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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. Hello Saurabh & all;

    Please can you give me some suggestions on h4 petition:

    I am on F-1 student visa & My wife on F-2 (Student Dependent); Applied for H1B in current FY-17 year & petition picked in h1b- lottery.
    – Received RFE on h1b application on June-25, 2016
    – My employer is planning to respond around Sept-5, 2016

    So, now confusion is my employer suggesting me to file my wife h4 petition after my h1b case approves but my contacts telling me that I need to submit my wife’s h4 before 1st OCT, 2016; Otherwise, she will be out of status asap my COS approve.

    Please, can you suggest me, when I need to file H4 for her?
    What will be the cost for petition including lawyer, fees, etc.?

    Reply
    • Hey buddy !!

      What is your wife’s f2 visa expiry date ?? If her stay extends that then she is out of status. My suggestion is change your h1b petition to premium processing.

      Reply
      • Thanks a lot, buddy,

        My F1 & her F2 expires on Dec-2016; my employer not allowed to switch to premium so I have to go with company regular system

        Reply
    • H4 application for H1B Rfe Student status,

      When does your F-1 status ends? Are you on cap-gap?

      If your F-1 ends prior to Oct 1, then H-4 COS needs to be applied prior to F-1 end date. Your contacts are correct that she would be out of status if no COS is applied.

      However, if F-1 is valid beyond Oct 1, then applying COS is not mandatory yet. You would remain on F-1 and she would remain on F-2 until your F-1 end date. Before that end date, COS needs to be applied.

      COS costs around $325 (look-up fees for I-539). Lawyer fees vary.

      Reply
      • Appreciate for suggestions, Saurabh

        It’s helpful.

        I am doing my 2nd master degree, and My F1 & her F2 expires on Dec-2016; so I should wait till approves H1B than applied for H4.

        Reply
        • H4 application for H1B Rfe Student status,

          Yes, you can wait for H-1 approval and then apply for her COS. I would suggest keeping all her documents ready and submit it as soon as you receive the approval notice. You already know the receipt number for H-1, and just need the approval notice.

          Now there would be a delay of few days or 1-2 weeks b/w the time your COS goes into effect and COS application reaches USCIS. I am not sure how USCIS would treat this period as. Maybe you can submit her COS now, let it process and receive RFE (for H-1 approval notice) and then respond to it once you have H-1 approval notice. This way that gray area of 1-2 weeks would not arise.

          Reply
  2. Hai Saurabh ,
    I filed through my company and came to know that application fee is encased. But i did not get any receipts till now? any one in same situation?
    Company did not shared any numbers with me , like case number .. Is fee enachsed means approved ? or picked in lottery?

    Could you please share your idea

    Reply
    • HornBill,

      If check was really cashed, then you made through the lottery. Back copy of the cashed check will have your receipt number. If your employer is playing games, well then …

      Reply
        • HornBill,

          Yes, they are different. Selected in lottery means that you have made through the initial lottery. The petition still needs to be processed and would either be approved or denied. If latter, then you are out of lottery.

          Reply
    • Same here. AD/RP/VT. Check encashed April end. Till date no receipt. Employer told to wait till July end. High chances that application is picked as per the employer.

      Reply
  3. I am working for A company and I had applied for h1b thru B company.
    Now my petition got picked in lottery.Since then no update and mean while my A company gave me 2%hike only and i want to leave this company now.
    If I get another offer and I put papers here.If i got the h1b approval and other process done in 2months of my np then its fine or else i will have to join new employer.

    My case is non ad/rp.

    what will be the problems or consequences of it?
    Please Saurabh and all suggest me?

    Reply
    • Hi,

      Couple of queries, before giving you some suggestion, since me too have almost same situation.
      Is your petition is approved. Do you have i797 copy.
      As of now available date for h1b stamping in mumbai consulate is 17th oct( you over shoot 2 months np). and this is same situation in almost all consulates.
      technically you are land immediately after stamping, means I assume if you are blocking stamping date today. so check out time management with your case.

