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]
- H1B 2017 season start date ?
- H1B Cap for FY 2017- Regular ? Masters ?
- H1B 2017 Predictions? Lottery?
- H1B Lottery Myths ?
- How to plan for H1B FY 2017 ?
- How to find H1B Sponsors for FY 2017 ?
- What is H1B Fee ? Details
- Any impact of Comprehensive Immigration Reform(CIR) on H1B
- What is H1B LCA
- H1B 2017 Premium Processing
- H1B 2017 Case Tracker
- Latest News Update of H1B 2017
- When is the next H1B Season ?
- Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017
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 Component | Fee 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 Fee | Varies 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
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.
US elections are on d way.. what if Mr Trumps cancels the H1B program and all of a sudden we are no where 🙂
?? omg!!
🙂 very funny man… if he elected, h1b will get cancelled automatically…..
Don’t wary bro that’s not possible, if he want cancel first Congress(Senate Members) should approve.
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 !!!
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.
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 !!
It’s November from today still in received status. Anyone know what is the deadline for getting the first break at least ?
Per some predictions, it should happen before Nov 20th.
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.
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.
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 …..
Hey.. Congratulations.. what’s the visa validity after RFE and Approval? 1 or 3 years ?
Not sure.. Will know about that after stamping..
My RFE is response recieved on Sept 12 and still no update!! All my other friends have got it approved after RFE.Not sure why its getting so delayed for my petition
your approval gives hope ..:)
WAC16145*****
Same here, RFE response received on Sept 12th and I’m freaking out right now, it’s been almost two months of waiting and no change, and I see some people get approved after a week of the response been received in RP 🙁
How long was your sow validity?
Dont know…Usually they will not share those details. My manager submitted directly.
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
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.
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.
@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.
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.
Congrats.
Which series is your case#.
Wow! Within a week yours got approved! Congrats.. can you share series of your application?
Hi,
My series was WAC16147*****
Congrats! Is it a direct approval or after rfe?
Direct, No RFE.
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
Sourabh or anyone who is aware of the process, please reply as am also in similar situation.
You need to tell what is written in DS 160 and in your petition.
EX:- Web Developer , Computer Programmer ….
Case Approved today!! COS regular EAC16147553xx.
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.
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
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?
I have valid SOW for next 3 years.
Thanks
Rohit
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.
Did you submit RFE response in premium?
Nope
Hi,
what all docs did you submit for RFE. My project is ending by Dec 31st and the client will renew SOW only by December. They haven’t provided client letter too. So we have responded with old SOW itself. Will the petition be denied?
I am really not sure about that as my ER took care of that. I just watched the USCIS space for the updates. That’s it. I know my response won’t help u. Sorry abt that.
Hi Yash,
Congrats.
Can you please tell me if your status changed directly from RFE mailed to Approved ? Or is it RFE mailed to response received to Approved.
Also did you submit RFE in premium processing?
The later one.
Nope. Its RP.
No only passport.
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:)
Did they kept I797 also?
No, only passport. Why they would keep your i797, you would need it during the extension.
They kept both in my case, may be it will be returned with passport.
They kept both in my case. May be it will be returned with passport.
Anyone AD/RP still waiting for the first update?
AD/RP not received any updates from my employer. Do not have EAC#, they are not releasing that info.
Chris
Still waiting EAC16146507** series
Sad day for me
Just received the decision with denial notice EAC16149*** Now waiting for the letter with reason.
Best Of luck to everyone
Sorry to hear. U got RFE before deninal?
Straight from received status to denial???
Or after RFE??
Oh my god! Even i belong to same series and currently it is under RFE received status. I am very much worried now.
@UsaUsa.. can you please provide some more detail? You got RFE ? was it transferred case?
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.
Did they kept I 797 also along with passport ?
no, just passport
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.
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.
REF to approved,
Thanks . Hoping for the best! 🙂
My case was approved on OCT 19th, still i havent received approval notice. When can i except approval notice..
