H1B Visa Status: H-1B Case Status and Petition Tracker

What Is H1B Visa Status and Who Can Check It?

H1B visa status usually means the progress of an employer's Form I-129 petition at USCIS. Anyone with the receipt number can check it online, including the worker, the employer and the attorney. The visa stamp abroad and the I-94 record are tracked in other systems. For other forms, see our immigration forms guide.

Petition status versus immigration status

People use "H-1B status" in two ways. One is petition status: where Form I-129 sits at USCIS. The other is your lawful H-1B status inside the United States, shown on your I-94 record. This page covers the first.

Why the worker is one step removed

The petitioner is the employer, and USCIS mails notices to the employer or its attorney. The worker, called the beneficiary, does not file. Ask HR for a copy of each Form I-797 as it arrives.

How Do You Check H1B Visa Status Online?

You check H-1B visa status online by typing the petition's receipt number into Case Status Online at egov.uscis.gov. No login is needed for a single search. The result shows the latest action, such as received, evidence requested or approved. It never shows the reasons behind a decision; those are in the mailed notice.

Using Case Status Online

Open Case Status Online: egov.uscis.gov, paste the receipt number with no dashes, and submit. Read the status title and the paragraph under it, which dates the last action. Note that date in your log.

Using a USCIS online account

A USCIS online account gives Free USCIS online account: case status updates, notices, link paper-filed cases. For H-1B cases, the employer's or attorney's account usually holds the petition, so a worker's own account may show nothing. Our USCIS online account guide explains setup.

Finding Your H-1B Receipt Number

Your H-1B receipt number is printed on the Form I-797C receipt notice USCIS sends after accepting the I-129. It is 3 letters followed by 10 digits. The employer or its attorney holds the original. You can still use a photo or scan of it.

Where it appears on Form I-797C

The receipt number sits near the top left, labeled "Receipt Number," beside the form type, received date and petitioner name. Form I-797C is I-797C = Notice of Action (receipt, rejection, transfer, appointment, re-open); not proof of status by itself. Our I-797C notice guide explains each box.

Keeping a log of several receipt numbers

Transfers, extensions and H-4 filings can leave you with many receipt numbers. Log each number with its form type and filing date so you always search the right one. Add each H-4 family receipt too.

If the employer has not shared it

Send HR a short email asking for the I-797C copy and receipt numbers for your petition and any H-4 family filings. For the number format, read our USCIS receipt number guide.

What Does the H-1B Receipt Prefix Tell You?

The first three letters of an H-1B receipt number show where USCIS first received the petition. The prefix does not prove where the case is today, because USCIS can move petitions between offices. Use it as a starting point, not as proof, when you look up times or explain your case to the Contact Center.

Prefix table for I-129 petitions

USCIS lists these prefixes: EAC = Vermont SC; WAC = California SC; LIN = Nebraska SC; SRC = Texas SC; NBC/MSC = National Benefits Center; YSC = Potomac SC; MCT = I-539 filings; IOE = online/electronic filing.

Why the prefix may not match the current office

A petition received in California may be decided in Texas, yet it keeps its original prefix. Only a transfer notice or a "Case Was Transferred" message shows the move; see our case transferred status page.

Where Is My H-1B Petition Being Processed?

Start with the receipt prefix, then look for a transfer notice or "Case Was Transferred" message. If nothing shows a move, your H-1B petition is most likely still being processed at the office that received it. Ask the attorney if you see conflicting signals.

How to check where my H1 petition is getting processed

Check, in order: the prefix of the receipt number, the office printed on the I-797C, and the history on Case Status Online. A transfer message usually names the new office and the move date.

Why the office matters for timing

USCIS posts processing times by form and by office. Knowing your service center lets you read the right row in the official tool. Our USCIS service centers guide lists each office.

H-1B Registration Status Check

An H-1B registration status check happens inside the registrant's USCIS online account, not on Case Status Online. Each worker's entry is marked Submitted, Selected, Not Selected, Denied, Invalidated or Deleted. The worker sees these only through the employer or its attorney.

