply
        • thank you for posting. Can you please tell us if your lawyer specifically told you. Some people have been reporting returned packets simply because their employer/lawyer has been lying to them.

          Reply
          • Did your employer literally say that your application packet was returned? I ask because you’re the only one reporting a returned packet…usually when things start, there is a flood of people reporting the same.

            Not that I want to give you false hope; i’m in the same boat, and have not received anything yet, but I’m 100% sure that there is no chance of getting a receipt at this stage.

          • This was the email my employer sent me

            All H1B cap-subject petitions received at the California or Vermont Service Centers on April 1 through April 7 2014, were subject to a computer generated random selection process. the enclosed 11-1B petition has been rejected because it was not randomly selected for processing. Any associated filing fees are being returned along with the rejected petition.

            If your petition was not subject to the cap and you believe that it was erroneously rejected, please resubmit it along with the appropriate filing fee(s), and mark “Exempted” on the petition. You must establish that your H1-B petition is not subject to the cap.

  29. @immigrationcom …. does that mean if one has not heard about the approval notice ,person had lost chance this year”. Yes.

    Reply
  30. Only ppl who have applied from US have got their lottery results while none of them from India have heard about either approval or rejections.
    Is this true?
    RD/RP is there still hopes?

    Reply
  31. Any one who applied from micro2mega company got confirmations.please reply me.I didnt got any confirmation.waiting and not knowing what to do?????

    Reply
    • Guys,

      I think this is fake and for sure its done…..no more receipts pls accept the truth and looks for all possible options with your friends, family and employer…..

      Thanks
      Bapu

      Reply
  32. RQ/RP/VT still waiting.

    I read on another blog that USCIS had announced that PP applications will be sent receipt notices till 21st May and non PP till 3oth May.

    Reply
    • An Immigration attorney twitted this information. His twitter name misleads many people and they think that the news came from USCIS.

      Reply
    • I think you guys are referring to Rajiv Khanna. I’ve never interacted with him, but I feel that he is probably one of the most reliable voices out there.

      If he said that, I’m sure someone from the USCIS did tell him that over the phone. But since then Rajiv has also tweeted that despite these dates (21 and 30 May), he himself has not seen any evidence that receipts are still being issued.

      And I agree that immigration.com does at first glance suggest that he is somehow affiliated with USCIS — but that domain name is probably from pre-Google days, when that kind of stuff probably helped him get more traffic on his site.

      Reply
  33. Got an email from my Attorney. He said he received my Rejection Package.
    Time to head back to India :).
    I am sort of happy in a way.
    AD/RP/VT

    Reply
  34. Hi,
    I have received receipt number on 10th April but when I check online my status it is showing “Case not found”. This is being shown from day 1. I am worried of this ? Are there any1 sailing in the same boat ?

    Reply

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