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

Updated : April 21, 2015- Modified content on additional petitions than 85,000 quota – wait-listing for denials 

As you know, USCIS conducted a lottery on the 172,500 H1B Visa petitions filed for FY 2015 quota and did a press release indicating that the 85,000 petitions selected will be notified with receipt numbers and those not selected will be rejected and returned. I have seen many of our readers asking questions on variety of topics like below.

  • What are the Next Steps after H1B Lottery by USCIS ?
  • Who will get the case number ?  Do I get an email ? Will I get a hard copy ?
  • Who will get the rejected application ? Employer or Employee ?
  • Did anyone receive H1B receipt Numbers for Premium processing ?
  • When will I receive the H1B Case number?
  • How many Master’s degree petitions were received  ? What were my odds in lottery ?
  • Does USCIS select more petitions than 85,000 as backup for denials ?
  • How do I know, if my employer really filed my case ?
  • Can I know the details of my case from USCIS ? What are my choices ?
  • Can I upgrade my case to Premium processing without receipt number ?
  • I have not slept in couple of days, when will I receive my receipt number?

This article addresses all of these FAQs.

What are the Next Steps after H1B Lottery by USCIS ?  

  • USCIS notifies selected Premium Processing  applicants about their receipt numbers
  • USCIS then notifies all selected non-premium/regular  processing  candidates about their receipt numbers through postal mail
  • USCIS completes all premium processing applications adjudication by May 12 (15 calendar days from Apr 28)
  • USCIS continues to process non-premium processing cases once their premium processing applications load is down
  • USCIS starts sending out rejection letters to non-selected candidates

Some of these steps may happen in parallel, while some may happen sequential. Also, the timelines are based upon historical data and it is not possible to predict actual dates for this year.  For general info, you may also read  USCIS Processing time for Regular vs Premium

Who will get the case number ? Employee or Employer ?   Do I get an email ? Will I get a hard copy ?

Usually  the employer/ immigration attorney, who filed the H1B petition would receive the receipt number.  The employee will NOT get any email or hard copy of the receipt number from USCIS.  For selected premium processing petitions, an email with receipt number will be sent to the attorney and then followed by a hard copy in mail. For selected regular processing petitions, a hard copy of the receipt notice with receipt number is sent via standard mail.  Either case, nothing will be sent to the employee, it will always be sent to the employer/ immigration attorney.  Read about What USCIS H1B Case number means

Who will get the rejected application, not selected in lottery ? Employer or Employee ?

The employer/immigration attorney will get the rejected application that was not picked in the random computer generation process/lottery.  It should include the fee you sent as well, unless it was a duplicate filing by the employer for the same employee.

Did anyone receive H1B receipt Numbers for Premium processing ?

Yes, some of our readers have indicated that they received Premium processing case receipt numbers on Friday, April 11th, 2014.  Check the sample USCIS H1B 2015 email receipt.  There is no guarantee that everyone, who filed under premium processing, should receive the case numbers right away this week or in the next week. They may start to receive the case numbers anytime from now, nothing to panic that someone got it and you did not.

USCIS said April 28th  is when they will start the premium processing, How come some are receiving the case numbers and emails  ?

Here is the exact USCIS statement  “While the Form I-797 receipt notice indicates the date USCIS received the premium processing fee, the 15-day processing period set by 8 CFR 103.7(e)(2) will begin no  later than April 28, 2014. “.  If you read carefully, it says ‘NO LATER THAN April 28th “, which means that they will start the 15 day clock for premium processing by April 28th, does not mean they will start on April 28th.  So, technically USCIS can start the processing and send out receipt numbers for Premium processing any time before that as well. In fact, they have already since Friday April 11th.

When will I receive the H1B visa 2015 Case number, if I am selected ?  Regular vs Premium ?  

The premium processing cases selected, ideally should get receipt numbers by April 28th and a decision (approval or RFE) by May 12th ( April 28th + 15 calendar days)  as they are bound by 15 calendar day time limit.  For regular processing, ideally, you would receive the receipt numbers a little later. Last year, we have seen receipt numbers sent until late June. This year, we can expect it to be around the same or maybe a little late like early July, as the USCIS load has increased slightly ( Denying and returning more petitions )

How many Master’s degree petitions were received  ? What were my odds in lottery ?

