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H1B Visa 2014

H1B Visa 2014 – All you need to know – FAQs

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H1B Visa 2014

 

H1B 2014 Cap reached on April 5th, 2013. Read : 124,000 H1B Visas Filed. Lottery Process
For this year FY 2015 H1B Info  read : H1B Visa 2015 – FAQs

Page Updated :  January 18th ,  2014

As USCIS is all set to accept H1B Visa petitions for the fiscal year 2014, many of you have questions on various aspects of filing H1B Visa 2014 like fee involved, lottery chances, H1B sponsors, Change of status, start date, end date of accepting H1B Visas, etc. This page will track all the H1B Visa 2014 News updates, Cap count information, FAQs, etc. Bookmark this page !  We have divided the page to various sub sections for your convenience.

FYI. Last year quota,which is H1B visa 2013 cap reached on June 11th, 2012.

 

H1B Visa 2014 News Updates

 

FAQs – All you  need to Know  !

Over the years, we have observed that prospective H1B visa seekers are always looking for certain pieces of information. We have grouped such information and created FAQs as listed below :

When will H1B Visa filing season start for Fiscal year(FY) 2014 ?

H1B visa filing season for fiscal year 2014 starts from April 1st, 2013. USCIS did a press release confirming the same.
How to find H1B Visa 2014 Sponsors ? Various Ways to find H1B Sponsoring companies
Finding right H1B Sponsor can be a very daunting task. There are few options to find sponsors like checking the H1B Sponsors Database and randomly contacting employers, working with IT outsourcing companies, looking at options in American Universities, Networking with friends. Each of these options are explained in this article :

How to find H1B Visa 2014 Sponsors ? Avoid Fraud

Why do we call H1B Visa 2014, when the petitions are filed in 2013 ? 

USCIS operates on a fiscal year basis instead of calendar year ( Jan 1 to Dec 31st). Its fiscal year starts from October 1st and ends on September 30th. On that lines, USCIS’s fiscal year for 2014 starts from October 1st, 2013 and lasts until September 30th, 2014.  So, though we file H1B petitions in April of 2013, they are counted towards H1B visa fiscal year 2014 and everyone calls it in short form as H1B visa 2014.

What is H1B visa 2014 Cap count for Regular quota and Masters Quota ?

If you are not aware of H1B cap count, it is the congressionally mandated numeric limits for H1B petitions based on category. Regular quota is for anyone who meets H1B visa requirements and Masters quota is specifically for students who have a Masters degree from US University. Typically, below are the numeric limits… ( we had these H1B cap limits set in 2004, if any changes by USCIS, we will update this page)

  • Regular Quota Cap – 65,000
  • Masters Degree Quota Cap – 20,000

Also, typically USCIS sets aside 6,800 visas  for Singapore and Chile Free Trade agreement filings, which is H1B1 Program. Also, read article All about H1B Caps – Basics Calculations, Lottery

 

H1B Visa 2014 filing deadline – What is the last date ?

Well, there is no set deadline as such by USCIS. They start to accept petitions from April 1st, 2013 and will continue to accept H1B petitions until the H1B cap (85,000) is reached. It can vary based on the H1B visa demand.

 

Will there be Lottery for H1B Visa 2014 ?

This is most commonly speculated question by many H1B seekers. Due to very high demand and hype for H1B workers, we had lottery in some of the previous years. But we do not know, we just have to speculate based on past data and economic conditions. As done in previous years, here is our analysis:

Check out H1B Visa 2014 Lottery prediction- USCIS Data Analysis

. You can also check out last year’s: H1B Visa 2013 lottery prediction 

 

What will be H1B visa 2014 filing fee ? Any changes ?

There has not been any changes to the filing fee for the fiscal year 2014. Check out the article : H1B visa 2014 filing fee – Who Pays for what ?. In general, it can range from $1,575 to $4,325 based on the number of employees ( this does not does not include attorney fee and premium processing fee).

 

International Students  – Can we do Change of Status ( COS) from F1 Visa to H1B visa for FY 2014 ?

