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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

  3. My H1B was pending in RFE Status at Vermont from July242013.
    It finally got approved on Oct18, it has been a long wait of 3 months.

    Here are my case details
    New H1b, Regular Processing, Masters Quota.(EAC1313series)

    This website was very helpful, it helped me a lot during this long wait time.

    Good luck to everybody who are still waiting, hoping all of your cases would be approved.

    Reply

    • Hi Experts,
      Currently i’m on L1A valid till Dec-14. Applied H1 with COS this year from Consultancy A and its in RFE RR.
      My Question how much time do we get to resign current Job and join on H1 once i get H1 Approval.?

      Reply

      • L1-H1 COS,
        Legally, you are required to join H-1 employer from COS effective date, which means soon after the approval. However, if you do decide to stay back for 1-2 weeks then it may still be ok in the long run. Still run the scenario by your H-1 employer once you know how long you will have to stay w/ L-1 employer after H-1 COS approval.

        Reply

  4. My petition is stuck in RFE RR since July 16th. EAC series.
    They are not even responding to status query.
    Am i the longest pending case for this year quota.
    Any suggestion if there is any TAT for this.

    Reply

  5. My RFE response was sent on Sep 24 and still its in RFE RR. Very much worried. Any guesses why its getting this late when lot of petitions are approved within 10-14 days after RFE RR? Why is EAC dead slow compared to WAC?

    Reply

  6. Finally the wait is over and I got my petition approved after RFE..

    Receipt Number: WAC131375****
    Receipt Date: 8 Apr 2013
    RFE: Sep 7th
    RFE response : Oct 7th
    Approved Date: 18 Oct 2013
    Regular Processing.

    This site has been very helpful and I was on of the silent visitor so far..
    All the best! good luck to those are waiting for their approval…

    Reply

  7. Hi Friends,
    On 18th Octber I had my visa interview at Mumbai consulate and cleared the last stage of H1b process. The process is smooth and i had very pleasing experience. I would suggest please don’t take tension. Be ready with your all docs and you will hear golden 3 words”Visa is approved”.
    For my case Visa officer only asked for passport and work permit(I797). I had following conversation with VO.
    VO: Good Morning.
    Me: Very good morning sir. How r u doing?
    VO: I am doing good .thank you.
    VO: What is your experience with your current company?
    Me: 3.8 yrs sir.
    VO: Who is your client?
    Me: answered .
    VO: what is the pay
    Me:answered(please confirm the digits in your LCA)
    VO: what is your highest qualification?
    Me: answered(Please tell complete degree with your domain and university e.g. Bachelor of engineering in computer science from Mumbai university )
    VO: Do you have the booklet? (Know your rights at US)
    Me: Yes Sir.(you will get this booklet when you enter in consulate after security check).
    VO: Your visa is approved.

    So be confident and be ready with your all documents. All the best to everyone.

    Reply

  8. Hi
    I got my H1B visa this year (H4 to H1 COS) . Due to the government shutdown i have applied for SSN only on october 17th. My client wants to do background check before i join and i need SSN number for that.
    SSA officer gave me a letter to saying it will take upto 30 days to receive the SSN number. But in some forums, they have mentioned we will be able to get the number if we goto SSA office with an ID proof as soon as the nubber assigned.
    How long it will take to the number get assigned?please share your experience.
    Anybody in the same situvation?

    Reply

  9. Hi Saurabh,

    In 2010 I have applied H1B visa through consulting company based in US. Unfortunately my visa got rejected last year. So, I was not able to land US once. Currently, I am working in big MNC in India and my company has filed H1b transfer on that visa. But, I got RFE from USCIS demanding for following documents:

    (1) USCIS is requesting additional evidence to establish that a valid employer-employee relationship was maintained throughout the previous H-1B approval period.

    As such, please provide:
    -Pay statements for the period of previously approved H-1B status (request all pay statements from entry date onward)
    -Payroll summary or W-2 Forms evidencing wages paid to the associate;
    -Copies of the associate’s most recently filed federal individual tax returns;
    -Dated performance review
    -Employment History records (documentation showing date of hire, promotions, transfers, and pay changes with effective dates)

    So, my concern is as I have not worked with my previously employer nor I have any pay slips for that employer. How can I provide these details to USCIS.
    Also, what would be the suitable response for this query to USCIS.

