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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. Starting to get very worried; so sad to see that so many people may be about to lose life changing opportunities based on a lottery…

    I have now lived in the U.S. for 6 years between exchange programs and college education, and now, just like that I guess I am supposed to pack my things and go?

    non-AD/PP/no idea of the center; losing hope…

    Reply
  2. When do you know if your application has not been selected for premium processing applicants? Does anyone know somebody whose app has not been selected?

    Reply
    • That’s what I would like to know; technically speaking, we still have a chance until we hear back saying we were or not picked; but at this point I just want an answer so I can move on with life.

      Reply
  3. I and my husband both applied for H1 Premium … My H1 got picked, however, we are still waiting for his. (we have lost hopes, applied under not AD/PP/VA)
    My question is, will he be able to apply for H4? and how do we do that? and when? will it be filed separately? OR was it supposed to be filed with my application? I am really getting scared. Pls help guys.. Thank you… KP

    Reply
  4. Good morning !

    I am still waiting to hear the good news from the USCIS. I applied under AD/PP/VT category. I think that all those who applied under PP category should retain full hope until Apr 28 and some hope until May 12.

    Let’s see how many PP applicants are still waiting for an answer. Please reply below. Thanks.

    Reply
  5. Any one still has the issue? Received the receipt last week and still unable to retrieve.
    Your case can not be found at this time in My Case Status. Please check your receipt number and try again. If you need further assistance, please call the National Customer Service Center at 1.800.375.5283.

    Reply
  6. First good luck everyone whose application for H1b filed for 2015.

    Mine was filled last year as regular no advance master degree. Here are few imp dates I hope this helps.

    LCA – March 8 2013
    Appilcation receipt : 08 April 2014
    RFE : 04 September 2013
    RFE response sent by employer : NOV 25 2013
    Decision : Jan 16 2014
    In approve I129 Uscis requested me to go for personnel interview at delhi consulate

    Finger printing : 06 March 2014
    Personnel interview : 07 March 2014

    Uscis issued me 221G saying my company has no previous H1b filling record.They asked for comapny 2013 tax filling document. And notorized my start and end date with company.

    Fyi..Though my company is 10 year old company. They never filled H1b.

    My company send all documents which I submitted at dropbox in nehru place New delhi.

    Document submitted for 221G querry: 25 March 2014
    Passport requested: 8th April 2014
    H1b visa issued : 14th April 2014

    Gosh yeah it took uscis 1 plus year to make decision on my h1b.
    Do I get panic : yes
    Do I get impatient : yes
    Do I get annoyed : yes
    Do I doubt employer intention : yes
    Do Im existed after visa issue: No
    How Im feeling ?
    Im feeling peace that finally the doubt of marathon get over.

    1 ADVICE for everyone in waiting.
    Just chill and relax . Keep your life normal with your work and other engagement. Nightmare and day dream worry or getting anxious will not going to help. Just dont plan your personnel and professional life around it even your application get accepted.

    Live normal and promptly respond if you get any query. Beyond it forget and relax.

    If you will be lucky than you will get it and if not than also just look at yourself you are not leaving that bad life. Dont all peer presure if someone doing good or get his h1b. May be he has in his faith.

    All above advices are based on my own experience. I was in us and working on some other visa till december 11 2013.

    I didn’t came back whole year waiting for my h1b approval.

    What I have missed.

    I missed my cousin wedding.
    I missed spending time with my dad. On 11th dec I have lost my dad.

    Today h1b is no filler for him or missing my own cousin sis wedding. Moments in life are pricessless. Nothing can replace it. Not even permit to work in america : H1b.

    Good luck !

    Reply
    • Respect! from someone who have been through all these for more than a year.
      Hope this atleast helps lots of folks here who ask
      1. Should I give up?
      2. How long should I wait?
      3. Is this over?
      4. Am I the only one?
      and many variants of the above.

      The question is are you willing to go through the above kind of pain if that case is going to turn out to be you? Some may say, yes, if I get the visa at the end. Ask Kush if he was sure that he is gonna get that all through this period.

      Reply
  7. Any one from Wipro or Infosys got an update.

    I guess the bosses will have information but they will not disclose fearing resignations.

    They might have the information on number of cheuques encashed and other details.