Unfortunately, USCIS has not officially released any petition numbers received for the master’s degree quota. They have not release it last year too. If someone says a number, it is pure speculation. To calculate your odds in lottery, just use the 172,500. It may not be accurate, but gives you some baseline to know your worst case probability.

Does USCIS select more petitions than 85,000 as backup for denials ?

[Updated on April 21st, 2014 ]  USCIS did not release any official information for FY 2015 saying that they selected or wait-listed more petitions than 85,000 as backup to account for denials. Previously, in 2008 USCIS mentioned in their press release that they have  “wait-listed” some petitions to replace the denials, withdrawal petitions, etc.  But, for this FY 2015 quota, we don’t know.  If USCIS were to follow the same process like in 2008, they would have some “wait-listed petitions” put aside in FY 2015 as well. We just have to wait and see or hear from our users. No official information from USCIS on this.  

How do I know, if my employer really filed my case ?

Well, you have to trust your employer and get the information from him that your petition is filed. Usually, employers are upfront and keep you posted about this and send you the emails/hard copy scans from USCIS. You need to find this from your employer.

Can I know the details of my case from USCIS ? What are my choices ?

Well, this is a roundabout way. USCIS has Freedom of Information act , which can be used to get information regarding you file/case. This could take few months( 6 months ) as there are many requests.  But, there is no guarantee here as it is at the discretion of USCIS. Technically, the H1B petition filed is the employer property and you may not have full rights until you start to work for them legally on H1B. We have heard that some cases information was not disclosed. Again, it depends. Talk to an attorney for more clarification.

Can I upgrade my case to Premium processing without receipt number?

You need the USCIS H1B receipt number to upgrade your case to premium processing. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do, you need to wait for the case number.

I have not slept properly in couple of days, when will I receive my receipt number?

We understand that it can be very stressful period waiting for the petition receipt number and then for processing of the application.  Many of us have been in similar shoes and can empathize your pain. Unfortunately, there is nothing we all can do as it is not in our hands.  Please try to stay calm, focus your personal time on something that you enjoy or with your spouse/kids/friends. Do share your information with our readers on the blog, so all of our readers help each other. We plan to re-build our H1B Tracker with analytics, please post your case once you get the receipt number.

What are your thoughts ?  Did I miss anything  ?   Stay tune for more articles on H1B Visa 2015

 

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

   

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5,206 Comments

  1. AD/PP/VSC..My checks haven’t been cleared yet as of this morning. This means game over, right? Anybody else in the same boat?

    Reply
    • Don’t worry, its going to take longer because of the update on the USCIS website today that they will start processing PP on 28th April. So I believe they are still working on it. Be positive, God willing it will be good.

      Reply
    • I am in the same boat.. AD/PP/VSC.. mine also hasn’t cleared yet.. on USCIS website they made this announcement…looks like its over for us..

      USCIS H-1B Premium Processing to Begin April 28

      On April 28, 2014, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin premium processing for H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2015 cap, including H-1B petitions seeking an exemption from the fiscal year cap for individuals who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher. USCIS first announced that we would begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases no later than April 28 in a news release on March 25. USCIS provides premium processing service for certain employment-based petitions and guarantees a 15-calendar-day processing time.

      Reply
      • I think this buys us a little more time if I am reading this right. All this stress has compromised my ability to understand but this other guy Saurabh mentioned this down below in the comments.

        Reply
  2. Check this link out. Not sure what conclusions to derive from it.

    http://www.uscis.gov/news/uscis-h-1b-premium-processing-begin-april-28

    I am AD / Regular processing. I guess I’ll have to wait longer.

    Reply
  3. Hey Guys, sign this please and spread it out to all you friends!! People who are unlucky not selected but already are working should not given a temp permit to work! They should not lost their job and their rights to feed their family just because this lottery system. Please SPREAD OUT and SIGN.
    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-h1b-applicants-who-were-not-selected-fy2015-lottery-temporary-work-authorization/2VyMkNyr

    Reply
  4. guys, please sign the petition “Allow H1B applicants who were not selected in the FY2015 lottery temporary work authorization .” on the white house petition website!
    It could make a difference, please sign it even if you are selected!!!!
    This lottery is horrible, we will be 87,5000 without work…
    sign and share 🙂

    Reply
    • 87500? I wonder how many people have really applied for h1. I am saddened by the fact that USCIS allows any number of petitions for a single member.