      Suggestion : if current employer is not killing you then just wait, another 30% annual hike , effective for 2-3 months wont matter much, when eventually you are going to earn in $. so keep claim and sail through. Having said that I would say keep giving interviews so you are up to date in preparation if going through consultant.

      Reply
      • GoodGuy,

        Thanks sir for ur valuable suggestions.. problem is my employer not killing me..my manager is killing me mentally with his bloody taunts and mails.on top of that 2 people have put wents 1month back and whole load is on me to handle their modules as well.
        So am literally dieing .24/7 am in work mode.I dont remeber when I slept with ease in last month or so.
        Can u ping me on raney.vikram@gmail.com
        I have some more queries.will share there.

        Reply
    • Hi,

      I am still waiting for my rejection update.. Infy guys, anyone in same boat as me? Lot of people already got their rejection update and it is almost two weeks since USCIS stated that they returned all petitions. I am not sure why i have not got my update yet. If any one has any info pls let people know.

      Reply
      • Yes I am in the same boat as you. I know one more person as well who didn’t get any update and for him as well the status is showing In Progress. I think we will get to know by coming Monday. Most probably it will be rejected only. I can understand your feelings very well.

        Reply
    • According to the stats in this page https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pMsGtKC6sGS2uj4JL3JX5IYytzU5jJO_qJ-UJKXiCr4/edit#gid=237954566 they processed 31 cases yesterday and 31 the day before, so if they keep at this pase seems like we are going to be waiting for a long time, mine is also EAC1614654*** good luck!!!

      Reply
  4. Hi,
    Anyone from HCL there who is waiting for H1b Petetion approval? If yes what is update on your case. Don’t know why hcl immigration team don’t share Petetion number with applicants.

    Reply
  5. I am working for A company and I had applied for h1b thru B company.
    Now my petition got picked in lottery.Since then no update and mean while my A company gave me 2%hike only and i want to leave this company now.
    If I get another offer and I put papers here.If i got the h1b approval and other process done in 2months of my np then its fine or else i will have to join new employer.

    My case is non ad/rp.

    what will be the problems or consequences of it?
    Please Saurabh and all suggest me?

    Reply
  6. When we are waiting for update…

    H1B Fee Component Fee in USD, explained:

    Base filing fee/ Afghan war fund $325
    AICWA Fee/ To have ME in Bbro pocket $750 or $1,500
    Fraud prevent & detection fee/ Tips for Erdogan $500
    Fee based on Public Law 114-113 ( if applicable) / To mess with Syria $4000
    Premium processing fee (Optional) Last one for Pakistan $1,225

    Reply
    • the world has had enough of Indians pouring in every corner of first world. why can’t they remain contained in the filth of their slums?
      RAW and Modi followers are the real threat to the world peace.

      Reply
    • Can you pl. share the stat for “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” also.
      my case number is EAC16144*****

      Reply
    • If you have H1B then why are you bothering about salary. Wait until its get approved and plan to travel to onsite . If it is approved then don’t think about Salary. If it is not approved then go for some other company.

      All the best.

      Reply
  7. Hi All,

    Could you please help me?
    I had a 221(g) 3 years back at Mumbai for H1b and case sent to uscis for review. This was because the employer and client was a very small company.
    Now I got another h1b petition by current employer which is MNC.
    I am attending visa interview in September. If the VO ask question on why it was rejected last time, what answer can I give.
    Thanks
    Tom

    Reply
    • Tom,

      Reply truthfully. You can say 221g was issued and mention what documents were asked. If you don’t know what happened thereafter, let them know the same. They know most of the details from your case history but may ask the question to gauge how truthful you are.

      Reply
  8. Hi ,

    I am sastri, my salary is very less per year, i was picked in lottery, on interview is that compulsory that i should carry tax papers to show the consulate, but i din’t filed till now IT returns due to my less pay.

    Reply
    • You need to pay your taxes, file returns even if you fall below the tax bracket. “Zero file returns”. Contact your tax consultant and file them ASAP.

      Reply
    • If you are going for first time stamping in india and not H1b extension, no need to carry tax returns paper, just Form 16 for last 3 years would be good. If you don’t have say “I do not have” don’t give lengthy explanations. Good luck.

