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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. Hi Saurabh / Friends ,

    Would appreciate your thoughts on my case below.

    I got my petition approved and the validity is from 1st oct 2016 to Jan 31st 2017 ( 4 months only ) . Am on a client contract in some other country till Sept 2017 . hence Cant travel before that. May I know if I dont travel before Jan 31st 2017 , will my H1b become void ? Or will I get a Cap exemption ? Is there any complexity in getting Cap exemption after my validity expiration ? Or any other way out of this ?

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • H1B_HelpNeeded, here is the rule for cap exempt
      1. if you were in h1b status in the US within the past 6 years
      2. and if you have not used your 6 years of h1b status
      this is just my opinion you may double check with immigration expert.

      Reply
    • H1B_HelpNeeded,

      You are eligible for cap-exempt petition for next 6 years. However, I have seen recent instances when 6 year rule wasn’t enforced.

      Reply
  2. Hi,
    There are no updates in the Google docs ( https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pMsGtKC6sGS2uj4JL3JX5IYytzU5jJO_qJ-UJKXiCr4/htmlview?pli=1#) for 2nd August in Vermont Centre. Should we assume not even a case was processed yesterday ?

    Reply
  3. First of all i would like to thank you all for the updates. I would like to say a special thanks to Saurabh for this wonderful forum.

    This is my third attempt and finally my visa is approved.

    Non-Ad/RP/VT – EAC1614455***- the case was transferred and yesterday i have got the approval.

    I have a question, my case is approved now and will it be possible to go for stamping with a new amendment(say, i applied visa with one client and now i have changed my project and i am working for a different client)

    Thanks again for all your help.

    Reply
    • Congrats, I believe for VISA stamping you can carry all your old supporting documents no issues. But while travelling you must have Amended LCA (specially when your client location is different when compared with one LCA used while stamping).
      BUt if you want to have amended LCA while stamping, you can do so by getting it right away (it may take 2 weeks time) then you dont need to do anything during travel. Saurabh can confirm this.

      Reply
    • Ram – H1B approved,

      To work at new client location, you need new LCA and H-1 amendment. If you appear for stamping now, you need to furnish documents for the old client/location, which may or may not be relevant anymore. So you can get LCA and H-1 amendment and then appear for stamping so that the documents you submit to support your stamping are accurate and can be verified.

      Reply
  4. Saurabh/All,

    I am seeing the VISA wait times around 100 days in most of the embassies. I heard this is due to high number of Student VISA appointments as the colleges open by September. Is that true? By any chance will the wait time reduce by end of August/early September?
    Any insight on this will be helpful.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • IamWaiting,

      As per my reading, they are giving preference to students right now as their courses start soon. After that, I assume they would open up more slots for H-1 and other visas.

      Reply
  5. My employer told me last May 4th my name has been picked up in the automated selection system for the H-1B visa. As of today, they say they’re still waiting for the “approval packet” to be sent by Immigration. To be honest, I’m concerned about what this packet may contain: an approval or rejection. How long does it take for employers to receive this packet?

    Reply
    • There will be no approval packet like that, thats just a petetion picked a single page doc,thats just only first step,that doesnt mean you got visa,even you got stamped they have right to stop you at immigration point in airport and ban you lifetime coming to US,if they feel you suspicious and if they have reasonable evidence.

      Reply
    • Some companies don’t divulge receipt number to the candidate and will communicate only when petition is approved and they’re ready for the next step (visa stamping).
      if you can get receipt number from them you will be able to track the progress yourself.
      if they are saying that they are waiting to receive the receipt number (highly unlikely) then you can ask them to follow up with uscis and get the number.
      In any case talk to them.

      Reply
    • Hi Peter,

      You might have received the approval / RFE notice by now online. If not, you can expect the notice within a month. Either you will get approval or RFE. If RFE, your company will take care of submitting the required documents.
      As long as your documents are genuine, you need not to worry about rejection.
      Wait …!

      Reply
    • Peter,

      Looks like your employer is playing games w/ you. Ask the employer for receipt notice and see if your name is really present on the notice or not.

      Reply
    • Mine is WAC161475**** and still waiting for approval. the number before & after mine got approved long back. Don’t know on what basis they work on the case.

