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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. Friends,
    After many months of long long waiting my case was finally approved yesterday.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank admin as well as all other volunteers for making this site one of the best resource for H1B information which help countless people across the world.

    Following is my case timelines for H1B:

    CASE APPLIED : APRIL 11, 2016
    RFE : OCTOBER 21, 2016
    RFE RECEIVED BY USCIS : DECEMBER 29, 2016
    CASE APPROVED : JANUARY 20, 2017

    Thank you again for all your help and support.

    Reply
  2. Thank God ?!!! It’s approved Status.. Engineering mnc, Regular processing, California.
    RFE ( emp relation ) on Oct.
    Responded on November
    Response acknowledged on November.
    Approved on 20 Jan ( might be signed by Trump ?)

    Reply
  3. Dear Saurab, team,
    Thank you for wonderful site which is great resource to many many aspirants to virtually collaborate on critical questions/clarifications/information.

    Like many I have been watching the latest developments and as I find more info online and also spoke with couple of friends already in USA some on h1b and some with EAD . if anyone could clarify few doubts.

    There is lot been said now a days in Political circles “to protect American Jobs been taken away by foreigners/immigrants” and there are millions on h1b already working there and even more waiting GC on EAD with spouse working there. There is another category under Obama admin who provided legal status and EAD i.e. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) but don’t think applicable to legal Indian immigrants.

    So the M $ question, who qualifies to be “American” other than Citizens already as first preferred beneficiary of any job as per new proposed amendments in legislation

    1. GC holders waiting for Citizenship?
    2. EAD (pre process for GC) waiting for GC?

    Now next is what will happen to those H1b already stamped in case new amendments are passed?

    1. in USA working – will their h1b cease to effect immediately somewhere in middle of their validation period? or renew petitions would be required as per new rules – specialized occupation, min 100K salary etc.?
    2. Stamped already but yet to travel, postponed and employers for better reason on wait and watch mode (my personal case) – of-course employers staying away from recruiting h1b in most cases esp consulting for obvious reasons
    3. Will consulting firms put already stamped h1b still in India on permanent hold until there is further clarity on regulation or longer ?
    4. Also there are many who already traveled on h1b and waiting actual client assignment still on company guest houses and clients postponing earlier commitments of resource requirements

    Sorry for long post not sure these questions qualify a separate post but hope Suarabh and team would address eventually.

    Thanks you once again for great forum 🙂 . Lets do our Karma and believe that “Everything happens, happens for reason even when you are not wise enough to understand” – do your best and keep dreaming big !

    Reply
    • If these all high end engineers are focused on developing wold problems, the can get rich and also can bring country up by 10 fold.

      I do not see any problem at all. Remember a lot of immigrants voted against immigrants this time. So we are alone in this world no one helps.

      All you need to know is no need to bow anyone, no need to help anyone (cut throat competition), work hard and go for the moon shot.

      I know people who got $$$ millionaires being here and solving developing word problems in 4 years. i do not think you can ever be that rich on h1b even in 10 years.

      Reply
  4. Finally, I got my visa approval today.

    RFE: Oct 6th
    RFE Received: Dec 30th
    Upgraded to premium: Jan 11th
    Approval received: Jan 20th

    EAC1614254***

    To all those still waiting (either Received or RFE), all I would say is that if your documents are in order, then you shall definitely get approved. It may sound easy for me to say this at this point, but trust me, I know the stress I went thru while waiting for my approval all these months.

    Good luck to all of you!

    Reply
  5. From what Thrump is saying, no foreign workers… We can see high decline on USA Visa numbers from now, wont surprised to see high restrictions on Ha, L1 and hiring locals… But it’s not an overnight process… Slowly, it will be doomed the IT industry.. They will hire GC and Citizens, college pass-outs etc… With UK already out of Europe and enforcing for new Visa Rules, bigg blow for IT…

    Reply
  6. need your suggestion as my interview date is in next 3 days
    My petition has approved. Planning to attend interview.
    my company is very small consultancy and i suppose to work in house project but its not actually in house project, I will work for my employer and will provide unix support to my employer’s end clients from my employer’s premise.
    I have valid contract agreement letter of end clients.

    Will these contract agreement letter enough to support such type of work model?

    Or Interviewer can ask more dicuments like sow, client letter etc?

    Please suggest.

