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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

  1. Hi,

    I am working for company X on L1-B and they have sponsored by H1 with COS. I was in Toronto on a business trip on Oct 25 and my H1 was approved on Oct 26. I wasn’t aware that it was approved and I entered US with my L1-B on Oct 27.

    Now my I-94 for sure had H1-B for 2 days and as soon as I entered in US on L1 it again got changed from H1 to L1.

    My question is:- Does this impact my H1 ? Can I go back to India and get stamped for H1 and come back again.

    Note: I have valid L1 until Dec 2017.

    Thanks in Advance !!!

    Reply
    • Hi ChaloUS,
      Incase of COS once it is approved you can no longer work on L1B. U only have H1B legally.

      But i think stamping in india should be fine for you.

      Check with your attorney.

      Reply
      • Jack, you are wrong. Since he re-entered US with L1, he is on L1 now and he can continue to work on L1 till the expiry. Only thing his L1 to H1 COS got invalidated and he has to go out of US and get the H1 stamped and enter in H1 status if he wish. Thats it, there is no legal complication. dont worry !!

        Reply
  2. It’s November from today still in received status. Anyone know what is the deadline for getting the first break at least ?

    Reply
    • Same Recieved status for many months…Lots of waiting for first time in my life….
      Really now I am feeling like if I get RFE also no issues instead of the same old recieved status.

      Reply
      • Even I am Also waiting for long time, once i verified with lawyer he is saying “Verifying previous immigration history that’s why its delayed.
        But i doesn’t have any previous immigration.

        Reply
  3. Guys finally my case got Approved.
    Series: WAC16147**
    Received RFE : July second week (SOW and client letter)
    Response for RFE received : Aug 10
    Case Approved : Oct 31 (After 80 days of waiting)

    All who are waiting for approval dont lose your hope. All the best for all.

    Thanks for this forum it helped a lot …..

    Reply
  4. Hi Saurabh/Kumar,

    I received an RFE two weeks ago. My attorney has asked me to get the following documents:
    Experience letters from former employers detailing position title, job duties, and the dates employed at each place. USCIS is questioning qualifications for the position, so we have to get an educational and work experience evaluation.

    My first company, who I worked with 9 years ago has shut shop.
    My Current employer only gives an experience letter with Job Title and number of years worked, but no job description.

    Please help how I can produce these documents. What are the alternate options I have ? Kindly give your inputs

    Reply
    • Raj H1b,
      I tibk there is a way out here. For this kind of cases, you need to have your documents notary and/or affidavit(mentioning the exact scenario/details required by USCIS). But those documents need to be signed by authorized person of respective company. But as u said it’s shuts down check with your attorney. I am sure there is a way as for other country immigration its the same situation for thousands of ppl.

      Don’t worry. There always a way out.

      Admin can add more.

      Reply
      • Few years back my friend was in same state and his attorney asked him to get sign from his colleagues from those companies in case company is shut. He did that and got visa as well.

        Reply
    • @RajH1B

      Similar thing happened with my spouse for I-140 approval. He worked for X and Y company. and accidentally X was overtaken by Y. Y gave letter without any delay, but X was not ready to give because it wasn’t in their policy.

      So another option is to give affidavit from Manager. Fortunately, Manager was in USA. But he did not give affidavit. He said he wants to go back to India and dont want to do any legal related activities in USA (Because affidavit is bounded with US laws). It was extremely demotivating for us.

      Another option attorney suggested was, at least 3-4 peers/colleagues affidavit with same format (More the better). I dont know whether it will work or not. In the meantime, Company X gave letter with special approval from HR head. But it took about 60+ days to get it.

      Reply
  5. Hi Guys,

    My case was approved on 28th october. It was an RFE case, the RFE was about Employee-Employer relationship. The response was sent on 24th October and surprisingly on 28th October the case was approved in RP within a week.

    Thank you admins and others for all the support.
    All the best who are still waiting.