    Thanks & Regards,
    Aditya

    Reply

    • Aditya,
      USCIS might be confused about your previous H-1. Your attorney should reply that you never got the opportunity to travel to US and hence there were no payslips etc. Is your attorney suggesting the same?

      Reply

  10. Hi Saurabh,
    My wifes H4 to H1 COS was filed for this year and she got thru the lottery.However the employer is not giving the receipt number and they say its there policy.Its been 6 months now and there is no decision or RFE yet.Employer says its in Initial Review.I told them to open a service request but they are not willing to do so since they feel it might have negative impact on the decision.

    Could you please advise on this scenario?

    Reply

    • H4 to H1,
      Nothing you can do here except rely on your employer to know the receipt number. Did do you discuss the option of upgrading it to PP for faster service?

      Reply

      • Hi Saurabh,
        Yes I discussed PP as well.They said that changing to PP might just turn into RFE or some other decision.

        They said that they USCIS has a max time limit of 180 days.Is that true?

        They said they will raise service request after 180 days from Filing date.

        Reply

        • H4 to H1,
          Isn’t that contradictory statement. They first say that they won’t open Service Request as it may have a negative impact (which is not true) and then they say they will open the SR only after 180 days. Well, 180 days have passed and they can open the SR if they want.

          And USCIS is not required to process the petition within 180 days.

          Reply

  11. Hi Sourabh & Friends,

    I have a typical case and would require your valuable suggestion to proceed further.

    In 2008 consultancy A has filed my H1b and the petition got approved and didn’t go through in visa process and after couple of RFE’s the uscis chennai consulate suspended my case and sent back to Us.
    These all things happened by sep 2009 and I never focused on that petition later.
    The online status of this petition says RFE response review since march 10 2010.

    Now 2013 April,2 companies filed my H1b Petition lets say companyB and
    CompanC.

    During filing I gave the information about my old case ,companyB filed in cap exempt status and companyC was counted against cap.

    Last month I have got RFE,s on both the companies.

    CompnanyC RfE about edu evaluation,where the response was submitted and it was in approved yesterday itself.

    CompanyB has got an RFE as the USCis mentioned about my 2008 case and told them that that 2008 case was refused in march 25 2010 and asking them the cap exempt reason.and also Uscis mentioned about the other CompanyC petition to them and its i 129 has filled before this.

    Now that I have companyC approval and companyB RFE,

    CompanyB is a genuine company and has Po with a famous client and I am sure I will gonna get stamping if I go to visa through companyB,

    Where as companyC is a consultancy again.

    I Elaine’s all the facts to companyB and told them the case about companyC as well.

    Now companyB is asking my companyC approval so that they respond to RFe.

    So is that companyB here in my case would respond to RFe by converting into H 1 transfer

    Pls suggest.

    Thanks
    Vamshi

    Reply

    • Vamshi,
      B’s petition was already H-1 transfer. As they had filed it as cap-exempt petition based on A’s approval, it was H-1 transfer.

      Yes, it makes sense for B to use C’s copy now and respond to the RFE.

      Reply

      • Thanks Sourabh, thank you. Very much for the reply.

        In Case of h 1trasfer to B does my C’s petition become invalid ?

        Now as my C petition is in approved state,if I go for visa stamping with C’s petition , consider if I get an 221 g RFE , at this point could B still can use C’s petition to respond to RFE.

        Thx

        Reply

        • 2 petetions,
          H-1 transfer doesn’t invalidate the petition. Actually there is nothing like H-1 transfer. What happens is the employer files a cap-exempt petition saying that you are not subject to cap and submit old petition as proof of having made through the cap.

          So you will end up w/ B and C’s petitions and can decide to work for either and go for stamping w/ either of the petition.

          Reply

          • Really appreciate your response Sourabh , thanks a lot.

            So here is my understanding with B’s case.

            Even though I attend for interview with C and gets an RFE or suspension or refusal or approval ,no matter what B can still send an response to RFE saying C’s approval as it was counted in cap,irrespective of current status of B

            So in that case can I go for stamping with C first and if its stamped well and good, other wise I will ask B to respond to RFE and will proceed further.