Yes, international students pursing their Bachelors, Masters or PhD programs from US Universities, who may be working on OPT, can file a H1B Visa petition to USCIS with Change of Status(COS) option.  The advantage of COS from F1 visa to H1B visa is that you can continue to work after OPT expiration starting from October 1st, 2013 without leaving the country.  You have to do the COS before your OPT expires to maintain legal status in America.

 

How soon Can I start working, if I file for H1B visa 2014 fiscal year ?

One can start working from October 1st, 2013 , if you have an approved H1B petition. You may need to get H1B visa stamping done, if you file your petition from overseas and wish to come to America on H1B visa.. Unlike, if you are filing for a COS by staying in US, you can start to work without leaving US for H1B visa stamping.

 

What is current H1B visa 2014 cap count ?

The H1B season for FY 2014 will begin on April 1st, 2013. We will keep track of the USCIS cap count updates with analysis.

All H1B Cap counts will be tracked at :  H1B visa 2014  Cap Count Tracker .

In the mean time, you can check out our FY 2013’s  : H1B visa 2013 Cap count Tracker

 

Would you like to be informed about H1B visa 2014 ?

Subscribe for FREE H1B News, Cap Count updates below:

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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7,993 Comments

  2. Hi
    people still waiting for their H1b approval?
    My employer has not shared the case number, I am bit worried whether there are still people waiting for approval

    Thanks
    Harpreet

    Reply

  3. Hi Saurabh,

    I am on F1 Visa and working under OPT STEM. I applied for H1B (without COS) this year April 2013 and it is still under review. The issue is, My student visa and OPT both are expiring in December 2013. I am confused amongst these scenarios:
    1. What if my H1b is approved. Since my student visa is expiring, do i need to go immediately to India for Visa stamping or can i wait.
    2. What if my H1B is still under Review till December. Then what would be case, can i continue working until H1B decision or what?

    Please let me know your thoughts

    Reply

    • I’m ghanta Singh..the young /dashing / coool personality shaina madam. am i irritating guys and galz?? Shaina you never came in contact with me, still judging the facts. And one more thing shaina im heaven not hell..You are immature. Mature yourself and learn how to talk with brainy people. I know you are frustrated with your boyfriend and transferring the same anger to this forum and me.

      I will leave this forum if other people will say? guyz and galz you want me to leave this forum. Please vote. If negative vote cames, then i will leave this forum.

      Reply

      • I am a silent follower of this community from past many months and I would like to thank Ghanta Sngh for all the help and advice he has given to many ppl around here especially when Saurabh and his team has left the forum. It is really appreciating.
        @Shaina: Dont just scream at anyone without fully understanding the person. Dont bring ur personal problem here in this forum.

        Reply

        • Crap…..ghanta singh has crap replies. He is not god and specially not from heaven. He speaks what he likes. That is not why people are here….Dislikes for that stupid man.
          He should be matture enough before writing something stupid on forum like – clean the road, jalebi banane nahin aai , nd eeuuuu…impossible ….Gross!!!!!

          Reply

  7. H1 B is approved
    I am on L1 B Visa which is expired in july 2013 and my I94 is going to expire in May 2015 ,Lets say I don’t get project by Oct 1st 2013 , Shall I be continuing on L1-B- I 94 legally ? Or I have to resign my company before 1st Oct 2013 and wait till I get project from H1 B company ?

    Reply

  8. Hi all,
    Let me put the story a little different.
    I have not been a silent visitor to this forum, unlike many who told this when they got approval, I have been contributing actively.
    This is a great forum and thanks to Saurabh, like everybody said when they got approval. Indeed this is a good forum and it kept my patience up.
    Don’t loose hope, like everybody said when they got approval. Not sure why should somebody loose hope, we either get approval or RFE. all part of game.
    Yes you guessed it right I got my approval after a looooooooooooooong wait, like everybody said when they got approval. It got it yesterday, 4-Sept-13.

    No. EAC1314854***

    All the best to those waiting or got RFEs, like everybody said when they got approval.
    Congrats to those who have got their approval.

    regards,
    Deepali Shenoy

    Reply

  9. Hi,
    I am currently working for a employer A on F1 CPT which is valid till dec 2013 and have a H1B approved with COS from different employer B, my question is starting October 1st do I need to move to Employer B thru which my H1B petition is approved, or can I continue working with employer A till the CPT is valid that is dec 2013 and later join Employer B after dec 2013, please suggest.