    Reply
  6. Would be appearing for my interview tomorrow. Am confused about the designation that needs to be mentioned when asked as at offshore we have one job title that is different from what it would be at onsite location. The role and responsibilities remains unchanged. It was clearly instructed to mention the designation that we have at offshore in DS160. So it is not a question of any misleading or false information.
    Has anyone faced a similar situation? Please let me know

    Reply
  7. Can anyone please clarify on H1B petition rejection is not same as Visa rejection. If H1B Petition denied, do I require to mention this petition rejection in any of the future H1B or L1 type applications when they asked about previous visa rejections. Thanks for your help on clarifying basic doubt.

    Reply
  8. Hi Saurabh,

    I have to provide US org chart for my RFE. I am confused if I restrict my org chart to my project heirarchy or should it be expanded to show higher managment levels as well. Please advise.

    Thanks
    Rohit

    Reply
    • Hi,

      I have submitted till my organization level ie till ceo. Like from you to your manager to your account manager to his manager till ceo. Ours is a mid org of 10000 people. Have they asked sow? Do you have it till next year or this year?

      Reply
  9. Finally my case got approved.
    RP/Non-AD/EAC16144XXXXX
    Received RFE on 16th Sep,
    ER Responded on 26th Sep,
    Got approved on 28th Oct

    Just one last step for the accomplishment.

    All the very best to all aspirants.

    Reply
  10. OCTOBER 29, 2016 13:42:45 CDTREPLY PAI exp.
    I had my visa interview in KOLKATA location few days back.

    VO: Good Morning, How are you doing.
    Me: Good morning officer, i am doing good, how are you doing.
    VO: m good. Thank you, Can i have your passport and I-797.
    Me: sure
    VO: So you are working for XXX company?
    Me: Yes
    VO: Whats your exp.
    Me: told
    VO: who is your end client?
    Me: told
    VO: Oh grt!
    VO: whats your qualification?
    Me: told
    VO: Have you gone through the pamphlet that has been provided to you (it was provided in Embassy itself before interview)
    Me: Yes
    VO: Do you have any doubt on anything.
    Me: Not yet
    VO: i am collecting your passport, you will get it in 3 business days.
    Me: Sure, Have a nice day.
    VO: you too.
    Me: and yes, Happy diwali officer, hope you will enjoy this festival.
    VO: sure with big smile.

    And i left the embassy:)

    Reply
  11. Sad day for me
    Just received the decision with denial notice EAC16149*** Now waiting for the letter with reason.
    Best Of luck to everyone

    Reply
  12. finally visa stamped yesterdy.
    loc:- Mumbai
    Questions

    1.Name of employer.
    2.Salary
    3.Name of client.

    All the best for everyone.Keep calm and relax during interview.

    Reply
  13. Hello All,

    Happy Diwali. 🙂

    Just curious to know if anyone’s status changed directly from RFE mailed to Approved ? Or is it RFE mailed to response received to Approved.

    I have been waiting for a month and my status is still RFE Mailed.

    Reply
    • My case went REF mailed (35 days)- RFE Received (30 days)- Approved. Regular process.
      I can feel you pain, don’t worry friend, your case will be get approved quickly before November end. All the best.

      Reply
  14. Serial – EAC1614851+++

    RFE Recvd on 27th Sep, and approved on 26th (in 30 days).

    Friends, I can feel your pain of waiting, relax your days with your family as this is our time given, everything will happen automatically.

    Thanks Mr. ADMIN and my friends

    Reply
    • Hi RFE to Approved, in your case did your status changed directly from RFE mailed to Approved or RFE mailed – response received – Approved..

      Reply
      • Hello Uma1986
        My case gone in the string as Transfered – RFE mailed – RFE received – Approved.
        All the best for your case.

        Reply
      • Hello Raj
        In RFE, document requires like client’s SOW/MSA for why 3 years visa requires.
        I submitted MSA, which had remaining 1 year validity, but had a sentence in that says, will be extended every 1 year for 2 times.
        All the best for your case!!

        Reply
        • OK buddy. Thanks for the update. I too got RFE on 19th Oct and am waiting for my employer to respond back. Hoping for the approval at the earliest!