Registration statuses in plain English

Only Selected opens the door to a cap petition; every other status means the employer cannot file a cap case from that entry.

Who can see the registration account

Only an organization account or an attorney's representative account can submit H-1B registrations. That is why workers cannot log in to see their own entry. Ask HR for a screenshot or PDF of your entry's status.

How Do You Check H-1B Lottery Results?

You check H-1B lottery results through your employer or its attorney, because USCIS posts selection notices in the registrant's online account. USCIS does not mark remaining entries Not Selected until it decides the cap for that fiscal year has been reached.

When results show as Selected

A Selected result lets the employer file a full cap petition for you. Ask for a copy of the selection notice. Selection is not approval; USCIS still has to review the petition on its merits.

Why Not Selected appears late

Entries stay Submitted while USCIS decides whether more rounds are needed. For FY2027, USCIS says the regular and master's caps have been reached, so unselected FY2027 entries are final.

How Wage-Weighted Selection Works for FY2027

For FY2027, USCIS ran a wage-weighted selection instead of a pure random lottery. Each unique worker's entry was weighted by the highest wage level the offered wage met or exceeded. Higher levels had better odds. Selection still was not guaranteed at any level, and USCIS counted each unique worker only once.

What did not change

Each registration still cost $215 per registration (per beneficiary), and the fee is non-refundable. The FY2027 window ran from March 4 to March 19, 2026. The annual cap itself did not change (H-1B cap: 65,000 a year + 20,000 for U.S. master's degree or higher).

How Is the Wage Level Set in an H-1B Registration?

The level comes from the Department of Labor's OEWS wage data for the job and area. An offer that reaches a higher level counts more in the draw. The employer sets the offered wage, so ask HR which level was used in your entry.

What Is an H-1B Confirmation Number?

An H-1B confirmation number is the reference the online account gives a registration entry. Once the employer files Form I-129, USCIS issues a separate 13-character receipt number, and only that receipt number works on Case Status Online. Keep both numbers, labeled clearly.

Confirmation number versus receipt number

A common mistake is typing the confirmation number into Case Status Online and getting an error. The confirmation number lives only in the registration system. The receipt number starts after filing.

The H-1B Petition Status Sequence

An H-1B petition usually moves from Case Was Received to Case Was Approved, with possible evidence requests between. The table lists each common message. Timing depends on the office and on premium processing. Not every case sees every message.

Status, meaning and when it appears

The two rows that need action from your side are the RFE and the final decision.

Why we show order, not days

USCIS posts current I-129 times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times, and they change often. See our H1B processing time guide for petition types. Any day count we printed here could be out of date within weeks, so we list the order of messages and point you to the live figure instead.

What Does "Case Was Received" Mean for an H-1B?

"Case Was Received" means USCIS accepted the I-129, took the fees and issued a receipt number. It does not mean anyone has reviewed the petition yet. Keep the receipt notice; it is your main tracking document. Check that your name and birth date on it are correct.

Receipt on a premium case

If the employer filed Form I-907 for premium processing, the receipt reflects that request. The I-907 can go in with the I-129 or later, which changes when the premium clock starts.

Receipt on a regular case

On regular processing, a long quiet period after receipt is normal and can last months. Compare the time since filing with the posted I-129 time before you or the employer contact USCIS.

Request for Evidence on an H-1B Petition

A Request for Evidence (RFE) on an H-1B petition means the officer needs more proof before deciding. The employer or attorney receives it, with a response deadline printed on the notice. An RFE is common and is not a denial.

Topics H-1B RFEs often cover

H-1B RFEs often question whether the job is a specialty occupation, whether your degree fits it, or third-party worksite details. Our request for evidence guide covers the general process.

Who answers an H-1B RFE

The employer or its attorney signs and sends the response, not the worker. Your part is to supply personal documents fast and confirm that names, dates and degrees match the petition.

Tracking the response

After the reply ships, look for a "response received" message. If none appears after delivery, ask the attorney for the courier tracking number. A lost reply can stall the case.

What Happens After an H-1B Approval?

