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H1B Visa 2017 – News, Quota, Cap, Predictions, Lottery, FAQs

If you were one of the unlucky ones not picked in whopping 233,000 H1B 2016 Lottery Applications , you might be already wondering when is the next H1B season going to start.  Also, some of you may be studying in US and some working abroad and planning to work in US next year. This page will be constantly updated with the latest details and commonly asked questions around the next upcoming H1B Visa fiscal year of 2017 season news and updates.
[alert type=”warning” close=”false” heading=”H1B Visa Cap reached for FY 2017, Lottery Done “]  On April 7th, H1B Cap for FY 2017 was reached. Lottery was done on April 9th. Read News Summary – Over 236,000 Petitions for FY2017 [/alert]

When will the H1B visa 2017 season start ? Date ?

Short answer April 1st 2016. Typically, USCIS will start to accept petitions for the next fiscal year starting from April 1st of the previous fiscal year. USCIS fiscal year is from October 1st to September 30th. So, for H1B quota of fiscal year 2017, which starts from October 1st, 2017, USCIS would typically accept applications from April 1st, 2016.  The H1B Visa 2016 season started on April 1st of 2015.  Also, in the H1B Rejected Notices of 2016, USCIS mentioned that, the non-selected candidates can file H1B petitions for FY 2017 on or after April 1st, 2016.

USCIS announced on March 16th, 2016 that they will accept FY 2017 petitions from April 1st, 2016. Read Summary of USCIS press release FY 2017 .
Also, we have written an article summarizing on What to expect in H1B FY 2017 Season 

What is H1B 2017 Cap ? What are the H1B 2017 Quota numbers ? Regular vs Masters ?
If you new to H1B, I suggest you read All about H1B Visa Cap- Regular vs Masters. In simple terms H1B cap is a congressional mandated maximum number of petitions that USCIS can accept in a year.  As of now, below are the H1B cap number for fiscal year 2017.  The below numbers are confirmed in press release by USCIS on Mar 16, 2016.

  • Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
  • H1B Master’s Degree Quota ( only US Master Degrees) : 20,000
  • Out of the above, a total of 6,800 is usually set aside for Singapore and Chile citizens as part of the free trade agreement between them.

There have been many discussions around change in H1B cap numbers by Obama administration since 2013. The planned proposal was to increase the regular quota cap to 110,000 and Masters quota to 25,000.  No changes for FY 2017, the above numbers of 65,000 and 20,000 are officially confirmed by USCIS in their press release.

What is H1B Visa 2017 Prediction? Will there be Lottery again for FY 2017

Update :  USCIS Updated on April 12th, 2016 that they have received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota and the lottery was completed on April 9th.

Looking at the past trend of H1B season in the past three years, we could very likely have lottery for FY 2017. Last year for FY 2016 quota, there were 233,000 applications. We have done a detail analysis with the H4 Visa EAD rule in place considering the economy, students graduating, OPT news, etc.  You should read  article H1B Visa 2017 Lottery Prediction News, results, Date .

If H1B lottery, will there be any preference in lottery for Large companies ? Premium Processing 
Well, no preference for anyone, all are treated equally, including premium processing. There are many such misconceptions about lottery process, we have compiled a list of such myths and criteria, you should read Myths of H1B Lottery, Criteria

When to plan for H1B visa 2017 Application ? How soon ? What should be the strategy ?
It is never too late to start planning for your H1B 2017 season. If you plan to work in US on H1B visa in the next coming fiscal year, below are some suggestions based on your situation.

  • F1 Student in USA : If you are studying on F1 visa and about to graduate in next one year, you should seriously look at finding an internship or co-op at companies that can sponsor your H1B visa. You can search for H1B Sponsors in a particular area using our H1B Sponsors Search Tool and try to get an internship to work there on CPT or OPT after you graduate. This is a strategic move and will require sometime, so plan well.
  • Professional from outside USA : If you are a working professional outside US, planning to work in US on H1B, your best bet is to find Multinational companies that have major US presence and secure a job there, so that you can position internally for applying to H1B visa, when the season starts. This is a very strategic decision, you need to carefully assess your options, speak to the company if such options exist and then only choose it.
  • Other H4, L1 Visas : If you are on these visas, your best bet is to find companies just like I mentioned for F1 students that sponsor H1B visas and start interviewing and keeping the conversation going so that you can ask them to file H1B when the season starts.

