Find answers to your questions

To check the status of your H-1B petition, follow these simple steps:‍

1. Visit the USCIS Case Status Online page:
   • Go to https://egov.uscis.gov/.
2. Locate Your Receipt Number:
   • You will need your 13-character receipt number, which can be found on the receipt notice (Form I-797) you received from USCIS after filing your petition.
3. Enter Your Receipt Number:
   • On the USCIS Case Status Online page, enter your receipt number in the "Enter a Receipt Number" field. Make sure to enter the number without any spaces.
4. Submit Your Query:
   • Click on the “Check Status” button.
5. View Your Case Status:
   • The website will display the current status of your H-1B petition. You will be able to see updates on the progress of your case, any requests for additional information, and the final decision.

Additional Tips:

• Keep Your Receipt Number Handy:
  • Always have your receipt number available when checking your case status or contacting USCIS for any inquiries.
• Check Regularly:
  • USCIS updates case statuses periodically, so it’s a good idea to check back regularly for any changes or updates.
• Use the Mobile App:
  • For convenient access, you can also download the USCIS Case Status mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices.

To check visa appointment wait times, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Wait Times page:
   • Visit the U.S. Department of State website
2. Select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
   • Use the dropdown menu to select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for your visa. You can either scroll through the list or type the name of the city directly into the search bar.
3. View the Wait Times:
   • Once you have selected the location, the page will display the current wait times for the following categories:some text
     • Visitor Visa (B1/B2)
     • Student/Exchange Visitor Visas (F, M, J)
     • All Other Nonimmigrant Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, etc.)
4. Check for Updates:
   • The wait times are updated regularly. It's important to check back often for the most current information, especially as your planned visa application date approaches.

Additional Tips:

• Plan Ahead:
  • Visa appointment wait times can vary significantly depending on the location and the time of year. Plan your application accordingly to avoid any delays in your travel plans.
• Monitor Changes:
  • Keep an eye on the wait times as they can change. If you notice a significant increase in wait times, consider applying earlier or exploring alternative U.S. Embassies or Consulates with shorter wait times if possible.
• Prepare Documentation:
  • While waiting for your appointment, ensure that you have all the necessary documents prepared. This can help expedite the process once your appointment date arrives.

For H-1B workers, prevailing wage rules require that employers pay them at least the prevailing wage for their position and location, protecting both U.S. and foreign workers from wage suppression. This regulation ensures H-1B employees receive compensation comparable to local workers in similar roles, supporting fair competition and compliance with U.S. labor standards.

Here’s how the prevailing wage requirement works in more detail:

Determination of the Prevailing Wage: The prevailing wage is generally set by the Department of Labor (DOL) and depends on factors like job type, required experience, qualifications, and the job’s location. Employers can use the DOL's Foreign Labor Certification Data Center’s wage library or an approved private wage survey to determine this rate.

Wage Level Structure: The DOL assigns different wage levels based on job complexity and required experience:

• Level 1: Entry-level positions with limited experience.
• Level 2: Roles requiring some experience and moderate skills.
• Level 3: Advanced positions needing significant experience and specialized skills.
• Level 4: Highly complex roles, often managerial or expert-level positions.

Labor Condition Application (LCA): Before filing an H-1B petition, the employer must submit an LCA to the DOL, stating that the wage for the H-1B worker will meet or exceed the prevailing wage.

Compliance and Audits: Employers must keep documentation to prove compliance with the prevailing wage and may be subject to audits by the DOL to ensure that H-1B workers are compensated properly.

Failure to meet the prevailing wage requirement can lead to penalties, such as fines or debarment from the H-1B program.