            Pls suggest

  12. Saurabh and Friends,
    My current status of petition is RFE review from sep 25. Currently, I am in US on L1 visa which is getting expired on febraury 2014. I spoke to my employer, we are planning to upgrade my petition to premium processing on Monday(October 21). Do you think is this bad idea to upgrade to premium at this time?

    Thanks for the response.

    – Arun

    Reply

    • Arun,
      You still have time on your L-1 side. RFE response review time is typically 60 days and it hasn’t been a month since your response was submitted.

      So it is really you and your employer’s decision whether to wait or expedite it by spending those $1225.00.

      Reply

  13. Finally !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Finally… long wait is over..
    Receipt Number: WAC1313853****
    Receipt Date: 8 Apr 2013
    RFE: July 22nd
    RFE response Review: Oct 7th
    Approved Date: 17 Oct 2013
    Service Center: California
    Regular Processing.

    Thanks to this forum and all the best to people who are waiting to hear good news..

    Reply

  14. Hello,

    My case went to RFE and my employer responded back in two months. Now it has been sent back again and my employer has responded back again yesterday, though he has not given any details on what are the questions.

    Since my employer is a small company, is my application heading for rejection?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Did your case go in RFE RR? If yes how much time it took to change back to RFE. Mine is in RFE RR since 24th sep. My employer is also small company. Please rely.

      Reply

      • Hi Poonam,

        Since my case is under premium processing, it did quickly moved out of RFE RR and went back to Initial Review and got stuck there.

        Thanks

        Reply

    • Nirvaan,
      At times the 2nd RFE is issued. It doesn’t necessarily lower the chances of approval. What matters is what was asked and what your employer response. Stay hopeful.

      Reply

  15. Finally !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Receipt Number: EAC1314253***
    Receipt Date: 17 Apr 2013
    RFE: June 24th
    RFE response : Sep 19th
    Approved Date: 17 Oct 2013
    Service Center: Vermont
    Regular Processing.

    All the best for all.

    Reply

  16. Finally Approved !!!!!!!

    Receipt Number: EAC1314253***
    Receipt Date: 8 Apr 2013
    Notice Date: 17 Apr 2013
    RFE: Jun 24th
    RFE RR: Sept19th
    Approved Date: 17 Oct 2013
    Service Center: Vermont
    Regular Processing.
    All the best for all .

    Thanks.

    Reply

  17. Hello All,

    My H1B petition has been approved.

    Receipt Number: EAC131*******
    Receipt Date: 17 Apr 2013
    RFE: July 12th
    RFE response : Sep 27th
    Approved Date: 17 Oct 2013
    Service Center: Vermont
    Regular Processing.

    So you will also get your visa, Be postive. I shall pray for evryone in this forum to get through

    Thanks a lot for your support and prompt reponses in this forum that kept me sailing through!

    Reply

    • Congrats Happy Thoughts!!!!

      Please pray for me too ..mine is in RFE RR (EAC131485****) .
      RFE response : Sep 24th
      Service Center: Vermont
      Regular Processing.

      Reply

  18. Dear Saurabh and other friends,

    Emp B filed my H1B and it got denied this year. I work for Emp A right now and he is going to file my H1B next year. Emp A does not know that my H1B was filed this year with Emp B and has got denied. My question is when my current employer files my H1B next year does he needs to mention that a H1b petition was denied last year or he does not have to mention anything when he files for a new H1b next year?

    Please let me know!

    Thanks

    Reply

  19. Hi all,

    My visa just got approved and had a question regarding the H1 transfer. I had applied via consultancy A and I am getting good opportunities from other companies where they are asking me to transfer H1 immediately. I have not started working for consultancy A yet. Transferring to any new company means i wll not have any salary slips from A yet. Is there any risk to transfer or should I work for consultancy A for few months and then go for transfer.

    Please advise.

    Reply

    • Yes…you should work for the consultancy for atleast 3 month..! Becoz for transfer a minimum 3 months paystub required. So don’t even think to switch prior 3 months, else you will be in trouble..