      Thanks

      Reply
  6. Is there any date before which the Case status has to get changed from case was Received to approved/ or something? like before 30th Sept?

    Reply
  7. Hi,

    Anybody waiting for approval EAC1614354*** series ?. Waiting since April last week. Still no change in the status ” Case was Received”.

    Reply
  8. Hi,

    Anyone from Accenture, whose Case has been approved, or received any communication/RFE?
    Called PMSD team and they said to wait till Sept :/

    Thank you

    Reply
  9. HI All,
    Selected in lottery for this year

    April 11 :- Received receipt number “Primium Process”
    May 17 :- USCIS open RFE(Response before Aug 12)
    July 25:- Response RFE by lawyer

    My case status is not changed yet, it still say “Request for Additional Evidence Was Mailed”.

    Is any one know when will my case status change to”document received and its under review”

    Reply
  10. Saurabh/All,

    I am seeing the VISA wait times around 100 days in most of the embassies. I heard this is due to high number of Student VISA appointments as the colleges open by September. Is that true? By any chance will the wait time reduce by end of August/early September?
    Any insight on this will be helpful.
    Thanks.

    Reply
  11. Hi All,
    I am still waiting for lottery results (receipt/Reject)….Anyone else?
    Either case i should get a reply , rt?

    Reply
  12. Hello all,
    Received approval notice email today for WAC**********. Even though I-140 is approved but still received approval for only 1 year. Anyone received it for more than 1 year?

    Reply
  13. Its been a few days since anybody posted update on WAC series, looks like its all EAC people getting updates. Am anxiously waiting for CA center to look at my application 🙂
    anyone in the same situation?

    Reply
  14. Received RFE. Got 20 Questions that need to be answered from GIT Team. It includes to give name of new client and project name if my project changed from the initial petition. I am planning to give details of new client and project that has long term SOW. Is this ok..? Or should I continue with the Project that was tagged during initial petition. Please help…

    Reply
    • Need Help_RFE_Received_CTS,

      Change in client location means new LCA, which is not suggested while the petition is pending. Talk to your immigration team and see if you can get a new client in the same location.

      Reply
  15. Hello Infy, TCS, TechM, Wipro etc .Approved candidates, Anyone got hardcopy petition?

    1) You got the approval, but how long it takes to get the hard copy of approved petition (Specially people waitig in India)
    2) I believe it might take atleast a months time (USCIS will release to US office , then US office will share to India Office), Anyone got hard copy yet?
    3) Then our VISA team will take their own sweet time to arrange DS160, other visa docs etc.
    4) Again current waiting time for appoitment is minimum 3 months ?
    Looks these all process might take 5-8 months
    5) Please share your opinion/views.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • many say got approval ! But not sure how many got final stamping? What is happening on Stamping … no one is updating ! So far any stamping done ?

      Reply
      • Step1: Lottery
        Step2: Approval
        Step3: Stamping
        Step4: POE (Port of Entry)
        Step5: Job/Settling down
        Step6: Start GC lottery.

        There’s no end to it.

        Reply
        • If everybody knows that the period for guys from India to GC is at least 9-10 years why people keep applying like maniacs for the H1B? Would it be better to go to the UK, Canada, Australia or stay home?

          Reply
      • For h1 they wont reject, they will tell to come back again with required docs which they need more, In rare cases they will reject if u show any attitude towards them or else they will mostly approve ur visa.

        Reply
      • I had my visa interview 2 weeks back in a US embassy in Europe. H1B FY2017 (AD/CA/PP).

        My case was placed under admin processing (221g) and I was asked to submit my CV. I expected it as my masters major falls under TAL and I got 221g before, during f1 visa, which is why I scheduled my interview ASAP. I hope it clears soon so that I can start from Oct 1.

        Reply
    • Hi,

      my petition got approved on 6thJuly. I got the hardcopy on the 29thJuly. So it will take around amonth to get hard copy after approval

      Reply
      • Thanks, when you get web approval and awaiting for petition hardcopy, Can we get appointment scheduled in the mean time? Or any restriction to wait untill hardcopy arrives? This is just to same time for appoitmrnt?