          Reply
  15. Hi ,

    My case number EAC161467** is still in recieved status and almost all in the same series either approved or recieved status.
    Is there a chance to stuck in security check directly in Case recieved status without getting RFE.
    Kindly shed your thoughts on this ,as I am fully confused with this process & delay.
    Sleepless nights for the last few weeks, checking the status very often and reading all our friends experiences.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  16. My case was approved on 30th Sept. almost 1month now , yet to receive the approval copy.
    Any idea how much more time to wait, for getting the approval notice?
    Thank you

    Reply
  17. hi Sourabh and friends ,
    i have a few queries , kindly help me take a choice.
    1. Is there any risk of rejection in applying H4 for my wife and kids too along with my H1?
    2.She is a maters degree engineer with 10 years exp, so which one is good for her ? go to US as H4 and apply for H1 from there? or stay in India till next H1B season and apply from India thru consultancies?

    Thank you..

    Reply
    • HornBill,

      1. I believe there won’t be any issue since you will have all the required documents for your H1 and for your dependent’s H4.

      2. for this question, you have some plus and minus points where you need to take a decision. If you keep your wife in India and wait for next H1b dates, then she can continue working in India but in this case you both would get separated for almost a year or so. Now if you take her to the USA on H4 and applying her H1 in next season, she won’t be able to work there for almost a year but in this case you guys would stay together. To work on H4, either she needs to wait for her EAD which depends on GC process or she needs to wait for H1 to get approved when you apply for her.

      Hope it helps !

      Reply
  18. I got approval after RFE and the petition validity is only 1 year and those who got direct approval got a validity of 33 months.Is it the same with everyone?

    Reply
  19. Finally Golden Words. Non AD/RP/Direct Approval…..Series EAC1614653xxx…..GOD bless you all and best of luck for friends who are waiting.

    Reply
  20. Hi Saurabh,

    My status was In “Case Received” status till yeterday. suddenly today it has been changed to “Response to USCIS’ Request for Evidence Was Received.”
    I didnt get the “Request for Additional Evidence Notice was mailed”. it was skipped in between.

    I dont understand what is exactly happening

    Please let me know ur inputs

    Reply
  21. Finally “Case was approved”.

    Timeline: Non-AD/RP/WAC1614550XXX

    RFE: Jul 26th (Category of the RFE: Right to Control)

    Response to RFE Sent: Oct 17th

    Case approved: Oct 28th

    Thanks all.

    Reply
  22. Hi All,

    Hope, all will be doing good. Wish You A Very Happy Diwali!!!

    I want to know that My Case was approved on 6th Oct 2016 and still I am wating for next update(I-797 form) from my employeer. on 24th Oct, I asked regarding next update then he told me that It will take time and I need to wait. Can some please tell me that how much time it will take to recieve the I-797 form for further processing.

    Regards
    Raj

    Reply
  23. DIFFERENCE between I-797 and I-129 ?

    To carry core documents for stamping:
    Could someone clarify if I-797 is approved petition paper is same as I-129?
    As many places this is referred to carry , not sure what is it.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Mahesh,

      I 129 is your petition filled by your employer which begins your process.

      I 797 is a document which your attorney receives upon your H1B case picked up in lottery and it gets approved.

      For the stamping you should carry both the original documents. They are strongly recommended.

      Reply
  24. Hi will be appearing for OFC and Interview on 3 and 4 nov 2016 in delhi.
    and my employer is new oppurtunity.
    and i have been provided with Fee payment receipt and Original petition .
    i won’t be having any client letter , is it enough?
    and if original petition is i797?
    and what is i129 then

    Reply
    • SAA, You should not take any risk at the time of going for stamping. I797 is your document which has been sent by USCIS after your case gets approved. I 129 is your petition which has been filled by your employer while initiating your process. Client letter is strongly recommended otherwise you should have some robust reason that why you don’t carry client letter, otherwise you may end with getting 221g slip.

      Good Luck.

      Reply
  25. Hi will be appearing for OFC and Interview on 3 and 4 nov 2016 in delhi.
    and my employer is new oppurtunity.
    and i have been provided with Fee payment receipt and Original petition .
    i won’t be having any client letter , is it enough?

