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.
No new data entry till now at both centers.Looks like data entry is complete.
Foolish Comment, It make nervous on others. USCIS didn’t announced officially, Don’t presume and come to conclusion.
What is foolish in it? There is no new data entry today.And I have specifically mentioned ‘Looks like data entry is finished’. So smart boy, don’t behave like a school going kid and act mature.
Expect the news on data entry completion this week for sure.
Last year USCIS announced data entry completion on May 4th 2015.
Anyone received receipt in fragomen connect portal for genpact/headstrong NON-AD/RP ?
Did anyone Recieved Mail Today – NON AD – REGULAR- H1b VISA?
no…but u can get receipt first sometimes…before check encashed…stay strong…
Thank you!
Restless Ness only…..no sleep….god knows what is there in fate. Non ad / rp /vt …..2nd chance.
Best of luck guys
I got info from my employer. check encashed 🙂
when was your check cashed? today?
Exctaly i dont know when that check has been encashed buy i got info today
can u find out when your check was encashed
AD/Non-AD?
Non-AD/PP
Sorry No-AD and Reguler
Thanks!
To the guys updating their comments under SLAUGHTER name. Don’t you guys think at all? Open statement that you guys don’t even deserve to work in INDIA. Believe in the name that your parents have given you.!! Real Shame!!
CTS – Got the received today just 30 mins before…..
Hurray feeling relieved
*Receipt
any update from NAT Soft NJ?
USCIS will announce data entry complete this afternoon.
Source ?
There’s no way to know this. Please stop circulating fake information!
Any one heard from Epic Systems?
A few have(as per the comments above).
Was your application PP?
Yes. I thought all the application filed by Epic are PP. Is it not the case? Have you got your receipt??
Still waiting.
Did you tried mailing them and asking?
Yup! Mailed them last week.. They told they havent heard on my case and asked to wait.. They also told they will notify when the chances are slim.
So do they have any Plan B?
I guess there is no plan B.
Did u try checking with them?
Same response as yours.
Let’s wait and hope!
2 of my friends received mail from hr on April 26. Their file picked up. Still waiting for mine. But I am loosing hope. Epic always do RP. So far I know.
Ok. Thanks for for the info.
I remember that they had mentioned about Premium Processing in the mail that they had sent in March before filing the petition. Did u check that mail?
I didnt received any mail.
So no chance. USCIS close data entry. Any update about you guyes..
No Update from the.. Did you guys hear something?
I haven’t heard back anything. so probably i have bad luck.
Any updates?
I got my receipt (at my boss’ office) on friday 29th.
I’m AD/RP/VT and I asked my attorney all week about my check and it wasn’t cashed until the last minute.
Don’t loose hope, if you’re cash hasn’t been cashed yet, it doesn’t mean it won’t be in the next fez days !
Any chance for AD/PP/VT still? Please respond. One genuine application.
Did anyone Recieved Mail Today – NON AD – REGULAR- H1b VISA
### Regular visa #### Waiting for Results #####No sleep #####
Did anyone receive the message from employer that checks got cashed today ??
congrats to all those selected. are the cheques getting encashed still for Non AD/RP
H1B REGULAR – WAITING WAITING …………………………………………….
Oh God !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please give one chance
AD/RP/VT/1st
Waiting…
Whatever works !
Is it game over for AD/RP/VT? Haven’t heard back from employer yet 🙁
I’m also AD/RP/VT, i’m also worry now
I think so
Few folks in Vertical received the results today, still having the hopes alive
Hoping for the best.
Hi guys ,
Full tension ## No sleep ## Only one Regularvisa ## Unlucky guy
What is the last date for regular H1b visa ?
Could you please help me guys .
Hi,
I have applied for premium processing this year under Regular category (Not Masters). I did not receive any information regarding my status till now. Does this mean that my petition hasn’t gone thru lottery? or is there any chance later…
Why are the notifications slower if the random lottery process has already been completed.
Thanks,
Preethi
Since it is PP even if it is not selected in the lottery they have to inform the petitioner..? Correct me if I am wrong.