      Phir tum bin pendi ko lote ho jaoge, na idhar ke na udhar ke..! 😀

      Reply

      • Ghanta Singh,
        I understand that you want to troll on the forum and pass comments that do not add value to the discussion. However, you should refrain from passing incorrect answers as that may derail others’ future.

        Reply

    • Supriya,
      When did you move to H-1 status either by entering US on stamped visa or COS going into effect?

      If it has been less than 1 pay period, then it may be ok to join new company w/o payslip. If it has been more than 1 pay period, then you need to have payslips from A for that period.

      If there are more than 3 pay periods before the transfer petition, then 3 most payslips are required. If there are less than 3 pay periods, then only those period pay slips are required.

      Reply

      • Thanks Sourabh for your response.
        Yes I had change of status from L1 to H1 being here in US. I have been working on L1 for 3 years now. Do I still needed to wait for getting payslips for minimum 3 months for consultancy A?

        Reply

        • Supriya,
          You still need 3 most recent payslips to show proof of status. But this will be combination of L-1 and H-1. So if you have stayed for one month on H-1 (from COS approval date), then 1 month of H-1 payslip, and 2 months of L-1 payslips. If you have stayed for 2 months on H-1, then 1 month of L-1 payslip and 2 months of H-1 payslips.

          Does that clarify?

          Reply

  20. Dear Experts,
    My L1 extension rejected yesterday 10/16 (L1 Visa and I-94 already expired on June 9, 2013), H1, from another employer approved today 10/17 (applied with COS, but dont know about it approved with COS or not).
    RQ/ RP, Notice date April 17, No RFE came, moved Initial review to Post Decision Activity today.

    Is there be any problem as L1 denied before H1 approvla ?

    EAC1313851***

    Reply

    • @Om
      I don’t believe your H1 filed with COS, to do COS H1 you should have valid I-94 and in your case it was expired in June. I believe only option you have is travel back to your Origin country and do H1 stamping then come back to US. Some people travel to Canada/Mexico but its risky in your case.
      You can check with attorney of H1 company and see what they suggest.

      Reply

    • Om,
      You may not know about the COS until physical 797 notice is received. If it has I-94 attached to the bottom, then only COS was approved.

      Ask your attorney if they can follow-up w/ USCIS to know the COS status.

      Reply

  21. Are all those waiting now at RFE or RFE RR new applicants or anyone for extensions, premium processing for transfers h1b also? please reply.

    Reply

  22. Need help…. Please advise…

    Actually I came to US 2 years back (L1 Visa) and my visa got expired July 2013. Before it expired I applied for L1 extension, which is still in process.
    I also processed new H1 in April 2013, which is selected in lottery and finally approved 9 days back.

    Little Background:
    — My L1b Visa got expired in July 2013, since L1 extension is in process, I continued staying till now, I got RFE and I have time till November 14 2013, so, we didn’t replied to RFE till now.
    — H1 visa which we applied in April 2013, got approved on Oct 09, but “H1 approval is cabled to Hyderabad India for stamping”, My employer told me that, since h1 approval is cabled to Hyderabad, I need to go and get stamping and re-enter US to start working on US with this approved h1. (Reason might be because, my I-94 was already expired in mid of July).
    — My new employer (who applied h1b) is now trying to find a job to get the client letter before I go to India for stamping. Also, they are asking me to continue with my current employer till I get a job.

    Now my Problem….

    — Since my h1 is already approved, my L1b visa is no more valid correct? (NOTE: We didn’t withdraw L1 extension petition, it is still in process)
    — How long I can continue with my old employer, it’s already 9 days passed after h1 approval, I am confused and still working with old employer. ;(
    — Am I in out of status? (Since my h1 is approved, but I am not working with h1)
    — Can any other employer (or my old employer) transfer my H1 visa now? (Note, my h1 approval is cabled to hyderabad consulate for stamping and I didn’t started working with the employer who filed my h1)
    I have seen in some blog like, We can’t transfer H1B while staying in US in out of Status. Please confirm.

