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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. Did any one from infy got the updates in GICS ? Please reply only if really got it as everybody is waiting and tensed.

    Reply
  2. @sourabh ,

    I have Received the Receipt Number and Document from USCIS as well from my employer. But when I check my Receipt number against the USCIS Web site under the check status, Unfortunately my Receipt number is not showing please suggest….

    Reply
  3. My H1b got picked in lottery, consultant saying will share receipt no in weeks time. I applied from US, can anyone tell my if i can travel india in mean time till status updation . I was on H4 till the time. I wanted to travel india before resuming job.
    Plz advice as need to travel is urgent.

    Reply
    • U can travel to India but once your petition got approved, your H4 will be gone. So you can travel back only after stamping.

      Reply
    • JKumar,

      If ur employer applies H1B under COS h4 to H1 then it is not suggested to travel outside US untill H1B gets approved.U can check with your attorney on this before u leave.

      Thanks

      Reply
  4. My employer said they received 40 out of 120
    And asked not to assume anything until we get rejection letter
    Cheers !!

    Reply
  5. I am waiting H1b lottery result for my spouse. is there anyone who filled through Bridgetown consulting Group. did anyone received news from this consultancy.
    Appreciate you response.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  6. Hi Kumar ans Saurabh,

    I was told that cheque cashed on Apr 22nd but petitioner did not receive receipt so far.

    Is this normal or anything fishy? I know if cheque get cashed then it is 100% done in lottery selection, but are there any other chances not to?

    Reply
    • My check got cashed on 21st April. I am still waiting for receipt. Don’t worry.. we should get the receipt sometime this week. I know few others whose checks got cashed around the same time as me. They are waiting for receipts too. We are selected in lottery – That’s for sure.

      Reply
    • H1B_Apr22,

      If check is cashed then you made through the lottery. Receipt may be on its way or lost in transit. Your employer can follow-up w/ USCIS after May 11.

      When the check was cashed, didn’t it have receipt number on the back? The employer should have access to front/back of check in his online account.

      Reply
  7. Called my Employer; he said receipts are coming in, out of 100+ they have got just 16 till today, and he has good experience and asked me to hold on till May end. This is not a consultant who lets you know who is the attorney and whether the check got en cashed 🙂

    One request to one’s who have got the receipts. Please be calm in the responses and avoid hard happy expressions. (Happiest day in my life, God is Great). Just remember there are many others who are still waiting with 2nd, 3rd attempt and are genuine.

    IMO: US H1-B Visa is good; but this is not the entire world. Everyone is for good! As a famous saying. Whatever happened is for good; whatever is supposed to happen is also for good! Cheers

    Reply
    • Hi Trichy! That is very useful information, thank you! Can you tell us which center are you talking about here? Is it the VT one?

      Thanks!

      Reply
  8. I thought MODI was going to make India as America, but with the number of Indians clamoring here for H1B, looks like you guys dont believe in your 56 inches Chested Prime Minister, who would make 1 USD = 40 INR. .

    Maybe go ask him for a recommendation for H1B visa..

    Reply
      • Yes , we are frustrated because you third rate fellows are stealing rightful american jobs. I understand PHDs from India who contribute but the WITCH (Wipro, Infosys, TCS, CTS, HCL) chop shops should not be here at all.

        This is what happens when American Greed Meets Indian Greed..

        Yes, Trump will come and send you in Dingies back to Indie, to go and fall at your MODI’s feet.

        Reply
  9. Picked up in lottery, will get my receipt soon by this week or nect week. My employer sent an email to me.. All the best to all of you and please do not belive in all Nirmal Baba and other superstitous things..

    Reply
      • Boss this is my 3 rd year attempt and most important thing is I dont know Who is Nirmal Baba, i understant tht it is some Baba.. Since last 3 years i believed in Luck and yes ofcourse God but dont know what is Baba??

        Reply
    • If ppl get everything for granted then there wouldn’t be god anywhere. If you wouldn’t have picked up in lottery continuously for 4 years then you would chase the luck, believe in all kind of superstitious things. It’s human nature.

      Reply
  10. Can you guys suggest when they are starting the Premium Processing. I got the receipt but waiting for the updates.

    Reply
  11. The receipt I got its for 2 pages.
    But I got only crop image showing my name ,employer name,notice date received date and receipt no.etc

    Is that correct?

    Reply
    • H1B Query,

      All information is on the 1st page. 2nd page doesn’t contain any information except for standard text etc.

      Reply
  12. can anyone of you please tell me who are getting news from employers today got receipts directly or checks got cashed earlier?

    Reply
    • I received receipt from employeer today. My case is Non AD/RP at VSC. Notice date is 27th & received confirmation today.

      Reply
  13. Anyone heard back from SeyFarth Shaw (Legal firm behalf of Deloitte) for Non AD/RP??

    None of my colleges heard back from anything from that law firm and really wondering if there is any other Deloitte people received any info from them

    Reply
      • This is what I got from Nichesoft

        Hi,

        Our pleasure to let you know

        You will get complete details on your petition on or later 15th may please wait.