We have put together a Step by Step Plan on How to apply for H1B 2017 Quota

How do I find a H1B Visa Sponsor – The most asked million dollar question ?
If you are student in the US, it is very straight forward, you find the list of H1B Sponsoring companies using the tool in an area as I mentioned above and get an internship in one of them so that they can sponsor your H1B visa.   Unlike, if you are coming from outside US, it can be tricky.  If you work for an Multinational company ( MNC), then they will have some internal process to pick the candidates and then process H1B visa for them…The other option that has been used and abused is the consulting companies route…Many a times, the H1B aspirants approach a body shop IT consulting company to file H1B for them and they apply for the same. It gets nasty with the body shop consulting companies.  The comments on this H1B Companies Reviews article are quite eye opening. I advise, you beware of the consulting companies and avoid fraud.  Also, WE as RedBus2US do NOT provide any guidance or assistance or sponsor anything. If someone claims that, it is pure fraud and they are trying to trick you, we are not responsible for that. Please be careful. Anyways, for various other options , You may read article How to find H1B 2017 Sponsors

What is the H1B visa 2017 filing fee ? Is it same or any changes ?
It changed slightly this year with the Omnibus Bill passed in December 2015, that will increase the H1B filing fee by $4000 for FY 2017, until 2025 for certain companies that have over 50 employees and have more than 50% of their employees as H1B or L1 visa holders in USA.  Check USCIS Guidelines on H1B Fee increase. Depending on the size of the company, the H1B filing fee can vary anywhere from $1,600 USD to $7,400 USD + Attorney Fee. There are various fees components that make up this number range, for more details Read Summary of H1B Filing Fee 2017 – Who pays for What ? . Below is a high level summary. Also, one key change is that,  there was $2000 USD additional filing fee as per Public Law 111-230, this law expired on Sep 30, 2015 and that is not included anymore.

H1B Fee ComponentFee in USD
 Base filing fee$325
AICWA Fee$750  or $1,500
Fraud prevent & detection fee$500
Fee based on Public Law 114-113 ( if applicable)$4000
Premium processing fee (Optional)$1,225
Immigration Attorney FeeVaries from $500 to $3000

What about Comprehensive Immigration Reform(CIR) and Obama Executive Actions for H1B 2017 Quota Increase ? 
There has been many articles and discussions since 2013 around immigration reform by President Obama and changes around and some like below have been discussed in the last couple of years, nothing moved significantly.

  • H1B Cap to be increased from 65,000 to 110,000 per year.  Also have provisions to have it up to 180,000 in case of extreme demand.
  • Advanced degree from US cap quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000
  • The Filing fee for H1B could go up to 10,000 USD  ( Part of this came up as the fee increase in Omnibus Bill )
  • Additional H1B rules to avoid H1B Visa fraud by employers
  • Mandatory LCA posting for 30 days before it is certified.

The current status on all of the above are basically “No updates”,  there are no set deadlines for any of them and none of these are happening for FY 2017. You may read Summary of CIR Changes to H1B . Officially as per press release on March 16, 2016, the H1B cap is confirmed to be 65,000 for regular and 20,000 for masters…hence, no changes.

What is LCA for H1B Visa ? Processing times ?
LCA is a form that has to be filed with US Dept of Labor and get it certified before filing H1B petition with USCIS. It has to be sent along with H1B Package to USCIS.  It has all the relevant information about the job position like wage, location, title, etc. It takes about 7 working days for processing of the LCA by US Dept of Labor (DOL). You can read complete details at Why is LCA Needed for H1B – Processing Time, Salary 

H1B Visa 2017 Premium Processing Time :

USCIS Updated in their original press release on March 16, 2016 that the premium processing will begin no later than May 16, 2016.  But, on April 22nd, they updated that the premium processing for FY 2017 will begin on May 12th, 2016. What it means is that the official 15 calendar day SLA for premium processing petitions will be starting from 12th.  USCIS may process the petitions early as well, but officially their clock starts on that day.

H1B 2017 Case Tracker  :
Did you apply for FY 2017 ?  We have put together a tracker along with good graphs for analysis. It is completely anonymous as we do not capture your case number or any personal information. It is community contributed data, the more you add, the better for everyone, including  You !