    Reply

    • I was in somewhat similar situation,
      1) Your H1 and L1 is separate case so got approval in H1 don’t invalid L1. It only invalid once you switch to H1.
      2) You can continue working with your old employer (who holds L1) till L1 result don’t come or 240 days from I94 expiration date.
      3)You are currently not out of state. Unless you join H1 employer its is just piece of paper
      4)I am not sure but H1 transfer can be possible but if you don’t get L1 extension (which is difficult now a days, 3 member recently return from my team including myself) then you have YOU HAVE TO GO OUT OF USA , DO STAMPING THEN ENTER BACK TO USA.

      Reply

        • HJ, If by worst case, if i go to india for stamping, do you see any risk? I didn’t worked with the new employer/client and I don’t have any payslip through them. I can show only the payslip on my current employer.

          Also, my new employer is searching for a new job, they are not giving the client letter they gave for H1 processing, they said I need to attend interview and get a new client letter and take the new one for Stamping. I am not sure why they are doing this, but they say USCIC doesn’t compare what we gave before, so we can show any client letter. hmm ;(

          Reply

      • I am too in similar situation – I am still waiting for my H1 Approval.

        Because your H1 has not come with new I-94, Change of Staus to H1 has not happend. So you are still on L1B extension.

        You should go out of US and enter on H1 stamping to get into H1 status.

        Aall things agree with HJ.

        Reply

        • Playing hide-seek game with uscis..Tumlog to gaye..Neither you L1 will be extended nor H1 is going to be approved. So all you three tried to play mind game with USCIS. Now USCIS will play with you all and the people who all doing this..!

          Tumlogo ko ghanta visa milega 😀

          Reply

          • @Ghanta Visa Milega, FYI, I am on the safer side as I do have few other options, so, we will take care if USCIS plays with us. Be Cool…

            We are using our common sense to use the opportunity and we did as per rules, so, everything will be in my control.

        • @H1
          I have not gone for H1 interview as I got approval just day before yesterday. It may take another 2-3 weeks for me.

          @Siva
          Currently H1 stamping is getting less rejected then L1 but everything depend upon how you perform in 5 min. of interview with VO and documents you have produced.
          Many consultancy file H1 with fake projects and they search for project once H1 get approve. You can search for new client project and once you get it then you can go for H1.

          Reply

      • Siva/HJ,
        Few clarifications:
        1. As H-1 was not approved w/ COS, your current status is L-1 and you need to maintain that.
        2. You can stay on L-1 only until last day to respond to RFE. Once RFE response date passes, L-1 will be denied. So you need to leave US before Nov 14, 2013.
        4. Another employer can file H-1 for you, but it will also end-up like your current H-1 as your I-94 has expired and so COS cannot be approved. You have to either get L-1 extension approved or enter US on stamped H-1 visa.

        Reply

        • Hi Saurabh/HJ,
          Thanks for your advise. Can you please clarify me on below.
          My spouse is working here in US in H1 Visa. Can I transfer my L1 to H4 visa. so that, I will get my I 94 depends on my spouse H1 visa.
          Then, I can convert H4 to H1 visa to start work on(without going to INDIA for stamping).
          Is my above point valid and if so, please let me know the risk involved in changing status from L1 to H4 and again to H1.
          Thanks,
          Siva

          Reply

  23. Thank you all. Hope we all get some good news soon. This waiting period is killing. Just keeping fingers crossed everytime checking the status online. God please help us all. We need you now.

    Reply

  24. Mine is in EAC1313 series and my petition is pending in RFE since July24.
    I see that the processing time in Vermont is 3months 20 days.

    Reply

  25. Anyone from Vermont ..still waiting on RFE RR since 24th Sept? My series is EAC 131485****. Is the delay because of shut down or we moving to denial?

    Please anyone help 🙁

    Reply

      • @Poonam , yes I am waiting for approval. Filed at VC. My status is RFE response review but no update since 1st August. Waiting is killing me though. 🙁

        Reply

        • @ poonam

          I am also waiting from Sept 24th Vermont center.
          I think it is getting delayed because of premium processing for transfers and extensions of h1b

          Reply

          • @Varun,

            No it is not right time to for premium processing as we are coming to end of this year. Just do not waste money, we will get decision soon.

            Thanks.

          • Srinivas,
            On the contrary, the fiscal year for USCIS has just started. They are bound to process the petitions by Oct 2014, but will process most of them by Mar 2014 (before next lot of petitions rush in).