After an H-1B approval, USCIS issues a Form I-797 approval notice to the employer. If you changed or extended status inside the United States, it often includes a new I-94. If you are abroad, you still need an H-1B visa stamp from a U.S. consulate before you travel.

Next steps inside and outside the U.S.

Abroad, book a visa appointment and track it with the State Department; our U.S. visa status guide covers that step. Do not travel until the visa is in your passport.

What Is the Difference Between an I-797A and an I-797B?

A change or extension inside the U.S. usually comes as an I-797A with an I-94 attached. Consular notification usually comes as an I-797B. Our case approved status page explains the message itself. The letter at the end of the form number tells you which kind of notice you hold, and each kind leads to a different next step for the worker.

Reading the I-94 on an I-797A

The tear-off I-94 at the bottom of an I-797A records your new stay dates. Compare its end date with the petition validity dates, and tell the attorney at once if they differ.

What If Your H-1B Is Denied?

If your H-1B is denied, USCIS sends the employer a written denial with reasons. The employer may refile, file a motion or appeal, depending on the issue. If you were inside the U.S. on a pending extension or change, your own status may be affected, so get legal advice quickly.

Options after a denial

The denial notice lists the legal basis and any appeal rights. Common responses are a new petition with stronger evidence, a motion to reopen or reconsider, or an appeal. Our case denied help page compares these routes.

Protecting your own status

A denied extension or transfer can leave you out of status if your I-94 has expired. Ask an attorney about grace periods, a change to another status or departure plans.

H-1B Transfer Tracking

H-1B transfer tracking follows the new employer's I-129, which gets its own receipt number. The old petition's number no longer tracks the new job. Follow the new employer's I-797C receipt number on Case Status Online, and keep the old approval for your records.

The change-of-employer petition

A "transfer" is really a new I-129 filed by the new employer. It is usually not counted against the cap again if you were already counted. Ask the new employer for its I-797C receipt as soon as it arrives, since that is the only number that tracks the new job.

Can You Start Work While an H-1B Transfer Is Pending?

H-1B portability rules may let you start with the new employer once the new petition is properly filed, if you meet the conditions. Confirm with the new employer's attorney before your start date. Our H-1B timing guide covers transfer process time.

Documents to keep during a pending transfer

Keep the new employer's I-797C receipt, your last H-1B approval, recent pay stubs and your I-94 together. They show you were in status when the new petition was filed, which portability depends on.

H-1B Extension Tracking

H-1B extension tracking uses the receipt number of the extension petition the employer files before your current approval ends. While it is pending, keep the receipt notice with your I-94, because it proves a timely extension was filed. Your employer's HR team will ask for it.

The extension receipt notice

The extension receipt shows the date USCIS received the petition. That date matters if your I-94 ends while the case is pending, because it shows the extension was filed before your stay ran out. Keep paper and digital copies.

Watching the extension status

Extensions sometimes draw RFEs about continued employment or pay. If the posted I-129 time has passed with no update, ask the attorney about an inquiry. Send recent pay stubs and your current I-94 to the attorney early, so an RFE on continued employment can be answered within days.

H-1B Amendments and Worksite Changes

An H-1B amendment is a new I-129 the employer files when the job changes in a material way, such as a worksite move outside the original area. It has its own receipt number. The earlier approval may not cover the new terms.

When an amendment may be needed

A move to a worksite not covered by the Labor Condition Application (LCA) often needs an amended petition, and major changes in duties or hours may too. The employer's attorney decides. Tell HR early about any move.

Tracking an amendment receipt

Ask HR for the amendment's I-797C and log it beside your original approval. Search the new receipt number on Case Status Online; the old number will not show the amendment's progress.

Transfer vs Extension vs Amendment

H-1B transfers, extensions and amendments are all filed on Form I-129, but they answer different needs. A transfer changes employers, an extension adds time, and an amendment changes job terms. Each gets a new receipt number, so your H-1B tracker should always follow the newest petition.

Side-by-side comparison

In every row, the number you track is the newest receipt, never the original approval.