      Reply
    • @infy
      why are you asking these questions here, you can check embassy portal right.
      are you new to visa process.
      who knows where you live and whats your near embassy is.

      Reply
    • LOL
      just checked all embassy’s in India for h1 appointment slot.
      The very near available time all over India is november 14 2016.
      i am still waiting my status to change, Non AD/RP.

      Reply
  9. Hi Saurabh,

    First of all Thank you Admin. Really it’s supportive and wonderful work.

    Would be helpful if I get an answer for the below questions,
    1 and half year before my study visa(F1) got rejected – I tried 3 times between 2months but rejected then moved to MNC back for work. Now, my H1b case was picked in lottery and got approved on Jun 28th 2016.
    1. When I go for H1b interview after 1-2months, is there any impact because of my F1 rejection?
    2. Since my case was approved now, is it possible to resign my current employer and move to other MNC?(I don’t have projects here)
    3. If I can move to other employer then is there any impact in my h1b interview and do I need to take any h1b documents from my current employer?
    4. Is there any way that my employer(Infosys) hold me up using H1B if I resign now?

    My Case – Non-AD/RP/WAC16147*****

    Appreciate your response. Your answers may change my journey .

    Thanks,
    Ragul

    Reply
    • My case is also similar… My F1 got rejected 3 and half years back. File got picked up, awaiting for approval.

      Non AD/EAC16147*****/RP

      Reply
    • Guess, your F1 rejection will not have any impact on H1. But again H1 is all about “LUCK”. They wont even tell you why they aren’t approving. They will simply say administrative process.

      Reply
    • I think,

      1) There are more probability for visa officer to ask about the F1 rejection. I remember experiencing similar situation for B1 visas. I assume you specified those details while filing your H1B petition and in your visa application. If not, and if they found out in their system based on your passport number, that is not good.

      2) Hope you know that the H1B (once approved) is tied with your employer who files it. If you resign, the employer could revoke it and it could become void. But since you got selected in lottery this year, you will need to request the new employer to file a new H1B cap exempt petition (transfer).

      3) With this current approved H1B petion, you cannot go for interview with new employer. You will need a new approved H1B petion for that new employer.

      4) Your employer cannot hold you. But he can revoke the petition. Any way, after leving the employer, you cannot use the petition. You will need to file a new one with your new employer.

      FYI, the H1B transfer is like applying another new H1B… only without lottery. So, it do have all the same associated issues. More over, because of the huge backlog of H1B cap petitions, it would be advisable to apply H1B transfer in priority processing to get the result soon… or else, you might need to wait for a long time.

      Hope that helps.

      Reply
      • Muni – Non AD / R / VT ,
        Thank you Muni – Non AD / R / VT for providing a clear information in both ways. Thanks a lot.

        Regards,
        Ragul

        Reply
    • Ragul_Infy_Non-AD/RP,

      Agree w/ Muni – Non AD / R / VT’s comments. If you want to move to an employer other than H-1 sponsor, get H-1 transfer done w/ them so that you can work for new employer on H-1.

      Reply
  10. My H1B picked in lottery FY-16 and petition got approved through my previous company, I havn’t attended VISA interview. Due to some reasons I have moved to new company, will be there any chance to process the same petition through my new company? Suggestions plz..!!

    Thanks in Advance.

    Reply
    • H1B Aspirant,

      New employer can file cap-exempt petition for you as long as you have the receipt copy or know at least the receipt number.

      Reply
  11. Hi Saurabh,

    Anyone received RFE on specialized occupation? Anyone send response of this RFE and got petition approved?

    Reply
    • Infy_H1B_World

      I am in the same boat. Can you please share what are the documents asked by GI team and what details they shared about the RFE? I think most of the documents like resume, JD, mark-sheet would already have been shared.

      Thanks in advance.

      Reply
    • Infy_H1B_World,

      I don’t remember from this year, but I do remember folks getting this RFE last year. Can’t recollect what happen to their case eventually.

