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H1B Visa 2017 Cap Count Updates Tracker, Latest News, Info

Updated : July 8th, 2016 

This page covers all the news and cap count updates for H1B FY 2017 Season ( Latest update on top)

News Updates – Official and Unofficial :

  • July 8th, 2016 ( Official ) : USCIS released a press note today indicating that they have completed returning all the petitions that were not selected in the H1B lottery for FY 2017. Read More details here 
  • June 14th, 2016 ( Unofficial ) : USCIS has started to mail out the reject notices for FY 2017 petitions that were not picked in lottery. It says that the start date for next year H1B season is April 1, 2017. You can check out the Sample Reject Notice for FY 2017, Details
  • May 2nd, 2016 ( Official ): USCIS issued an alert earlier today indicating that they have completed data entry of all the petitions. They will start to return all the petitions that were not selected in the lottery. There is no SLA mentioned by them, so everyone has to wait. They also say not to call USCIS for the same. USCIS said that they will issue a notice telling that they have returned everything once the return of all application is completed. You need to just wait for your petition details now. Check USCIS Alert Data Entry USCIS Data Entry Completed Note
  • April 26th, 2016 (Unofficial): Many users are now posting updates as comments that they are receiving their regular processing petitions, which were filed under non-advanced degree. Also, the SEVIS updates are happening to F1 students who applied for H1B. You may check with your DSO on the SEVIS update…but, not all of them will share the details.  Anyways, we still have a long way to go folks for regular processing petitions, do not give up hope, if you have not got a receipt yet…for premium processing folks, you stilll have time, but the chances are getting slim as we inch towards May 12th deadline…
  • April 22nd, 2016 ( Official ) : Premium Processing Update : USCIS did an official press alert indicating that the Premium Processing for FY 2017 cap subject petitions will begin from May 12th, instead of originally announced May 16th. What it means is that the you should get H1B receipt by May 12th, if you filed under premium processing and you should have the adjudication done by May 27th. You can check alert here
  • April 20th, 2016 ( Official ) : Prepaid Mailers USCIS  Alert : USCIS released an alert earlier today stating that they will NOT use pre-paid mailers for two weeks after premium processing starts. They will NOT use these for about 2 weeks to avoid delays and will use standard mail to send out notices. Typically, employers can send pre-paid mailers ( postage paid by employer) in the H1B Package that can be used by USCIS to send out notices, which could be for employer tracking and speedy delivery. Now, due to resource constraints, USCIS will not have time to do that, so they are suspending using those prepaid mailers for two weeks after premium processing begins for FY 2017 season. They will resume using those mailers after the completion of the given 2 weeks. Check USCIS Alert 
  • April 18th, 2016 ( Unofficial ) : Many are wondering, if there are really case numbers sent out for Regular Processing Petitions. Few of our users have updated that they have received case numbers for regular processing petitions. Below is a screenshot of one of such H1B Cases status.  The regular processing case numbers can come in anytime, but there is no SLA for USCIS to send them before May 16th.  So, no need to worry, if you do not get it…just need to wait ! H1B 2017 Regular Quota Petition Case
  • April 14th, 2016  ( Unofficial ) : Many of the users, who filed under Advanced Degree Premium Processing are starting to get Case Receipt Numbers indicating that they are selected in lottery and case is being processed. Also, other premium processing applicants under general quota are getting receipts as well, but less volume. I have seen one user filed under Regular Processing and Regular Quota post saying that he received receipt number.  All in all, receipts are being sent to many of the premium processing applicants and some of the regular processing applicants. If you have not got anything, nothing to worry or panic, still there is a long way to go…just stay calm folks. All of this update is based on our H1B Tracker and comments on the blog by many of our users.
  • April 12th, 2016 (7:15 PM EST – Official ):  USCIS Released a press alert indicating that they received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 and lottery was conducted on April 9th, 2016. Check out the screenshot below from USCIS website. Also, read Summary of Press release at News : 236,000 Petitions filed for FY 2017 USCIS H1B Lottery Done On April 9th 2016
  • April 12th, 2016 ( 12:50 PM EST – updated ) : (Unofficial )- It is reported on blog by attorney ( immigrationgirl ) that they have received about 40 email receipts of Premium Processing. What it means is that USCIS has already conducted lottery. We will keep you posted with updates. If I am not wrong, they are just drafting the press release now. Also, few of our users in community updated their case statuses, indicating that their cases were picked in lottery and their case is in processing mode. Check H1B Tracker . Also, below is screenshot from USCIS Case Status Check page of one of the FY 2017 H1B case that was picked in lottery and in premium processing.  So, it is confirmed the lottery is done ! USCIS H1B Case Status Update 2017
  • April 11th, 2016 : No official or unofficial update on cap number or the lottery. We are in waiting mode.
  • April 8th, 2016 : There are few Indian news sites stating that there was an interview with AILA president and they are guessing of having about 250,000 petitions filed this year. This is speculation, but as it comes from the president of AILA, it carries weight. We will NOT know the official number, until lottery is done and USCIS releases the press note. They also say that most of these were filed by Indian IT Companies like TCS, IBM. Below are the News articles that state this.
  • April 7th, 2016 ( Official ) : USCIS updated that H1B Cap for FY 2017 was reached today and there will be lottery. There were more than 20,000 petitions for Masters quota as well.  No lottery date is announced due to high volume. You can read full details Summary of the H1B FY 2017 Cap Reached News . Below screenshot is from USCIS site.
  • USCIS H1B Visa Cap Reached For FY 2017 April 6th, 2016 :  We are in waiting game…No update today either from either official or unofficial sources…
  • April 5th, 2016 :  As of today, No news updates either official or unofficial. We are just waiting…
  • April 1st, 2016 :  Official H1B 2017 season starts today. No news from USCIS or social media. If you are first time filing H1B, you should read  April 1st H1B Season Starts – What to expect ?
  • March 16, 2016 :  USCIS released a press note telling that they will accept petitions for FY 2017 from April 1st and the premium processing clock will start from May 16, 2016. Read more at USCIS to accept H1B petitions from April 1st

