How can I know if my H1B Visa has been selected or not?

May 2, 2008 by Raghuram

I’m responding to one of the comment under H1B Visa 2009 Lottery Results article. Let me explain what is my understanding how USCIS handles the H1B Visa 2009 Applications.

Once USCIS receive the applications, unique bar code was attached to the application and that bar code was used for random lottery selection. If the application selected will be then checked if its submitted under regular h1b processing or h1b premium processing.

If the application was submitted under premium processing, then H1B approval receipt will be mailed to the attorney who filed your H1B Visa application. You can contact the attorney to see the results. As per the interim final rules for H1B Visa 2009, H1B Receipt will be sent only to those application selected under lottery process. If your attorney received the H1B filing Receipt, then your H1B Visa for 2009 is approved.

Online Status Check:

Answers is Yes and No.

It’s not possible to search or look up if your application is submitted or not before you get Application Receipt Number.

Once you have the receipt number, you can create an alert notification from USCIS Once your H1B Visa is approved, email will be sent to you, alert notification ca be created at USCIS Case Status Online.

One of the other way is check if the check you submitted for USCIS is cleared in your bank. But you will have to ask Attorney if the check they sent is deposited by USCIS. this not the right way, but can indicate that your H1B Visa is selected in random lottery.

Share and Enjoy:

Comments

267 Responses to “How can I know if my H1B Visa has been selected or not?”

bill on May 5th, 2008 10:21 am

Hi…i files on April 1st with premium processing for h1b (non masters cap). i still have not heard anything - given that the 15 day period started on April 14th, does this mean i did not make it through the lottery since 15 days have already passed?
Thanks.
Raghuram on May 6th, 2008 5:01 am

@Bill
I wouldn’t say that. unless you get your money back or hear form Attorney, you have reasons to be positive about your Visa.
LalaRam Dhawan on May 8th, 2008 12:41 am

dear sir,
actually i want to my status of H1B visa 2008. how can i know abt my application no. which is submited for the process of H1B visa..
thanks sir
LalaRam Dhawan
Designation:- java developer
Saba Asrar on May 9th, 2008 6:44 am

Hi,

Are there still any chances of getting the +ve response for H1 B 2008. Is the process for announcing the lottery result complete or it is still under processing.
Kindly Update.
Many Thank’s
Ravi on May 12th, 2008 3:49 pm

Hi,

My petition was filed on April 6th in Masters cap under premium processing. My lawyer still did not receive the receipt number from USCIS. Are there still chances for positive response? Can you give me an idea how long it may take?

Thank you very much.
Ravi.
pedru on May 13th, 2008 1:20 am

I guess many of us are waiting to know the results for lottery process. Also my employer has applied for me on 1st Apr, but still no information from him!
Sandeep on May 14th, 2008 12:24 pm

My employer said that your application has been selected beacuase he got to know that fee check for my application has been cleared. and waiting for receipt within a week.

Does this means that my application has been selected.?
An on May 14th, 2008 2:43 pm

Yes Sandeep it means that you are got your H1B. Congrats!!
jasuja on May 15th, 2008 2:02 am

When I will come to know the lottery result of H1B Visa 2009
is approved. Please reply
Venkata on May 16th, 2008 1:52 am

HI ,

This is Venkata ,I applied for H1-B.I got mail from my new saying that your application got selected in lottery and has given EAC Number.How can check status of My application.

Thanks and Regards,
Venkata
vijay on May 16th, 2008 9:55 pm

Hi,
I got to know from my lawyer that check which we have sent to usic has been encashed by NIS but still he didnt get I-797C.He said wait for few more days for official notice. Does it mean that I got selected in lottery or there is any doubt?
vijay on May 16th, 2008 9:58 pm

Hi,
Somebody can help me whether a persone can be selected in lottery or not if check has been encashed by NIS?

Thanks
Vijay
Rehan Munir on May 19th, 2008 2:37 am

My company applied for 3 people 2 people got receipt on 8 th May 2008. My attorney mailed me on 14th MAY 2008 that it SEEMED my application has not been selected. But he has not received any notification from USCIS about my case. Then how an attorney can say it seemed not selected. What are the parameters, how long should i stay hopeful that my application can get +ive response since its already 16th MAY 2008. As to my assumption no one has received so far rejection status, as USCIS might send notifications to those whose applications has been selected. So delay means can be -ive.
Sandeep on May 19th, 2008 6:30 am

Can any body please confirm getting receipt / EAC No from employer means selected in lottery ?
vijay on May 19th, 2008 7:26 am

Hi All,
Is this site really helpful to us? I have shoot one question regarding my H1B visa…But I havent received any answer on it. My question is “My lawyer says that the check we sent has been enchased by the INS, so getting chance for select in lottery is high”…somebody can help me regards it.