            USCIS fiscal year runs from Oct-Sep.

          • Saurabh,

            Do you mean that either they will process all petitions by oct 2013.. or will move it to mar 2014… will no processing occur through nov to feb?

          • Observed,
            The current petitions need to be processed by Oct 2014 as the current fiscal year runs from Oct’13-Sep’14.

            However, from April 2014, FY-15 (Oct’14-Sep’15) petitions will be accepted. In order to handle that flurry of applications, they will try to process FY-14 petitions by April 2014. They will not stop the processing in b/w and will continue to process the petitions but may gain more speed as we approach April 2014.

          • EAC131435****. Regular processing. My attorney told me not necessary to follow them. I believe, I can hear good news very soon.

  27. Hi,

    My Receipt number is WAC1314******, I got RFE on 22nd July and replied on 30th July, its still in RFE review.

    Its almost 75 days and still no update, does this mean I am going to get denial

    Thans
    Raj

    Reply

    • Did you put a status request / or your lawyer checked with USCIS?
      Regular Processing ?
      I am also waiting since Aug, waiting for 60 days to complete and then ask lawyer to check with them USCIS.
      All the best. And have patience taht all i can say.
      are U are in US or back in home country ?

      Reply

  30. Finally!!!

    EAC131465xxxx
    RFE: 26 Aug
    RFE Review: 9 Sept
    Approved:15 Oct

    Dont know what was RFE about.
    RP/RQ.

    Thanks. All the best to the ones who are waiting.

    Reply

  33. Hello,

    My H1b employer is threatening to send court notice for transferring my visa to other company and not working for them for one single day. My visa was H4 to H1b COS and before oct 1st I transferred it to another company B and started working for B from Oct 1st 2013.
    Can anybody tell what to do in this scenario? I tried negotiating but he is asking to pay for the damages i.e 10,000 USD. I told him that I didn’t sign any contract/agreement with them and also that I payed them my H1b fees, 2500. I also told him that on papers I have not done anything illegal and he couldn’t find me a job by Oct 1st so I changed my employer.
    But they are threatening to send court notice to me about the damages.
    Can anybody tell what kind of court notice they can prepare, what charges they can blame me for?
    Should I just ignore them and do not attend to their call or email? What if they really send a court notice, what should be my next step?

    Reply

    • Mam… first of all, it is illegale and employee is not supposed to pay the visa fees, the employer should pay the visa fees so i dont think , your epmployer A can go to this extent and i am 100 percent sure that Employer A must be operated by some indian who always in a habbit of threatening……if you have not signed deal with them then chill relax and let them do what they want to do….but this is all illeagal and because of people like you , all indians are blamed and paying the price so you deserve this harrasment.

      Reply

      • just shut up!!!

        No company sponsor H1b for h4 visa people even if you more qualified then your h1b visa holder husband. These consultancies are the last option or you have to just pack bags and go back. Married life ko karo swaha!! Is that you want??? These is absurd h4 not working stone age rule need to be crushed… Malala was nominated for noble prize breaking laws and Americans dosen’t want anyone else to break their anti women laws!!! wow such hypocrites!!!

        Reply

        • Lol, H4 is not intended specifically for women., H4 is dependent of H1(Which could be men or women). So stop wasting your time and start following rules.

          Reply

          • No way !!! Everyone break this law as much as you can so that they will be forced to change this non sense law. and you are wasting your time coz half of the visa applied are through consultancies hahaha

        • You greedy , just shut your mouth first and who asked you to marry an indian who is settled in america if you are so concerned about your dreams…..and then use illegal means to get the job in US…..i wish, USCIS track down your email id and block you for applying through illegal means.anyways those small companies will no more exists in future with the new bill…..50 percent Americas .

          Reply

          • I came on H1b and my spouse is on H4. so you grow up. And we got married no one h1b was applied, so just shut up.