Key Timeline for H1B Lottery and Results, Premium Processing  : 

  • May 16th, 2016   May 12th, 2016 : ( Updated based on USCIS News on April 22nd ) USCIS Mentioned that Premium Processing will begin no later than May 12th, 2016. May 16th, 2016. Means that, if you filed your petition under premium processing, you will start to receive receipt notices, if you were selected in lottery around this date.
  • H1B 2017 Lottery Date :  You can expect the H1B lottery date to be in the week of April 11th, 2016.   Last year, the lottery was conducted on April 13th and the year before it was April 10th.
  • H1B 2017 Lottery Results : This depends on many factors and there is no hard fast date. Last year, USCIS did a news alert indicating that they have returned all the rejected petitions on July 14th. So, you can expect the last date for receiving lottery decision around mid July 2016. …depending on the number of petitions filed this year, it may be earlier or even later in July or even early August 2016…

Reference Articles related to H1B visa 2017 season :

H1B Visa 2016 Cap Count updates Tracking Table:

USCIS Update DateRegular H1B Cap (65,000)Advanced Degree Cap (20,000)Analysis and Cap Count Update Article.
April 7th, 2016  65,000 20,000 H1B Cap Reached
Remaining H1B Cap0 0

   

Other Articles

495 Comments

  1. Hi,

    Since 6 months, my H1 visa status looks like below.

    we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
    Our California Service Center office will begin working on your case again.

    I would like to know, what it can be, is there any chances to get get approval or it means rejected.