Thanks
Vijay
Harry on May 19th, 2008 11:15 am

Hi,
I applied for H1B through a H1B Sponsper. As said in happy school blog that we need to wait not late than 2nd June..I did not contacted my Sponser yet..He told me the same thing..What should i ask for my employer?
Raghuram on May 19th, 2008 3:23 pm

@Harry: You can ask your employer who have filed your H1B, but if they haven’t heard anything from USICS, they will not be able to give you any other update. But, its good to ask to see if they received any receipts.

@Vijay: Instead of commenting, if this site is of any help, it would appreciate, if you can read all the articles about H1B. I have written about 30 articles in last 1 month, if you did happen to read each article, you should have come to know the answer to your question. Again, I’m writing this blog to help others, its not something like you paid me to answer your question.

@Sandeep: Congrats, If you got EAC number then you got H1B approval.

@Rehna : I’m not sure if USCIS will send rejection letter, they will just return the check along with the application.
vijay on May 19th, 2008 9:54 pm

Hi Raghuram,
Thanks for your comment

Thanks
Vijay
sam on May 21st, 2008 6:54 am

Hi I have applied For H1B,But i didnot get any update from my employeer Are there any chance for me ???
Charlotte on May 21st, 2008 11:35 am

I have filed my H1B, with the Premium Process but the thing is that my attorney claims that USCIS requested to have the form filled with Blue ink instead. I still have not heard a response. Is there something fishy about this? How can I know if I definitly did not get my H1B with the Premium processing? Thanks
Charlotte on May 21st, 2008 11:36 am

I meant by just the Premium process application form.
pps -h1b applicant on May 21st, 2008 2:45 pm

Hi ,

My consultancy called up on May 9th 2008 and told me that my cheque has been encashed but till now I havent received any receipt number.

How long should I wait for the coveted number.Please advice.. I am undoubtedly tensed …..
Nage on May 21st, 2008 5:02 pm

Hi All,
I got receipt for my H1B visa filling under non master cap. Notice date state 6th May on the receipt, but still says online status shows “Case received and pending”. It’s 21st MAY. How long does it take generally to get a response? And what are the chances to get Reject? Since it takes so long almost 3 weeks now does it mean they are going to reject? After getting receipt, bit worried…….Please help.
vijay on May 22nd, 2008 12:12 am

Hi Nage,
Can you bit elaborate your case:
1)When did ur check get encashed?
2)When did you get reciept?

B’coz my check got encashed on 12th may but still I didnt get any receipt. I’m worried about it.Can somebody tell how long it takes for getting receipt?

Thanks
Vijay
Raghuram on May 22nd, 2008 5:18 am

@Nage, Vijay: i checked with few others who got their check encashed, but haven’t receipt number yet. You should start getting the check anytime soon. If your check is encashed, then its strong indication that your case is selected in lottery. With so many application to process, it might take them little longer.
Nage on May 22nd, 2008 8:16 am

Hi Vijay,

I got my receipt already, I am not very sure about when my check got encashed, But in receipt there is section called “Notice date it which it is mention 6th May”.( I belive this might be the same day check got encashed).
I got a receipt last week on 13th May.

My worry is that it sill in pending status. Waiting for approval.I don’t know how long that gonn take.
nage
genmilf on May 22nd, 2008 10:43 am

hi to all, just as most of you are waiting, i myself had been waiting in agony cuz my check was encashed last april 15 and up to now i haven’t received any mail from the uscis for the receipt number. I had applied under the premium processing and i am troubled by the fact that it is more than 15 days from the lottery and no result yet. my lawyer told me to wait for the first week of june for the final result cause maybe i was on the wait list. If you are on a wait list does the uscis cashed your check already? would they return the check if you are not selected on the the wait list? as per uscis memo on their site, wait list entrees are either approved or returned with fees. still waiting for my fate
damy on May 23rd, 2008 1:10 am

hi,
case type : I-129
my receipt says ” Petition for a non immigrant worker ”
what does it mean ??

regards
Honey on May 23rd, 2008 3:34 am

Hello All,

My employer applied for H-1B visa with premium processing.
But till now i haven’t heard anything from them.
It looks like i have ran out of luck again as it happened last year too with me.
Is there any hope for me still???
Raghuram on May 23rd, 2008 4:57 am

@Damy : I-129 is the H1B petition type and once you get the approval, you will receive I-797

@Honey : Wait for another 2 weeks before you decide about H1B status. but, hard fact is, you might be out of luck this time too. Let us know if you hear anything.
Raghuram on May 23rd, 2008 4:58 am

@Nage: You need to be happy for that fact your H1b is selected in lottery. It will take 3-4 months to get approval. Till then your application will show Pending status. Nothing to worry.
Nage on May 23rd, 2008 9:38 am

Hi Raghuram,

Thanks for that info now atleast i am happy.