      Reply
    • Nope 🙁 Its really a pain.. Even if it is rejected, they should atleast tell us quickly. Dono why they are making us to wait so long.. not sure..if they really have any selected list to be revealed 🙁 If anyone have idea please share your thoughts

      Reply
    • I got update as ‘Selected in lottery’ during May but after that there is no update on petition status. It is very difficult to wait without any idea. But just we have to hope for it and wait. 🙁

      Reply
  12. Hi Saurabh,
    Is there any criteria for transferring the petition to specific service center.
    like My company sponsored is in California so will my case be transferred to WAC/California?
    plz let me know.

    Reply
    • Hopes2017H1B,

      There are only 2 H-1B processing centers – CA and VT. Your employer’s location determines whether it goes to CA or VT.

      If the employer is in CA, then definitely it is going to CA.

      Reply
  13. I am in US on H4 ,with H1 picked in current lottery with EAC16148…,I have a very peculiar family situation meanwhile as my husband is abusive,he is suffering from serious gastric issues but still forcing me to prepare lot of heavy and gas causing food daily like sambhar,vada,dosai etc
    After consuming this in very large quantities he is indulging in heavy farting and burping ,both with extremely loud noise and very bad smell
    He is not even allowing me to open windows or move away
    The noise is so loud and aggressive that the neighbours are also complaining and they don’t want to talk to me thinking bad of me
    I am so depressed with my life that I am just waiting for my H1 to come and will move out the very same day but it is taking so long
    He is threatening to revoke my H4 and says I will be out of status if I don’t put up with this smelly life
    Can you guys suggest if there is some legal remedy for my situation
    When can my petition be approved?
    Someone please help me

    Reply
    • No worries,
      Take your hubby along with you for interview. Explain your situation to VO. As a proof pre feed your hubby with his favorite Sambhar. Let his stomach provide rest of proofs you want:)

      Reply
  14. Finally Approved !!NON AD/RP, California center.
    I was regular visitor to this blog and thanks
    every one who are participating and admin of these blogs

    Reply
  15. As my job is located in Illinois, my petition will be processed from California service center.

    Any update on how many people getting there status updated from this center daily?

    And also what is the series from this center?

    I don’t have my case no as my company does not share case no with associates unless you get an RFE.

    Reply
      • https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pMsGtKC6sGS2uj4JL3JX5IYytzU5jJO_qJ-UJKXiCr4/edit#gid=0

        Reply
        • This is interesting and at least gives an idea on total case change on a daily basis but only if it is an authentic detail..Anyways, for each day out of the total number of cases only a percentage of it has been shown going through the changes..E.g. Day 125, total 598(WAC) but cases shown going through the change is only 38..what happened to others?

          Reply
        • @check your series total h1b approved on daily basis:

          Can you pl. share stat for “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” also.
          my case number is EAC16144*****

          Reply
      • if ur is from april 11 and still waiting then god knows what will happen of may 18(mine case) and how many years or months will it take…i am willing to look in India itself…this much patience i am not having

        Reply
        • The delay is because of this year lot of AD people and their RFE’s.
          This is my third time,finally picked but hope wont get any critical RFE.

          Reply
    • Guys,
      Mine has been approved today, AD-RP-VT, EAC161385xxxx. Good luck to all of you.

      No, It was processed by Vermont Center.

      Reply
  16. Hi Saurabh,
    I am on h4 and my h4 is expiring on 10th September. I have applied for h1 and its still in the process. Since my h1 is in the process my husband did not apply for my h4 extension, if my case got approved then my h1 will start from October, so from 9th September, will I b out of status? If I should apply for extension now then is it allowed to apply if h1b is still in process?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • I am in same situation. H4 expiring on 2 sep. My question is if I apply for extension and if my H1 is approved after H4 expiry, I will have to withdraw H4 extension as last change rule applies. So will my stay from 2 sep to H1 start date or the day I leave for India considered illegal? I am planning to leave for India immediately after withdrawing my H4 extension once I get H1 approval.

      Reply
      • ABC,

        Your stay wouldn’t be considered illegal as you really did apply for H-4 extension timely. So that H-4 extension would cover you for the period from H-4 expiration date to the date you leave US.

        BTW, if you plan to leave US, then no need to withdraw H-4 extension. As soon as you leave US, it would be abandoned as your I-94 record would have closed.