    Thanks,
    Chaitu

    Reply
  2. I am working at ABC company currently and XYZ company initiated H1B and it got approved 2 months back. I have been continuously asking for approval letter to fill DS160 and attend for stamping but yet to hear from XYZ. Recently I was informed that I need to wait for another 2 to 3 months for stamping (not sure of reasons).
    My question is, at this point of time can I approach any other employer say LMN who is willing to do H1 transfer?
    Is it possible for new employer LMN to initiate the process without approval letter?
    Currently I am located in Chennai.

    Reply
  3. Hi All,

    Is it true, for appls for which RFE was raised, that USCIS is changing status to ‘response to RFE received’ only for premium processing applications(atleast for now)???

    Reply
    • I don’t have Premium Processing but My status is ‘response to RFE received’ since Sept 28th..
      Due to heavy application, they are talking this much time.
      Hope for the best.

      Reply
  4. Dear Saurabh
    My case was approved in 20th October.
    Unfortunately none of 3 embassy around me haven’t any time for meeting and interview(they have available appointment for students but There are no available appointments for other visa type) until April 2017.
    I concern, What shall i do?
    Is there any limitation time for interview??
    Do you know a way to expedite this issue??

    Reply
    • Dear GODisGREAT,

      One of my friend also got selected on H1-B, He was planning to go to India.
      Unfortunately, he found out, all dates on December ’16/January ’17 were reserved.
      He kept checking everyday and eventually he got date on 5-6 January 2017.
      So many reserved dates got cancelled everyday, Just keep looking.

      Reply
  5. Hello Saurabh,

    My consultancy filed H1-b for me, got RFE and my lawyer responded with required documents on 28th September 2016 . In between, my client asked me to become full-time employee otherwise they will not continue with me. Is it recommended to change employer, while your H1-B application is still pending ?

    Reply
  6. Hello Saurabh,

    This year my h1b receipt was selected and it was being applied by one of design companies(TCS,CTS,etc..) Due to some personal reason I resigned that company and it could not be processed further after getting selected in lottery.

    My question is that can any other consultancy use this receipt by providing money and take it forward for this fiscal year? If not then can I reapply for next year. Will it be impacted?

    Reply
  7. Hi saurabh
    I am a divorcee and I have applied for MS in US. what will be the concerns in case of me getting a F1 and and my kid a F2. My ex husband holds visitation right over the kid and will that cause an issue? what would be the supporting documents that I have to be providing?

    Reply
  8. My status is still showing as “my case is received” there is no update in the status. I am really worried as it is November already and there is no update in my status after the lottery.

    Reply
  9. I have my application status as “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received” since August 10th.

    Any idea when should I get a response?

    Can I call them and check my status?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Hi Saurabh,

    Earlier i have seen my case status was like it is moved to another center due work load or so..

    Now i see status like below…

    On October 14, 2016, we mailed a request for additional evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number XXXXXXX.

    So is it like i need to submit evidence by December 14, 2016 ?

    I will not miss the deadline. Just for knowledge purpose i am asking, In case, if i miss to submit evidence by that time, is it like case is denied or do we get any chance again to submit evidences ?

    Long story but thank you for hearing and helping us.

    Reply
    • Deadline date will be provided in your notice that was sent to your attorney. Generally, Now a days USCIS is giving 90 days time to respond.

      Yes, Case will be denied if you will not submit evidence before deadline

      Reply
  11. Any news on H1b Interview Dates, i have got 15th Feb as first available appointment date. Is there any chance that dates would get shift early or not? Though I have booked the appointment as of now.

    Reply
  12. Hi,

    I have a small problem. My employer says my H1B application is approved. He is in the process of booking slot in October. But, in the USICS the status is still “Case Was Received”.

    Can this happen?..Is USICS not updating there data?

    Regards,
    Kumar

    Reply
  13. Hello – My Attorney has replied to H1B – RFE on 09/19 in PP. When can I expect to see the update on my case? Currently I dont see that USCIS has received the reply.
    We’ve submitted Client letter, Partner Letter, Expert Opinion Letter. Is this a common ask ? Can I be hopeful ? Sorry too may questions, I just learnt about this forum.