Thanks,
Nage
Honey on May 24th, 2008 11:05 pm

Have USICS started sending the rejections for the petitions??
paresh g patel on May 24th, 2008 11:19 pm

hi all i got receipt in h1b visa and in receipt notice date is 29 april 2008 and when i see my case status online it saw your case in recieve but pending.so what they mean to say? how long time to take for approval.and if i have a receipt then it is 100 % chance to get h1b visa.plz let me know the answer as soon as.
thanks
paresh patel
Ballu on May 25th, 2008 1:25 am

Please let me know if any body has got a waitlist or rejection notification for H1
vijay on May 25th, 2008 5:31 am

Hi Paresh,
Can you pls tell, when your check got encashed and when did you get receipt?
@Raghuram:As you know about my case,Do you think in a week I will be getting any official notice as USICS has commited that they will diclare result not latter than 2nd june. I’m worried about my case and it is making me sleeples.
Thanks
Vijay
Christian on May 26th, 2008 10:45 am

Hi all!

I applied for an H1B visa and my employer sent 4 checks:
- I-129. Application fee
- I-539. Spouse H4 application fee
- Fraud prevention
- Training fee

I haven’t got any receipt but the I-129 and I-536 checks where encashed, could that mean something or I need to wait for either a receipt or the fraud prevention and training fee checks to be encashed?

Thanks !!
simran on May 26th, 2008 9:52 pm

hi to all..my case is also same i got an mail from my company on 13th may that i am selected in lottery but still did not recieve my reciept number.please tell me that wheather my app is really selected or is in doubtfull condition .i am safe or not.please repy me as soon as possible.
vijay on May 26th, 2008 10:18 pm

Dear Raghuram,
Today I got to know the receipt number behind the check ..and I have checked it on USICS website…It is saying “Case Received and Pending”…What does it mean? Still I haven’t received any official notice from them…I’m worried about it….can you please elaborate about my case….

Thanks
Vijay
vijay on May 27th, 2008 12:57 am

Hi Raghuram,
Below is status of my case on usics site:
“Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER

Current Status: Case received and pending.

On May 1, 2008, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. We will notify you by mail when we make a decision or if we need something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when yours will be done. This case is at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location.”

Im just wondering about above status..becasue till now I havent received any official notice for receipt even.Does it mean that still my case has to be decide or it is in wait list?
I’m pretty much worry about this case..please help me out.

Thanks
Vijay
Muhammad on May 27th, 2008 8:01 am

Hi Raghuram

I have applied my H1B visa through company.
My company says me to wait till last weekend of May 2008
to know the result.Are there still chances for me ?

Thanks
genmilf on May 27th, 2008 12:32 pm

hi vijay, i think you have been selected from the lottery and you just have to waite for the approval. was the receipt number stamped at the back of the check? my check was also encashed but when i tried to look at the back of the check, there was no receipt number only a stamped from uscis. where was the receipt number located in your check? was it located together with the official stamp of the uscis or was it written on a separate space? at least you were able to access the uscis website don’t worry about it it is good as approve already you just have to waite
MDN on May 27th, 2008 12:50 pm

Hello everyone.. I am trying to answer many questions in the note:

1. Those filed under H-1B CAP in Vermont Service center will start receiving their receipt numbers OR Lottery rejection notices by June first week. So until then, relax.

2. Those H-1B filers who were able to find that their checks have been encashed, your case is selected for processing. So wait for the receipt number.

3. Those of you who have the receipt number, please visit http://www.uscis.gov and enter your receipt number in the bottom right corner where it says “Check case status” and find out if your case status.

Hope this answers all your questions.
Christian on May 27th, 2008 5:04 pm

Thanks for the explanation MDN, but I’m unclear about something, does everybody only sent a check for the whole amount? My employer sent four checks, two were encashed two were not, do you think that’s a bad thing?

Thanks again
vijay on May 27th, 2008 9:56 pm

@genmilf : I asked to my lawyer for receipt number and receipt number was behind the check. Beside of receipt number, there were to numbers also including the reference number.
@MDN: I have logged on uscis website and my case is “Case recieved and pending”. So wondering about it. Because till now I dont have any official notification either regrards receipt number or I797C.I got receipt number behind of my check. Can you pls elaborate my case ..because it is too long for waiting …im not sure whether I’m in or in wait list.

Thanks
Vijay
Sharon on May 28th, 2008 4:04 am

Hi All,

For those who have received their receipt number should have got the I797C Notice of Action. Or the Receipt Number would have shared by your employer after they receiving this Receipt Notice. You could ask our employer for the same if they havent shared it with you. Those who have not received any receipt by now can wait till June 2. If you check is cashed by USCIS then your employer would have received the I797C notice of Action Form or otherwise may be on the way.

If you are a PP case and still not heared about receipt number then I would say the chance are less that it being picked up.
and for other can still wait until June 2nd and still have some hope.

Usually by now most of the lots picked up in lottery should have been intimated. May be it all depend on the service center as well.

For Case Received and Pending the processing of the application and will take some 2 - 3 months for Approval. Usually that the time or sometime for lucky and premium cases quite early. Usually most of the pending cases get approval provided they donot find any discrepency with the candidature or the employer and etc. etc. I donot know what else they check on those application.