        Reply
        • I think you can do it. All you need is the receipt number, name of the petitioner/employer, address and proposed salary. If you know all this, you should not have any problem filling out ds160 form and scheduling the appointment. You would need the I-797 copy for the interview though.

          Note that once you start a ds160 application, you have to submit it within 30 days. If not, you will have to start a new application again.

          Reply
  16. Case Approved
    EAC1614355*** Vermont Non/AD/RP CTS IME.

    Need to find new project and file amendment

    Guys .Let me know how long it can take for amendment

    Reply
  17. Saurabh ,
    Please help me on this

    my H1B got picked in lottery and got approved for cap 2017.
    Now the proposed project & Stamping project are different with in the same client but different location

    Should i submit any amendment for Location change and Project change. Please help me.

    Reply
  18. Hi All,

    I got selected in current lottery of H1B in 18th may 2016 but till now I did not get any update about stamp processing or visa approval.

    I contacted the HR many times for same but they are saying they did not receive any update on stamp processing or visa approval from US immigration services.

    any one is facing the same issue ? if yes then let me know.

    Also please update how much time taken in visa approval after got selected in lottery ?

    Thanks,
    First time user

    Reply
    • There’s no time line defined for the approval process. it can happen any day or may go till Sep/Oct. You can register for uscis alert in their site if you have the receipt number.
      There are many people waiting for an approval and the only option is to relax and wait.

      Reply
  19. Hi Saurabh and others.

    Will be great if someone could clarify my query below:-

    I got selected in lottery this year and just realized that I messed up sending the passport copy. I did send the copy of all passport pages. But while going through the sent docs yesterday, I realized I sent the copy scanned in Jan 2015. My H1B was filed last year as well and I did not get pick in lottery then.

    I had travelled to dubai on tourist visa in March 2015. I had completely forgotten about this travel while submitting documents this year and so ended up sending the last scanned passport(Jan 2015 one ) which does not have the stamps of my Dubai visit. (my sheer ignorance on messing this up:-( )

    Now the sent passport in the docs to USCIS does not have this stamp and am very worried. I am yet to receive any updates over my case number

    Can you please let me know what happens in such scenarios?

    Reply
      • Thank you for the reply.

        How do I send the fresh copy now? There is no update as of now on my case number and I am waiting either for approval or RFE.

        When do I send it?
        If there’s and RFE I can send an updated copy of the passport?
        But what if my case gets approved?

        Reply
        • Mostly they will ask empty pages only. Not travel documents. We also submitted which are empty in my passport. Got picked and waiting for approval.

          Reply
      • R-E-L-A-X. I don’t think they are interested in the countries you visited, at least during petition approval stage. They will, however, ask this information in ds160 during visa interview (there is a section to list the countries visited in last 5 yrs).

        My employer’s attorney used the same copy of passport that I sent him 2 yrs back (in 2014 without copies of travel stamps). I finally got picked in the lottery this year and my h1 is already approved.

        Reply
  20. Finally!Case Approved on 27th July. Wait since last couple of years is over finally.
    Thanks to all the admins for maintaining this forum so wonderfully.
    All the best to other mates waiting for the approval.

    Cheers!

    Reply
  21. Hi,
    I got a H1 in this year 2017 CAP lottery, and am also holding a valid H4 visa(Where my wife is on H1B and in USA) valid upto 2018 Sept.
    Am planning to go to USA as my wife is pregnent and i am willing to be with her in USA. As my H1B lottery reciept number tracking says sent to another processing center.
    Below are my queries.
    1) Can i travel to USA on H4 visa after OCT 1st if my H1B status is still not approved by that time.
    2) Can i still travel to USA on H4 visa after OCT 1st even my H1B is approved/RFE ?
    3) Else if i enter on H4 visa to USA before OCT 1st Do i need to apply for COS after my H1B status change.? How much time it will take for this COS.
    4) Or Do i have to wait for my H1B to be approved and Visa get stamped and enter to USA on H1 visa.?
    5) In the worst case if my H1B is rejected do still my H4 visa will be valid .?

    Regards,
    KK

    Reply
    • Right now you dont have a H1B. Picking up in lottery doesnt assure you a Visa. Feel free to travel on H4. Stay in the US. once H1B approved apply COS. Stay there. Whenever you come to India get H1B stamped (first H1B stamping is only done in India). Enjoy.