    Reply

  10. Hello Guys,

    is anyone on L1 to H1 recently received RFE for H1 petition?
    What document USCIS is asking for?
    What is the chance of getting approval?

    Thanks
    Arum

    Reply

  11. Hi,

    I came to US on H4 Visa in May 2013. I didnt receive I94 but stamp on passport as per the new rule. My H1b Visa wasn’t selected in lottery this year.

    I will be filing my H1b Visa next year.

    1) I wanted to know if I travel to India after filing my H1b visa ( in month of May) by then we assume it will be in pending state, then can I travel back on H4 Visa and continue with same COS.

    2) Or If I travel to India prior to filing (April,1) and file from India and come to US on H4 Visa and then can I apply COS?

    3) Or If I travel to India after my H1b gets approved before or after Oct,1. Then do I have to go for H1b stamping while coming to US or not?

    Please share what would be the safest advice for me as I dont want to waste next year again.

    Reply

  12. Hi Guys,

    This has been a very helpful and supportive forum all the time while I was awaiting decision on my H1B application. Finally got approval today!

    Case History:
    Application: WAC14450***
    Center: CSC
    Regular Processing (Filed) – Upgraded to PP on 08/28
    Confirmation mail received by lawyer: 09/04

    Best of luck to those who are in RFE or awaiting response. Things will work out soon!

    Reply

  13. Hi ,

    My receipt number is EAC1314553***.

    I’m bit worried because in Aug there are 20 cases in IR( b/w EAC1314553*** and EAC1314554***). Out of 20 cases 9 were approved ,7 are went into REF and reaming 4 still in IR. Mine was one among that 4. I could see more REF ratio nowadays .

    Thanks,
    -Rahul

    Reply

  14. Hi,

    I received RFE for my H1B regular processing on Aug 27 and they have asked for client details (SOW, PO and other details about end client). My end client got changed after I filed my petition and now I am working with a different client within same state (within 50 miles), but since I have changed the client, how can i submit the details of the old client.

    Please suggest , can i submit the details about my new client or if anyone has faced this issue.

    Any help is appreciated.

    Thanks

    Reply

  15. New H1B application.

    RFE: June 5
    Replied: August 1
    Upgraded to Premium: Aug 26 (received by USCIS on this day. 15-day clock starts)

    In “Acceptance” stage since Aug 27. Kind of restless now. They say it should be done within 15 days, but does it take that long?

    Reply

  17. Hi Saurabh/Ghanta Singh,

    I had a clarification to ask. My case went into RFE on 22nd August. My manager says that he has not recieved any intimation from the USCIS stating the reason(s) for RFE as yet. Is this normal?

    Almost all cases that reported their move into RFE on this forum mentioned that they got they notice within 2 weeks. I am worried as to why my manager has not recieved the notice yet. My manager is a trustworthy person who does not hide things from his employees. Is there a way to find out if the USCIS have sent out the notice? or is there a way to track where the notice might currently be in the mail?

    Kindly suggest.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply

    • The USCIS usually has a customer service number you can call and find out. If you have applied through Premium Processing, your manager must have received a direct contatc number specific to your case.

      Reply

      • There is no way for you to get info from USCIS service desk for RP case. They will only reply to attorney >> Further Attorney to your office visa cell >> Your office visa cell to your manager >>manager to employee.

        In RP case also they will not reply directly to you…things passes through attorney only.

        Reply

  18. Saurabh,
    RFE Response Review :26th June…..since then its in the same state….Can any one let me know, how long it may take again….its very pain to wait..

    EAC1314052*** ..

    Reply

    • Mine was from July 29 on Response Review Status. Receipt# EAC13145*****. I am thinking to upgrade to PP. Is this good idea ? . Please share how many of there in same status for Vermont Processing Center. Thanks

      Reply

      • Hi Hardik,

        I suggest you to wait for two more weeks and later you can upgrade to PP, since as per the my knowledge most of the cases will be attended before end of september.
        I am also planning to upgrade to PP after the end of september.