This is my understanding based on my experience and feedback from other H1B’s.
vijay on May 28th, 2008 5:35 am

Hi Sharon,
I havent received official receipt number from USCIS but I got to know from the back of check and then seen my case is received and pending.So can you give some idea on it…What does it mean..not providing official receipt number but case received and pending…I’m worry about such case…pls notify me as soon as possible.
Thanks
Vijay
hari on May 28th, 2008 5:53 am

hi sharon,

one the application got selected in lottery u said he/she will get receipt number. after this his/her application will go through adjudication. as you said approval will take around 2-3 months, is this time starts from april 14th or from the time we get receipt number.

what will be the dead line to issue approvals and utmost by what can people have visa interview?
pallavi on May 28th, 2008 11:25 pm

Hi,
My Case status shows “Case received and pending”.
what does this mean?
simran on May 29th, 2008 12:52 am

hi to all..my case is also same i got an mail from my company on 13th may that i am selected in lottery but still did not recieve my reciept number.please tell me that wheather my app is really selected or is in doubtfull condition .i am safe or not.please repy me as soon as possible.please update me..what does it mean..pplzzzz..m so worried
hari on May 29th, 2008 12:58 am

hi simran,

once you got though lottery u will get ur receipt number not later than 2nd june. so don’t get worried u will get it
vijay on May 29th, 2008 2:43 am

Hey Pallavi,
May I know your application center It is vermont or CSC…pls let me know ur batch number :
Mine is vermonet and receipt number starts with EAC0814XXXXXXXX
For CSC It will be WAC…
My case is “Case Received and Pending” Dont know wats going on but by using batch number we can assumee where uscis are now.
Thanks
Vijay
justyna on May 29th, 2008 5:10 am

hi everyone…
i see that most of you got at least some answer. i applied for h1b again this year. last year i got answer straight away that i wasnt the lucky one in the lottery. this year…still no answer. my attorney says that he will contact me as soon as he knowws something. shouldnt i at least know by now if i ‘won’ the lottery or not??plz any answer would help me. cheers
hari on May 29th, 2008 5:54 am

hi justyna,

first ask ur attorney whether the cheque is cashed by USCIS or not. if your cheque is cashed then you won the lottery and it will take some time to get your receipt number.

hoping for best

cheers
hari
justyna on May 29th, 2008 7:40 am

thank you for your answer. i just sent email to my attorney. waiting for answer.
ramya on May 29th, 2008 2:20 pm

hey all
i havent got any news from my consultant till now and they say that uscis still has not cashed my cheque. so, can i conclude that i didnt get selected . it is already 29 of may , what can happen now?
justyna on May 29th, 2008 3:28 pm

so i got the reciept number. my case is received and pending. is it mean that im gonna get the visa???
plz help
hari on May 29th, 2008 9:30 pm

hi ramya

don’t loose hope any thing may happen.

hi justyna,

congrats for getting the receipt number.now your case will be adjudicated by the USCIS.it will take around 8 to 10 weeks to get the approval. the chance of getting approval is 90% it depends on the documents ur attorney filed.

even my case is too pending i am waiting for the approval. first you register online so that u can get ur case status through e-mail

cheers
harish
aditi oswal on May 29th, 2008 10:41 pm

I have applied for an H1B in MArch 2008.Till now I haven’t got any acceptance or rejection mail from USCIS.It’s 30th May and my employer said that they didn’t got any receipt from USCIS.Any idea how long would it take to get a mail confirming my H1B status from USCIS? I heard last date is June 2.
Futlottery on May 30th, 2008 12:14 am

hi justyna,

congrats, was your application regular or PP
simran on May 30th, 2008 1:58 am

thnx hari..today i called my consultant he told me that they will update all the candidates n the 2nd week of june but 2nd june is last ..ill m worried..plz mail me..my email is:sonikabajaj123@gmail.com..waitn for reply..thnx very much and congrts to those who gt the recpt num…thnx once again
justyna on May 30th, 2008 7:21 am

hi futlottery
to be honest- i have no idea. i didnt apply under master cap. just found out yesterday that my attorney got the receipt no. my attorney is living in states and i just came back few months ago from there. i guess im gonna start to pack my bags again:) im really happy
good luck everyone
sirisha on May 30th, 2008 12:36 pm

Hi,

I have no idea if my H1b is selected in the lottery or not and it is already 30th of may. How can I get to know the status?
amana on May 30th, 2008 2:52 pm

I just spoke to my lawyer he said the check still has not been encashed, Its already May 30th 2008- should I be worried? Please respond.
Bechara Ballu on May 30th, 2008 4:05 pm

Arey Bhaiyon aur Behno,

Koi mujhe please yeh batayega.

Is there anybody in this forum who has been Waitlisted by USCIS for H1B FY2009.

OR is there anybody here who has been rejected.

i dun think anybody would be receiving any more conformation reciepts as out 23 frnds 19 of them already recieved it before May 6 and i was one of the unlucky four.

So letz face it coz our careers are now dependant on a bloody computer picked Lottery.

I lost it.