    Reply
  8. Any one from Non-AD / Regular processing(Non-Premium) /Vermont SC received receipt numbers from USCIS ? I’m eagerly waiting for this..

    Reply
  9. Have they started sending the receipts for AD/Regular/Vermont? Getting really tensed. 🙁 Anybody in here with the same case as mine?

    Reply
    • No, not yet their is no official confirmation of starting regular applications without completing all premium applications. May be they do work for both in parallel. But don’t loose hope, they mentioned till APR 28 a week ahead more to go.

      Reply
    • Don’t know buddy I am one of the same category. AD/PP/Vermont!
      I almost lost hopes…Looking for jobs back in India. Will have to apply.

      Thought about 1st Semister CPT, however NOT feeling like going through route..Let us see what time will decide!!! getting philosophical!!

      Reply
      • Hi KS, Sci, I’m really feeling so bad, after all reading the postings, but I can say one thing don’t loose hope stay hard never give up, and you ll win. I’m tensed too ( ad/ rg/vt). Just pray for good things to happen.

        Reply
      • Don’t loose hope man, I heard cases that people from AD Premium are still getting receipts…u will get for sure..Good Luck.

        Reply
      • Hello KS,
        Don’t lose hope buddy, I know what you are going through. I was in the same boat last year and had to come back to India. Trust me, its not as bad as you think it is. I anticipated such a situation last year and spoke with my company, you can try the same in a worst case scenario, maybe they can place you offshore somewhere and file again next year(Again, that is the worst case situation, you may still get notified of selection, don’t lose hope).
        All the very best to everyone out here.. God bless!!

        Reply
  10. Hi saurabh,
    My petition is non AD/PP/CA. Is there any hope still left for me as regular processing receipts started coming out now??

    Feeling really bad.

    Reply
  11. Any news on Non AD/regular/Vermont ?
    I am visiting this blog for 100 times per day.
    Please let me know if any Non AD/regular got receipt ?
    Thanks lot to this website

    Reply
      • It is not possible for anyone to give away these numbers. Some people are giving statistics like they are processing 3000 – 4000 per day kind of stats. But, they are ignoring the fact that USCIS also processes the exempt ones in parallel and they wall in the same series as the CAP subject ones. These stats only leave you more tensed and worried. All you need is one place for you, so, keep yourself away from calculating and predicting based on how many are done / left.

        Reply
  12. My employer applied petition for me as H1-B (AD/CA/regular) and for my wife H4. It looks like I have not received the receipt yet since I have not heard from my employer attorney. But today I have received the receipt for my wife H4 visa. Does this mean my petition got picked up in lottery?

    Can you please answer me.

    Reply
  13. As we all know that this time more petitions are Premium. Assume that out of 85 k , Minimum 30 k are belong to Premium category. I wonder, how the USCIS can finish the processing for all these petitions in the 10 working days.

    1)Will they start Exactly at 28th April or before itself?
    2)Will they throw Simply RFE to make the calender delay for the petition?
    3)What is the success rate for the premium applications?

    Really not sure how they plan and execute it.

    Reply
    • Jai,
      1. All PP receipt numbers will be generated by April 28. PP SLA has been extended until 15 calendar days from April 28. So they are required to approve or issue RFE for all those petitions by that day (May 12).
      2. They have enough time in hand and some people have already received their approvals (as evident from their online status).
      3. Data not available. Petitions success is not dependent on its filing status – regular vs premium.

      Reply
    • Typically, they don’t work on weekends.

      I think that we got some receipts during last weekend. I could be wrong. The other possibility is that some lawyers could have seen the USCIS email message sent to them on Friday and informed their clients during the weekend.

      Can someone clarify this ?

      Reply
  14. Does this mean that all AD/PP/Vermont lottery winners have been notified already? 🙁

    Did anyone in the above pool get word from USCIS today?

    I saw on this site some time back that the USCIS centers publish numbers of cases they process every day. Is this true?

    Reply
  15. Hi there all you eager readers!
    There were about 172000 applications. If about 100,000 also sign this petition, we can have our voice heard.
    Is signing this petition worth 60 seconds of your life? Decide responsibly 🙂

    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-h1b-applicants-who-were-not-selected-fy2015-lottery-temporary-work-authorization/2VyMkNyr

    Reply
  16. Hi all.

