H-1B case tracker, built for petition beneficiaries.

GreenLight decodes your I-129 status updates into plain English, so you know what your H-1B case status actually means, where you stand in the premium processing window, and what the next step is. Covers cap-subject, cap-exempt, and extension petitions.

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What is H-1B?

The H-1B is a nonimmigrant work visa for specialty occupation workers, jobs that typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Your employer, not you, files Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS on your behalf. There are two broad categories: cap-subject H-1B (subject to the annual 85,000-slot lottery: 65,000 regular cap + 20,000 advanced-degree exemption) and cap-exempt H-1B (universities, nonprofits affiliated with universities, and government research organizations, no lottery required, can file any time of year).

For cap-subject H-1B, USCIS announces a registration period each March. If demand exceeds the cap (which it has every year since 2014), USCIS conducts a computer-generated selection process. Selected employers then receive a filing window for the full I-129 petition package, which includes a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor, the job offer letter, the beneficiary's credentials, and the filing fee. H-1B status begins October 1 of that fiscal year for most cap cases.

Once USCIS receives the I-129, your case gets a receipt number (format: IOE- or EAC/LIN/SRC/WAC followed by 10 digits) you can track on my.uscis.gov. USCIS posts updates at each stage: receipt, biometrics if required, RFE if issued, and final decision. GreenLight decodes each of those status messages into plain English, so you and your employer's attorney know where the petition stands and whether any action is needed.

Typical I-129 H-1B timeline

Typical processing time: Regular processing: use the official USCIS selector for the exact classification and office. Eligible I-129 premium processing uses 15 business days.

Petition prepared and filed

Employer (with their immigration attorney) files Form I-129 with the supporting evidence package: job description, beneficiary qualifications, LCA for H-1B, etc. For H-1B cap cases, the employer must first be selected in the lottery.

For cap-subject H-1B, follow the current USCIS registration and filing notices

Receipt notice (Form I-797C)

USCIS issues a receipt notice with the case number. Follow the USCIS account and mailed notice for case-specific receipt information.

Receipt timing varies; the USCIS account and mailed notice control

Adjudication

USCIS reviews the petition and may issue a Request for Evidence. For an eligible I-129 premium request, USCIS must take qualifying adjudicative action within 15 business days; that does not guarantee approval.

Regular: official USCIS selector · Eligible premium: 15 business days

Decision

Approval (Form I-797A) or denial. For H-1B beneficiaries inside the US, an approval also updates the I-94. For consular processing, the beneficiary then applies for the visa abroad.

The decision notice controls the result and next steps

Status messages H-1B applicants commonly see

When your I-129 H-1B petition moves through stages, you'll see these updates on my.uscis.gov. Click any status to see what it means and what to do.

Case Was Received →Request For Additional Evidence →Case Was Approved →

Frequently asked questions about H-1B

How long does I-129 take in 2026?+

Use the official I-129 processing-time tool for the exact classification and office. Eligible Form I-907 requests use a category-specific adjudicative-action period; premium processing does not guarantee approval.

What is premium processing for H-1B?+

Premium processing is an optional $2,965 service that requires qualifying adjudicative action on an eligible I-129 within 15 business days. That action may be an approval, denial, RFE, NOID, or other qualifying response; it is not guaranteed approval. You file Form I-907 alongside or after I-129.

Can I work while my I-129 is pending?+

If you are already in valid H-1B status with the same employer (extension), yes, you can continue working under cap-gap or 240-day extension rules. If you are changing employers or changing status, the rules are stricter and you should consult an immigration attorney.

What happens if my I-129 is denied?+

If denied, your employer can file a motion to reopen/reconsider or appeal. The denial does not automatically revoke prior valid status, but if you have no other status, you may need to depart the US.

How do I check my I-129 status?+

Use your receipt number on my.uscis.gov. GreenLight can decode any status message into plain English and tell you what's typical at each stage.

See an example timeline →

What does an H-1B I-129 premium-processing case look like from filing to approval? See a sample timeline with plain-English status explanations.

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Planning for the cap lottery? Check the free H-1B odds guide

Understand the current selection process before deciding whether the not-selected playbook is relevant to you.

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Not selected in the H-1B lottery? See your options

A plain-English playbook of realistic next steps: staying on OPT, cap-exempt employers, alternative statuses, and more. First card free, full playbook $29 once.

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Coming from OPT? Track your I-765 here

If you're on cap-gap and still waiting on your OPT EAD renewal, GreenLight tracks I-765 too.

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