Regards,
Ballu
Sumit on June 2nd, 2008 10:07 pm

Hi,

I have not received any news till now about the selection or rejection in lottery system. Do anyone know how can i know that i have been selected or rejected. Please let me know as today is 3rd June 2009
Shabab on June 3rd, 2008 9:07 am

Hi ,
I called up my consultant y’day and i was asked to wait till 15th June. Not sure why 15th June when 2nd June was supposed to be the last date ? Any idea ?
Diya on June 3rd, 2008 12:52 pm

I have not received any news till now…My check is not encashed by the Ins…It means that i’m not in the lottery…or under waiting list…Since they havent returned the money too…

Plz let me know …
Bechara Ballu on June 3rd, 2008 1:20 pm

I hardly have any clue as to what’s happening with USCIS as they are not updating their pressroom as well.

As far as people say they say that whomsoever had filed with Niguel CA they would need to wait till 15th of June

I myself am so worried this is my Second year in succession and i guess i’m away frm phoenix

Regards,
Syed
Di on June 4th, 2008 7:38 am

Has anybody got a positive response of getting selected in the last 2 days? It looks like there are few people like me who have no way to trace if a check has been cashed or heard anything from USCIS.
JM on June 4th, 2008 8:35 am

I am not sure we will get any positive news, unless being waitlisted is positive (which I believe is the worst outcome - it just continues the uncertainty and the frustration). At this point, I would just like to get the response (rejection/waitlisted), so that I can move on with my life.

Does anyone know if the USCIS (either the CA or Vermont processing centers) has started sending out the rejection letters?
salman on June 5th, 2008 7:28 am

My filing checks were not cashed as well but my application hasnn’t been sent back to my lawyer yet. Most likely that I wasnt selected in the lottery. Sux big time..
JN on June 6th, 2008 7:30 am

It is june 6th and still no news from my employer. He keeps telling that they have not got back the appl. so there are still chances and he is asking me to wait. This is so frustrating.
Any official announcement that the process is over?? It is really bad that we are all kept in dark. It really means a lot to all of us who applied. Has ppl started to get back the appl? how many appl do they keep in waitlist? any idea guys?
sam on June 6th, 2008 9:37 pm

Hi May I know by when can we be able to know about our H1 B result i.e if we go it or rejected. How many people will be waitlisted and when will waitlisted ppl come to know abt their decision
Maria on June 7th, 2008 4:15 pm

What is the status of the H1B wait-listed applicants? I have seen that those rejected would receive notifications by Jun 05th 2008 or June 07th 2008, or by mid June. Does anyone know? Please…. any information is much appreciated
Maria on June 7th, 2008 4:17 pm

I saw that Sam is interested in the same question- please let us know..I am very hopeful on a waitlist..PLease let me know any information on wait listed aplicants…
simran on June 8th, 2008 5:05 am

hi guys..there is one wkk more to go..don’t loose ur hopes …anythn may happen..have faith in god

thnx
Di on June 8th, 2008 3:48 pm

We are trying to keep optimistic.. hopefully we will hear soon.
JN on June 9th, 2008 9:12 am

Hey, Is it true that If you have not heard anything from the employer, means that u r appl will come back(rejected) as I was told by some person.

I have not heard anything from my employer yet. So any official announcement that the H1b is all through? Any chances to be in the waiting list? Will there be any intimation if in the waiting list? Has ppl started receiving the appl back if not selected?? Pls let us know
JM on June 9th, 2008 9:15 am

Checked with my attorney and I don’t think USCIS has made any distinction between waitlisted and rejected applicants as yet (at least that has not been officially communicated).
JN on June 9th, 2008 9:28 am

Oh ok thanks for your immediate response. Does it make sense to still hope for some good result? My attorney did not get any info regarding my case and is just asking me to wait
AniDeo on June 9th, 2008 10:16 am

Hi Does anybody knows if the checks for waitlisted candidates are also encashed ?
Bechara Ballu on June 9th, 2008 10:30 am

Is there anyone here who have information of returned packets from USCIS or any waitlist notifications.
JM on June 9th, 2008 10:45 am

I believe checks are encashed when you have been selected for a spot, so waitlisted candidates’ checks are not encashed until they receive a spot
Raghuram on June 9th, 2008 4:29 pm

@ JM : you could be right. Other than USCIS no one know any other details. There is no official communication from UCSIS about this process. So, we will have to wait and watch.
salman on June 10th, 2008 2:39 pm

sabar ka phal meetha guys..
salman on June 10th, 2008 2:45 pm

One of my friend got an answer from USCIS in July last yr. So, I am still hopeful abt it.
paresh patel on June 10th, 2008 10:26 pm

hi vijay,pallavi,jaytsuna

on the today day when i entered my receipt number to uscis web it show ur case is received and pending i have to know from my consultant it will takes around 2-3 months for approval status.so dont need to worry.so dear to all what is right now status to all of u who got the reciept vijay pallavi u recieved ur approval status.or still it show case received and pending so reply me as soon as possible
manu milton on June 11th, 2008 6:04 am