[prompt type=”left” title=”Track your H1B Case” message=” Anonymously Track your H1B Case – Share and Get updated from Community.” button_text=”H1B 2017 Case Tracker” href=”https://redbus2us.com/trackers/h1b-visa-tracker/”]

Most Recent News of FY 2017 H1B
Below is the most recent news regarding H1B 2017 season. You can check the updates page as indicated below for the full history and details.

  • 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 
  • May 2nd, 2016 ( Official Update ) : USCIS updated that data entry is complete for selected petitions in lottery. if you were selected, you should receive receipt notices in 2 to three weeks. If not, the chances are very slim to get selected. You should look at your plan B.  Read H1B Data Entry Complete Article for full details
  • April 22nd, 2016 : (Official Update) USCIS Updated that they will start premium processing from May 12th, instead of May 16th.
  • April 12th, 2016 – 6:30 PM EST : Official Update :  USCIS released a press note that H1B lottery was completed on April 9th and they received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota. Read Press Release Summary  
  • April 12th, 2016 – 11:50 AM CST ( Unofficial Update ) : 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.

[prompt type=”left” title=”H1B 2017 – Latest News Updates” message=” Most recent and complete history of all latest breaking news updates from Official sources like USCIS and Unofficial sources for FY 2017 Season.” button_text=”Latest H1B 2017 News” href=”https://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-2017-cap-count-updates-tracker-news/”]

When is the next H1B Season ?

The next H1B season starts on April 1st, 2017.  Wondering about your next chance for H1B and various details about the next H1B season, check out H1B Visa 2018 FAQs

Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017 ?

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

We have many more FAQs around H1B Visa 2017. We will continue to keep updating the page with latest news and updates regarding FY 2017. Bookmark this page and keep checking for updates.

   

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23,619 Comments

    • I took for December but i am not ready yet with documents or list of documents. Since i have two more months, i will prepare documents accordingly. Please let me know if you get to know about list of documents, it would be helpful for me as well.

      Thanks

      Reply
    • @ Rubi

      I have got my slot booked this Oct month end for Chennai location, documents i will be taking are,

      1. DS 160 confirmation
      2. PAI interview confirmation
      3. I797 petition approval
      4. LCA
      5. I129
      6. Previous employer records
      7. Educational documents
      8. Passport current + old
      9. US Visa passport photo (for safety)
      10. Current organization employment letter + Experience letter + ID card
      11. Last 6 Months pay slip.
      12. Latest Resume

      I think this should be enough if you are working in a MNC company.

      Reply
    • Comments are not moving these days 🙁 not sure everyone got their decision. I’m still waiting for case transferred with jurisdiction but looks like USCIS simply throw RFE for transferred cases.

      Really worried after 6 + months of damn waiting time 🙂
      Waiting is the only option. Suresh posted he upgraded to premium and his friends.

      Anyone from Suresh group received updates?

      Please keep us posted and make this page more active 🙂

      Reply
      • Yes. RFE cases also . Please update guys. I am in RFE. Don’t know how much time will take to submit and also to get approval.

        Reply
        • After RFE, You will have a 30 days time or the time mentioned for you in the mail from USCIS to submit the further documents that has been asked. once you submit the document your case will be changed to repsonce to RFE has been recievied. and after that it might take maximum of 60 days time to give the decision back to you. Wait with patience or go for a PP.

          Reply
  1. Hey guys!

    For the people who updated from regular to premium:

    How long did it take from USCIS received your upgrade until you got a new response (Approval, RFE) ?.

    Thanks!

    Reply
      • Hey,

        It is actually 15 calendar days processing time for premium (not working days).

        I am asking if those who upgraded could share how long it took in their specific case. Not how long it can take.

        Reply
  2. I see so many people trying to change their sponsor as soon they got approved. Personally i feel people should have moral responsibility to work for their sponsor, after all they invested in you hoping you would work for them.

    Little more than 3 years ago, i guess, i had this dialogue with a consultancy marketing guy who said employees are worse than employers to be trusted with H1B. i disagreed at that time.

    May be that is why small companies do not even dare to sponsor without bonds and so.