        Reply
    • if your H1b is approved before your current H4 expires and you filled change of status along with your H1B petition. You need to have a valid(unexpired h4) till October 1st for the Change of status to be effective. You can be out of status between the time h4 expires and H1 kick s in on October 1st. You may want to file the H4 extension now so that once that is approved you make a smooth transition to H1 on October 1st without leaving the United states.

      If your H1b gets approved and H4 expires before October 1st. You are out of status and would need to leave the country to get a stamped H1 visa on your passport to return back into the states

      Reply
      • if your H1b is approved before your current H4 expires and you filed change of status along with your H1B petition. You need to have a valid(unexpired h4) till October 1st for the Change of status to be effective. You cannot be out of status between the time h4 expires and H1 kick s in on October 1st. You may want to file the H4 extension now so that once that is approved you make a smooth transition to H1 on October 1st without leaving the United states.

        If your H1b gets approved and H4 expires before October 1st. You are out of status and would need to leave the country to get a stamped H1 visa on your passport to return back into the states

        Reply
    • My H1 is consular and not COS. H4 expires on 2 Sept. Applied for H4 extension and planning to travel as soon as my H1 is approved and withdraw H4 at the same time. My question is If my H1 is approved after H4 expiry with H4 extension pending will my stay be illegal after 2 Sept to the date I withdraw H4 and travel back to India.

      Reply
    • Priya,

      If H-1 was applied w/ COS, then USCIS may issue RFE asking for proof of H-4 extension through Oct 1 before approving H-1 w/ COS.

      So you need to apply for H-4 extension and later withdraw after Oct 1 once H-1 gets approved w/ COS.

      Reply
      • Saurabh,
        Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it.
        I have applied in premium processing, got RFE and my employer has submited the documents. Suppose my case got approved by August 1st week ( I am not planning to go India for stamping now) and before October if my h4 extension also got approved then as per last action rule will I be on h4 and then again I have to apply for COS for h1?

        Suppose I don’t apply for h4 extension now and wait till the decision comes and when my h1 gets approved then can I apply for h4 extension (as the normal processing time would take around 3 months and by the time of October, I can withdraw the h4 extension) so that I should not be out of status between 9th sept to 1st October? Is it allowed to apply for h4 extension after you have received h1?

        Reply
        • Priya,

          Usually to approve H-1 w/ COS, they need I-94 through Oct 1. Your I-94 is expiring in Sep, and so I see high chance of H-1 getting approved w/ consular processing. Do you know what the RFE is about?

          You can wait to see if H-1 gets approved in Aug. If it somehow gets approved w/ COS, just apply for H-4 extension and then withdraw it. If it doesn’t get approved w/ COS, then apply for H-4 extension and don’t withdraw it.

          Reply
          • Hi Saurabh,
            My H1b got approved yesterday. Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate your work. The website is really very useful.
            I have a question, I want to know if I travel to India now and then come back before 8/10 days of expiration of my H4, will it be necessary to give visa interview for h1 or I can travel on h4 since it won’t be expired? Do you think I will get some issues at POE?

          • Priya,

            You can leave US and return on H-4 visa as long as the visa stamp has not expired. Do you plan to apply for H-4 extension soon after returning to US on H-4?

          • I have valid stamp till 9th sept and I am planning to come back around 1st Sept. I am going to file for h4 extension next week. Do you think there will be issues at POE? Because I have heard they sometimes send back people and ask them to come with h1 stamping.

          • Saurabh,
            have valid stamp till 9th sept and I am planning to come back around 1st Sept. I am going to file for h4 extension next week. Do you think there will be issues at POE? Because I have heard they sometimes send back people and ask them to come with h1 stamping.

          • Priya,

            I think it would be ok to return around Sep 1 on H-4. I don’t remember cases where someone was returned from PoE and asked to come on H-1. Still, you can run it by your employer to be sure.

  17. Is there any way to track which center will look into my case? I don’t have case no as TCS does not share case no with associates.

    I only have information that it has been ‘selected in lottery’

    Reply
    • If the job is located in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, or Wyoming – then file with the California Service Center, otherwise it is Vermont.

