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H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

Updated : Dec 9, 2014 (H1B 2016 FAQs )

H1B Visa 2015 season is over. Check below for H1B Visa 2016 Season.

Applying for H1B Visa 2016 ? Did you miss FY 2015 lottery ?

Check out -> H1B Visa 2016 – Start Info, Sponsos, Fees, News , FAQs 

Flash News Update  : 

  • May 5th : USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap petitions that were not selected in the lottery. They have announced it on their twitter and facebook pages.
  • April 18th : USCIS announced that they will begin H1B FY 2015 premium processing from April 28th, 2014. Previously they announced that they will begin, ‘no later than April 28th’. They just clarified that. You can read on USCIS website  
  • April 11th : USCIS announced that it received about 172,500 petitions for the H1B Visa 2015 Quota. Read USCIS : 172,500 Received – H1B Lottery Summary 
  • April 7th USCIS H1B Visa 2015 Cap Reached on April 7th. 

H1B Visa 2015 – Latest News Updates , Articles 

Looking for H1B Cap Daily Updates ?  Check  H1B Visa 2015 Cap count Updates Page 

Frequently Asked Questions about H1B Visa FY 2015 

When will H1B Visa 2015 Season Begin ?

USCIS accepted H1B Visa 2015 applications from April 1st, 2014. They had the window open for 5 working days. USCIS stopped accepting H1B Petitions for FY 2015 from Monday April 7th as more applications were received than the required cap of 85,000 petitions.

What would be the Cap count for H1B Visa 2015 quota ?

No changes to the H1B Cap for FY15, the immigration reform discussions did not go through, the cap limit remained same as last year.

  • Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
  • Masters H1B Quota : 20,000
  • It is to be noted that 6,800 visas every year are set aside for Singapore and Chile Free trade agreement filings, which is called as H1B1 program.

Would there be lottery for H1B Visa 2015 ?

We had H1B visa Lottery for fiscal year 2014. USCIS received about 172,500 petitions for FY 2015 . Our predictions were right, you can read the article H1B Visa 2015 Lottery Prediction analysis 

How soon should I start planning for H1B Visa 2015 ?

[ Updated : H1B Sesaon is over for FY 15, plan for next year FY 2016 ] Well, there is nothing like too early… Getting a good H1B Sponsor can be a challenge these days. You need to find a job that fits your profile and find a sponsor that has a job for you.  Some employers want to test out the capabilities of the candidate before they plan to sponsor H1B Visa. Typically, they would like students with masters from US work for them on internship or co-op.  If they like the candidate then they will sponsor H1B visa.  If you are planning to land in US from overseas countries like India, it could be even challenging to find a good sponsor. Maybe you would need to work with global IT services companies and make your way up. It can involve lot of internal process to get the process initiated… You are never early…. Read Step by Step Plan to Apply for H1B 2015 

How do I find Sponsors for H1B visa 2015 ?

This is probably the most asked question.  It can be a challenge to find a good sponsor. We have written quite a few articles on this topic. The fundamental concept of finding a good employer does not change.  You can use our H1B Visa Sponsors Database  and search for sponsors in a city or zip code. Check out the above links under 2015 latest news and updates for the current year’s article to find sponsors. You can also, read our last year’s article :  How to find H1B Visa sponsors, avoid fraud 

What would be the H1B Filing fee for Fiscal year 2015 ? 

There has not been any changes in the filing fee for the past couple of years. It did not change for fiscal year 2014.  The  H1B Visa 2015 filing fee can range anywhere from  $1,575 to $4,325  based on the size of the company (number of employees ). Also, the attorney fee can range from $700 to $3000. If you go for premium processing again that is $1225.  You can check out the detail break up of fee at : H1B Visa Filing Fee Details – Who Pays for What ?  

H1B Visa Immigration Reform – CIR – Proposed Changes ? The comprehensive immigration reform has not passed yet.  But, lets say, if it gets passed, the below changes may happen.

  • Annual H1B Cap will be increased from 65,000 per year to 110,000. If exteme demand, it can go up to a maximum of 180,000.
  • The H1B quota for STEM degree holders from American Schools will increase from 20,000 to 25,000
  • H1B Visa fees can up to USD $10,000.
  • More stringent rules on H1B visa adjudication.
  • Mandatory LCA posting on DOL website for at least 30 days, before it is certified.