Which receipt to check first

Check the most recent filing first, since it decides your next step. For an H-1B transfer tracker or an H-1B extension tracker, the method is identical: one receipt number per petition on Case Status Online.

How Do You Change Your Address on an H-1B?

To change your address on an H-1B, file Form AR-11 with USCIS for your home address and tell your employer the same day. If your worksite changes too, the employer may need an amended petition. The two updates are separate.

Your home address

Most nonimmigrants report a move to USCIS with Form AR-11, usually online. Check the current deadline on uscis.gov/ar-11 when you move, and list pending receipt numbers. Our change of address guide covers each step of an H1B change address update.

Your worksite address

An H-1B visa address change for the worksite is different from a home move. A new work location may need a new LCA and an amendment, which the employer files. Tell HR before changing offices or going remote.

Premium H-1B Processing and Your Status

Premium processing lets the employer pay an extra fee with Form I-907 for a faster USCIS decision on the I-129. It speeds up review, not approval odds. Status messages are the same, just sooner. As of October 2026, the fee is $2,965 for most I-129 classes.

Tracking a premium case

A premium case's H-1B visa status can change within days, so check more often than on regular processing. The attorney usually gets the email update first. Ask to be copied on any premium notice, and check the receipt online each business day near the end of the premium period.

What Does Form I-907 Change for an H-1B Petition?

With Form I-907, USCIS commits to act within a set period; the action can be an approval, denial or RFE. An RFE pauses the clock until the reply arrives. Our premium processing guide lists the current limits for a premium H-1B visa case.

H-1B Processing Time Summary

H-1B processing time depends on the service center, the petition type and whether premium processing was paid. USCIS posts current I-129 times in its official tool. Use the tool and our H-1B time guide. USCIS data give a broad benchmark: I-129 (all classifications combined): median 9.5 months (USCIS data, Apr.-June 2026). That figure covers every I-129 class, not just H-1B.

Where to find current I-129 times

Open egov.uscis.gov/processing-times, choose Form I-129, then the H-1B category and the office from your receipt prefix. H-1B transfer process time and extension times use the same tool. Recheck monthly.

When a delay is worth asking about

Ask about a delay only once the case is past the posted time for your office and petition type. Before that, an inquiry is usually turned away. The employer or attorney is best placed to send it.

H-1B Visa Rates and Expenses: A Fee Summary

H-1B visa rates at USCIS come from Form G-1055 (edition 10/16/26). The employer pays the I-129 base fee plus add-ons such as the Asylum Program Fee, the fraud fee and the ACWIA fee. Registration is $215 per entry. Full H-1B visa expenses are on our fee page.

The fee stack in brief

As of October 2026, USCIS lists: Base $780 (paper) / $730 (online) ($460 small employer/nonprofit) + Asylum Program Fee $600/$300/$0 + Fraud fee $500 + ACWIA $1,500 or $750 (+ $4,000 Pub. L. 114-113 fee for some large H-1B-dependent employers). Premium processing is an optional extra at $2,965. Our h1b visa fees guide owns the full cost breakdown.

Online vs paper I-129 fees

Form G-1055 sets a lower base fee for online filing, a reduced base fee for small employers and nonprofits, and a smaller or zero Asylum Program Fee for them. Online filing is cheaper.

Who Pays for an H-1B Petition?

The employer files and pays for Form I-129 as the petitioner. Labor rules limit which costs can be shifted to workers, so ask an attorney if you are asked to repay fees. The $205 State Department visa fee is separate; check travel.state.gov.

What Happened to the $100,000 H-1B Payment?

The $100,000 H-1B payment was vacated by a federal court on June 8, 2026. The District of Massachusetts set aside the implementing guidance in California v. Mullin, and the First Circuit denied a stay on July 24, 2026. DHS says it will comply but will collect if the order is lifted.

The dated facts

A proclamation dated Sept. 19, 2025 added a $100,000 payment for certain H-1B petitions filed on or after Sept. 21, 2025, mainly for workers abroad without a valid H-1B visa. Current status: $100,000 H-1B payment: blocked by court order (vacated June 8, 2026; stay denied July 24, 2026). USCIS updated its H-1B page on 09/21/2026.