      Reply
      • Thanks so much. As my job is located in Illinois it’s California service center.

        Any update on how many people getting there status updates from this center daily?

        Reply
      • Thanks for the info. However my employer is located in Arizona and my receipt# starts with EAC16144****.
        I reckon EAC is for Vermont. How come mine tagged to EAC? Is it based on the client location? If yes, my client location is New York. Then it justifies.
        Please advise…

        Reply
  18. Game is over. Got rejection mail today..

    “Dear Employee,

    This is to inform you that your H-1B application was returned by the USCIS and has unfortunately not made it through the lottery selection process for this year’s cap.

    We have updated your application record on GICS and closed it accordingly.

    Regards,
    GI Connect.”

    Reply
  19. I received my receipt notice on April 11th 2016. My receipt number starts with
    EAC16146******** can anyone suggest when will my case status change. It’s been a long wait.

    Reply
    • Hi H1B_Aspirant,

      This is your series status at Vermont center as of 15th July:

      Series 14th july 15th July total cases processed on 15th july
      146 4155 4140 -15

      When i check the list of series your series EAC16146 has maximum pending petitions for aproval/RFE 4000+ ..and daily vermont center is procession on an average 10 cases so might be a long wait for you.

      Reply
  20. Finally after so much of stupid hope of imaginary 2nd list… I got the update from GI Team…

    “Dear Employee,

    This is to inform you that your H-1B application was returned by the USCIS and has unfortunately not made it through the lottery selection process for this year’s cap.

    We have updated your application record on GICS and closed it accordingly.

    Regards,
    GI Connect.”

    Reply
  21. This is the second time I have applied for H1B and got selected in lottery. But my company does not share the case number with the associates. By when can we expect petition approved/rejected/RFE mail?

    And also how can we know which centre will look into my case?

    Reply
  22. People those who haven’t received any update on H1b lottery status can be considered as not picked in lottery or can we expect few more list yet to release.
    Any thoughts to share?

    Reply
    • I guess the last list of selected petition shared by FDFU was on first week of June. That too only ISU heads have received email and they communicated to us. After that there is no more update from them.

      Reply
    • Dude, USCIS announced on July 8, that it has returned all fiscal year 2017 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected in lottery…
      N u r still asking abt next list… Wow…

      Reply
        • I am not talking about the list from USCIS. I was asking if there are any more selected lists that has to be revealed by TCS..:)

          Reply
  23. Hi Saurabh,

    I have applied for VISIT VISA (B1) and twice it got rejected under 214(b). Will it affect my H1B process? I got picked in lottery and waiting for approval. Please advise.

    Reply
    • Sarvesh,

      It shouldn’t impact it as long as you didn’t submit false documents during those B-1 interviews. Remain truthful in your DS-160 form and interview questions.

      Reply
  24. This is the second time I have applied for H1B, got selected in lottery on 19-APR-16 and today got a mail from USCIS that the petition got approved.

    Thanks Saurabh and Best of luck to all those who are still waiting.

    Reply
  25. @CTS:
    On July 15, 2016, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC16143*****

    Happy Bells Are Ringing 🙂
    Good Luck for all 🙂

    Reply
    • Is yours regular processing? and what is the processing centre? Also you got a mail or e-mail? And how long it takes hard copy of approval.
      Thanks in advance

      Reply
      • Its AD/RP and from CF center.

        I verified my case status in online (USCIS website). Now status changed to “On July 15, 2016, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC16143*****”

        Wish you best of luck for all.

        Reply
    • Hi Saurabh,
      I am on h4 and my h4 is expiring on 10th September. I have applied for h1 and its still in the process. Since my h1 is in the process my husband did not apply for my h4 extension, if my case got approved then my h1 will start from October, so from 9th September, will I b out of status? If I should apply for extension now then is it allowed to apply if h1b is still in process?

      Thanks!

      Reply
  26. Hi friends,
    i did not get the recipt yet . dont know the nubers as my company did not share those. When i probed i came to know that the cash was withdrewn from the application check. So what may be the status of my lottory ? approved ?reject? of RFE.. Please help.