Hi All

I checked with my consultant.He says that he think that i am not selected and says that he can return my cheque to me.
Does this mean that USCIS has send my rejection letter or he says so because my cheque is not encashed.Has anybody received rejection letters? Can i still hope that i am atleast in wait list.Please advise.
PM on June 11th, 2008 1:39 pm

Hi, Does it make sense to still hope to get the H1 for this yr? I have still not heard anything abt my case. Has ppl started to receive their appl back, if rejected? Are there any latest update regarding the H1 process from USCIS?
JM on June 11th, 2008 2:33 pm

No update from USCIS and we are all awaiting the decision of rejected/waitlisted
vijay on June 12th, 2008 12:17 am

Patel,
My case is still pending…It has been long time for waiting…My assumpation is that all pending status will get cleared by next month. So concentrate more on work…learn new technology.
Thanks
Vijay
Durga on June 12th, 2008 3:57 am

Hi, I am also yet to receive any updates from the USCIS.

Many of my colleagues, have received a mail from my employer, saying that, they have NOT reached the H1B Caps for the year.

And my employer says, they are still receiving the receipt number( even after June 2nd, 2008). So there is a chance, for all those who are yet to receive the updates.

Unless we get an official communication from the USCIS, we cannot come into a conclusion. Anxiety is natural, but don’t loose hopes!

Cheers!
Durga on June 12th, 2008 5:17 am

Another piece of information

http://www.askstudent.com/international-student/update-on-fy-2009-h-1b-processing/
Azeem on June 12th, 2008 8:11 pm

I saw update on immigration-law.com that there is no waitlisted this year.

I applied from 3 different place but no result. I think this lottery is not fair. Big companies and high paying jobs have more chances to get selected.
Kay on June 12th, 2008 8:59 pm

I am also waiting the result of H1 visa….but I just found out this…

USCIS Service Center Operations has provided the following information to AILA liaison regarding processing cases under the FY2009 H-1B cap:

1. Except for cases that were being reviewed as potential duplicate filings, all receipts have been issued for those cases selected in the random lottery. The CSC and VSC completed data entry on all selected cases on May 23, 2008, and mailing of all receipts was completed on may 24, 2008.

2. Cases that were thought to be duplicate filings are being hand reviewed to determine if they are true duplicates. USCIS has received approximately 500 petitions that are believed to be duplicates. However, some of these were submitted as “protective filings” due to courier delivery confirmation problems or where the petition was sent to an incorrect Service Center. Each will be reviewed and determined on a case-by-case basis. If the second submission was accompanied by an explanation of the reason for the second submission, there is a good chance of acceptance.

3. USCIS has determined that the number of petitions selected during the random selection process will be sufficient to meet the cap limit. Therefore, the use of the reserve/cushion will not be necessary this year. USCIS has begun to mail out rejections this week.

I found this from AILA……
vijay on June 12th, 2008 9:16 pm

Kay,
Whatever information you have provided above is true or not..because I have seen people are getting receipt till now…and they are started approving the cases.
vijay on June 13th, 2008 9:45 am

Hi All,
Today my status got “approved” from pending status.Just waiting for officila hardcopy of approval notice.
First of all I would like thanks to “Raghuram” and all who shared their valuble information about H1B to us.
Few suggestion for others:
1) Guys if you dont have receipt number then immediate contact to your lawyer/consultant whether the check has been encashed or not. If so then your receipt number will be written behind of your check.
2)Guys who dont have receipt number then I would probably say this game is over.Not sure but we can hope for the best.
3)Mine batch is EAC08149…..So uscis is picking up the application according to batch number.So pls check your batch number and add day there.Ex 149(today) for 155 will be after 6 days or 7…beleive it this is true logic.

Again thanks to all and will come back to here for further information.
Thanks again raghuram

Regards,
Vijay
JM on June 13th, 2008 9:48 am

Kay,

I saw the same post on another website, so the rest of us who have not yet received our receipt numbers (particularly the premium processing cases), will probably be getting our rejection letters soon.
justyna on June 14th, 2008 6:08 am

hi all

my case is still pennding. my number is EAC08153…so from that what u r saying vijay i should get an answer next thursday which is…19th. i hope i ll get approved. im keeping my fingers cross. cant wait to go back there.
good luck everyone

justyna
kody on June 14th, 2008 9:56 am

hi justyna and vijay,

my number is WAC08146… believe my application is handled by the California Service Center; i got my number back from April 28, but case still reminded ‘received and pending’.

Does it mean I’m gonna get it, or what…?

Plz suggest
Raghuram on June 14th, 2008 1:58 pm

Here’s detailed description that will help you understand what Case Received and Pending mean.
JN on June 16th, 2008 8:10 am

Hi, I have still not received any info regarding my application. My lawyer is not telling whether the cheque has been encashed or not. I now understand that my chances are very less but has people started receiving the rejected applications? Any latest official news on H1B about the process??
Keyur Patel on June 17th, 2008 7:19 am

Hi All,
Can anyone please tell me till what time should i wait ?