    Reply
  26. I am a regular follower of this forum. So, it would be an injustice to all my fellow folks if I don’t share my recent H1B stamping experience.

    My H1B details:

    Receipt Number: EAC1614950***

    Receipt Date: April 11, 2016

    Approval Date: 24th August, 2016

    OFC: 26th Oct, 2016

    PAI: 27th Oct, 2016

    Interview location: Kolkata

    I am not making this post longer by sharing my OFC experience since this is a very simple process and doesn’t take more than 15 mins all together.

    Experience during PAI:

    My PAI appointment was scheduled at 8 AM but I reached early at around 7 AM. As an advantage to that I was placed first in the queue and I was the first person to face the interview for the day. 

    1> At first one of the security guards checked my Passport and DS160 confirmation page outside of the consulate and put me first in the queue. He also gave me one serial number (serial number was decided as per the PAI booking).

    2> Then I was asked to enter into the consulate (at 8 AM sharp) where another security guard checked my pockets and belongings and I had to go through a metal detector. I was also asked the same serial number which was given to me outside.
    FYI: I deposited my bag and mobile phone in the Airtel shop which is on the opposite foot of the consulate and the shopkeeper provided me a token against that.
    One can carry his/her wallet inside the consulate. Mobile phones/bag/sealed envelope/any kind of electronic devices are not allowed inside the consulate.

    3> After all the security checking was done (similar to what happens in airports) I as guided to the waiting room. One Indian person checked my passport, I797B original and the whole bunch of petition which includes the I129 and LCA. He arranged all the documents and returned those to me along with a white pamphlet describing the rights we have in US. Then he asked me to wait in that room for further instruction.

    4> After 5 mins I was asked to go to the actual interview room where another Indian folk checked my passport and asked me some basic questions like my designation and travelling destination. I was asked to wait again for some time.

    5> After another 5-10 mins I was asked to go to another window adjacent to the previous one where one African-American guy scanned the barcode which was strapped on the backside of my passport during OFC. Then he checked my finger prints (This is probably they cross checks the finger prints taken during OFC). Since, my finger prints were matching I was guided for the next course of action which was waiting again for another 5 mins. Honestly speaking, this step was not known to me. So, when he returned my passport and said “Thank you sir, we are done”, I thought for a while that my VISA was rejected. 😛

    6> Then the actual thing happened after 5mins when I was asked to go the next window where the VO officer was sitting. Here is the conversation between me and the VO (young American guy at late 20s or early 30s)

    Me: Good Moring sir.. How are you doing?

    VO: (with big smile) Very good morning sir. I am fine, how are you?

    Me: I am also good sir.

    VO: Can I have your passport please?

    Me: Sure sir..(Gave him the passport and he quickly went through the front page along with all other blank pages. For me all pages were blank).

    VO: Can I have your I797?

    Me: yes please..(Given him that too).

    VO: (He was checking something on Web. Probably the DS160 that I had submitted)..Ok! So you are travelling for XX employer?

    Me: Yes sir.

    VO: Do you have any client in US?

    Me: Yes sir. My client is YY.

    VO: Ok Ok. So how many years you are working with YY and what do you do for them?

    Me: More than 5 years sir. I do requirement gathering, code development, unit testing, deployment blah blah..

    VO: (He stopped me in between and said) Ok Cool! Will your spouse travel along with you?

    Me: No sir.

    VO: Does she have any plan to go there?

    Me: No sir, not now.

    VO: Ok fine. Did anybody give you a white pamphlet?

    Me: Yes sir, I was given the same in the waiting room.

    VO: Have you gone through that?

    Me: Of course sir.

    VO: (Smiled and said) Welcome to US sir. Have a safe and pleasant stay over there. Your VISA will be ready within 3 business days.

    Me: Thanks much sir! Have a nice day.

    VO: You too.

    I came out of the consulate at around 8:30 AM.