        Kind Regards,
        Legal Team

        Reply
        • What kind of mail that is.. totally confusing. In earlier update they mentioned that they are telling people who got selected and here they are mentioning that you will get update on your petition not before 15th May.

          Reply
          • NicheSoft? Seriously?

            That’s because of people like you that genuine applications don’t get picked… Pff.

      • I asked for my h1 status today and that was the reply I got to wait till 15 may….

        Genuine case of 10 years experience. .need status change from H4 to H1….struck with luck ?

        Reply
      • I guess either none of applications applied through niche got through lottery or people who made through lottery dont check redbus. I am losing hopes day by day.

        Reply
  14. Heard from my employer today (1st timer non AD/RP – California Service Center).
    Got the good news on my Birthday 🙂
    Really really happy…. 🙂
    Thanx a lot redbus2us.
    Wishing all the very best for everyone 🙂

    Reply
  15. Employer called just now …got my receipt no today!! first time non ad/ rp/vt.. Can’t stop crying. Wish you all good luck and hang on there with full positivity and you will get thorough.

    Reply
  16. Anyone heard from HTC Global Services on lottery results?

    Its my 3rd attempt and looks like I have the same hard as last two years

    Reply
    • Congrats!!!!!!!
      Did your cheque encashed today or your employer got the receipt?

      R u NON-AD/RP? CA or VT?

      Reply
  17. Hi Saurabh/Kumar

    CAn u plz let us know.. y r thr still new receipts beings generated post data entry ??
    EX : On May 3, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1614951290, and emailed you a receipt notice. It is being processed at our California Service Center location. The notice describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice.

    Reply
    • It might not come under the FY2017 quota. Might be related to H1B Transfer….but not completely sure.

      Reply
    • It id probably for extension requests or for non profit H1B. Only cap exempt H1B are done. Other’s can still file

      Reply
    • NB,
      They process applications in the same order they are picked. There might be a delay in sending the receipts however which is normal.

      Reply
    • But one guy said that he got the receipt number from Igate Pune. I wonder what are the chances. Fake update ?

      Reply
  18. H-1B Fraud cases are on the rise and it directly affects people like us. Multiple application by shell companies (layers) is one of the culprit for 2,3,4 applications for same candidate. It surely will not take a candidate very far.
    I did not get my H1B picked this year. I am a Masters , PhD from an Ivy League Univ and has been in USA for 7 years now. Unfortunately it does not matter even though I am working as a scientist on life saving research which will help not only US but the world. I wish congrats for those selected and good luck for those waiting . To those not picked – believe in yourself and move on with your work. Remember , you may get a visa or GC, but you will ultimately get lost into oblivion if you are good enough to survive.

    Read the two articles I am pasting below just for info.
    Good luck all.

    Reply
    • “http://www.computerworld.com/article/3005272/it-careers/jury-convicts-brothers-in-h-1b-fraud-case-jail-possible.html”

      Reply
    • Could you not file for cap exempt H1B if you are working for life saving research or O-1 visa? I know you might be working on big pharmaceutical companies and it might not be an option but just letting you know.

      Reply
  19. Finally cleared 1st step. .!! Fragomen portal was updated with the receipt number. No sleepless nights but this time really wanted to get through. 2nd attempt and timing couldn’t have been better NON AD/RP/EAC16147*. Just hope and pray everything goes well ahead too. All the very best to all still waiting.:-)

    Reply
  20. Can anyone tell me whether there is any hope for nonAD pp??my employer asking to wait till May end..I am confused…anyone received pp in this week??please help me friends..

    Reply
  21. Any updates Capgemini/Igate folks ? Some one here said that they got receipt number on VRF. Very much worried.

    Reply
  22. Hey guys..
    Spoke with my employer .. check not encashed.. no receipts..
    Asked him is it worth waiting.. n guess wht ..he directly gave an answer –NO
    So lets hope for next year 🙂

    Reply
    • I’m guessing it was moved to the CSC center. Most of the statuses do not have the line which says where it is being processed.

      Reply
    • Here’s another one that I randomly found that was processed today. I’m guessing it is an application for extension.

      On May 3, 2016, we accepted your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1615250500, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by June 2, 2016, please call Customer Service at …..

      Reply
  23. Any update for TCS? When will we start getting notifications from fdfu/visa cell ?
    Do we need to send mail to them for updates ?

    JaiNirmalBaba!!

    Reply
    • Hi ,my Attorney website my application staus says as ‘We have received a filing receipt notice from the adjudicating agency and are waiting for the decision’.
      Any one help me,what it mean?

      Reply
      • You might get an RFE.. I too don’t know.. just searhed blogs for you as you seamlessly enjoy after being picked..
        redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-petition-processing-steps-at-uscis-service-center-adjudication-info/

        Reply
  24. @CTS 1st timer,

    Dude can you please tell me your 1st letter of ur first name and 1st letter of ur last name ?

    Please

    Reply
  25. Premium processing – Game Over

    Regular Processing – Just 3 days to go

    If your lucky then your luck should come with in 3 days .

    ##Game oVer ###

    Reply

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