        • You are right Sara. I wasted two years almost for getting H1 Visa. First year I tried to get the Visa but nobody willing to do it. But fortunately this time I got a consultancy and applied for visa. Still no update after RFE from 1st August. You know, I have half completed my Doctorate in Engineering and now doing nothing except wasting time. Reason is I am in H4 Visa. You have to go through this way by paying money to someone and get the proper Visa to work here. I think, The guy ‘A’ he/she nvr gone through this phase that’s why speaking crap and all to everyone. Nobody has free money to waste, but we are bound to choose this way. Think positive, we all get Visa after few days or few months. Cheers!!! 🙂

          Reply

          • Dont worry , your RFE will go to Declined as you have taken the wrong step for visa which you are committing yourself.I am not against any individual or community but i am against those people who take the wrong step to earn money, If you cant respect the law of land then you dont deserve to live in that country and then people like you disgrace indians…….

    • As far as I have heard, he cannot restrict you from working for any company. .if it becomes a legal matter, he will get caught first..anyways get it confirmed from an an expert

      Reply

    • Just ignore & stop attending the emails & phones. They cannot do any harm to you. Regard court notice/damages they will be jailed & deported if they go to court. You just enjoy.

      Reply

    • Pooja,
      At times employers resort to such extortion tactics. They will try to instill fear in you by sending a court notice. First thing – anyone can sue anyone in the court. Second thing (and the important one) – whether that case is won or thrown out is the real deal.

      Your employer doesn’t seem to have any grounds to sue you. They need to come to the court w/ clean hands and they have already made you pay for H-1 fees. In addition, they will have to show real business loss in order to get any monetary damage from you. Lastly, employment is at will and your employment didn’t even start in this case.

      I would say, let them send you the notice, then show it to an attorney and send a return notice to them telling that you will complain to DOL about asking you to pay for H-1 fees. If DOL starts their scrutiny and finds them at fault, then all their H-1 petitions will come under the hammer.

      Reply

  34. Hi all

    My firm responded to my RFE and status has changed to initial review again as against RFE Response review. Any reason for this change of status to initial review and not RFE response review??

    Reply

    • Hello Anil,

      One reason could be that your client might have upgraded your case to premium processing if you are not on one.

      This is my assumption. Please check with your attorney or client.

      Reply

    • Hi Anil,

      Dont worry, Mine was also the same.
      You might get the decision soon.. within 15 days i got my status approved.
      So pray and wait u will get it 🙂

      All the very best

      SMR

      Reply

  36. I guys,

    Those who are waiting, we all will get some update by this month end.

    Hoping for the best…….

    Happy Dussehra all!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  39. Hello TCS folks,
    Anybody still waiting for petition approval notice? They have only informed that petition is selected in lottery but they have not received petition papers from uscis yet. Its too long and I think USCIS may have sent all the papers by now.

    Thanks.

    Reply

    • @Amit,

      How would you know that all the petitions selected in lottery has been approved and sent back to TCS where in this blog we are seeing that petitions are getting approved even in last week. Worst thing about TCS is that they have not shared Receipt Number so that we can track our status in USCIS website.

      Reply

      • Hi Kaushik,
        Thanks for the reply. If the petition is rejected also, then USCIS would have sent the notification by now and FDFU should inform us. They are still saying that they are awaiting for the papers from USCIS. What I am seeing in this forum is, ppl are getting approval recently after RFEs. If there is a RFE then FDFU would have provided the details.
        Are you working in TCS and are in the same position as me?

        Thanks.

        Reply

        • Yes Amit, my RFE response has been filed with USCIS on 27-AUG-2013 but still no response from them. God knows when they will give the result.

          Reply

  40. Got Approval on 11th oct 🙂

    Regular Processing..Vermont Center.. eac1314254***

    RFE received – 29th july
    RFE response – 20th sept
    RFE RR – 25 sept
    Approval – 11th oct 🙂

    Keep faith … you all would hear a good news soon 🙂

    Reply

  41. I got my H1B approval this year , but due to this US shutdown they are not processing new ssn . Now if i had to join the job , i need ssn which i dont have.
    How long can we be on h1b without joining a job. Can any new h1b holders tell me how you are dealing with this.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • @AboutH1B,
      I came to west-coast last week and already on job. Normally it takes 2 weeks to apply for SSN. Now you cant apply for SSN becoz the Gov. is shutdown.
      The employer can still pay you (in my case) as advance payments.
      Yeah, it is very irritating w/o SSN becoz thats the first thing you need when you are on work and setting up things newly in the US.
      Lets hope Gov. start functioning pretty soon.