    Any way it does not mean you can consultancies with your money. its ok to go with bonds but no money deposits. because most are Nigerian princes

    Reply
    • There is no end of Greed. You will find these type of people everywhere in the world. I am agree with you that people should be commited and they should self respect. They should not cheat anyone if they commited.

      @Suresh You just chill and keep it up your good work.

      Reply
        • We have to switch. as only for the H1 B purpose they suck all the blood for more than 3 to 4 years in MNCs and also they wont give immediate changes to the H1B quota immediately after joining to a new company saying that “At least one year they have to serve the company and observe the behavior of the employee.”

          We are in the latest trend we have to utilize the opportunities and betterment of career growths. If companies are in recession no one will show you sympathy except pink slips.

          H1B Needer

          Reply
  3. Hi ,
    I have got my H1B approved on august 19,2016. My consultancy says they did not receive the hard copy of approval document still and asked me to wait until they receive the document. What would be the next step? When is the next interview slot available in chennai?

    Reply
  4. Hi Saurabh,

    Is it possible I will get RFE if I have not submitted transcripts? Though I have submitted all marksheet and certificates. Please guide me.

    Thank you

    Reply
  5. Hi Saurabh,

    I need your suggestion on Below case.

    My H1-B got approved recently.
    I planning take my wife with me for visa stamping(Raised H4-S request in my organization).
    She had passport, but my (Spouse) name is not added in passport.
    But i have added her (Spouse)name in my passport.
    Will it be any problem..? Both should have add Spouse name on their passport..?

    I am in big confusion. Could you please suggest on this.

    Thanks,
    Pune_H1B_2ndTimer

    Reply
    • Hi Pune_H1B_2ndTimer,

      It’s not required. It is more than enough if either of your passport has the spouse name. In my case, my name was there in my wife passport and i’ve traveled to US without any issue.

      Reply
      • pune_H1B.. Thank you for the reply. I am waiting for few more people respond. Saurabh… I will be happy, if heard from you. Plz reply me

        Reply
    • Having marriage certificate is enough. Me and my husband did not have each others names in passports. They sometimes ask for marriage certificate and to few people i heard they asked for some marriage photos.

      Reply
    • Pune_H1B_2ndTimer,

      It should be fine as is. The officer just needs to be convinced that you both are married and this can be shown through variety of documents like passports w/ names endorsed, marriage certificate, wedding card and/or wedding album.

      Reply
  6. All,
    at this pace of processing. Assume 300 application are being processed everyday.

    Total of 10,000 application remaining in EAC. 10,000/300 = 33.33 ~ 34 DAYS.

    For all applicants to receive their processing updates. It would take time till around 10-15 NOVEMBER.

    Fingers crossed!

    Reply
    • Series EAC161445**** is the slowest,they processed just 50 cases from wed till date!!
      Still 1100 approx are pending it would take 5 weeks!
      But isnt that ridiculous people r eligible to fly from 01 oct and till now they havent finished .
      There should be some deadline!!

      Reply
    • Current speed of processing cases indicates Vermont center is not interested in completing the unprocessed case this year, only
      109 & 218 cases on Monday and Tuesday.

      Reply
  7. Saurabh,

    I have a serious situation. I applied for H1B from employer A and got an approval. Now i want to join employer B, but i have signed offer letter with employer A.
    Can employer A create any kind of legal issues?

    Urgent.

    Reply
    • You can’t work for employer B with employer A’s H1B visa. You will need to ask B to apply H1B transfer and then work for them after approval and stamped. Hope your A don’t create any legal issues.

      Reply
  8. My case number is in EAC1614354XXX series…..still status is in ‘Case Received’….Anyone in the same series still waiting …..?

    Reply
  9. Hi All,

    Today WAC has started the process the cases at 9:00 AM PST and I got notification in my app few of the applications got approved which are converted to premium processing on Sep 23rd.

    Reply
  10. All,

    Could anyone help me with legit consultancy company who could file my H1B next year? I am working for a reputed company in USA. My visa is not picked up in lottery this year and it would be my last chance to apply for H1B next year. Reading through the blogs, I came to know that multiple H1B petitions from different employers are perfectly legal, and I like to opt help from the consulting company as a backup option. I would truly appreciate the suggestion.