What DHS says now

USCIS quotes DHS as strongly disagreeing with both rulings but complying while it considers next steps. Form G-1055 still lists the payment, so read it alongside the court order.

Does the $100,000 Payment Affect Your Case Status?

For now, the $100,000 payment should not hold up an H-1B case, because the guidance requiring it was vacated and is not being collected. If your petition got a notice about the payment, ask the attorney how the ruling applies.

Who the rule covered

The rule covered certain petitions filed from Sept. 21, 2025. It did not cover earlier petitions, valid H-1B visas, or granted extensions and changes for people inside the U.S.

What to watch next

Because the case is on appeal, rules could change again. Check the USCIS H-1B page before filing a new petition, and ask whether your employer is planning for both outcomes.

H-1B Cap vs Cap-Exempt Petitions

Cap-subject H-1B petitions need a selected registration before filing; cap-exempt petitions do not. Universities, some nonprofit research groups and certain government research bodies can usually file cap-exempt. Both are tracked the same way, with one I-129 receipt number on Case Status Online.

Cap-subject petitions

A cap-subject case starts with registration and selection, then the I-129. The registration result sits in the employer's account; the petition status sits online. If you were not selected, a cap-exempt employer may still be an option.

When Can a Cap-Exempt Employer File an H-1B?

A cap-exempt employer can file Form I-129 at any time of year, with no lottery result to check. Moving later from a cap-exempt job to a cap-subject employer may mean going through the cap, so ask an attorney before switching.

Tracking H-4 Dependents Alongside the H-1B

H-4 spouses and children have their own filings, often Form I-539, with separate receipt numbers. Their status does not change automatically when the H-1B is approved. Track each family member's number on its own. An approved H-1B with a pending I-539 still leaves the spouse's stay to be decided separately.

Form I-539 and biometrics

An H-4 extension or change usually uses Form I-539, which may carry an MCT or service center prefix and can require a biometrics appointment. Keep that notice with the H-1B papers so both files stay matched.

H-4 work permits

Some H-4 spouses can request a work permit on Form I-765, which is yet another receipt number. Current I-765 editions and the end of automatic extensions for many renewals are covered on our I-765 work permit page.

H-1B Visa Stamping vs USCIS Approval

A USCIS H-1B approval and an H-1B visa stamp are different things. USCIS approves the petition; a U.S. consulate issues the visa in your passport. You track the petition on Case Status Online and the visa application on the State Department's CEAC site, using different numbers.

Why an approval is not a visa

The I-797 approval lets you apply for a visa or, inside the U.S., grants status. It does not let you board a flight from abroad. If you travel, you need a valid visa unless an exception applies, so ask the attorney before booking.

Numbers used for each step

USCIS uses the 13-character receipt number. The State Department uses the case or application ID from your DS-160 confirmation. Keep both in one note so you never paste one into the wrong tool.

Tracking the consular step

The consulate case starts from your DS-160 application. The State Department charges $205 for petition-based visas, including H-1B. We state no amount for the H.R. 1 visa integrity fee. The State Department's Fees for Visa Services page did not list a visa integrity fee as of Oct. 27, 2026.

Is a Third-Party H1B Tracker Reliable?

A third-party H1B tracker can help you compare timelines with other users, but it is not an official source. Most pull the same Case Status Online message you can see yourself. Use one for context only, never as proof of approval or status.

What trackers actually show

Most H-1B visa tracker sites collect receipt numbers and dates from volunteers, then chart how similar cases moved. The data skews toward people who post. An H-1B approval tracker shows trends; your own receipt search is the reliable answer.

Privacy risks

Never give a tracker your USCIS password, passport scan or Social Security number. Checking official H-1B visa status is always free at egov.uscis.gov. Avoid sites that charge to "speed up" a case; no private service can change the order in which USCIS works.

Why Is My H1B Visa Status Not Updating?

Your H1B visa status may not update because the petition is waiting in a queue, an RFE reply has not been logged, or the case moved offices. Compare the time since filing with posted I-129 times before treating silence as a problem.

