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

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

It’s not possible to search or look up if your application is submitted, 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.

Did you get RFE?

I have seen most of them who are writing comments here are waiting to hear about RFE on H1B. I have also posted an article that will help you understand more about H1B RFE Processing Time and when you can expect to hear something back. Good Luck.