Well its frustratin me so much, Moreover that my Lower says me that ‘Your application’s cheque is still not cleared’ , that means still there are chances for you..

Please tell me if all is over from USCIS side? I think i am not selected.

Please tell me if they issue some receipt number on receiving our petition for H1-B aplication ?

I need to make sure that my application is subbmitted properly to USCIS.

Thanks in Advance
Prem on June 17th, 2008 8:53 am

Hi,

Still I haven’t recieved from attroney. He says, he neither has received the receipt nor the rejection.

Whats the normal process ? Does the Rejection cases would be notified late ?

Any one having the same problem ?

Does it worth to have hope still ? Else rejection cases would be notified very late ?

Can anyone please clarify ?

Thanks,
Prem
JM on June 17th, 2008 1:29 pm

I just heard back from my attorney that they started receiving the rejection letters today.
Subhasis on June 17th, 2008 9:52 pm

Please tell me is there any updates from USCIS
Di on June 18th, 2008 8:13 am

Rcvd Rejection today. Frustrating end …
JN on June 18th, 2008 2:17 pm

Did anyone get receipts this week or is it only the rejection phase now? I did not let down my hope still..
Sonjay on June 18th, 2008 2:25 pm

Probably Its Rejection Phase.

http://www.employerlawreport.com/2008/06/articles/immigration/uscis-to-start-mailing-rejection-notices-for-april-1-2008-h1b-filings/
Man on June 18th, 2008 6:45 pm

@ JN: I had received my receipt number on 28 Apr, and just got the status changed to “Approval Notice Sent” on 17 Jun.

If you already had receipt number, you will probably get it in these few days. Check with your lawyer / employer to see if they held it for you.
simran on June 19th, 2008 1:19 am

hi Man..i recieved my recipt number on 5june but still it shows case recieved and pendig.will u plz update me how much time it will take for approval..eagrly waitin for ur reply.
thnx
ARJUN on June 19th, 2008 2:11 am

Hi Simran,

Y r u getting tense aa? please don’t worry definately u will get approval notice with in few days.If a person got receipt this means that application approved 99% so be cool try to learn some good technologies and improve ur work ebilities keep that a side(waiting for approval).Work hard urself we will meet in US after few months be happy ra byeeee
simran on June 19th, 2008 11:05 pm

hi Arjun..thnx for ur reply..but how long i have to wait for my approval.this wait is really killin o me.Plz mail me my mail id is:
sonikabajaj123@gmail.com

have u got ur approval notice or still waitin for that.

waitin for ur kind reply.mail me as soon as

thnx very much
JN on June 20th, 2008 8:31 am

I did not still receive any news from my employer. He is telling that he did not receive my appl yet so he is just asking me to wait..I am still optimistic.
Nage on June 23rd, 2008 6:00 am

Hi All ,

I got my receipt on 6th may and it is still in Pending Status.
My receipt number end with ******32. I checked receipt like ****30 which is approved on 6th June ,, and *****34 also approved.
Can any one tell are they putting my petition on hold or is there a chances for reject now,, I am bit worried again.

Please reply,, thanks,
nage
munna on June 23rd, 2008 11:21 am

my employer(consultancy) is telling that he hasnt got any status for my H1b. is USCIS holding some applications?

thanks,
Munna
Dell on June 24th, 2008 9:25 pm

My employer is telling me that he still have no news about it.
It means that my case is not selected in lottery?
honey on June 24th, 2008 9:39 pm

Received rejection today..

Good luck to others…
Nage on June 25th, 2008 4:06 am

Is there any one still waiting for Approval letter like me. My status still shows “PENDING” and i can see lots or receipt is changed to Approval already.
Help me out.
Nage on June 26th, 2008 12:57 am

Is there any one,, can you help me guys about my query.

Is there any one still waiting for Approval letter like me. My status still shows “PENDING” and i can see lots or receipt is changed to Approval already.
Help me out.
ARJUN on June 26th, 2008 3:53 am

Hi Nage,

Don’t worry you will get your approval soon it is because USCIS will process the H1-B applications like in order they willl process one by one in order whcih they collect applications from consultants so it will take some time to approval a huge no.of applications they have to check out and give approval notice so please be cool.Here my situation also same like u i am also waiting for my approval notice .Actually i got my receipt no on 14th of June still now it is pending.So don’t worry it will change to approval soon so please be happy i think this is information sufficient for you byee..
Akansha on June 26th, 2008 6:21 am

I am still waiting for the result of lottery . I dont know i am selected or not till now and employer kees sayng wait! is thr any hope of getting thru now??
justyna on June 26th, 2008 6:37 am

i got my receipt on 9 of may and my case is still pending. fingers cross and good luck everyone
mano on June 26th, 2008 9:24 am

@ Arjun

My cheque is enchashed long back(may 1st) but no receipt yet..Can i still have hope?
Nage on June 26th, 2008 8:45 pm

Hi Arjun,

Thks for your update, It feels little better now.
Thanks a lot
ARJUN on June 27th, 2008 1:28 am

