MohanB, There is no valid reason to ask for receipt number when you deal with such employers or lawyers. One reason you can tell him is that you want to check your case status online everyday, so you need the receipt number. If you have no other options, then wait till he says it's approved. He must give you an Orginal H1B approval notice when you travel outside of the US. He must give you a copy of approval notice when you renew your driving license. Just make a reason that you desperately need H1B approval notice. If nothing works, then report it... After all, it's all illegal for him not to provide you receipt #. To transfer, you need a couple of paystubs and copy of H1B.