        Reply

  19. Finally, After a long wait and many hiccups, got the APPROVAL!!!!!
    Case History:
    Received date : April 8, 2013
    Notice date : April 22, 2013
    RFE date : July 17, 2013
    RFE about : Employee- Employer relation
    RFE Response date : August 21, 2013
    Approved date : September 3, 2013

    Receipt Number – Wac-13-138-53XXX

    Field – IT

    Processing – Regular

    Quota – Regular (Not advanced degree)

    Thanks to one and all and hope everyone will get their approvals.

    Reply

    • Congratulations for your H1.
      Do you know what document you submitted to address employer-employee relationship.
      Also are you from big IT firm or a consulting firm in US?

      Thanks!

      Reply

        • Thanks for your reply and helping us understand how to resolve this RFE.

          I had another question, did you have to sign a new employer-employee agreement draft or your employer and attorney took care of everything at their end. Just want to understand if my consultancy will get back to me with a new draft or not!! Also, is it possible for you to share any email address to help me better understand this. Thanks a ton and appreciate your help!

          Reply

          • Thanks for your reply and in helping us understand how to resolve this RFE.

            I just wanted to check if your consultant got back to you with a revised employer-employee relationship agreement or the employer and attorney took care of it at their end. Just want to understand if my consultancy will get back to me with a new draft or not!!

            Also, is it possible to contact you on any email-id(dummy email id will also do), so that I could mail you more specific questions regarding this kind of RFE.

            Thanks again and congratulations!!

    • aayen approve bhi ho gaya..sahi hey bache..tu to cha gaya GURU ab ho ja SURU..Bolo TARA-RA-RA bolo TARA-RA-RA..! 😛

      Ab gaad de jhanda aur kar de kila fateh.. 😉

      Reply

  20. Hi All

    Anyone who got approval for Business Analyst job description. I have got RFE for specialty occupation. And from what I read most Business Analyst positions applications are getting rejected for lack of specialty occupation. Please suggest…

    Reply

    • Yes, this year they rejecting such application..don’t know wat happened to h1b officers. My personal viw..Work permit should be based on specialized knowledge. For specialized occupation we have L1B visa…

      Might be the VO drunked more 😛

      Reply

  21. We applied for COS L1-H1 along with L2-H4 for my dependent as our L1 & L2 + I94 expiring on 05 Oct 2013. Good news is that H1 got approved with COS ; but L2-H4 case is still in IR state since 10-Jul.
    1. How long it will take L2-H4 approval done.
    2. Is any possibility that L2-H4 get denied even though L1-H1 approved.
    3. Are the dependent cases not linked to primary applicant.
    4. Do we need to apply for L2 extension if no update on COS L2-H4 till 01-Oct.
    5. Do we need to apply for L1 extension as well or its just L2 extension.

    Reply

  22. I’ve asked this in questions forum but no one is answered it so trying my luck here.

    I am on L1B visa for Company A.My wife is working on EAD(L2 dependent).Company B filed for my H1B and H4 for my wife and it has been approved on 25th June.Company A also filed H1b for me and it has RFE. Meanwhile, my wife also has got her H1B approved from Company C and was approved on 16th May.
    Questions:
    1) On Oct 1st, my H1B with Company B will become valid and so will my wife’s H4 filed by company B. My wife’s H1B filed by Company C also becomes valid on that date. Does this mean she will be on H4 status on 1st Oct?

    2) In case she is on H4 status on 1st Oct, can we do something now i.e. before 1st Oct so that her status changes to H1B on 1st Oct? Can it be expedited?
    3) Can we file for cancellation of her approved H4?
    4) Should she go out of country and enter on stamped H1B visa?
    5) Can we file Change of Status request?

    Reply

    • Teqguy,

      To answer your questions,

      Ans 1)If the company B filed H1 and H4 as COS then yes, from Oct 1st you will be on H1 with company b and your wife will be on H4.

      Ans 2)Assuming that your wife’s employer has filed her H1 as COS then yes she will be on H1 from Oct 1st. But if she falls in situation as per my Ans 1 then logically she is acquiring 2 status at the same time and as per US immigration any individual can have only one status at a time. For this you would need to check with the attorney of her H1 employer and am sure they will suggest you the right course of action.