    Thanks

    Reply
  7. JANUARY 20, 2017 10:17:05 CSTREPLY H1bInt
    My petition has approved. Planning to attend interview.
    my company is very small consultancy and i suppose to work in house project but its not actually in house project, I will work for my employer and will provide unix support to my employer’s end clients from my employer’s premise.
    I have valid contract agreement letter of end clients.

    Will these contract agreement letter enough to support such type of work model?

    Or Interviewer can ask more dicuments like sow, client letter etc?

    Please suggest.

    Thanks

    Reply
  8. My petition has approved. Planning to attend interview.
    my company is very small consultancy and i suppose to work in house project but its not actually in house project, I will work for my employer from employer’s office and will provide unix support to my employer’s end clients from my employer’s premise.
    I have valid contract agreement letter of end clients.

    Will these contract agreement letter enough to support such type of work model?

    Or Interviewer can ask more dicuments like sow, client letter which i don’t have ?

    Please suggest.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Yeah even mine also.
      Is there any complication in getting the visa extended?
      @Saurab: Will be there any problem in extending the visa duration?

      Reply
      • @ VisaExtension

        Don’t worry you can apply for extension once you will there.

        I think if we have valid project then chances are high for getting extension.

        which approval form did you get I797B or I797C?

        Reply
  9. STAMPING HYDERABAD CONSULATE
    I attended stamping interview for H1B category on 18th Jan and everything went smooth. VO kept my passport and said your case is done. My allotted time slot was 11 AM, however I reached early to the Consulate around 9:15 AM and was allowed immediately to enter the premises and entire process got over by 10 : 30 AM.

    Please find below questions asked from VO :
    > Who is your petitioner ?
    > Who is your client ?
    > What would be your designation ?
    > What would be your salary ?
    > Where would you stay in US ?
    >What is your highest education qualification ?

    Received my stamped passport on 20th Jan 2017…

    Reply
    • Trump swear in today :). I’m still in REF response received. Prayers in nearby temples are not answered yet .. So next hope is church :))

      Reply
  10. Finally!!!!!!

    My case approved

    Lottery selection : 11th April 2016
    RFE Received : 18th Oct 2016
    RFE Response : 9th Jan 2017
    Approved on : 18th Jan 2017

    Reply
  11. Hi. my husband’s application is in RFE received status. he is currently in h4.

    RFE response status was updated on Nov 30th and it is still in the same status. does anyone have the same status ? Eagerly waiting for something good to happen. we dont have any backup plan at this time.

    does anyone know how long will it take still?

    RFE was about education evaluation and experience evaluation.

    Reply
  12. Hi Saurabh/admin
    I had two H1B CAP applications submitted this year when I was in India, one with my current employer and another from a different employer. Both went to RFE but the H1B from my current employer was approved last year and I got it stamped in India and right now in US. Today my second H1B got approved as well. My second employer is thinking that I’m still in India and soon they will be chasing me to get it stamped and travel.

    My question is, now that the second H1B is approved, can I switch to employer B here in US. Do I need to submit any adjustment in status application to get my I-94?

    thanks
    GV

    Reply
  13. After waited this long now my status is ” Fee Refund was mailed” .
    My lawyer received a check and its says” Duplicate Application” ( I did only ONE application)
    Can we dispute this decision ??
    Please respond me ASAP.

    Reply
  14. Hi Saurabh/All

    Need one clarifications. My employer has filed my H1B Amendment under premium processing on 10th JAN 2017, Vermont Office. On 11th JAN 2017 USCIS has emailed the receipt number.

    My travel plan is approved for 24th JAN 2017, but I am worried as I am yet to get the soft copy of receipt notice (Note my US counter part scan the document and sends the scanned copy to offshore)

    Any light how many days it usually takes to get the hard copy of the receipt notice?

    Are they send receipt notice using standard USPS mail service or Priority mail service

    Does this vary in standard and premium processing except the 15 calendar days decision timeline.

    Reply
  15. Hi Saurab / All,

    I got RFE during November 1st Week (WAC***) and RFE documents submitted on 20th December. But now the status is showing as ‘Name Was Updated’. I am really confused and worrying now. Can you please let me know what this status says?. Your reply on this will be very much useful and I can be relaxed. My employer says that no need to worry and it will be approved. But the status is something strange. Please help me.

    Reply
    • Its not a strange status. Normally when they review your case, and they notice some name change errors, they update their system, and hence the status.

      This would mean that your RFE might be getting reviewed now, and you may hear a decision soon.

      Good luck!