    Reply
  14. My Employer is saying my application got RFE and last date is 10th October. My Question is is it possible that RFE date will be after 1st October? If RFE date is after 1st October then when Can I expect result of RFE?

    Reply
    • RFE_H1B,

      USCIS usually gives 90 days to respond to RFE (or is it 60, not sure). So if the RFE was issued on Jul 10 or Aug 10, then Oct 10 deadline would be in line with that.

      Once RFE response is submitted, it may take few more months for it to be processed. Again, no SLA.

      Reply
  15. My H1B visa was approved but I recently learnt that I was 2-month pregnant. I would prefer to give birth in my home country and move to the USA on my H1b right after. If my employer agrees for me to start in June instead of October, will the USCIS accept that I post-pone my arrival in the USA? Is there a deadline to enter the US under my H1B visa? Should I wait until the baby is born to get the visa stamping? Thank you.

    Reply
    • H1b approved but pregnant,

      Congrats on the pregnancy. Yes, you can delay the travel if the employer agrees. Whenever you are ready to enter US, carry recently dated documents like offer letter, client/project letter (if applicable etc). The baby would need H-4 visa as well.

      Reply
  16. Hi!
    I got selected in the lottery and my employer applied via regular processing. I still have not received my approval notice. My employer says it’s against their policy to give out receipt numbers so I do not have any way to inquire from USCIS as well. I did my master’s in US and was to be working on OPT from Feb 2016. But couldn’t due to unforseen issues. My employer went ahead amd applied for my H1 so I could start by end of 2016.

    Is it normal that the processing is taking this long? When can I expect to have the approval? And if not, when should I stop keeping hope?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  17. Hi Admin,

    I received ‘Case transferred’ status in May and have been continuously visiting the website for change in status to either Approved or RFE or anything at all, but nothing seems happening. Any idea when i would get change in status?

    Case Transferred To Another Office
    On May 18, 2016, we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16148xxxxx, to another office for processing and sent you a transfer notice.

    Reply
  18. Hi Saurabh,

    Does USCIS process the cases with RFE too by Oct end? Is there any deadline for processing the cases for which a RFE was raised?

    Also, do they refund the application fees incase they reject the case after raising the RFE?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  19. Hi Team,

    I recevived an RFE for my application.

    And my employer had submitted the response to USICS. On USICS it is showing that RFE response had been received on 23rd august. And it is in normal procession. So could someone let me know, till when can i expect the reply/response from the USICS on the same.

    Thanks,
    Gaurav Kumar

    Reply
  20. My H1 B Case No Is EAC161445XXXX
    My Case is applied in Regular and still pending, What will be the decision time??

    On April 11, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC161445XXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 11, 2016, please call Customer

    Reply
  21. Hi Saurabh,

    My lawyer has not received any receipt notice neither any returned package. He says he has mailed to USCIS. This is standard procedure.
    If not heard from them till 31 August then only will call to USCIS.
    Is there any such procedure? USCIS mentioned on their site that any case like this can call USCIS for further assistance.

    Rgds,
    H1.2016

    Reply
    • H1.2016,

      As far as I know, they asked folks to contact them within 30 days of their early July press release if they didn’t receive the return package. So the attorney can contact now, but if they want to wait until Aug 31, it is not too far away either.

      Reply
  22. Saurabh, I am not sure whether my company submitted the Client Letter or not to USCIS but my case has been approved without RFE. So do I need to have client letter during the interview? What if I don’t get the client letter from my employer/client, is there any other document which can be shown instead of client letter during interview?
    How we can convince officer in this regard?

    Thanks,

    Reply
    • Rubi,

      Even though USCIS didn’t ask for client letter, consulate may ask for it. So it is always advisable to have it if you going to work for a client/project. They are pretty strict about client letter (if they want it). They would issue 221g and ask you to submit the same.