      Reply
    • Hi, have a query…my case was picked in the lottery…m waiting for approval….is there any mandatory rule that once visa is approved and stamped, a person has to travel to US between October and February…if not, can i travel any time after October till visa validity date !!….kindly clarify……i am pregnant and I am worried …

      Reply
    • KK,
      1. Yes
      2. Yes
      3. Yes, you will have to apply for COS if you enter on H-4 prior/after Oct 1. COS processing could take few months.
      4. Not required. See previous responses
      5. Yes, H-4 is not impacted

      Reply
      • Thanks Saurabh…….you guyz gave me some relief :)..you are doing a really great job…but today i recieved RFE 🙁 …my case was transferred to another centre on 18-May…..hope RFE is cleared soon….and rest of my pregnancy period goes off smoothly….guyz please pray for me…

        Meanwhilw, congratulations to all approved petition holders and best of luck to the rest.

        Regards,
        Monica

        Reply
  22. Hello Friends,

    After VISA approval, when USCIS sends the I-797 to employer? Does they send by postal mail or email for regular processing?

    Reply
  23. Got approval on 28th july!!!

    Thanks guys for all the info in this website….

    Can someone tell me what is the nxt process to get it stamped????

    Reply
    • Hi CTS_H1B

      Any idea if you had submitted the SOW and Onsite manager letter at the time of filing the petition or it was not submitted ?

      Thanks

      Reply
    • CTS_H1B,

      Completed DS-160 form online, submit the fees and schedule an interview date. Make sure you have all the relevant documents required for stamping by the interview date.

      Reply
      • Hi Saurabh,

        Is it ok if I fill out the DS-160 form and submit the fees directly from my bank account or is it mandatory the employer needs to be do it. Wondering if there will be any issues if the beneficiary makes the payment directly.

        Thank you for the great job you are doing here for many like me.

        Reply
    • CTS_H1B,

      You will receive the communication from once communicator to initiate the process in Visa stamping app. Once it is completed then you will asking to fill DS-160 form and send the screenshot to GM team before it is submit.Once they validate and approve you can submit the DS-160 form and upload the confirmation letter into visa stamping app. Based on your preference date selected in app the GM team will block the slot.

      They have blocked biometeric and PAI on november for me.

      Reply
  24. WAC161425XXXX – Finally received my approval yesterday Jul 29th !! The long wait is over after 3 months. Thanks to this forum for providing all the good information related to H1B.

    Reply
  25. Has anyone whose status says “transferred to another office” with the EAC series received any updates after that?
    I am assuming the transferred applications are sent to the Nebraska center and currently they are processing I129 form applications from Feb 2015

    Reply
  26. I am Non-Ad/RP/VT. My receipt number is in EAC1614354XXX series. Status is showing “Case was Received”. Anyone got any update (Approval/RFE) in this series……? Kindly reply.

    Reply
  27. Finally vermont center has picked up pace..yesterday they processed around whopping 523 applications which is awesome..All can expect status change soon..Hope they continue at this pace now..Waiting for my approval

    Reply
    • That’s not exactly true.
      It means that 523 EAC cases have been approved. It may result from less RFE that day or that some cases that have been transferred from Vermont to another center have been approved too.

      Reply
  28. Hi,

    I have applied for H1B this year through a consultant, but I haven’t got any replies till date. When I asked him recently about my rejection letter, he said I am one of the 20 people who didn’t got any updates from USCIS. He said I have to wait for some time till they got any updates from USCIS. So Is USCIS is taking so much time for the same? I have read their “News Release” on 8th July, and forwarded the same to my consultant. My Question is, will this be a valid reason?

    Thanks

    Reply
  29. HI,
    In my passport surname is blank (FNU case). My petition got selected in lottery and currently in “Case Was Received” status.
    Will there be any effect of FNU in approval of petition.

    Reply
  30. Hi Saurabh,

    My team member got RFE last week. He has been asked for SOW and Manager letter, but the problem is that SOW contract is getting over by Dec 2016. It will be renewed after that as this client is with us for last 15 years. I guess mine will also be RFE (waiting for case status update after 11/04) for the same reason. If we submit the RFE by August end or Sept mid with this SOA which is getting over by Dec 2016, will there be any problem? what are the chances of approval?
    Kindly let me know your views.