Even I am waiting for my approval notice. My case is approved on Oct 20.can anyone tell what is the time taken to receive approval notice
Mine got approved on 14 Oct and lawyer received notice on 27 oct
Mine Approved on Oct 17th. Still waiting for hard copy
EAC1614353*** received RFE on 28 Oct.
Waiting for details.
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
Hi RFE to Approved, in your case did your status changed directly from RFE mailed to Approved or RFE mailed – response received – Approved..
Hello Uma1986
My case gone in the string as Transfered – RFE mailed – RFE received – Approved.
All the best for your case.
Hey.. Congrats.. BTW what’s the visa validity after RFE and Approval?
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!!
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!
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!
I got RFE just a day back. They are processing the cases. Just relax.
Thank you for the reply…
Good luck for your approval
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
H1b Sk , Did you receive your approval notice
Mine Approved on Oct 17th. Still waiting for hard copy
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..
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 !
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?
Even I heard from one of my friend who also got approval for only one year after RFE
Finally, Case was approved after RFE
Non-AD/RP/WAC 1614450XXX
Hey.. Congrats.. BTW what’s the visa validity after RFE and Approval?
Finally Golden Words. Non AD/RP/Direct Approval…..Series EAC1614653xxx…..GOD bless you all and best of luck for friends who are waiting.
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
I also had the same case status. Can you share your series?
My case series is EAC16149XXXXX
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.
is that processed in PP ?
its Regular Processing..!!!
congrats TechM_H1B_FY17_RFE.
How much time did you get for submitting RFE docs? Usually RFE docs should be submitted within 2 months right?
Why did you take so much time for submitting RFE docs… is there any specific reason?
RFE time should be 3months. Without doing number of followups..most of the companies don’t run and respond to RFE, for the same reason in my case it took time.
What all docs did u send. mine also is in rfe for right to control and i have sow only till this year end. Will it be denied.
Hey.. Congrats.. BTW what’s the visa validity after RFE and Approval?
@Raj: Yet to get approved notice to my hand.
@Tensed: We have sent MSA, PO and SOW. Even my SOW was valid till Dec-16.They will be checking the validity of MSA, We had that for next 5 years.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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?
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. 🙂
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
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! 🙂
Sure, Thanks 🙂
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
Thanks Praveen, for sharing such helpful info.. 🙂
Did they kept I 797 also along with passport ?
No. They only kept my passport.
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.
Is it RP or PP?
It was Regular processing.
That is great, they received my RFE evidence September 12th and I’m still waiting, so tired of it
My rfe response has been received on Aug 18th, but still no response from uscis. series is WAC161435
Hey.. Congrats.. BTW what’s the visa validity after RFE and Approval?
What is the average waiting time for RFE response this year for Vermont Centre?
Hi
I got RFE on 25th Oct my series is EAC1614353***. What is the conversion rate of rfe into approval.
100% if your employer is not a fraudulent and the supporting documents are genuine
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 ?
It should not take more than 8 days.
#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?????
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…
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
So what should one answer if designation is asked??
Answer as mentioned in your i129 petition only.
All the best
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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 ?
Mine is also same ,after long wait case went into RFE.depressed…
JP , is your employer is a small consultancy ?
Noo,it’s is start up based company in india and US with emp of 70.
I am worried..any rejection after rfe submission.
You should reply your response within 90 days to USCIS.
Your employer will be getting your RFE details within max of 2 weeks..
My case was approved on OCT 19th, still i havent received approval notice. When can i except approval notice..
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.
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
Cool, Thanks for sharing, All the best ! Enjoy your FATHERLANDS STAY 🙂
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
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)
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
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
Did they kept original I 797 also along with passport ?
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
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.
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.
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.
Congrats !! It was a PP ??
PP or RP ?
It’s regular processing only and they cleared RFE in just 12days.
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
When your case approved. How long it takes to get hard copy