      Reply
      • I know Saurabh, but you know very well that client doesnt issue client letters so employer will not be able to provide us. So what all documents as an alternative to client letter can be presented to consulate in case candidate doesnt have that? There must be a solution in case candidate doesnt have client letter. Could you please guide on this?
        Or you are trying to say there is no alternative to client letter?

        Reply
        • Rubi,

          If the client has sent email mentioning their policy to not issue client letter, then take its print out. Next include a letter from someone high up in management chain vouching for your case saying that project is real and client letter is absent due to client’s policies.

          Reply
  23. Hi Saurabh,

    Kindly resolve a yet another doubt of mine.

    Can getting fiancees/wife’s name added just days before going for stamping cause suspicion? Can they use this reason to deny H1 stamping?

    If yes, kindly let me know how much time can be considered as safe period to get the name added before appearing for stamping interview.

    Thanks

    Reply
  24. Hi Saurabh,


    Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction
    On May 20, 2016, we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC161435****, to another USCIS office. That office now has jurisdiction over your case. We sent you a notice that explains why we moved your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your notice by June 19, 2016, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.”

    Any idea where my petition was moved…

    Regards
    Harry,

    Reply
    • I am sailing in a same boat brother.

      My receipt number is also (EAC161435XXXX), same series. Mine is also transferred to another office.

      Our cases are transferred to California centre. It was already declare by USCIS in Official alert. Please read second paragraph in below link

      https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-completes-data-entry-fiscal-year-2017-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions

      Thanks

      Reply
  25. Hello Saurabh,

    I was wondering, in case of H1b rejected after RFE’s or 2 consultancies applied for same applicant. What will happen next? Is there any hopes to apply afterwards, during this year may be in December? I mean application will reduce and slots may open right! I may have missed article on this, generally was not able to search this question.
    Thanks,
    G

    Reply
    • G******,

      IMO, USCIS accepts extra petitions to make-up for the ones that would be denied during processing. I haven’t seen any instances of them inviting more petitions later in the year.

      PS: Does your screen name really made up of all those asterisks or is something that is getting masked.

      Reply
  26. Hello Admin,

    My H1b Case got approved on 9th Aug. How long does it take for the petition to be received by beneficiary tentatively. Also in past, i have a B1 rejection in 2011 and L1b rejection in Jan 2016. Does earlier rejection would impact me for H1b Interview?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Rubi,

      Employer should receive the notice within 1-2 weeks. They can then share it w/ you at their own pace. Previous rejections will not cause an impact as long as they were not due to submission of false documents or information.

      Reply
      • Saurabh,

        No, rejections were not due to false information or documentation rather in B1 I was handed over booklet of 221 G and in L1b they told me my case is not of specialized knowledge. I hope these reason does not come under false information or documentation
        One more point I would like to consult is that I don’t have surname is passport and my name is Rubina and it sounds as Muslims name but I am Hindu by birth. So having Muslim name can be the reason for earlier rejections. I know it sounds weird but I am fed up of US visa rejections and feeling scared for H1b interview.
        Also, what is the best place to get prepared for H1b interview?

        Thanks,
        Rubina

        Reply
        • Rubi,

          These look like standard denials and should not impact H-1 stamping. Do you want to add a last name to your passport? There is an article about the issues one would face if last name is null. They give you visa/petition with first name as FNU (first name unknown) and last name as your given name.

          Reply
          • Saurabh, adding lastname in passport is not possible now as in all my educational documents my surname is not present.
            Also, in my DS-160 i filled first name as Rubina and last name as LNU for B1 and L1.
            And same was mentioned in L1b petition.
            So is it wise to put first name as FNU and last name as Rubina in H1b DS160 or shall i put same as i would get in H1b petition?

            Also could you please share the link of the issues, please?

