The H-1B visa is one of the most sought after visas for foreign professionals wishing to work in the United States. This type of visa allows companies to hire qualified workers in areas such as technology, engineering, health and finance. The process requires attention from both the employer and the beneficiary, as each step has strict deadlines and minor errors can delay approval.
One of the most important aspects after submitting the application is to follow up on the status of the H-1B visa at USCIS, because it is important to know if the case is moving forward, if there are any observations or if it is necessary to send more documents. Reviewing your application periodically can make the difference between receiving a quick approval or facing delays that could jeopardize your stay in the country.
How H-1B visa status works in USCIS
The procedure begins with the employer’s electronic filing with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If that registration is selected, the company must file the formal petition with Form I-129.
As of 2025, the majority of transactions are done digitally through the USCIS online account(my.uscis.gov).
This system allows you to upload documents, pay fees and receive official notifications in real time.
On the platform, the applicant or employer can find different updates: initial selection, approval, request for additional evidence or even a denial.
Therefore, it is critical that both the worker and the company frequently review the H-1B visa status.
How to check your H-1B visa status
There are two official and secure ways to check your application: with the receipt number or through the MyUSCIS account.
With your receipt number:
Enter the official USCIS website.
Enter the 13-character number that appears on the notifications (starts with EAC, LIN, SRC, WAC or IOE, followed by 10 digits).
Click on “Check Status” to see the latest update on your case.
With your MyUSCIS account:
Log in to my.uscis.gov with your credentials.
Review the electronic notifications associated with the process.
If you have technical problems, you can contact the USCIS help center or ask your immigration attorney to review your case directly.
Checking your status frequently is key to avoid missing important deadlines and to stay informed about next steps.
Most common status messages in an H-1B petition
When logging into the USCIS system, applicants often encounter one of the following messages:
Case Was Received: means that USCIS officially received the petition.
Request for Evidence (RFE): USCIS needs additional documents. It is important to respond quickly so as not to delay the decision.
Case Was Approved: the visa was approved and the official notification will arrive soon.
Decision Was Mailed: the final decision was mailed.
Case Was Denied: the application was denied and the notification includes the reasons.
Invalid Number: the number entered is invalid; check and try again.
Each update represents an advance in the process and may require immediate action, so it is advisable to review the portal constantly.
Processing times
The waiting time depends on the type of procedure chosen:
Premium processing: offers a response in a matter of weeks, including e-mail notifications.
Regular processing: may take several months, depending on USCIS workload and visa category.
Timelines change every year, so it is recommended that you consult the official USCIS website directly to confirm the updated deadlines before planning your work stay in the United States.
Recommendations for monitoring status
Keep all receipts and notifications, both printed and in digital format.
If you receive an RFE, respond fully and in a timely manner. If in doubt, seek the support of an immigration attorney.
If your case remains unchanged for an unusual length of time, contact USCIS directly or ask for legal assistance to request a formal consultation.
Avoid relying on unofficial emails or messages. Follow-up should always be done on USCIS platforms.
Constant monitoring of H-1B visa status at USCIS not only avoids delays, but also provides peace of mind to applicants and employers who depend on this authorization to continue working in the United States.
This article was originally published in Nueva News