    No other document except passport and I797 was asked from me during the interview. I found the interviewer in good mood since I was the first person to be appeared in front of him. 🙂

    I wish all the very best to you all for your stamping and future endeavors. 🙂

    Reply
    • Thanks for sharing experience.
      1) I-797B this is the approved petition paper: I am not sure why sometime it is said as I-797C, I-797B etc. any specific reason?
      2) What is I-129 document ?
      3) Hope you are married, Did you delibrerately postponed your spouse’s stamping or any other reason?

      Thanks in advance

      Reply
      • Mahesh,

        1> As per my understanding, I797B is the approval for H1B new, I797A is the approval for H1B extension. Thus there are different I797 which distinguishes the type of h1B approvals.

        2> I-129 is the petition document that was filed on 1st Apr by the employer.

        3> My wife is working here and will be trying her luck next year. So, she doesn’t have any plan to go with H4 immediately.

        Hope my answers helped you! 🙂

        Reply
      • Small Correction:

        I 797 A – H1B with Change of status if you are in united states.
        I 797 B – H1B with no COS if you never been to US
        I 797C -H1B duplicate copy, to be retained by employer.
        I 129 – Application form for the H1B.

        You need to carry both I-129 & I 797 A (or) I797B whichever you have to the interview

        Reply
  27. This was my 3rd attempt and I had received RFE against my case EAC161485**** . USCIS received my documents (client letter) on 5th October and approved it on 20th October .

    Last 6 months have been very difficult but i am finally through …A big thanks every one for there inputs as it has really helped a lot to overcome anxiety and stress. I pray that everyone have there cases approved soon.

    Cheers.

    Reply
  28. Received RFE on 14th October. Attorney says they have not received the notice yet. How long does it take for the hard copy to be sent to the attorney ?

    Reply
  29. #Urgent..

    Hi All,

    I have my interview tomorrow at 11 am. But i am confused about a question asked in interview about designation.

    As per i129 my petition was filed for system analyst, but while filling up ds160 i gave my original designation ie. consultant

    What should i answer in interview?????

    Reply
    • Does it mean that ‘original’ designation in DS160 is different from that filed in I129 (‘fake’ designation) ?

      Get ready for questions… Keep us posted…

      Best of luck…

      Reply
      • there will be no original or fake designation, there are only few position role names mentioned at the time of visa filing in USCIS rules list like software engineer,senior software engineer etc…
        you cant mention developer, lead developer bla bla bla,if you do it will go to rfe asking for position details roles and responsibilities.
        even if you are currently doing as developer but your attorney file sit as software engineer because he has to mention as per the rule

        how do i know all these because i am staffing business since 8 years

        Reply
  30. Hi Saurabh,

    Question on DS-160. Earlier my L1B was approved and travelled states but extension was not approved. In this case “Have you ever been refused US visa?” question can I put as “No”?
    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  31. Finally after a long wait i got RFE. It seems they are giving RFE to case. What is the possibility of converting RFE into approved.

    Reply
  32. Hi,
    I am currently on H4. My H1b is applied this year. But I got RFE.
    I am planning a vacation to India.
    Can anyone pls tell that is it fine to go Or first I should wait for approval and start Job here then only i should plan.

    TIA
    Khushi

    Reply
    • If you have applied for COS (surely you have) this is probably not the right time to leave the country, wait for the approval and then visit. It doesn’t matter if your visit is before or after job commencement, you’ll have to get your visa stamped prior to entering US.

      Reply
  33. Need clarifications: H4 petition also needed ?

    Once H1B application gets approved,
    1) We get a I-797C letter — it is called as H1B Approved Petition. Right?
    2) For Dependents VISA, can I go directly take dependents filling seperated DS-160?
    Or Do I need to get a dependents petition like H4 petition separately before going for dependents stamping ?
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
  34. Atlast i got RFE for my case on oct 26 . EAC 1614855***.

    So what is the time line for reply to USCIS ?

    What is the time line for getting a RFE details to my employer ?

    Reply
  35. Thanks Saurabh and all other contributors, After a long wait my case got approved (Case# non AD/RP/EAC1614653***)

    All the best to everyone who are still waiting for the status.