      Reply
  16. TENSION PRESSURE HURDLES IN ALL STAGES TILL YOU ENTER USA :

    1) Company shortlisting for H1B/Finding a good Consulting/sponsorer – Tension, Pressure, Hurdles
    2) Getting Lottery selection – Tension, Pressure, Hurdles, Waiting
    3) Petition Online Approval – Tension, Pressure, Hurdles, Waiting, Waiting , Waiting …
    4) Getting Interview slot – Tension, Pressure, Hurdles, Waiting
    5) Getting VISA interview and stamping – Tension, Pressure
    6) Port of Entry/I-94 – Tension, Pressure

    Same continues as there might any change on this VISA policies/regulation going forward too?

    Reply
  17. Hi,

    I have attended Hyd US Consulate on 28th Dec for H1B stamping. Unfortunately I was issued 221(g) and passport was kept with them along with client letter and ER letter. They said it will take 2-3 weeks for the final decision. Now its been more than 3 weeks but there is no response. The issue is with the passport as my current employer is asking me to submit the passport as they would like to initiate for Singapore work permit. I am in tricky situation.
    How many days/months will US consulate hold passport with them?
    Any idea guys? Please help out.

    Reply
  18. Hi Saurabh/ experts,

    My case got approved on 22nd dec. I am planning to go for the stamping in feb. Can you tell me what documents are needed during stamping ? The company is providing me the original petition hard copy and they said they will send me the other documents through email only. My question is which original documents hard copy from the company are required during interview?

    Thanks

    Reply
  19. Finally!!!!!!

    My case approved after long time…

    RFE Received : 29th June 2016
    RFE Response : 9th Sep 2016
    Approved on : 17th Jan 2017

    After long wait of more than 4 months after RFE got it approved today…

    All the best to ppl who are waiting for appaovals … good luck… and thanks to admins of this page..

    Reply
  20. Hi all,

    After long looong wait my petition got approved today. I would like to thank all who kept my hope alive and all the very best to who are still waiting for their results.

    Case received : April 11th
    Case transferd : 18th May
    RFE : Oct 12th
    RFE received : Jan 4th
    Petition approved : Jan 17th

    Approval got in just 14 days. It is RP

    Thank you.

    Reply
  21. I had my visa interview today at Hyd consulate. Vo just asked these questions.
    1) Who is your employer?
    2) Do you have an end client?
    3) Client’s name?
    4) How many employees work for your employer?
    5) How much salary will your employer pay?
    6) What place you will be traveling to?

    And he said “VISA APPROVED” finally and took my passport 🙂

    All the best to all of you 🙂

    Reply
      • I applied through a small consultancy which provided me all the required docs. Yes, my series starts with EAC 16-14***.
        I did not feel like VOs were giving more importance for MNC applicants.
        My VO just asked me only the approval notice but make sure you attend the interview with all the required docs.

        Reply
  22. Case Was Received:

    Any one still on Case Was Received. Should we upgrade to Premium ? Is it best idea?
    Any one got “Received” to “Approved” Recently?

    Manav
    Thanks

    Reply
    • I am also on Case Was Received status from eternity. I am not sure if moving to Premium so late will be much of help. We have waited this far, I am sure we will get to hear something positive soon. Stay positive and patient.

      Cheers,
      Rahul

      Reply
    • Me too.

      Heard that around 1500 people are still on same Received status.

      This year might be crazy .. but wondering if these all cases are kept on hold or not sure.

      Anyway all the best

      Reply
  23. Hi Kumar/Shaurab/Jack,

    My H1-B got denied due to speciality occupation.
    My employer said they will reappeal.

    What are the chances.

    I did Bcom Computers.. then MCA and total IT experience is 9 years.

    Please help.

    Reply
    • hi everyone ,

      An awesome journey from Case was recieved to RFE to Approved!
      I just want to tell you guys i have been waiting for this day since long, it was a wait for about 100 + days after my RFE response was recieved by uscis.
      Friends remember PATIENCE is the key.Your rfe will get approved.

      Moreover after 90 days i told my attorney to raise a service request, i am not sure may be it helped.

      Details:
      6 aug :RFE received
      29th sep RFE response received.
      12 jan: Approved

      Reply
    • Your education is not the issue, that looks fine. But your employer has to prove the position you are applying in US requires the same education background, since its MCA they can appeal again by providing proper job description document with the details that the new position requires someone with computer science knowledge and vast experience. No need to worry if it’s a genuine job position and good luck.