      Ans 3)Refer to Ans 2

      Ans 4)If her H1 is not COS then in that case she will not be on H1 unless and until she gets stamped and at point of entry she needs to clarify to the officer that she is entering on H1.

      Ans 5)If your wife’s H1 is not COS then based on her current L2 status you should be able to file COS but then her H1 employer will have to file an amendment to her H1 case and its another expense and another process. You will also have to let her H1 employer know about her H4 status if she has acquired her H4 via COS. But to avoid stamping and going out of US you should be able to give it a shot.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply

      • Thanks a lot for replying Vishal.

        Yes, my H1 anf her H4 were filed with cos by company B. Her H1 was also filed with cos by company C. Her H1 was approved before her H4 and both have starting date as 1st oct. So according to what you said, she will be hol asding two status on 1st Oct. Her H1 lawyer is suggesting sending a letter to uscis asking them to withdraw /cancel H1 approval. I haven’t found much information regarding if approved h4 can new canceled. Any suggestions? 🙂 thanks again for the reply. We are very worried as she might have to resign from her job in case her status changes to H4 on oct 1st

        Reply

          • As per my knowledge and as your wife’s H1 attorney suggested to cancel H4 you should be able to do that. I would say consult with your H1 attorney i.e Company B attorney and let him know that your wife has got her H1 approved with COS and can he cancel/withdraw your wife’s H4 application? I am sure this should be doable without any complexity and your wife won’t loose her H1 employment with company C.

            Secondly if you have any doubts with any of the attorney to seek a second and neutral advice you can consult an attorney from moorthy firm which charges about $100 for 30 mins or so and they will be able to give you proper guidelines in your case and you can take it fwd from there.

            Hope this helps.

    • 60 to 90 days..depending upon your severity of RFE. For major RFE more days, For minor RFE less days..simple..

      In your case, it seems to small so you would be getting 60 days..

      Reply

  24. Hi,
    My H1B got denied and the reason i got is that for doing business analysis a high school degree is enough. I did MBA from US and working as a business analyst. I have 6 years of IT experience.

    Could anyone tell me if it make sense in contesting the decision.
    Also if you could provide me a lawyer’s detail who is good in dealing such cases.

    I spoke with couple of lawyers and they are all like, you dont have to worry, hire us and we will get you a decision in your favour in 1 1/2 month. I am not sure who genuine they are, so i would really appreciate if you could help me in finding one.

    Regards,
    Piyush

    Reply

    • No offense.
      I don’t think it is easy to overcome such topic.
      This is the most tricky part of h1b because it’s so subjective that diff people have diff views. I presume they issue rfe about the same issue and you replied with all the required material. However, they think it still cannot prove the need of degree. So in this senario, you are already executed by them.
      Hope of repeal is quite slight.

      Reply

    • Sorry for your case 🙁 Sometime i felt this obama administration is against outsourcing..
      Because during Bush regime i have seen many of my friends got L1 approved as DBA, even though they don’t even the the full form of DBA. Many such cases i seen..

      Now this obama administration search reason to reject..They completly stopped L1 processing…some cases processed but hardly anyone got approval.

      So companies are going for H1..which yields more revenue for US economy.. so they search reason to deny visa along with to get the money. They don’t return money after rejection 😛 wat a trend..!

      I would say leave USA..find the way for UK..or Aus etc..you will get visa in 15 days..why so crazy abt US..

      Reply

      • Yes I am planning of doing the same. I did everything right and ethical and I got screwed and I have seen people fudgin their resume and still getting their H1Bs. I am not that desperate also to stay in US at such cost. Somehow I feel I deserve a visa and that is why I want to repeal once before packing my bags.

        Reply

  26. I have a Bachelors degree (3 years not equivalent to US Bachelors ) and 7 years of work experience . I got an RFE recently …. what are my chances if it is on qualification

    Bachelors of Computer science
    role applied for Business Analyst .

    Sourabh / Ganta singh / somebody in this forum please help me replying

    Reply

  27. My visa is approved and stamping done… Now can I look for another employer who can transfer my visa? Is it possible or is it too early?