      Reply
  5. Guys, until you all get a rejection from uscis, you should have hope. It’s early days, don’t lose hope and stop assuming.

    Reply
    • You can hear anytime from now and next two months about your petition. Premium processing has yet to come to a closure, so I’d guess you still have to wait for USCIS to respond your employer/attorney. All the best.

      Reply
      • Ya thanks for the reply. My friends said that their attorneys are receiving receipts for general processing as well. Not sure how true this is. I am so tensed. Hope we all will get to know the results soon.

        Reply
  6. The USCIS posted this on their site today!:-

    USCIS H-1B Premium Processing to Begin April 28.

    On April 28, 2014, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin premium processing for H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2015 cap, including H-1B petitions seeking an exemption from the fiscal year cap for individuals who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher. USCIS first announced that we would begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases no later than April 28 in a news release on March 25. USCIS provides premium processing service for certain employment-based petitions and guarantees a 15-calendar-day processing time.

    Does this mean all receipts are sent out? OR do we still stand a chance? Any clarifications?

    Waiting in anxiety………………………! PP/AD/VSC

    Reply
  7. I received selection email from my attorney yesterday (04/16). I am AD/PP/VSC. Three more people (same category) from my firm got their receipts on the same day.

    Reply
  8. Heyyy i got my receipt number today morning. Today is the happiest day in my life 🙂 i applied in regular PP. This is just such a relief 🙂 thank god and thanks to each and everyone who made it happen. I wish each and everyone who are yet to get the result a very good luck 🙂 my prayers are there for all of u 🙂

    Reply
  9. Small change in statement on

    USCIS H-1B Premium Processing to Begin April 28

    On April 28, 2014, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin premium processing for H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2015 cap, including H-1B petitions seeking an exemption from the fiscal year cap for individuals who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher. USCIS first announced that we would begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases no later than April 28 in a news release on March 25. USCIS provides premium processing service for certain employment-based petitions and guarantees a 15-calendar-day processing time.

    http://www.uscis.gov/news/uscis-h-1b-premium-processing-begin-april-28

    Reply
  10. AD/PP/CA

    Still haven’t heard anything. Checked with Attorney too.

    Should I wait for the bad news now? This is my second time 🙁

    Reply
  11. Has anyone without a master’s and under premium processing heard anything yet? I am aware that the premium master’s have already begun to hear back, but wasn’t sure if anyone under the 65k had. Thanks!

    Reply
  12. I got my H1B receipt number from my employer ,But when i checked in USCIS We site it says please enter a valid ase number or try again.is it possible can some one please guide
    my number start with EAC*******

    Reply
    • All the receipts processed at Vermont center or starting with “EAC” have not been updated in USCIS seems like.
      Mine does the same and I was one of the first ones to receive the receipt number on 11th of April.

      Reply
    • Hi even I see the same thing when I enter my receipt number , My employer told to check after April 28 . but for some its showing acceptance . i don’t know whats going on.

      Reply
  13. I see an NIV receipt number for my name. Does this mean I cleared the lottery?
    (Note : In USCIS site when I give my receipt number, it says NO CASE FOUND).
    Please help me understand my lottery result !

    Reply
    • I see an NIV receipt number for my name. Does this mean I cleared the lottery?
      (Note : In USCIS site when I give my receipt number, it says NO CASE FOUND).
      Please help me understand my lottery result !

      Reply
    • AK,
      VT is having some issues with online status. If your receipt number starts with EAC, then it is from VT and impacted by the issue. As long as you the receipt number, you should be good. You have made through the lottery.

      Reply
  14. Any non-AD, regular processing got receipt number ??
    Mine is regular processing, Non AD.

    Please reply.. i am tensed 🙁

    Reply
  15. Hi All,

    Can we Sign-up for Case Updates in USCIS website to know our case status. I dont have my case no but want to check based upon my name if i have been selected in lottery or not. My case filled Regular quota/RP so it might take hell lot of time to know.. so just wanted to know if is there any way if we can come to know… i know if it had there you guys might have know this however just wanted to check….

