The H1B receipt notice confirms that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially received your H1B petition and is beginning the review process. However, while the receipt notice signals welcomed progress and that the petition was received, it does not guarantee that the application will be approved.

This guide breaks down what the H1B receipt notice means, typical timelines and how to track your application.

 

What is the H1B receipt notice?

 

The H1B receipt notice is an official document issued by USCIS to confirm that they have received an employer’s H1B petition on behalf of a foreign worker. The receipt notice, known as Form I-797C, includes important details such as the receipt number, filing date, and the name of the applicant and employer. It serves as proof that the petition is in process and allows applicants to track the status of their H1B case through the USCIS online portal.

Importantly – the H1B receipt notice does not mean your visa has been granted, rather that you have made it to the following step, which is when your H1B application will be processed. An approval is subject to meeting all eligibility requirements, and USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional information is needed, potentially delaying the process.

 

What information does the H1B receipt notice contain?

 

The H1B receipt notice contains several important pieces of information about the H1B petition.

The receipt notice contains a unique receipt number that can be used to monitor your case status on the USCIS website. It also provides petitioner information, listing the name and address of the employer who filed the petition, as well as beneficiary information, which includes the name of the foreign worker. The filing date indicates the date USCIS officially received the petition, while the notice date marks the date the receipt notice was issued. The type of petition being processed, such as an H1B Specialty Occupation, is noted under case type.

Additionally, the notice specifies which service center is handling the petition, such as the Vermont, California, Texas, or Nebraska service center. The case status message offers a brief update indicating that the petition is being processed. Lastly, the notice includes instructions for further communication, detailing how to contact USCIS if you have questions or require updates on your petition.

Key details typically included in the receipt notice are:

 

Field	Description
Receipt Number	A unique 13-character identifier (e.g., EACXXXXXXXXXX) assigned to the H1B petition, which can be used to track the case status on the USCIS website.
Petitioner Information	The name and address of the employer or organization that filed the H1B petition on behalf of the foreign worker.
Beneficiary Information	The name of the foreign worker (beneficiary) for whom the H1B petition was filed.
Filing Date	The date USCIS officially received the H1B petition. This date is crucial for tracking processing timelines.
Form Type	The type of form being processed, which for H1B petitions is typically listed as Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker).
Service Center	The USCIS service center responsible for processing the H1B petition (e.g., Vermont, California, Texas, Nebraska).
Notice Date	The date the H1B receipt notice was issued. This is not always the same as the filing date.
Case Type	A description of the type of petition filed, such as H1B Specialty Occupation.
Case Status Message	A brief message indicating that the petition has been received and is being processed.
Instructions for Further Communication	Information on how to contact USCIS for questions or updates related to the petition.

 

It’s important to keep the H1B receipt notice in a safe place, as it serves as proof that the H1B petition is under review and is needed for tracking case progress or addressing any issues that may arise during processing.

 

How long does it take to get a receipt from USCIS?

 

Specific timings vary by year. In general, selected petitions with premium processing should expect to receive the H1B notice by email within around 1-3 weeks of the date the visa cap was reached – this is typically within a matter of days of the annual H1B window opening in early April.

For regular processing, notices will be sent by post around 3 – 6 weeks after the window was closed.

Receipt notices for the Masters quota are typically sent out first, followed by the Regular quota.

Petitions that have not been selected through the lottery will receive notification at a later date, once the selected petitioners have been notified and all of the H1B receipt notices have been sent out. Unselected petitioners will have their application package returned along with all processing fees relating to the application, including the premium processing fee where opted for.

 

What happens after the H1B receipt notice?

 

Once the H1B receipt notices have been distributed, USCIS will start the visa adjudication process.

If there are no issues with the petition, for example no RFE is issued, approvals of premium visa petitions can follow from as soon as mid-May to early June. RFEs issued at this time will result in the processing period effectively being reset.

Regular petitions should hear either a decision or RFE from around June 1.