    Reply
    • HI,
      In my passport surname is blank (FNU case). My petition got selected in lottery and currently in “Case Was Received” status.
      Will there be any effect of FNU in approval of petition.

      Reply
    • Sun,

      You can submit that along w/ copies of old contract letters to show that it is an old client relationship and project always get extended.

      Reply
  31. Hi Saurabh,

    My team member got RFE last week. He has been asked for SOW and Manager letter, but the problem is that SOW contract is getting over by Dec 2016. It will be renewed after that as this client is with us for last 15 years. I guess mine will also be RFE (waiting for case status update after 11/04) for the same reason. If we submit the RFE by August end or Sept mid with this SOA which is getting over by Dec 2016, will there be any problem? what are the chances of approval?
    Kindly let me know your views.

    Thanks,
    Sun

    Reply
  32. Hi admin,

    It looks like USCIS removed the official update dated 8th july from their site which said they are done with the rejection packages.

    Is that meant they are still sending rejection packages?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Manoj,

      The official update is still there under Alerts.
      https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-returns-unselected-fiscal-year-2017-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions

      Reply
  33. Hi Saurabh,
    I have received for the following reason.
    1.Manager Letter
    2.SOW validity
    SOW Validity is expires by this year End but MSA remains active till 2018.What can be done in this case. My COmpany tells to submit the same SOW but i am afraid whether it will get rejected.

    Please let me know is there any other additional documents can be provided for my saftey to get the case approval.

    Reply
    • Hi Saurabh,

      My team member also got RFE last week. He has also been asked for SOW and Manager letter, but the problem is that SOW contract is getting over by Dec 2016. It will be renewed after that as this client is with us for last 15 years. I guess mine will also be RFE (waiting for case status update after 11/04) for the same reason. If we submit the RFE by August end or Sept mid with this SOA which is getting over by Dec 2016, will there be any problem? what are the chances of approval?

      Thanks,
      Sun

      Reply
        • @Jonny,

          No they did not submit the SOW. That’s the main problem and if it goes to RFE asking for SOW it would be a tough call.
          Do you have any idea on this ?

          Thanks,
          Sun

          Reply
    • NV,

      You can submit same SOW and explain that there is a good chance of extension. If the client has been w/ your employer for a while and contract was extended in the past then submit that information as well to show that project eventually gets extended.

      Reply
  34. Is there any update on tranfer case – non ad/RP on series eac1614952*? Waiting since more than 2 months with transfer status only .

    Reply
  35. Hi Sourabh/All,

    Today I could see my case status updated to RFE. Do you think RFE’s are common in H1B ? Please guide

    Reply
    • It is common when you apply through desi consultancies, though this may sound harsh, it is true. Don’t worry there are many cases that get approved after providing the necessary clarification. For now, stay clam and wait for the mail.

      Reply
      • well, its not fair to say all RFEs are issued only for one type of employer.
        RFE is issued if the officer is not convinced with the documents supplied with the application. There are 5-6 different reasons that are identified by experienced folks that causes RFE and a significant number of applications that goes through RFEs (some estimate it to in the range of 30%).

        In a nutshell, wait for the RFE mail and respond accordingly

        Reply
    • Hi Rajesh,

      It is very common to get RFE, I work in an MNC and even here lot of people get
      RFE, by submitting the relevant documents on time it will get approved mostly unless there are issues with the document provided.The time to respond back RFE is 60 days. All the best.

      Thanks,
      Sun

      Reply
  36. I had applied for f1 and status is still pending. Status shows “Case Received”. I applied for h1b and my name got picked in lottery this year. As f1 is pending , so hope it will not effect h1b. As decision is not taken by USCIS on f1.

    Reply
  37. To day my status changed to RFE… how long it will take for the approval… After a long wait I was fully depressed by seeing this status today….?

    Reply
  38. What could be the last date(most delayed or worst case) to get Approval/RFE from USCIS ?
    148 series.. Too much wait man.

    #JaagoVermont

    Reply

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