    Reply

  28. Am in US right now and not a good start of the weak…
    My case EAC13143514** went to RFE this morning….VERMONT center/Regular processing/Computer science eng/9 years in software…

    I will have to wait for the mail from USIS at this point of time…

    Reply

  29. Hi

    Thanks GOD,
    Finally my case went to REF today. As i will get details, i will let you know guys.

    My reciept # EAC1314554***

    thanks to this forum for keeping us live in this wait time.

    Reply

  30. my case is now showing as IR but with below message, what does it mean.
    A notice was sent on this date explaining the specific reason for stopping the premium processing of your case. This notice will contain detailed information on further action required by you. Your premium processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case.

    receipt # EAC131465****
    PP–> 08/21/2013
    clock stopped on 08/30

    Reply

    • It should either be an RFE or Approval. If you’ve already received an RFE before, chances are that it could be an Approval. Fingers crossed for you

      Reply

  31. Hi ,

    I have a doubt, My H1B is approved. Once I stamped, company will send me to US. I want to come back in December and need to stay here(in india) for 3 months, but company is not ready to allow that. If I am resigning from the Company in December (in US) and coming back and join in another company in India , my H1B will get cancel? Is it possible to use my H1B even after joining in another company in India? Please reply fast.

    Will following plan work

    Thanks

    Reply

    • ABC_H1B,

      You can change employers and have another employer transfer your H1b without any issues. Your current H1b will give you a cap exempt transfer option for next 6 years.

      Reply

  32. Friends,

    Looking for reply on few scenarios mentioned below:-
    1) Filed H1B from company A from India. Approval done and Stamping done till 31st Decemebr 2014.
    2) In US, July 2014, changed the company and joined company B. I797 transfer done till December 2015.
    3) Now suppose want to come to India on vacation in November 2014. So my question is Do Stamping required once again for company B. Also what is the probability of Stamping Denial or Approval?
    4) If not coming on vacation, still stamping is required or not in USA?

    Thanks in Advance for the reply.

    Reply

  33. Hi Friends,

    I got RFE from 8th july 2013 and till now my employer has not response,I have asked many times to employer about my RFE response but always they replied like have 12 weeks time for RFE response.

    Could please tell me deadline for RFE response ?

    Reply

    • The RFE Response Date depends. Each one has a different due date on the I797E (RFE receipt). It usually varies from 15 to 90 days. Your employer should have that information

      Reply

    • Keep on bugging your employer or your company visa cell..! Don’t sit silent.

      But anyway it will not yield anything, but they will be aware of your case and they will keep eye on it everytime.

      Reply

  34. I am currently on L1B visa and my visa/I94 got expired on 3rd June. My company filed an extension for me in month of May and I got an RFE in mid July. I have to respond to my RFE questions till 27th Sep ( date given by USCIS ) but I am planning to withdraw my application and go back to India on 14th Sep.
    So I have few questions :

    1) Will I be out of status from 3rd June till 14th Sep in USCIS and will this create problems for me in future. My attorney told me that you will not be out of status till 27th Sep.If I leave the country before that and withdraw my application , I will be good.
    2) I am planning to come back to US on dependent visa (H4) as my wife is here on H1. Is there any desirable time I should appear for the H4 interview.I mean should I wait for L1B visa status to be changed to withdrawn before I appear for H4 interview.
    3) I was planning to go for H4 visa stamping 1 week after I reach India which will be around 20th sep. So will this be problem for me as they will still be seeing my L1 status as RFE because I heard that it takes around 1 month for the status to get change to withdrawn in USCIS system. So can I be bombarded with questions in my H4 stamping and possibly result in a denial.
    4) I can wait for 1 month in India before I go for H4 stamping. Is this preferred approach or it doesn’t matter.