      Reply
  24. Hi Raghu/Jack

    I appeared for H1B interview on 10th Jab in hyderabad consulate, VO told me that issued with 220g ,under administrative processing and gave me a white paper without marking any options. When I checked my visa status in CEAC , Stus showing as ‘Refused”.. no one helped me to understand what that this means.

    Vo took my LCA & Client letter and returned my passport back to me. I googled many ways to find out what is “Refused” means but no luck and didn’t find a clear info. I still have my 1-797 with me.

    It would be greatly appreciated if someone let me know what are my chances to Get/Reject Visa?

    Reply
      • Hi Whathappened ,

        I applied through a consultancy, My consultancy is genuine and having good clients in US. In fact they provided all client letters, SOW, agreement docs, Roles & Responsibilities Docs and all other guys appeared for interview from my consultancy got stamped. I was only the guy issued with 221g and status showing as refused. Please help me to understand the status “Refused” if you know something.

        Reply
        • If you think you have valid client/position by your Employer in US, you still have a chance to apply again with more detailed client letter and pay stubs.
          Do you have payslips and other supporting documents from your consultancy on your name?

          Reply
          • Badluck ,

            I got a call from US Embassy on same day of my visa refused and they asked for client letter and SOW doc. I have sent them in email on sameday..

            Still status showing as “Refused”…

  25. My application is through in the lottery but now I- 129 is denied. Will the processing fee be refunded to my employer or any partial amount will be deducted and refunded…

    Reply
    • There will be no refund. From the tone of your question, it looks like you paid a bodyshop consultancy to file your petition – with absolutely no provable client requirement. This is what this was supposed to end.

      Reply
  26. I have applied my wife’s visa last year however, status is still showing “Case Received” – consulting company saying that they still have 20 more cases like this – not sure how to proceed further and how much time should we have to wait.

    Reply
  27. Hi All,
    I have a H1b visa and my husband a H4. I would like to know how much time it takes (approximately) for a H4 to get a EAD and be able to work? I understand that we first have to wait for an approved I-140 and then apply for the EAD but how much time does the process take from the moment we file the I-140 until the H4 gets the EAD and is allowed to work? Thank you!

    Reply
    • You have to start filing GC.

      Here are the basic steps

      1) First your employer have to apply PWD (Prevailing wage determination)–takes 2-3 months
      2) Then post an ad – takes 2 months
      3) Apply PERM (Labor) — Takes 3-6 months
      4) Apply I 140 — Takes 3- 6 months (You have premium option here–takes 15 days)

      Reply
  28. Hi All,
    I have a H1b visa and my husband a H4. I would like to know how much time it takes (approximately) for a H4 to get a EAD and be able to work? I understand that we first have to wait for an approved I-140 and then apply for the EAD but how much time does the process take from the moment we file the I-140 until the H4 gets the EAD and is allowed to work? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Usually it takes 4-6 months for the i140 to get approved. You can apply the i140 in premium too, if so you will get it in 15days. After i140 is approved, EAD needs to be applied separately which takes 3-4months currently to get t approved.

      Reply
      • I hope you have already your PERM approved, as u need it initially for filling the i140. Perm might take 6 months of time to get it approved. All time lines depend on the category of Green card.

        Reply
  29. after waiting for so many months, Disappointment. My H1B visa got denied on Jan 13 after RFE.

    Can anybody suggest what to do next. I am on H4 visa in US now and i dont understand now what to plan for my future.

    Reply
  30. Hi,
    What is the ongoing processing time after responding to RFE?
    My RFE was responded to on Dec 15th. Should i be expecting a response in next two weeks?

    FYI: Vermont office

    Thanks.

    Reply
  31. Hi guys,

    Its been more than a month applied for premium processing status changed on Dec 13th saying Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received But it didn’t change in 15 calendar days its been more than a month.What can we do.Please help….!

    Reply
    • Probably check with your employer,they might have got some update from consulate.
      From which employer have you applied for h1b?

      Reply
    • My RFE was replied to on 12/30/16, and USCIS status was updated to “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received”
      On 6/1/17, my employer informed me that they upgraded my case to premium, and on 1/11, USCIS status was updated to “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed”.

