Where to check your H-1B status online

You can check your H-1B visa status through the USCIS Case Status tool on the official USCIS website (uscis.gov). This is the primary place where the government posts updates about your case. You will need your receipt number, which starts with three letters followed by ten digits — it appears on your I-797 receipt notice that USCIS sent when your employer first filed your petition.

Go to uscis.gov/case-status, enter your receipt number, and the system will show you the current stage of your petition. The status updates as your case moves through the review process. This tool is free and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to create an account or log in.

If you cannot find your receipt number, check the documents your employer gave you when they submitted your H-1B petition. The I-797 notice is the most common place it appears. If you still cannot locate it, contact your employer's immigration attorney or HR department — they have a copy on file.

Key Takeaways

  • The USCIS Case Status tool on uscis.gov is the official source for H-1B petition updates and requires only your receipt number.
  • Your receipt number appears on the I-797 notice USCIS sent to your employer when the petition was filed, and your employer should have given you a copy.
  • Status updates in the system reflect where your case is in the review process, from initial filing through approval or denial.
  • You can also contact USCIS by phone at 1-800-375-5283 if you need help locating your receipt number or understanding your status.

Understanding the status messages you will see

The USCIS Case Status tool shows several different messages depending on where your petition is in the process. "Case received" means USCIS has logged your petition into their system but has not yet assigned it to an officer for review. "Case is being reviewed" means an officer is actively examining your petition. "Case approved" means your H-1B petition has been granted and you can move forward with visa processing.

"Case denied" means USCIS has rejected your petition. If this happens, your employer can file an appeal or submit a new petition in a future fiscal year. "Request for evidence" or "Notice of intent to deny" means USCIS needs more information from your employer before making a decision. Your employer's immigration attorney will receive this notice and will contact you about what documents or information are needed.

The tool may also show "Case transferred" if your petition has been moved between USCIS offices. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. Processing times vary widely depending on the service center handling your case and the current volume of petitions.

What to do if your status has not changed in a long time

H-1B petitions can take several months to process, and some cases move slowly without any update for weeks or even months. Before contacting USCIS, confirm that you are checking the correct receipt number and that you are looking at the right case — if your employer filed multiple petitions for you, each one has its own receipt number.

If you have not seen an update in more than the normal processing time for your service center, you can call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt number ready. USCIS staff can tell you whether your case is still in queue, whether it is waiting for something from your employer, or whether there is a problem that needs attention. You can also ask your employer's immigration attorney to contact USCIS on your behalf.

Do not contact USCIS multiple times about the same case in a short period — each inquiry can slow down processing. One call or one attorney inquiry is usually enough to get an answer about why a case is delayed.

Tracking your case if you are outside the United States

If you are explore for your H-1B visa abroad, you will use a different tracking system once your petition is approved. After USCIS approves your H-1B petition, your case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) or directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will have your visa interview. The NVC will send you a case number and instructions for the next steps.

You can track your NVC case on the NVC website (travel.state.gov/nvc) using your case number. This system shows whether your case is waiting for documents, whether your interview has been scheduled, and other updates specific to visa processing abroad. Your employer or immigration attorney should provide you with your NVC case number once it is assigned.

What your employer needs to do on their end

Your employer is responsible for filing and maintaining your H-1B petition, so they receive official notices from USCIS before you do. If USCIS requests evidence or sends a notice of intent to deny, your employer's immigration attorney will be the first to know. Make sure your employer has your correct email address and phone number so they can contact you quickly if action is needed.

Ask your employer or their immigration attorney to keep you informed about your case status. They should tell you when your petition is approved and what happens next — whether you need to go to a visa interview, when you can start work, or whether your employer is filing an appeal if the petition is denied. Do not rely only on the USCIS tool; stay in direct contact with your employer about your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the USCIS Case Status tool update?

The tool updates as your case moves through different stages, but updates are not instantaneous. There may be a delay of several days between when USCIS takes action on your case and when the status changes online. Check the tool once a week rather than daily to avoid confusion about timing.

Can I check someone else's H-1B status?

No. The USCIS Case Status tool requires the receipt number, which is confidential. Only your employer, their immigration attorney, and you should have access to this number. If you are a family member or friend wanting to know about someone's case, ask them directly for permission and the receipt number.

What does "case is being reviewed" mean for how long?

This status can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the service center and current workload. There is no set timeline. If you have been in "case is being reviewed" for longer than six months, contact USCIS or your employer's attorney to ask whether there is a delay or a problem.

Do I need to do anything after I see "case approved"?

Your employer will receive the official approval notice and should tell you what comes next. If you are in the United States, you may be able to start work when ready. If you are abroad, you will need to go through visa processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Your employer's immigration attorney will guide you through the next steps.

What if the receipt number on my notice does not work in the USCIS tool?

Double-check that you are entering the number correctly — it should be three letters followed by ten digits with no spaces or dashes. If it still does not work, contact your employer's HR or immigration department to confirm the receipt number. If the number is correct and the tool still does not recognize it, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 for help.