      Reply

  42. Currently I’m working in H1B in Texas. I want to bring my wife in H4 visa. What kind of documents/papers will I need to submit for her ??

    Reply

    • Kuch document ki jarurat nai. Bas le kar aa jao. If anyone at immigration ask about her, then tell you are his husband and no one right to inter your personal matter to bring her or not.

      If anyone still asks, just slap him and say tere ghar me biwi-siwi nai hey..! 😛

      Reply

    • No need to bring any documents…. She is your Wife .. not a terrorist… You have the rights to stay with your wife … if they do too much of drama…call Human Rights activists ….:P ….

      Reply

  43. Need help!!!

    RFE is about client and project information. My employer has submitted client letter and valid contract. But USCIS is saying they want to talk to the client directly and want more project details…This year USCIS is very strict. They want every minute detail. My education and previous employment docs are fine, no issues on that. Has anybody got such RFE?? How to respond?? My issue is employer get scared whenever there’s a RFE and ask me to void application and retry next year….please suggest something!!!

    Reply

    • Hi Neha,
      Its unfortunate USCIS is asking more details on your case. You got one more RFE? when you got this update from USCIS? VA or CA?

      Reply

        • It would be better you back out. Normal cases USCIS doesn’t asks double question for client. In you case they asked, that mean something they smelled foul. Immigration officers are lie detecters

          If you or your emlopyer are sure that you havn’t filed any wrong information, then send the details. If u did any malpractice, they stay outside.

          Reply

          • @Ghanta Singh: Beta … dusro ko galat advice mat de…. chal jaa aur mere liye ek chai bana laa….. nikaama kahi kaa…

            @Neha: Don’t worry… If you have done nothing wrong then you can proceed ahead with your petition. You can always consult International Court to seek justice just in case….

          • Sirjee kaun si chai piyenge…chotti patti wali ya badi patti wali. Shakar ke ya bina sakar ke, kadak wali ya lite wali, indian bagano ki chai, ya videsi chai, doodh wali chai ya bina doodh wali chai, garam chai ya thandi chai??

            Batayiye mere baap…..! :P, nayi bataya to main kar dunga aapko saaf 😀

  44. Hi All,

    I am updating my case.
    RFE 06/04/2013
    RFE Review 07/17/2013
    Approved 10/10/2013

    California Center, Regular Quote, Regular Processing.

    Those who are still in RFE Review Status, just be a little patient. Things will go well.

    Reply

  45. Hi all,
    I have a doubt…
    Mine is in rfe review from sep 11th Vermont centre,,regular processing
    So in RP , will the status change to post processing
    Or change to initial review-> acceptance-> decision-> post processing..
    It’s almost 30 days .. My status is still in rfe review …

    Reply

  46. Hi,

    I just finished scheduling my appointment along with my wife for stamping and ofc. The confirmation page shows only my name and ds160 form number, but shows number of applicants as 2. Also, in the fee payment section, both our names are mentioned. Is that how it is supposed to be ?

    Kindly help..Thanks

    Reply

  47. Hi all ,

    Got H1 approved today . Rfe response review was from sep 20th.
    All the best for those who is been waiting..

    Reply

  48. Hi Saurabh & Other Experts:-

    I had a 221g refusal for my L1 visa. I am now planning to go for H1 visa interview.
    Please share if anyone has gone thru a similar situation. What were the questions, challenges or any other important tips.

    Your guidance/tips would be very supportive in my current situation & would appreciate it

    Thanks,

    Ajay.

    Reply

  49. Hi all,

    Got my h1b approval today. RFE review since Sept 21st, processed in CA with normal processing. Best wishes for all of you who have been waiting.

    Thanks

    Reply

  50. Hi ,
    I have 2 question.

    1.I have got my petition approval this week ,but due to project start date changed (look like it may happen anytime in march-april 14) can I appear for interview during that time. Infact I have other personal commitments.Does that have any problem during visa interview.

    2.In my petition till set it says it is valid..It means I can attend anytime within this time period?

    Looking forward the replies at the earliest.
    Thanks
    bvr

    Reply

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