    Reply
    • As far i know no consultancies do file with their money.

      Going with consultancies that charge you is extremely dangerous. They have many ways to cheat you.

      for example, what would you do if they kept money as free interest and did not file or filed but kept premium processing money with them.

      just a few examples. do not trust consultancies better find genuine sponsors.

      Reply
  11. Hi,

    My H1 got RFE at the end of July and submitted the RFE docs on first week of Aug. Still waiting for approval. May I know when I can expect the approval?
    My case number starts with WAC….
    Anybody got approval who got RFE around this period???

    Reply
  12. CURRENT WAITING TIME
    ————————————
    Looks promising , Is it realistic.

    http://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-2017/comment-page-113/#comment-1029801

    Chennai – 2 Days
    Mumbai – 9 Days
    Hyderabad – 15 Days
    Delhi – 4 Days
    Kolkata – 3 Days

    Reply
  13. @Saurabh –> Company ‘xyz’ applied H1 for me. And I got good role in big company ‘abc’ , home country. As my h1 approved, can I transfer my h1 to company ‘abc’ even before I enter US. If yes, what should be detailed steps…please email me

    Reply
  14. Guys,

    People who are waiting to book their H1b visa stamping slots the dates are available from 5th OCT for CHENNAI location.

    All the best ?

    Reply
  15. Good News for all H1 and L1 Visa!!

    Just received following email from USTravel Docs. Please reschedule your appointments.

    “Greetings from the U.S. Embassy / Consulate,

    Due to Scheduling changes, those applicants who have applied for a H (H1 and H4) or L (L1 and L2) visa appointment in the month of January and February 2017 are hereby requested to reschedule their appointments to a convenient date in the month of October 2016 and November 2016, if it suits your schedule and travel plans. Embassy/Consulate has made appointment available for the H & L visa class in October and November 2016. You may like to avail these ad hoc appointments. All you have to do is reschedule both your Visa Application Center appointment and the Embassy/Consulate appointment. There is NO NEED to contact the call center or customer support— Please login to your profile and reschedule both your appointments.

    Please note: This email communication is for all those applicants that have applied for H & L visa appointment. Other visa category applicants may continue with their existing appointment”

    ~Nero

    Reply
  16. Mine is Receipt number is EAC161475**** and it shows “Case Transferred To Another Office” when can we expect this status change?

    Reply
  17. Mine is Reciept number is EAC161475**** and it shows “Case Transferred To Another Office” when can we expect this status change?

    Reply
  18. Can we expect any approval on Monday evening IST (MONDAY MORNING USA)??.

    Or real numbers will come only on tuesday evening IST?.

    THANK YOU

    Reply
  19. Any one from Infy whose petition got approved in USCIS received any update in GICS? My petition got approved on 14-sep but no update in GICS yet, Its already been more than 2 weeks.

    Reply
    • H1B_Infy – Buddy, their SLA is 3 weeks to update in the system. Even for me it’s not yet updated and I got my approval on 12th Sept. I had raised an AHD and got to know all this. Please have patience. Your status might get updated this week and I am hoping the same for mine too. 🙂

      Reply
    • Yes, I got the same reply from GI Team. The lead time is 4 weeks, mine was approved on 22nd Sep.

      Please let us know if you are going for stamping. All the best!!

      Reply
      • Sure, I am just eager on getting my status updated GICS cos stamping dates are available in OCT and NOV. Good Luck for stamping!!

        Reply
  20. Hi Saurabh,

    Somewhere in Blog I read that company A( sponsoring company) can withdraw my application prior to September 30 only(H1b filed this year). Now I have got good offer and planning to transfer my H1b to Company B. Now by any chance, company A can withdraw my H1b application as Sept 30 is already passed?
    Please note H1b is yet to approve.
    2. Is I797C is sufficient to transfer Visa?

    Reply
    • I don’t think so. I have seen many examples of my friends and few seniors as well where they tried to negotiate it with their new employer to transfer the H1B with only I-797C and in some cases with the petition approval (I-797B, i guess) too but all in vain. I am in touch with those people and they regret not having their visa stamped before leaving their employer which filed them. As a word of caution, they advise me not to leave my employer before getting the visa stamped (nor do I intend to leave my current employer though).