H1BSlaughterPP,
Rejection letters are sent after all selected candidates have been notified. Now that data entry is complete, folks should start receiving rejection letters.
Hi,
Any Hope for Non-AD/PP/VT
I am also like you dear… Waiting….
Same here:(
I want luck
Any news from Logic Planet… Please share…
I did not get any information from LogicPlanet yet.Please let me know if you come across any details.
Where are you located currently?
In US.What about you?
Finally…..got the good news from my employer my app is picked in the lottery. Non AD/RP/ CA. Thank God. All the best to everyone.
Congrats!!
did u get receipt or check cashed ?? please reply…
and also big congratsss…
My friend residing in Oregon State has received E-mail on 25-01-2016. So AD/PP game not over yet. This is 100 % trustworthy news. Be hopeful.
What!!
check the info before posting!!
Anyone from Hanu Softwares pvt. Ltd.
Waiting NON-AD/RP
Hope Slaughter brings luck to me
waiting ..,
Eagerly waiting for receipt
H4 to H1 B, 2nd time,Non-AD/RP, Hope this week brings good news.All the Best for Waiting people..
Hope slaughter brings luck to me too. Waiting on Non-AD/ PP. I will try my luck on this page for this last week.
Even I am waiting for PP Non-AD… This waiting is killing me.
I will try my luck on this page for this last week. Hope slaughter brings luck to me too. Waiting on Non-AD/ PP
give up, best choice.
How many Infosians are active here ….Please confirm by replying with your DC …. I am from Mangalore DC.
Raman_infy_hyd_stp
Is there any update for Infy Hyderabad H1B candidates?
Just got email… I made it 🙂
Infy Blr EC
H1b Infy mangalore
H1bslaughteragain
Waiting for my NON-AD/RP/CA Second time applied.
Bangalore DC
Infy bangalore
Monterrey, Mexico
Would like to know how many CTS associates have got so far and how many can expect still. Saw an associate from CTS GM team clarifying few queries, can we expect this reply from you ?
WAC1614450XXX . Any one tell me when this receipt generated /entered in system.. in USCIS site its saying APR 11 we received the petition. but i believe they generated receipt on APR 24th am i correct ? this is what i received for a associate reporting to me.. AD RP CA.
They entered it on 23rd Apr.
It seems 2nd time i got no luck
I am going to get this time.
Non-AD /RP/CA
trying from past 3years
is there any chance checks would get cash this week for NON-AD/RP??
Hey Saurabh, Kumar,
Thank you for adding timestamp to comments. You guys are awesome!
Would like to know how many CTS associates have got so far and how many can expect still. Saw an associate from CTS GM team clarifying few queries, can we expect this reply from you ?
Looking Positve
Non-AD /RP/CA
trying from past 3years
Waiting for my non-ad/rp/vt.
Waiting eagerly for results – Non -A D/ RP, had been reading every one’s post and just felt like I need to share my patience.
Any one from CTS kolkata receive the notification
Very few people got that.
Hi all,
Still PP receipts are coming and those are in RP need to wait till 2nd week of may.(even though 15th may is not dead line but at least , a dead line for being optimistic, then after you need luck only)
CA(WAC) center is slow in process for generating receipts.
Please hang on, and spread positive thoughts cause “what goes around comes around”
All the best to every one.
God help me, anxiety killing me…
AD/RP/VT/1st.
Waiting ..
Whatever works !!
Any idea how many ppl in CTS have got the mail till now??
This wait is killing me..God please hear my prayers!! Meanwhile let me try the name. .
Niche software… Any updates??? Any selections?
Hopefully we ll get to listen something today!!!
Hi..I applied thru niche software.Selected in lottery..no update after that
Hey Pravin
Congratulations 🙂
When u got mail for selection??
H Pravin,
when you got this good news? and are you from NON-AD/RP ?
Any News About Non Ad / Rp/ CA ,Still we have any count to received ?
Last try with name Nirmal Baba, I heard many have got good news
after this in other forum.
Let me try , hoping for miracle, i know it sound stupid, but whats wrong
on giving a try.
Non AD- RP waiting for result.
hahahahahahahahaha
Waiting a lot…. 🙁