 

H1B priority and standard processing

 

Once the receipt notice is issued, your employer has two options for processing the H1B application: H1B standard processing and H1B premium processing. These two options differ in terms of speed, cost, and how USCIS handles the petition.

Under H1B standard processing, USCIS processes the petition in the regular order of receipt without any guaranteed timeframe for a decision. While USCIS aims to process petitions as quickly as possible, standard processing can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on factors such as case volume, service center workload, and the complexity of the petition. There is no additional cost for standard processing beyond the standard H1B petition fees.

By contrast, H1B premium processing is an expedited service offered by USCIS for an additional fee. With premium processing, USCIS guarantees a decision—either an approval, denial, or a request for evidence (RFE)—within 15 calendar days of receipt. If USCIS fails to meet this 15-day timeframe, the premium processing fee is refunded, but the expedited service continues. Premium processing can be requested at the time of filing the H1B petition or added later after the petition is already in process.

Choosing premium processing can be advantageous if a faster decision is needed, such as when the beneficiary needs to start working on a specific date, travel internationally, or secure timely work authorization. However, it’s important to note that premium processing does not guarantee approval—it only speeds up the review and decision-making process.

So while standard processing can be slow and unpredictable, premium processing offers a guaranteed 15-day decision timeframe for an extra fee, providing peace of mind for employers and H1B applicants who require a faster outcome.

 

When is payment taken for the filing fee?

 

The filing fee will only be taken (ie checks cashed) if the petition it relates to has been selected in the lottery.

In some cases under regular process, checking your bank statement can sometimes be an earlier indication of lottery selection than waiting for the receipt notice to arrive by post.

 

 

How can I check the status of my H1B petition?

 

Your receipt notice will include a receipt number. It is a 16-digit alphanumeric reference which you need to be able to check the progress of your petition. The H1B visa status tracking system is available on the USCIS website is for H1B applicants who have filed their H1B visa petition.

There are various different indicators of status, including:

 

• Case Was Received and a Receipt Notice Was Emailed Your petition has been selected and your employer or attorney has been notified by email under the premium processing service.
• Case Was Received Your case is with USCIS and a printed copy of the receipt notice will have been posted to your employer or attorney. If you have upgraded to premium, the notification will also be emailed.
• Request for Additional Evidence Notice Was Mailed An RFE has been sent to your employer or attorney. A response providing additional information or documentation will be required before the given deadline or your application will not proceed.
• Response to USCIS’ Request for Evidence Was Received All requested information in the RFE has been received by USCIS and your petition is being adjudicated.
• Case Was Approved and My Decision Was Emailed Under premium processing, your visa has been approved and the decision emailed to your employer or attorney.
• Case Was Approved Under regular processing, your visa has been granted and printed notification has been sent by post to your employer or attorney.
• Fee Will Be Refunded This does not necessarily mean your petition has been denied. Check with your employer or attorney to confirm the details behind this status; it could be that unnecessary fees have been paid and subsequently refunded.
• Decision Notice Mailed The petition has been denied. Your employer or attorney has been notified. The grounds for refusal and options to appeal are contained in the notification letter.

 

 

H1B visa transfer and change of employer

 

The timings around transferring H1B status to a new employer can be challenging to decipher, not least as USCIS timeframes differ and whether premium processing is indeed available.

The date of ‘filing’ can be evidenced with the USCIS hard-copy receipt, FedEx or UPS confirmation of delivery.

Technically, an individual with valid H1B status may begin work with a new sponsoring employer the date on which the USCIS receives their H-1B transfer petition from their new employer, ie before receiving actual approval of their H1B petition.

To do so, they must not have been employed without authorization and they must have entered the US on a lawful basis. However, this may not always be recommended in the circumstances and a more cautious approach of awaiting formal petition approval may be more appropriate. Take advice on your case to ensure you do not get caught out by the rules.