      Reply
      • Missed the ‘not yet approved’ part in your comment. If you’re waiting for your approval then there is no way you can switch employers and expect the new employer to transfer the H1B from your current employer coz your current employer will withdraw your petition as soon as it gets to know that you have resigned. So a big NO.

        Reply
    • H1b_Aspirant

      Agree w/ H1B_approved’s comment. They can withdraw anytime they want. If it has not been approved, then you cannot use it for cap-exempt (H-1 transfer) purposes. You will have to go through the cap again.

      Reply
  21. HI,

    Did any one from the series EAC1614250XXX get approval?It has been showing as “Case was Received” since April .

    HOw can i come to know whether this series has started or not yet. Also is there any website\portal where we can get day to day status.

    Any information in this regard is highly helpful for me. Thanks in Avance.

    Regards
    Radhakrishna

    Reply
      • I’m also waiting in that series. Eac1614652###… hope by end of this month we should get some answer to our waiting..

        Reply
    • My wife and child is f2 status. If my case approved by this time, will they can fly with f2 visa or they need h4 stamping before they fly in USA? TIA

      Reply
      • If you are on F1, then your spouse and child are eligible only for F2 visa, they cannot get H4. Usually H1B dependents get H4 visa.

        Reply
        • Currently I m f1, my wife and child is in f2 status, but I m waiting for my h1b approval, I have upgraded it in premium processing last week, that’s why I m asking that question that Will they can fly with f2 or they need to h4 stamping before they fly to USA?Will be greatful if u clear my confusion. Thanks for ur previous reply Kumar.

          Reply
          • Samarah,
            It totally depends on your status, when they fly. If you are on F1 on the day you fly, they will have to be on F2…if the day they fly, you are on H1B, then they will need to be on H4. Based on the timing and travel, you will need to plan accordingly. The primary reason is that they are your dependents and your status determines their status.

  22. Hi Saurabh,

    I am in a situation that I got h1 approved from xyz company while for ABC company in India. As there are some immediate onsite opening from ABC, Can I get the petition changed and get the h1b stamping from ABC company without creating any problems. Or is it really possible?

    Regards
    H1b Autum

    Reply
    • If you got the i797 approval letter, then you can do a H1 transfer with cap exempt. But your current company should agree for this. If you don’t have i797, then it is difficult. You have to get a copy of it from xyz company somehow. Please make sure you dont have any contract signed with xyz company, it may cause legal issues.

      Reply
  23. Hello All,

    Anyone from TCS who has received approval? I am still waiting for any update on my petition status for the last five months now. 🙁

    Reply
    • Same here. Sent many mails to visa dept. in the organisation. Every time they replied back saying ‘You will be notified as soon as your petition Approve or RFE or Denied by USCIS. No follow-ups required from your end.’

      Reply
        • Same here, my status was updated to ‘Selected in Lottery’ in August last week.
          But no update since then.Only getting this reply on emails
          ‘You will be notified as soon as your petition Approve or RFE or Denied by USCIS. No follow-ups required from your end.’
          Not even got the receipt number

          Reply
          • Guys can we start a WhatsApp group to discuss on this and to be notified when someone’s gets updated

    • Last month, I got an email from Chennai visa team about my RFE and I responded them in 10 days. Now, waiting for any further update from them.

      Reply
  24. Hi Saurabh, Kumar, All,

    My case status is still showing “case was received”. I got a receipt number on the last day of data entry by USCIS.(MAY 2nd 2016).

    Are the applications picked for processing is based on their data entry date?…and hence the delay processing?..

    Any input is highly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Jack,

      There is a link mentioned in the comments that shows tracker for different petition series. You can look there to see if your series has been picked-up and progress has been made.

      Reply
      • My RFE was about Employer-Employee relationship and availability of speciality occupation. My employer took close to 1.5 month to file response to RFE

        Reply
        • I too got the same RFE and its been a month and my employer is still working on the documents.
          Did you upgrade to premium while submitting the RFE response?

          How long it has been since you submitted the RFE response?

          Reply
          • Non-AD/RP/VT

            No, did not upgrade to premium. It was submitted last week. What documents are you filing against RFE?

          • If employer submit RFE response early, then is there any possibility of processing the petition early or uscis wait for their specified period of 90 days?