Hi Mano,

Some times the consultancy members which u r applying through will make late to send you that receipt So please call to customer service which u applied and ask about ur problem then they will give you your receipt number kena be happy no probs and don’t worry bye…
JN on June 27th, 2008 9:11 am

My wait is over. Got the news that my case is rejected.
mano on June 27th, 2008 3:12 pm

@Arjun

I ma in US and in regular touch with my employer. They didn’t receive my receipt.he said from the cheque encashed pool of ppl, only i didn’t receipve the recipt. what could be the reason? seems like mine is very peculiar case.
Dell on July 1st, 2008 5:27 am

I am still waiting for the result of lottery . I dont know i am selected or not till now and employer keep saying wait! is thr any hope of getting thru now??
Luis navarro on July 1st, 2008 5:40 am

Hello
I haven’t receive any news about my H1B status, I don’t know if is because the lack of understanding of the process by my company or something else.
What can I do to know about my status, what should I ask to my company to know if they got some notification.
Please let me know what I can do.
genmilf on July 1st, 2008 8:16 am

@ mano, we are on the same boat, my check was also encashed and up to now i haven’t got any news. my lawyer told me that when you are on the wait list, uscis will not send you any receipt. i tried to check at the back of the encashed check but there wasn’t any 13 digits stamped. just wondering what happened to those people from last year who had the same problems as ours? it would be nice if they can shed light on our little problem.
mano on July 1st, 2008 9:37 am

@genmilf

In my case the receipt no is printed on back of the cheque but it is not clear. But, How can they encash the cheque if we are still in wait list.If they are not going to send the receipt, How can we track the status online? Will they directly send the approval?
There was a discussion that went on this issue at http://www.lifeiscolourful.com/h1b-2009-repeatation-of-2008-lottery-process-to-enter-into-usa/#comment-11079
see Varu’s postings in the above link. As he faced the same prob but finally got thr receipt 2 days back.
Aibe on July 1st, 2008 11:30 am

My attoney and I haven’t heard anything yet still.
My application was submitted under regular processing, I wonder where will my receipt (if any) be sent to? To me or to my attonery?
Since I moved a month ago, I just get my first forward mail from my old apartment, I am afraid I lost my recepit if they send directly to me.
Raghuram on July 1st, 2008 12:28 pm

There are not waiting list. More details about h1b visa wait list
Christian on July 1st, 2008 1:19 pm

@Luis

I think you should ask your company if your check was encashed, if it wasn’t (like mine) then you can be almost sure that you were not elected on the lottery.

Also I haven’t received any news neither the rejection nor the elected notice, so I don’t think that your company is the problem.
genmilf on July 2nd, 2008 2:14 pm

hi to all, just received my receipt yesterday, it took a long time and it was even premium processing. There is still hope guys. don’t lose hope. It was on California Service Center.
Falgun Patel on July 2nd, 2008 3:10 pm

I have received a rejection letter for my application today. I have a question about that. My letter does not include my name anywhere, its just mentions my employer name and the lawyer name who filed it. How can I know that it is for my application only. Can anyone help me with that?
@genmilf on July 2nd, 2008 5:30 pm

@Gnmilf

CONGRATULATIONS…
My cheque wsa encashed in may 1st week and no receipt yet. Can I still have hope?
genmilf on July 3rd, 2008 11:44 am

DON’T LOOSE HOPE YET, MY CHECK WAS ENCASHED LAST APRIL 15 AND ONLY LAST TUESDAY (JULY 1) THAT I GOT MY RECEIPT, IT WOULD BE LOGICAL TO SAY THAT IF YOUR CHECK WAS ENCASHED AS LONG AS IT WAS STAMPED BY THE USCIS THEN IT HAS A GOOD CHANCE OF BEING CHOSEN. IT WOULD BE A WASTE OF TIME FOR THE USCIS IF THEY WOULD CASH YOUR CHECK AND YOU WERE NOT CHOSEN AND REIMBURSE YOU WITH THEIR OWN CHECK.
@genmilf on July 3rd, 2008 2:39 pm

Thanks a lot for ur moral support…I ma in US on H4 and sitting idle at home is killing…

Good that you heard the gr8 news though its been delayed…
ARJUN on July 3rd, 2008 10:38 pm

Hi Frnds,

I got my Receipt number on 14th June Still it is showing that ” Case Received and Pending” it is really killing me.Please tell me whether my application will approve or not is there any chance for rejection? after getting the Receipt also plsss kindly pass ur valuble information to me plssssssss i hope u will byee frnds
karan on July 4th, 2008 2:52 am

hi frds congrates who got the approval and best of luck who are waiting …..
M confuse like i got the receipt number on 18th May and tht s approved also just few days back but still i didnt get petition document and whn i asked to my employer for receipt copy he told me he didnt get tht copy also till now….. wht i do tell me i beleive on my employer or wht ….. means how can i beleive tht is my receipt number only……. plz suggest me on this….
simran on July 5th, 2008 9:08 am