H1B Approval Status Check: A Comprehensive Guide

Tracking the approval status of your H1B visa application is a crucial step in the immigration process. Whether you’re an employer or an applicant, staying informed about the progress of your application is essential. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the various methods and resources available for checking your H1B approval status. Let’s dive in!

Understanding H1B Visa Approval Status

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The approval status of your H1B visa application indicates whether the application has been accepted, pending, or denied by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Here are the different approval statuses you might encounter:

• Received: Your application has been received by USCIS.
• Pending: Your application is currently being processed.
• Approved: Your application has been approved, and you can proceed with the visa application process.
• Denied: Your application has been denied, and you may need to appeal or reapply.

Checking H1B Approval Status Online

One of the most convenient ways to check your H1B approval status is through the USCIS website. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the USCIS website at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do.
2. Enter your receipt number, which is a 13-character number starting with “WAC” or “LIN” and followed by 12 alphanumeric characters.
3. Click on “Check Status” to view your application’s current status.

Keep in mind that the USCIS website may experience high traffic during peak application periods, so you might encounter delays in accessing your information.

Checking H1B Approval Status by Phone

Another option for checking your H1B approval status is by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Dial 1-800-375-5283 from the United States.
2. Follow the prompts to speak with a customer service representative.
3. Provide your receipt number to the representative.

Be prepared to wait on hold for an extended period, as call volumes can be high during peak application seasons.

Checking H1B Approval Status by Mail

While not the most efficient method, you can also check your H1B approval status by mail. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Write a letter to the USCIS Lockbox facility handling your application.
2. Include your full name, alien registration number (A-number), and receipt number in the letter.
3. Send the letter to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility.

Here are the addresses for the USCIS Lockbox facilities:

Checking H1B Approval Status Through Your Employer

Employers can also check the approval status of their H1B visa applications on behalf of their employees. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log in to your USCIS online account using your employer’s username and password.
2. Go to the “My Cases” section and select the H1B visa application.
3. View the application’s current