          • Employer informed me that he will be submitting documents like

            1. Previous year Tax submissions of Employer
            2. And client letters to show enough work during the petition period
            3. Listing out the required matching skills of me to the current projects

            I am thinking whether to upgrade premium for faster processing from USCIS on submitting the documents.

  25. Got an RFE at the last week of Sept. My lawyer told me that the RFE issued is because uscis clerk who happend to review my file is not aware that my field of work or profession needs to be a bachelors degree and required the employer the lists of my duties and responsibilties.

    Are they not aware that most of medical professions especially nurses are bachelors degree? Will this be a serious matter? I am worried now. Any advice or suggestions please? Thankyou.

    Reply
    • Hello…. Feeling Disappointed
      They dont have much idea of about professional courses conducted in India. They want academic credential evaluation from Trustforte or from National Council of state board of nursing USA. I am an Occupational from India. I also got RFE related to academic credentials.

      Reply
      • Hi anand,

        Thankyou, but I really wonder why they have to question if the applicant is need to be a bachelors degree since as we all know that all applicants for h1b are really suppose be a bachelors degree. Am I right? And also, the documents we submitted before the lottery includes education credential evaluation. For now, all I have to do is to wait and pray that everything will be fine after the submission of rfe response 🙁

        Reply
    • Hi Simi, you need to keep a look on the interview dates. As earlier it was showing in Feb 2017 in delhi and i booked that but i kept on checking and luckily got date in end of OCT. Its a homework which we have to do.
      FYI, right now earliest date is 3rd Oct in delhi.

      Reply
  26. Hello Guys / Sourabh

    Finally my case got approved after 5 months.
    Case Received — > Case Approved
    Please clear my doubts –
    1. I want to file dependent visa when should I do that.Will that be done by the employer or I can also do that.?
    2. I can see waiting time in Delhi is showing 128 days .How does that work.Is that the actual time.

    Please help.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi,

      Coat would be bear by your employer even for your dependents as wel. You are not supposed to pay a single penny. While raising your Visa request in your company portal add your dependent details along with you.

      You need to keep a look on the interview dates. As earlier it was showing in Feb 2017 in delhi and i booked that but i kept on checking and luckily got date in end of OCT. Its a homework which we have to do.
      FYI, right now earliest date is 3rd Oct in delhi.

      Reply
      • Rubina

        when i trying to check at https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/ site for visa availabilty dates, it shows First Available Appointment Is Tuesday October 4, 2016. will this be same after i pay the fee?

        Reply
    • H1bApproved,

      1. It could be done by either. Talk to your employer to ask their policy on it. Some employers do all the leg work and take care of expenses as well.
      2. Look at the wait time again as it has now been reduced to few weeks.

      Reply
  27. After a loooooong wait of around 5+ months, its an RFE. 😀

    It clearly shows that, God has some really great and long term plans for me. 😉

    Just saw the status on uscis website. Waiting for “the reason” once visa team receives some. Good Luck to all those who are waiting.

    Reply
    • they actually have to make a case for RFE too, if an application has all the valid information and documents, then they can not RFE.
      The RFE counts would be increased due to higher number of processes, but if you actually see the numbers, the increase is only because of the faster processing than before.
      So in my opinion RFE would only come if you didn’t provide enough data, like the education is not dirrectly linked to the job description or relationship between consultancies’ vendor, client ( what ever the analogy in the service world is) hasn’t been provided etc.

      Reply
      • i really dont understand why there are so many RFEs this year. This is unusual looking at the past records.

        But anyways lets be positive and face it.

        Reply
      • Even I received RFE yesterday.hope it gets approved after submitting the required documents

        Saurabh when can we expect RFE mail from USCIS from attorney.Is there any ETA for this.

        My receipt number EAC1614250***?

        CASE TRANSFERRED ON 18TH MAY

        RFE ON 30TH SEP

        Reply
    • Hi WaitingForApproval,

      I am also waiting for the approval from WAC1614250*** serious from last 6 months. I hope we will get the updates by next couple of weeks in Oct.

      Thanks

      Reply
  28. Finally_Approved… case EAC16148522**

    Finally got approval today.. All the best to those who are in waiting… Feeling great.. now need to find the first available date at Mumbai consulate……hope will get soon

    Reply

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