            Thanks,
            Rubina

          • Saurabh, adding the last name in passport is not possible now as in all my educational documents my surname is not present.
            Also, in my DS-160 I filled the first name as Rubina and last name as LNU for B1 and L1.
            And same was mentioned in L1b petition.
            So is it wise to put the first name as FNU and last name as Rubina in H1b DS160 or shall I put same as I would get in H1b petition?

            Also could you please share the link of the issues, please?

            Also, I am not sure whether my company submitted the Client Letter or not to USCIS but my case has been approved without RFE. So do I need to have client letter also during the interview? What if I don’t get the client letter, is there any other document which can be shown instead of client letter during interview?

            Thanks,
            Rubina

          • Rubi,

            Here is the link the article I was talking about.

            If you are ok to have FNU, then complete DS form same as your H-1 petition.

  27. Hello Admin,

    My case (EAC16143XXXXX) was transferred to another office on 20th May 2016, then after i don’t receive any update on the same.
    I just see USCIS alert regarding transfer transition. please refer below link for more detail.

    https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/reminder-h-1b-workload-transfer-transition-period-ends-aug-31-2016

    Can you please explain in what is it about ?

    Waiting for your reply.

    Reply
    • H1bHopes,

      This doesn’t impact you, as the post is regarding the petitions transferred to Nebraska. Only cap-exempt petitions were transferred and yours is a cap-subject petition.

      Reply
      • Dear Admin,

        Mine was also transferred to new office . When i check my status it say ‘Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction’.

        Can you please explain what is cap-exempt petition & cap-subject petition ?

        Reply
        • H1bHopes,

          Your petition was moved to VT center to CA center. Your receipt number starts w/ EAC, correct?

          Cap-subject is when petition has to go through lottery; cap-exempt is when it doesn’t go through the lottery (like transfer, extension etc).

          Reply
          • Thanks for the explanation ?

            Yes, my receipt number starts from EAC16143XXXXX.

            I was not sure from Vermont where they transfer my case, but when I go through official USCIS alert in detail, they have clearly mention

            “Additionally, USCIS is transferring some Form I-129 H-1B cap subject petitions from the Vermont Service Center to the California Service Center to balance the distribution of cap cases.”

            https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-completes-data-entry-fiscal-year-2017-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions

            So you are right, it is transferred to California centre.

            Do you why It is very slow? As far as I know, It is taking longer than usual.

            Is there anybody here whose case was transferred and approve ?

            Waiting for the reply.

          • H1bHopes,

            Actually it looks normal delay to me. Every year the same thing happens. Most of them are processed by Oct, but some hang around until Dec.

    • Hello Admin,

      My H1b Case got approved on 9th Aug. How long does it take for the petition to be received by beneficiary tentatively. Also in past, i have a B1 rejection in 2011 and L1b rejection in Jan 2016. Does earlier rejection would impact me for H1b Interview?

      Reply
      • Thanks for the explanation 🙂

        Yes, my receipt number starts from EAC16143XXXXX.

        I was not sure from Vermont where they transfer my case, but when I go through official USCIS alert in detail, they have clearly mention

        “Additionally, USCIS is transferring some Form I-129 H-1B cap subject petitions from the Vermont Service Center to the California Service Center to balance the distribution of cap cases.”

        https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-completes-data-entry-fiscal-year-2017-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions

        So you are right, it is transferred to California centre.

        Do you why It is very slow? As far as I know, It is taking longer than usual.

        Is there anybody here whose case was transferred and approve ?

        Waiting for the reply.

        Reply
  28. Hi Saurabh,
    Hope you doing well
    Do you why Vermont service center is very slow?????
    As far as i know, other service center have given first answer to all premium and now they work on regular processing but in Vermont one , they work on premium case for first response yet.
    I am looking forward hear from you soon,

    Reply
    • God is Always Great,

      I don’t know the exact reason why they are slow but they both process PP before the RPs. Maybe they have more work load (more petitions filed), or less employees. Who knows.

      Reply

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