    Thanks

    Reply
    • I would like to know that too if we can sign up for updates would we get to know if there are any changes on our case – since we are regular processing it will take longer for us to hear back. I was wondering if those updates from USCIS would help.

      Reply
      • Yes you can get text messages and emails about your case updates. You will need to create account and enter your receipt #
        https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/login.jsp

        Reply
    • Even I wish would cold. Unfortunately, USCIS is not that advanced for some unknown reasons.. they still choose to be in the medieval age.

      Reply
      • Even I wish we could. Unfortunately, USCIS is not that advanced for some unknown reasons.. they still choose to be in the medieval age.

        Reply
      • So many people answered this. It will take anywhere from 1 week to 3 months times. Please understand the process that USCIS go through.

        They do three lotteries
        1. Advanced degree quota of 20,000
        2. Non-advanced degree of 65,000 (to keep things simple ignoring Singapore/chile quota)
        3. For backup applications to replace in case there are any rejections in the initial lot. No one knows how many USCIS picks in this lot.

        #1 and #2 is easier for USCIS to notify employers / attorneys based on the Premium processing and regular processing in parallel.

        If you fall in #3, it might take time anywhere upto 3 months as USCIS raises RFE for the candidates in the first lot, review the response and ensure the petition is rejected. If you fall in this lot, you can be happier that you still stand a chance or you may want to feel sad that you have take this suspense this long. Choice is yours!

        Apart from USCIS not being advanced in using the technology to the best, they also cannot do much with the given mechanism of lottery to intimate everyone at the same time due to the above mentioned tactical reasons.

        Reply
  16. Last year, the USCIS stopped taking new H1B FY2014 petitions on Apr 5, 2013 (Friday) and conducted lottery on Apr 7 (Sunday. On Apr 8, 2013 (Monday), the USCIS informed us they received about 124,000 petitions and the random selection process was completed.

    This year, the USCIS received about 172,500 H1B FY2015 petitions and conducted the random selection process on Apr 10, 2014. Some people received emails with a receipt number. Please do not panic, if you did not get any notification. We still have time to know about our result. Those who paid for Premium Processing (PP) should expect notification between Apr 10 and May 12, since the USCIS announced that they will start PP no later than Apr 28 (instead of Apr 15).

    I got this information from other website. NOTE: This applies to last year cases (FY 2014 ).

    “The earliest notifications in FY14 were premium-processing eMail receipts, which arrived on April 9, 2013. Even though the USCIS officially suspended premium processing timeframe guarantees for cap cases between April 1st and April 15th, some of the premium-processing cases, nonetheless, were acted upon promptly. The Murthy Law Firm even saw some cases approved by April 15,2013, for the last fiscal year.

    By April 23, 2013, the Murthy Law Firm had received eMail receipts for the remaining cases filed under premium processing, as well as additional approval notices. Also by that time, hard copy receipt notices for H1B cases filed under standard, non-premium processing had begun to come in gradually. These receipts continued to arrive throughout April and into May.

    In FY14, the USCIS began returning cases that had not been selected in the lottery on May 6, 2013. The packets containing these filings started to arrive via regular mail a few days later.”

    Reply
  17. So I have seen a lot of people are not able track a PP with/without AD application at the Vermont center but is there anyone who has been able to track?

    Reply
  18. Guys, my employer called me in afternoon and updated the good news which I am waiting from past 2 years. I applied last year and couldn’t get through lottery and this year it’s purely a gods grace. I just want to post this to all of you and tell you everyone who haven’t received that DONT LOOSE HOPE. Looking at my receipt number and my research on EAC number, it’s just close to 4000th petition which Vermont processed. They still have thousands of petitions to be processed and I wish you all will be one among them. Just keep praying and be patient. I hope all your applications will be picked. I know what it means to hear the good news as we are all on same boat and I understand the importance of career to each of us. Good luck to all and hope I hear good news from you all. Just to remind again, there are still thousands of petitions Vermont needs to enter. You will definitely be one among them #non-ad/PP/Vermont

    Reply
  19. So I contacted the DSO and they said that my SEVIS record has a COS pending and the receipt number starting with WAC as well. I haven’t received any email from Fragomen though. So guys who are in OPT better check with the school as well. Good luck everyone!

