H1B rejected due to insufficient funds

[Sidhanth]

Hello, 

I have applied for Premium Processing in the first phase of FY 2020 H-1B cap-subject i.e., on 1st of April. After my H1 got picked up, my regular H1b fees is cashed out from my employer's bank account. When USCIS tried to cash out PP check from my account on April 16th, I did not have enough funds in my account (assuming PP will not start till May 20th). My employer received an unofficial letter saying my H1 got rejected. My case status says "USCIS made the decision to refund the fee for your Form I-129. Your refund will be mailed to the fee remitter on file. This refund does not affect the processing or location of your case. If you do not receive your refund by September 5, 2019, please call the Burlington Finance Center at 1-802-288-7600." I did not understand if H1 got rejected or just my PP as normal H1 fees is cashed out. 
Has anyone come across a situation like this? If rejected, is there any possibility to reopen the case?

Thanks,

Sidhanth. 

[Sidhanth]

On 6/14/2019 at 4:53 PM, Sidhanth said:

 

 

Edited June 20, 2019 by Sidhanth

[GCoder]

This is a bit of an unfortunate situation. H1B expenses are supposed to be borne by the employer. It is a grey area for you to provide a cheque to USCIS in the first place.

Consult with an attorney on next steps.

Edited August 2, 2019 by GCoder

[pontevecchio]

That is not true. PP fees can be paid by the employee. It was very naïve not to have funds available. The H1 petition will most likely be adjudicated on merits. The OP should talk to his future employer about the matter.