    Reply
  36. Visa Interview Experience – Kolkata Consulate – H1b, H4 (Wife & Kid)

    24th Bio-metrics: Just 15 mins procedure, they will capture candidate photo and fingerprints. Kids below 14 year age you have to carry a photo. I have a problem with the photo and the officer says the gap between head and the top section of the photo is very less and he is not able to cropped the photo after scanning. He instructed me don’t worry carry the correct photo during PAI.

    25th PAI – 08:30 AM
    ================
    I reached just 08:05 AM and after waiting for 5 mins they let me in after checking the passport. Once we entered one security guy directed us to a room where one lady was verifying the document and asked the sorted document to keep handy.

    After waiting another 10 mins the lady directed us to another room where the actual interview was taken. They verified our fingerprints and took my kids photo.

    After waiting another 10 mins one guy directed us to stand on the Q in counter 7.

    Me: Good morning, how are you sir?
    VO: GM, I am fine, how about you?
    Me: Fine.
    VO: You are working in XX
    Me: yes
    VO: Since how long you have been working?
    Me: Answered
    VO: Who is your end client?
    Me: Answered
    VO: What you do for them?
    Me: Answered
    VO: What is your qualification?
    Me: Answered

    Question to my H4:
    VO: What is your qualification?
    H4: Answered
    VO: You have one kid?
    H4: yes

    Finally after 20 secs typing into the system VO said ‘Your visa is approved’

    Suggestions:
    Please wear formals. Be cool and listen to VO before answering and the last not the least please never tell a lie to VO.

    Good luck to you all

    Reply
    • Hi APN,

      1) Can you list the documents you carried along with H1B approved petition (I-797C)
      2) Do we need to carry H2B (dependent) petition letter, Is it seperately issued? As I had seen one doc like on website.

      Please clarify.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Document I carried:
        1. Passport
        2. Appointment confirmation letter
        3. DS 160
        4. I 797 Original
        5. The complete set of petition which my org filed with USCIS

        This was core document along with that I carried bank statement, pay slips, Tax document, Educational certificate, experience certificate, SSN, Driving License (Since I was in USA and already having it) both photocopy as well as original

        Dependent H4:
        1. Passport
        2. Appointment Confirmation Letter
        3. DS 160
        4. Photocopy of primary applicant I 797
        5. Photocopy of primary applicant passport first and last page
        6. Marriage Certificate

        For kids less than 14 Yrs age, same document as H4 but carry birth certificate as well one copy of photograph (Should be in USCIS photo specifications)

        Reply
        • Thanks a lot APN. You have clarified the on dependents petition paper, but it is nothing but princeipal applicants Petition.
          Also someone said carry I-129, I doubt they meant I-797 only.
          All the best

          Reply
          • I-129 is the one which comes within the complete set of application which company has been filed in the first week of April. It includes many document I-129, LCA, Job description, Org descriptions, etc….So I-129 and I -797 are two different document

  37. Hi everyone!
    I have a question about DS-160 form. There is a question: Have you ever been refused US visa?
    I was never refused visa, but once my I-129 petiton was denied. Is this the same? Should I answer yes or no?? I do not want to hide anything, I just want to answer correctly . Please help
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Gaurav,
      Even I need a clarification as my L1B was approved but extension was not approved. In this case “Have you ever been refused US visa?” question can I put as “No”?
      Thanks in advance.

      Reply
      • Bhoomi,
        Looks like your case is
        same as mine. I was in USA with L1 but my extension denied. While fillingds160 I put as NO because I, never denied US visa.

        Reply
  38. Finally saw magical words “Case was approved”.

    Timeline: non-AD/RP/WAC1614751XXX

    RFE: Jul 22nd ( category: right to control)
    Response received: Oct 12

    Case approved: Oct 25

    Thanks Saurab and others who provided valuable information and guided me all the way to reach here.

    Reply
  39. Hi Subash,

    Finally, I have received my H1B approval notice. unfortunately, my attorney has entered my given name wrong in I-129 application. So one character is missing in my given name. Now, what should should I do? Do I ask attorney to apply for a ammendment for m? Do you know how long it will take for this process?

    Thank you

    Reply

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