 

What if USCIS deny the H1B transfer after starting new employment?

 

Should USCIS refuse the petition to transfer H1B status to a new employer, the employee must ceae working with immediate effect. Their permission to work lawfully in the US will cease with immediate effect. Without lawful status, you will have to leave the US.

 

Need assistance?

 

NNU Immigration are dedicated US immigration attorneys. We work with employers and workers, providing expert H-1B application guidance and support, from advice on sponsorship requirements and application forms to compiling supporting documentation to communicating with the relevant authorities.

We’re also experienced strategic advisors to employers on talent mobility optimization, which may include consideration of alternative immigration routes to the H-1B program.

For specialist US visa and immigration advice, contact us.

 

H1B Receipt Notice FAQs

 

What is an H1B receipt notice?

An H1B receipt notice is a document issued by USCIS confirming that an employer’s H1B petition has been received and is being processed. It includes a unique receipt number that allows applicants to track their case status.

 

How long does it take to receive an H1B receipt notice?

Processing times vary but most applicants receive the H1B receipt notice within two to four weeks after the employer files the petition with USCIS.

 

What does the receipt number on the H1B notice mean?

The receipt number is a 13-character identifier that allows applicants to track their case on the USCIS website. It includes details about the service center handling the petition.

 

Does receiving an H1B receipt notice mean my petition is approved?

No, the receipt notice only confirms that USCIS has received the application. Approval depends on USCIS reviewing and verifying all supporting documents.

 

Can I start working after receiving the H1B receipt notice?

If applying for an H1B transfer or extension an applicant may continue working while the petition is pending. New applicants selected in the lottery must wait for approval before beginning employment.

 

What happens if I lose my H1B receipt notice?

If lost an applicant or employer can request a duplicate receipt notice from USCIS but processing times may vary.

 

What should I do if I do not receive an H1B receipt notice?

If a notice is not received within four weeks the employer should contact USCIS to check if the petition was properly filed and request a case update.

 

Can an H1B receipt notice be used for travel?

No the receipt notice alone does not grant travel authorization. If traveling while an H1B petition is pending applicants may need a valid visa stamp to reenter the US.

 

What if my H1B receipt notice status does not change for a long time?

Long processing times can occur due to case backlogs. If a petition remains pending beyond normal timelines an applicant may submit a service request or consider premium processing for faster results.

 

Is an H1B receipt notice required for premium processing cases?

Yes, even for premium processing cases USCIS first issues a receipt notice before providing a final decision within the 15-day expedited timeframe.

 

Glossary

 

 

Term	Definition
H1B Receipt Notice	A document issued by USCIS confirming receipt of an H1B petition filed by an employer on behalf of a foreign worker
Form I-797C	The official notice issued by USCIS to acknowledge receipt or action taken on an immigration petition or application
Receipt Number	A 13-character identifier on the H1B receipt notice used to track the case status on the USCIS website
USCIS	US Citizenship and Immigration Services the federal agency responsible for processing H1B petitions and other immigration applications
Request for Evidence (RFE)	A notice issued by USCIS requesting additional documents or information to support an H1B petition before making a decision
H1B Petition	An application filed by a US employer to sponsor a foreign worker for an H1B visa to work in a specialty occupation
Premium Processing	An optional USCIS service that expedites the processing of an H1B petition for an additional fee providing a decision within 15 calendar days
H1B Lottery	A random selection process used by USCIS when the number of H1B petitions exceeds the annual cap of 85000 visas
Case Status	The current stage or progress of an H1B petition as updated by USCIS which can be checked using the receipt number
H1B Cap	The annual limit on the number of H1B visas that USCIS can issue set at 65000 regular visas plus an additional 20000 for those with advanced degrees from US institutions
Cap-Exempt Employer	An employer such as a university or nonprofit research institution that is not subject to the H1B annual cap
Form I-129	The petition for a nonimmigrant worker used by US employers to sponsor an H1B visa