    Reply
  27. Hi Saurabh,

    I have SOW up to Aug 31st and unfortunately, am moving to new client from Sep 1st.
    In case of RFE asking for SOW, MSA. which client should i need to submit?.
    I can able to get client letter from the present client. Can you please advice?
    Can we able to change client, SOW, MSA in RFE? i don’t know about LCA.

    Thanks,
    Jonny

    Reply
    • Jonny,

      If the new client is at a different location, then this could be an issue. Change in location requires new LCA which cannot be done while petition is pending.

      Discuss the case w/ your attorney. If your employer is a reputed firm, maybe some senior management person can write a letter vouching that the position is genuine and they plan to file amendment as soon as the petition gets approved.

      Reply
  28. Infosys Team- Many ppl have already received rejection mail. Do we still have chance for inprogress petitions? Although, 10% pending of approval/rejected mail’s are yet to come..

    Reply
    • As discussed with GICS head on Yammer, they have updated all the cases which they got from USCIS. Moreover, USCIS team is done with rejection case update as well on July 8th so we will get to know by 23rd or 25th July on remaining pending petitions. And GICS team has confirmed that after 18th May they got only single petition which got picked in the lottey, remaining are the rejected only. Lets hope positive unless we will not get anything. We can expect next update by 25th July and If we don’t get it then we can question on GICS team.

      Reply
  29. Infy folks – do we still have chance to get selected petitions? Did we got single update on the 10% pending selection list when we got the recent rejection update?

    Reply
    • As discussed with GICS head on Yammer, they have updated all the cases which they got from USCIS. Moreover, USCIS team is done with rejection case update as well on July 8th so we will get to know by 23rd or 25th July on remaining pending petitions. And GICS team has confirmed that after 18th May they got only single petition which got picked in the lottery, remaining are the rejected only. Lets hope positive unless we will not get anything. We can expect next update by 25th July and If we don’t get it then we can question on GICS team. So, chances are very minimal now. It may be the number between 1-10 lucky people who will get some positive news from Infosys.

      Reply
    • just now received mail from GICS that ,

      Dear Employee,

      This is to inform you that your H-1B application was returned by the USCIS and has unfortunately not made it through the lottery selection process for this year’s cap.

      We have updated your application record on GICS and closed it accordingly.

      Regards,

      finally game over 😀

      Reply
  30. Traveled two times to US on B1. First one in 2007 for 1 month.
    Second on new B1 stayed for 5 months and back. As the parent US company was accused of some Visa fraud issues they called me to the Hyderabad consulate and cancelled my visa and gave a 221G white paper. Now, I applied for H1 from a different company and application is picked in lottery.
    Will my B1 cancellation have any effect of my H1 stamping?

    Saurabh could you please throw some light on my issue?
    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  31. Hi Saurabh,
    for the selected petitions ,does the USCIS will call the clients and verify the details of the petition and then they will move forward and approve the petitions?
    My case was selected in lottery and check en-chased and after that no update till date, even checked with my client they didn’t received any call for verification.

    Reply
    • Anil,

      They will verify the details with client only if the reviewing officer feels so. So it’s not a one size fit all thing.

      Reply
  32. Guys,

    My case for Filed for X client and has been lottery selected.i moved on to some other account Y meanwhile.Incase it got approved then i should file an amendment as i switched client .But if they requested RFE which client details should company provide

    Reply
  33. My Petition EAC161435 XXXX got approved on JULY 13…
    Thanks a lot for redbus2us.com and participants..really helpful and informative !!

    Reply
  34. Hi, Any idea what is the maximum date till which the approval will come in ? Have been browsing for status change for EAC1614155@@@ series but very few cases are approved. Out of 30 cases only 7 to 8 are approved. Any info about last year, till which month did the approval process go?

    Reply
  35. I haven’t heard anything yet on my H1B petition, in which my US firm has sponsored me from London.

    “USCIS announced on July 8, 2016, that it has returned all fiscal year 2017 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected in our computer-generated random selection process.”

    What does the above mean for my application? Is it likely that I have not been selected and the update has just been delayed? Or is there still chance I could be selected?

    Reply

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