    Reply

  35. Hi,

    My status is in RFE for a month now and my attorney is still working on it. Does it take so long for them to respond to USCIS?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Depends on what USCIS has asked for. If it’s proving you’ve got a job then it depends on how quick the letters are procured. It took my employers 45 days to respond

      Reply

  36. Hi

    I am looking for H1B visa, if any consultancy or any firm can help me for coming near future quota then please mail me on my id: sapsdconsultant9 at yahoo dot com . I am into SAP with 6yrs exp

    Thanks
    deepak

    Reply

    • Why you ruining your career? Why for US not UK? Go to UK you will earn more as compared to US. Moreover you will not have to get passed from loterry bla bla bla and keep on waiting only to get RFE info or denial..! This US people are very clever.

      Reply

  37. Mine is in RFE Response review since 26th June..not sure how long does it take…its killing me and checking my patience…..does any one still there in the same status….for more than 60 days. I work for a MNC..Where all of my colleagues who applied along with me got and mine is still in response review

    Reply

    • Long wait,

      Can you please write your first 7 -digits of receipt# with processing center code. My application is in response reviewed status since July 29.I am also worried.

      Reply

  39. Any one who applied through a consultancy and got an approval after RFE. Please let me know. I have RFE and my employer is not willing to share reasons for RFE. Anyone wanting to discuss this offline, connect with me on sonia.verma212@gmail

    Reply

  40. Hi,

    Recently my h1b has been approved. Still my Attorney has n’t send me the I129 and I 797. I’m waiting for that.

    Q 1: I want to apply for my wife and Children’s H4 visa now. How much time a H4 visa takes to get the approval ? Should I take my wife and child to my H1B visa interview? I was going through some forums and saw that H4 visa does n’t need any separate I797 , Is this correct? Can anyone tell me the whole process? and Which way would be better ?Please tell. 🙂

    Reply

    • Hi Ivanovich,

      I am also yet to file H4 for my wife. AS per my knowledge H4 doesnt have any separate I797. Same I797 copy has to be used for H4 also.

      I have also received Aproval 2 weeks back but havent received I797 from my employer , May I know how much time before you have received the approval. I would like to know how much time generally it takes to reiceve I797 after approval.

      Reply

      • Receipt Notice : April 18,2013
        RFE Notice : June 18, 2013
        RFE Response Review : July 29, 2013
        Approval : Aug 20, 2013
        My Attorney received the Approval Notice from USCIS : Aug 27, 2013.
        She hasn’t mail my I 129, I797, LCA yet.

        Now, I am outside USA and this is my 1st time H1B. I want to apply for my wife and Child’s H4 visa. Should I tell this to my employer/Attorney now or after I go to the USA then ? Which way would be better ? and which way takes minimum time ? People says that once I enter into the Sates, it’s much difficult to obtain a H4 visa for your wife. Is this correct ?

        Reply

        • @Ivanovich
          Its better to take your family along with you while you go for stamping. I am doing the same as well.
          Once you receive your I797, you need to get the D160 completed for you and your dependents, then pay the fees which your employer should take care of this. Then you should be able to take the appointment.
          Hope this is useful..

          Reply

    • For H4 you do not need any document.
      While scehduling appoinment, schedule for your dependent also along with you. For Each dependent you need to fill separte DS160 form.
      Make sure while going for interview you take all the originals for depndents mentioned below:-
      1) Marriage certifcate
      2) Marriage album and whatever documents you can provide for marriage
      3) Birth Certificate of child
      4) For child less than 4yrs old you need to carry 2*2 inch whte background photo.

      I have done my stamping for h1b as well as h4 for my spouse and child. It is very simple process. I have done this in delhi consulate. Following is the process:-
      1st day – Biometrics and finger printing. Total process took 15 minutes for me. Appoinment was at 12 pm in delhi Nehru PLace American plaza. We reached there at 11:45. And came out at 12 pm. 🙂
      2nd day – VO Councellor interview at American embassy shanti path Chanankya puri. Appoint ment wat at 10 am. We reached there at 9:45 am. Give Priority token as i was with family. Came out at 9:55 am with Visa approved. :-). Following are the question from VO:-
      1) Which Company?
      2) Which Client?
      3) US Salary?
      4) How long you have been married?
      Finally golden words “I am approving your visa Sir.”
      I came out paid the courier fee. Received all the passports in 2 working days.
      No question for my wife.
      It is very simple. Be calm and presentable.

      Cheers.

      Reply

      • Thanks a lot.