      I suggest you follow up with your employer to confirm if they have upgraded your case, and/or if they have received any updates. If the 15 day SLA has passed, then i guess they can open a service request

      Reply
  32. My H1B got approved. I will be appearing for visa stamping along with my wife and kid. I have chosen English as language for interview. However my wife is not comfortable with English and won’t be able to answer if VO asks any question to my wife.
    In such a scenario what should I do.
    1) Should I assist my wife whenever VO asks any questions to my wife.
    2) Should I tell to VO officer that my wife won’t able to answer in English.

    I am really confused and nervous what to do here.

    Please suggest .

    Reply
      • I and my wife have already got our visas stamped in New Delhi Consulate. Every single interviewer (all Americans) over there were able to easily converse in Hindi as well (that was completely shocking and uncanny for me :)). So they themselves can ask questions in Hindi at least. I don’t know about other languages. Please let them know that your wife doesn’t understand English.

        Reply
  33. I got rfe on October 13,rfe should sudmit by 12th January but my rfe recieved to uscis on January 13.Is that any problem please suggest me anybody

    Reply
  34. Hello experts. My h1b got approved yesterday but meanwhile I have moved to another client / project which is different from that in the petition. Can i get the stamping done on current petition and then file amendment? What are the documents required for stamping as the Client in consideration does not seem to share the client letter

    Reply
  35. Hi,
    Is it possible to change to a different employer after visa got approved. Does it need stamping again with new employer ? I have not travelled on H1b yet.

    thanks,

    Reply
  36. Saurabh /Admin/Experts,

    Can someone advise that how I can apply for dependent visa (H4) from India because my sponsor is not ready to process.

    Reply
    • I m also like to know what is the process. Is there any dependency on sponsorer? Wat i hv read is that u need principal approval notice or visa stamp copy.

      Reply
  37. Hi Sourab/Jack/Kumar,

    I had given visa interview on 12/01/2017, VO said visa is approved.

    But when I check the status @ECAC showing as “Administrative processing”

    And also checked in passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com, Status showing as “Your Passport is still with post”

    What does this means?

    Reply
        • Hi Param,

          Did the status changed?
          I am also in same boat, gave the interview on 12th.Still my status shows as administrative processing.Did you attend at Hyderabad?
          13th is holiday for Hyderabad US consulate.

          Reply
          • H1b approved ,

            Not yet bro, Yes I did attend at Hyderabad consulate. I didn’t know that 13th was Holiday for Hyderabad US consulate, Still status visible as “administrative processing”. passport status as “Your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate”.

            Hopefully we receive the visa stamped passport by Tuesday..

          • Hi H1b approved ,

            Monday 16th Jan also holiday for Hyderabad Consulate- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. I just checked in HYD-US Embassy holiday calendar. So have to wait till Tuesday or Wednesday.

          • Hi H1B Approved,

            Can you let me know when your passport status or VISA status changed, I will do the same if there is any change in my visa part.

          • Hi H1b approved ,

            Congrats, Mine is still showing as Administrative processing”. I am getting worried now..

            If possible can you drop a mail to parameshnaredla@gmail.com with your mobile number.

  38. Kumar/Admin/Others,

    Please provide your prompt opinion on Success and Approval rate of H1B this year compared to last year.

    Many use to Congratulate once lottery is selected as if you are VISA stamped and flying to USA, But this is not the case as we saw many cases are not through.

    Just need your thoughts ! But never forget to enjoy wherever you are ?

    Reply
  39. Hello guys, Thank you for maintaining this wonderful site. I am working in Indian IT MNC. My h1b got approved on 18-Nov after RFE. I want to know if I go for stamping now and later the project/ client changes while I am in India. If Amendment is filed, will I need to go for Stamping again or are there any concerns.

    Reply
    • No you dont need to go for stamping again…you need H1B amendment…Once amendment is filed…yo can take amendment receipt,,new LCA,,papers related to project and travel to USA…

      Reply
  40. Hello everyone,

    My employer said that they have received my approval notice but I dont see the status change from response recieved to case approved on USCIS website.

    is this possible? ?

    Kindly help me clear my doubt.

    regards!!

    Reply
  41. Fee Refund Was Mailed
    On January 12, 2017, USCIS refunded the fee for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC***, and mailed the refund to the address of the fee remitter on file. This refund does not affect the processing or location of your case. If the fee remitter does not receive a refund by February 11, 2017, please call the Burlington Finance Center….

    I’m having this status on my H1b applicable.
    What does it mean?

    Reply
    • Nothing to worry unless your employer withdrew your case. In that case also you may see the status as Withdrawal notice received.
      so this could be related to some excess amount paid and they are returning it.

      Reply

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