Common causes of a frozen status

• The petition is waiting for an officer.
• An RFE reply is in transit or not yet scanned.
• The case moved, and the history has not caught up.
• You are checking an old receipt number, not the newest petition.

When to act

If the case is outside normal processing time in the official tool, the employer or attorney can submit an online case inquiry. Our status not updating guide lists more fixes.

How to Contact USCIS About an H-1B Case

To contact USCIS about an H-1B case, the employer or its attorney usually calls the Contact Center or files an online inquiry, because they are the petitioner. Workers can call too but may get less detail. Before anyone calls, check the posted time, since an early inquiry is often refused.

What to have ready before calling

Have the receipt number, the petitioner's name, your name and date of birth, and the filing date in front of you. Because the employer is the petitioner, a worker may get only general status details.

Phone line and hours

The USCIS Contact Center number is 800-375-5283. Live calls and chat: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. Our contact USCIS guide lists other channels, including Emma and appointments.

Expedite requests

In urgent cases, the petitioner can ask USCIS to expedite a petition, for example over severe financial loss. For an I-129, premium processing is often simpler. Our expedite request guide explains the criteria.

H-1B Filing Checklist You Can Copy

This H-1B filing checklist lists what to gather before the employer files and what to save afterward. Having everything ready speeds up RFE replies, transfers, extensions and later green card steps that ask about past H-1B filings. Keep the list for each petition.

Before the employer files

1. Passport with valid dates and correct spelling.
2. Degree certificates, transcripts and any credential evaluation.
3. Experience letters if your degree does not match the job.
4. Current I-94 and past H-1B approvals, if any.
5. Recent pay stubs if you already hold H-1B status.

After the employer files

1. Save the I-797C and log the receipt number and filing date.
2. Check H-1B visa status on Case Status Online on a set schedule.
3. Send any RFE documents to the attorney within days.
4. Save the approval and the new I-94, then compare dates.
5. Store scans in the cloud and paper copies at home.

If-Then Guide for H-1B Status Problems

This if-then table helps you choose the right action for common H-1B problems. Find the line that matches what you see, then follow the action beside it. Each row assumes you already have the newest receipt number in hand. If two rows apply, deal with the one that touches your lawful status first, since a status gap is harder to fix than a slow case.

Decision table

When a row says to ask the attorney, send the receipt number and a screenshot.

When the table does not fit

Unusual cases, such as a revoked approval or an expired I-94 with a pending case, need personal advice. Bring the exact wording and dates of each notice to the employer's attorney or your own lawyer.

How Does H-1B Status Connect to a Green Card?

H-1B status can lead to a green card when an employer sponsors you through PERM labor certification and Form I-140, followed by adjustment of status or consular processing. Each stage has its own receipt or case number and its own tracker. The time limit matters (H-1B: 3 years at first, up to 6 years in total), so many employers start the green card steps early.

Dual intent in practice

Because H-1B allows dual intent, a PERM or I-140 filing does not by itself end H-1B status or block an extension. Track the H-1B receipt and each green card receipt separately.

Employer-sponsored steps

The usual path is a PERM filing with the Department of Labor, then an I-140 at USCIS. Read our PERM labor certification guide and our Form I-140 page for those stages and their trackers.

Family-based and later steps

Some H-1B workers qualify through family instead, with an I 130 family petition. Later, green card holders may need a green card renewal and, eventually, a citizenship application.

When Does an H-1B Case Need a Lawyer?

An H-1B case needs a lawyer or a DOJ-accredited representative when a petition is denied, your I-94 is close to ending with a pending case, or you get a notice you do not understand. The employer's attorney represents the employer, so your own advice can help.

Red flags that need advice

• A denial, revocation or notice of intent to revoke.
• A gap in status or unauthorized work.
• A request to repay petition fees to the employer.
• Any notice that mentions the $100,000 payment.

Finding qualified help

Choose a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative, never a notario or "visa consultant." This site gives general information, not legal advice, and is not affiliated with USCIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

casestatuscompass.com is an independent publication and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal advice. For denials, court or asylum matters, consult an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.