    I’m not Indian, but I kept my eyes on this very useful resource for about 2 years.

    Just got receipt notice from my lawyer: non-AD/PP/VT

    Thanks God.

    Best luck to all of you guys! Don’t loose your hope! I missed last year’s cap.

    I appreciate people who built this website. You guys rocks!

    Reply
  17. It appears Vermont center has about 1 week of delay in updating case statuses on USCIS site. The latest receipt# they have there is EAC1413254030.

    Reply
    • How are you checking this?

      If you are simply putting in increasing numbers, then I’d advise you to stop, because you can get into trouble.

      There is a privacy issue — we do not have the right to look up other people’s cases without their permission.

      Reply
      • How are you checking it yourself??? The company is supposed to pay the fees, not you!

        Frankly, hearing about multiple filings and stuff like this is really annoying for those of us who play by the rules.

        Reply
  18. It looks like people started receiving receipts for AD/regular processing today. Have not received mine yet. Waiting for good news…

    Reply
        • where did you hear some (i just heard one guy on these forums) ……sorry its freaking me out a little now …till it was premium…i was ok …but now since regulars are going out ..its freaking me out and my lawyer is out of town

          Reply
  19. Can someone help explain why this is happening? Checked my SEVIS status, and it says “change of status pending.” My OPT automatically extended to 9/30/14. But I called Fragomen, and they said no receipt for me yet…
    Does anyone know what this means?

    Reply
  20. I checked my sevis update yest but nothin was shown, does that mean I’m rejected? I’m so clueless. Mailed my lawyer no update yet. Ad/pp

    Reply
  21. 87,000 applicants will be lottery rejects this year… and will risk loosing their jobs…. there might be just enough angry people to get a discussion started!
    Please SIGN and SHARE this PETITION:
    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-h1b-applicants-who-were-not-selected-fy2015-lottery-temporary-work-authorization/2VyMkNyr

    Reply
    • please share and sign!!! it can really make a difference!! even if you are selected please sign and share it!! 87,500 out of job!! It only takes one minute and can be very helpful for all of us! thanks guys!

      Reply
  22. Anyone have an idea if they already sent rejected applications? I applied for non-premium processing and didn’t receive any notice or rejected packet yet. Even the payment didn’t clear yet.

    Reply
    • no rejections sent out ….till now they have mostly looked at premium processing, infact TD below is the first one i heard who was non-premium

      Reply
    • Thanks for sharing, I just signed it. I am trying to circulate the link as much as I can, please share the link guys, whatsapp is a good source I suggest, good luck everyone including me 🙂

      Reply
  23. Have been notified by the attorney. AD/RP/CSC. Received date: 4/10/2014. Mailing date: 4/14/2014. Wish you all best lucks guys!

    Reply
    • Dont worry… anyway it’s a bull shit… judging once future even if he is highly qualified, some may be from MIT/Havards… everybody’s future is being desided based on lottery..??? cant believe such thing can also happen in this great country….

      Reply
      • Lottery is by far the fairest way, since the probablity of getting picked is equal for every single petition. I am glad the system understands that everyone deserves a shot in life and a fair chance to make it, not just MIT/Harvards. The solution is to perhaps increase the quota if congress passes IR..

        Reply
  24. I just received the phone call from my law office saying that I am selected.
    No AD/PP/VCS!
    My notice date was April 14, 2014.
    However, VSC sent the receipt out by mail.
    My employer and law office didn’t get email.
    So people who are still waiting for the receipt don’t lose your hope!

    Reply
  25. My employer has applied for H1b through regular processing. I have not received any receipts till now. Is the game over for me

    Reply
  26. Has anyone till now recieved reciept notices for regular processing through USPS? When can we expect to recieve notices for regular processing?

    Reply
    • I have been following this website for few days. The admins have responded back to many such website issue comments and they fixed few times. Hence, they are not lazy or careless.

      For some reason, this issue keeps propping up. It appears that they are facing some technical issue that they are not able to fix it completely.

      Reply
      • I agree with you USGRAD this issue was brought to the admins notice they fixed it for some reason I am guessing since so many people are on here it keeps happening over and over, So please they are not lazy people !

        Reply
    • Instead of bitching and moaning at the admins, try to understand the situation. After all it is a free service Saurabh and Kumar are providing.

      Reply

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