    Reply
  20. So I finally got my receipt via email. It was sent to my immigration attorney around 4:15 pm this afternoon. I had checked earlier today with my university and there was a SEVIS update, which means that in some cases they are updating SEVIS before emailing the receipt notice. Also my check was cashed yesterday for those who are wondering.

    The other thing I should note is that some of my colleagues in the exact same boat (same immigration law firm/type of application) got their notices on Monday, so they don’t process all applications from an employer together.

    The receipt date listed is April 10, and the notice date is April 11. PP/AD/Vermont. Good luck everyone!

    Reply
  21. Has ANYONE received a response who is Advanced Degree / Regular (not Premium) Processing / California? I haven’t seen any, just wanted to check. I imagine we won’t see these coming through until next week.

    Reply
      • You gotta wait till 28th of April atleast in order to get any information from USCIS site using your EAc or WAC number. I am talking about PP people only…

        Reply
  22. Got my confirmation today – Non-AD (M.E.)/PP/Vermont

    The Vermont Service Center has received the following
    I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
    that had been filed under the Premium Processing Service:

    Receipt Number: EAC1413xxxxx
    Date Received: 04/10/2014
    Petitioner: XXX

    Beneficiary: XXX
    DOB: XXX
    Classification sought: H1B

    The Form I-797 Receipt Notice will follow in the mail.

    Reply
  23. Don’t worry guys. The worst thing that could happen is, you would go back to your home country and get a job with a good pay. Or if you have saved enough, get back into school.
    Chill 🙂
    PS: i am still waiting fro my result

    Reply
    • I like your comment VV.. I appreciate your positive way of looking anythings.. People like you will get selected and people who are panicked don’t get it.. just my thought and experience..

      Reply
  24. Please talk to your attorneys guys,I mailed them and they said that they have got the receipt on 04/12/2014 and I don’t know why they did not inform.Finally can eat and sleep tonight 😀

    AD/PP/CA

    All the best to all of you

    Reply
  25. Please help! If I called my college and they do not see any change on the SEVIS number, this means something? I am Non-AD / PP / Vermont!

    However, I called my law firm and they told me there has nothing to do and they are now receiving Regular Processing. According to their experience the date has nothing to do wether premium processing is over or not. They might start receiving regular processing and PP next week as well.

    Reply
    • I called my school and they did not see any activity, which kind of gives the indication your and my cases are not picked YET, from what i undersand …but it could also be that the case is picked, just not entered into the system!! Well i am stuck as well here …and losing hope

      Reply
  26. Called up school no update to SEVIS…no information from the attorney. I am AD/Regular …any chances of still being selected??

    Reply
  27. My school told me that H1B petition is selected, but CAP-GAP is not applied – I don’t understand! How does the school knows the result without seeing extension of OPT? Is this only a “best wish”?

    Reply
    • No that is not true. One of my friend got receipt number but SEVIS not updated on the https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/dhs/loadSearchPage.do…. is this where u checked for update?

      Reply
      • When would they start notifying ppl who have applied through AD/Regular processing? 🙁 This period of waiting is terrible… 🙁 🙁

        Reply
          • I know.. They could have released all the results irrsepective of AD, Non ad, Premium or Normal and processing could have been done on the basis of premium and regular. Or they could have given out rejections atleast first. This is like seriously testing our patience.. 🙁

  28. I got email from my lawyer this morning

    “Great news, we’ve received confirmation from USCIS that your petition was selected in the lottery to be reviewed for this year’s H-1B cap!”

    Thank god . I am so relieved and happy 🙂

    Mine was PP/Non-AD . i guess from vermont. We are still waiting for petetion number.

    Good luck guys.

    Reply
  29. Check this petition link. It could help? https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-h1b-applicants-who-were-not-selected-fy2015-lottery-temporary-work-authorization/2VyMkNyr

    Reply
    • Not sure how to interpret this.

      Does this mean 51072 petitions have been picked and notifies so far, that too in California center ?
      If yes, we Regular, Non Premium guys can pack our bags even before we build hopes 🙁

      Reply
      • Wait gets longer,
        It means 1072 petitions have been issued on the 137th day of FY-14. Also, this includes receipts across the board – cap-exempt H-1, cap-subject H-1, COS etc.

        Reply

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