H‑1B Approval Status Guide – Alma Complete Guide

Filing an H-1B petition is a major milestone, but what happens next is just as critical. Once your application is submitted, staying informed about its progress is essential to ensure everything stays on track. 

Whether it’s confirming receipt, anticipating approval, or responding to requests for additional information, monitoring your status allows you to avoid unnecessary delays and address issues early.

USCIS provides real-time updates throughout the process, offering transparency and predictability. Regularly checking your application status ensures you never miss an important update and are prepared for each step. 

This blog will guide you on how to track your H-1B approval status, interpret the updates, and take the necessary actions to keep the process smooth and efficient.

Key Takeaways:

• How to use the USCIS case status tool effectively to track H-1B petition progress.
• The key stages of H-1B processing and what each status update means for the petition.
• Typical processing timelines for regular and premium H-1B filings, including how RFEs (Request for Evidence) impact timing.
• What steps to take if the petition faces delays, missing updates, or unexpected status changes.

What is Needed to Check Your H-1B Approval Status?

To check the status of your H-1B petition, it's important to have all the necessary details ready before tracking, as missing information can prevent progress. 

The most critical detail is the receipt number, a unique 13-character identifier issued by USCIS upon receiving your petition. This number is located at the top of the Form I-797C (Notice of Action). It begins with three letters followed by ten digits, indicating the processing center handling your case.

Without this receipt number, tracking your application status is impossible. If you lose it, you must request a duplicate copy from your employer, attorney, or petitioner to proceed.

How to Check Your H-1B Status Online Through USCIS?

The easiest way to check case status is through the official USCIS online tool. This tool provides real-time updates and is available 24/7.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the official USCIS Case Status page.
2. Enter the 13-character receipt number exactly as shown on Form I-797C. Be sure to type it accurately, as errors can prevent the system from retrieving your case information.
3. Submit your receipt number by clicking the “Check Status” button. The current status of your petition will be displayed immediately.

This tool provides official, date-stamped updates on your case but does not include projected timelines or detailed explanations for decisions. Regularly checking ensures you stay informed about any changes or actions required.

Understanding the USCIS Case Status

From the moment your H-1B petition is filed to its final decision, it goes through several stages. Each status update reflects a key step in the process, such as USCIS receiving the petition, reviewing it, requesting additional information, or making a final decision. Here’s what the common status means and what action is needed:

How long does an H-1B Approval Take?

H-1B processing times vary depending on the type of filing, the service center, and whether premium processing was requested.

Here’s a basic guide to timeframes:

• Regular Processing: 3 to 6 months, but can vary.
• Premium Processing: 15 business days from the USCIS receipt date.
• RFEs (Request for Evidence): Additional 60 to 90 days, depending on the response time and review.

Given these timeframes, some professionals, such as STEM workers awaiting job start dates, often file with premium processing to reduce uncertainty. For others, such as nonprofits not using premium service, tracking regular updates ensures timely follow-up if something changes.

What to do after the H-1B is Approved?

Approval is a key milestone, but the process does not end there. What happens next depends on whether the petition was filed for a change of status or consular processing.

• Change of Status in the U.S.: Work can begin on the effective date stated in the petition.
• Consular Processing: Schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. consulate abroad, complete the DS-160 form (for online visa application), and attend the visa stamping interview.

For employees transferring jobs or extending their H-1B visa status, the approval notice will include I-94 (arrival and departure record) details that confirm the new validity period. Copies should be kept for recordkeeping, travel, and future filings.

What if there is No Update or an Unusual Delay?

In some cases, the status may not update for a long time, or the expected decision window passes without notice. These situations may require follow-up.

Steps to take:

• Confirm the receipt number is correct and active. This can be verified using the USCIS case status tool by entering the full 13-character receipt number exactly as shown on the form I-797C.
• Check USCIS processing times to see if the case is outside the normal range.
• Submit a case inquiry through USCIS if the timeline exceeds expectations.
• Contact your employer or attorney to confirm if notices were received by mail.

It is worth noting that if the case is filed with premium processing and no decision is made within 15 days, USCIS will refund the premium fee.

How Alma can Support you through the H-1B Process

Alma supports both employers and professionals by making the H-1B process faster, easier to manage, and more accurate. For those checking their status frequently or facing repeated filing delays, Alma provides speed without sacrificing quality.

• We process cases with a fast two-week turnaround, significantly reducing delays caused by missing or late documentation. This is helpful for early-stage employees waiting to join their teams or startups needing fast onboarding.
• With a 99%+ approval rate, our legal team ensures all filings are reviewed thoroughly before submission. Every application is prepared to meet the highest legal and documentation standards.
• We keep all stakeholders informed with clear updates and full visibility into what’s happening. Each case receives personalized support, with guidance aligned to your field and visa history.

Ready to get expert support from Alma for your H-1B petition? Book a free consultation now!

Final Thoughts

Checking the approval status of an H-1B petition is a crucial step in staying on track with immigration timelines. With accurate information, quick action, and ongoing monitoring, petitions can move forward smoothly.

Each status type, whether received, approved, or delayed, has a direct meaning and follow-up steps. Knowing what they are and what to do allows employers and professionals to stay prepared.

Alma simplifies the entire process by guiding you at each step—from assessing eligibility to preparing a strong H-1B petition. Let Alma be your partner on the path to achieving your immigration goals. Get started with a free consultation today!

FAQs

Is it possible to receive a Request for Evidence after the case shows Case Was Approved?

A Request for Evidence is usually issued before the approval decision. However, in rare situations like post-approval compliance checks, additional documentation may still be requested, though this is uncommon once the petition is marked as approved.

Can the receipt number change during the H-1B process?

The receipt number issued on Form I-797C (Notice of Action) stays the same throughout the petition process. If the case is transferred between service centers, the receipt number does not change, but updates will reflect the new processing location.

How often should the H-1B case status be checked online?

Checking once a week is generally sufficient to stay updated on any status changes. Daily checks are not necessary unless a critical deadline is approaching, such as responding to a Request for Evidence or preparing for consular processing.

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