        I have n’t told my employer about the H4 dependent visa. my H1B has been approved but still waiting for my I-129 and I-797 to come. Should I tell them now or after receiving my I-129 and I-797 ?

        Once H4 visa gets the approval , Is it mandatory to go my wife and child with me or they can enter anytime later to USA ? As this is my first time, I was thinking of going there first and then my family.

        My baby is 11 months old only. Do I have to fill a separate DS -160 for him ?

        Reply

        • You can ask your employer for h4 Visa straight away. Then you can do with the H4 stamping for your spouse and child. They can enter anytime in US.
          Even this is my 1st visit to US, I am taking my 15 months old baby and spouse along with me. As I donot want to travel my spouse and child alone. As from India it will almost take 20+ hrs to reach to US destination. My employer is providing 1st 14 days accomodation in Hotel, So I will use this for my family. You can think based on your distance whether you want your spouse and child to come alone.
          You have to fill separte DS160 for each individual.

          Reply

  42. Please Help,

    Regarding DS -160

    Guys there is 1 column in DS -160 which ask about

    — > Have you made specific travel Plan — i put NO
    Then it is asking —- INTENDED LENGTH OF STAY IN US — Please tell me what to put in there ? — Is is the time for which my petition is approved or i can write anything — means even less — Please help me out urgently …

    In H1b PRD — there was 1 column like duration of project there i put randomly – 10 months even then my Petition is valid for 3 years so what shud i put there ?
    I am thinking of putting 2 years will that be ok ?

    Reply

  45. After a looong wait, the status moved to RFE today..!!
    EAC1314853***

    Please help me understand the below:
    How long does it take Approx for the notification from USCIS to reach us/lawyer?
    And how long does the processing last after submission of the evidence?

    Reply

    • Dear friend,

      Getting H1B approval is such a trivial part of life. you can try again 6 months later.
      Dont lose heart. There are people on these forum who have got it after 2-3 failed attempts.

      Cheer up buddy. there is so much more to life than an H1b petition decision.

      Reply

    • Hi, I understand your disappointment. Could you please tell us if you applied through a consultancy. Will help us evaluate our chances. I got RFE and waiting for my consultant to reply. I am not very hopeful and hence like to evaluate my chance so that I can move on with my life rather than being in an endless wait. Cheers and God be with all of us!

      Reply

    • Hi, I understand your disappointment. Could you please tell us if you applied through a consultancy. Will help us evaluate our chances. I got RFE and waiting for my consultant to reply. I am not very hopeful and hence like to evaluate my chance so that I can move on with my life rather than being in an endless wait. Cheers and God be with all of us! !

      Reply

    • This kind of desperation to get out of India is sickening especially when you consider how nationalistic Indians are. It seems like Indian nationalism is fake and people are nationalistic because that is what they grew up with. However, as they get older, they realize that their country is shitty and that they must leave at all costs.

      Reply

  48. Hi All,
    It is now end of Aug and only one month (1st OCT) remianing to start work officially for fresh H1B holders. My petition is still under IR and not moving.. niether RFE nor Approve.
    Any one is there with same series in IR with regular processing and who is in India…!
    Mine is EAC1313854***.

    Thanks.

    Reply

  49. Finally after loooooooong long waiting…. my H1B has been approved.

    My case no. is WAC13137506**.

    Thank to everyone in this forum for all your moral support.

    And wish you good luck for those who are waiting.

    Reply

  50. Finally the wait is over !! Just now found tht my h1b has been approved.

    Reciept date- 29th april 2013
    E-request raised by laywer – 1st august
    Approval date- 29th august( directly went to PDA)
    RP/RQ/VSC/EAC13148537xx/F2-h1b COS

    Reply

      • Hi john,

        I first checked in the website and then lawyer called me.

        There is a service called e-request in USCIS website.if an application is pending more than 2 months, then you or your lawyer can fill the e-request form in the website and enquire about your application status.you can expect to hear something within 27days of raising the e-request.

        In my case, my lawyer had done that.

        Reply

        • officially NO SLA for e-request.. They might inform in 30days..
          Only advantage of e-request is regularly you need not to check your status. once they approved …. You will get notification to your email…

          Reply

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