You can read Summary of CIR – Immigration reform – H1B Visa and Green Card  . We will keep you posted with updates on CIR and H1B visa changes for this year, if any. Did I miss anything ?  Do you have any other questions ?

Note :  Some of the below comments about H1B Sponsors are negative.  Please be aware that these are comments added by individuals of companies, competitors and many others that may hate such companies. We do NOT vouch for any of the comments made as they are not made by us.

Under federal law (Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act), our Blog RedBus2US.com is NOT legally liable or responsible for information posted by public, general users or third parties that contains remarks that are defamatory for a company or individual.

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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23,888 Comments

  1. I have approved H1b Petition for 2015. In my petition consulate is showing as hyderabad, as my passport issued in hyderabad USCIS put me into hyderabad consulate. But i am working in Chennai and i have 6 months old kid. I am planning to attend visa interview at Chennai consulate. Is it possible to attend in chennai consulate where petition showing Hyderabad consulate. Please help me on this.

    Please someone help me on this.

    Reply
    • You can attend from any where from India…No issues on that …It doesnt matter what you noted on Petettion ….This is only for H1B not for F1 please note.

      Reply
  2. Hello Folks,
    Today i am shocked to see my H1B status to denial in the USCIS website after being waited for almost 1 month in RFE status..:(..I am completely stunned to see such a thing today morning…:(…Ringed my employer and asked about the denial and they said they had submitted all the docs from their end and responded to everything whatever asked in RFE and they also said they havent got my denial letter yet and can able to advise only after seeing the actual reasons they mentioned…..Now i am really not sure what to do on next…Today i went through some forums on H1B re-appealing threads and saw some positive notes saying sometime re-appeal on the denial gets pass thro after re-validation . so do i need to appeal on my case ?….this is my first H1B apply and its got denied and i am sad to the core….I need you guys advise on what to do next….!!!…Thanks..

    Reply
    • Let first see the reason why they have Denied your pititon , however denial may include the Appeal and Motion for reopen ,revocation and reconsideration.

      Reply
    • WaitingForRFEresponse

      Your comment has scared me as well..My case status is in RFE review for more than a month now…Please do share the reason for denial if you get to know about it soon and hope u r able to re appeal for the case.Good luck.

      Reply
    • I don’t want to scare any one..but my H1B visa is denied today.I am devastated and sad to my core.I had lots of plan around this visa and all in vain.
      Don’t know how to proceed now.Any clue?? I think MTR would not help much

      Reply
  3. I have a toddler and I need to get him adjusted to USA timings. Hence I am travelling on 21-Sep-2014 and will be reaching 21st Sep evening on my approved H1B. Is it fine? I have read on several sites that one can travel upto 10 days before Oct 1st. Please someone share your thoughts.

    Reply
  4. I have approved H1b Petition for 2015. In my petition consulate is showing as hyderabad, as my passport issued in hyderabad USCIS put me into hyderabad consulate. But i am working in Chennai and i have 6 months old kid. I am planning to attend visa interview at Chennai consulate. Is it possible to attend in chennai consulate where petition showing Hyderabad consulate. Please help me on this.

    Reply
    • Petetion dont care….As per new policy from 3 years you can attend any part of the city in India dont worry good luck….You can call and confirm with customer care if you want to double check

      Reply
  5. Hi All,

    My h1b petition has been approved today and I would like to thank everyone in this forum for keeping me to believe and sharing their experiences.. I wish all the very best to who are all waiting for their result…

    Processing Timelines:
    ————————–
    Lottery Result : May 1
    RFE : Jun 6
    RFE Submitted: Aug 27
    RFE Review : Aug 28
    Approval : Sep 17

    Thanks All…

    Reply
  6. I went for VISA stamping this week. i was issued 221g asking some client documents. Employer is not replying me properly and not sure if the client will give documents what USCIS wants. What are the alternatives for me and employer.
    1) My employer has lot of projects. Can employer reply to 221g telling the client not ready to give letter, so the employee will be moved to other project and can give proper client letters from new client.
    2) can i transfer petition to other employer if employer does not reply to me.

    I have original I797.

    Reply
    • Answer 1) yes , you have approved I797 so your employer can change end client and provide you different client letters. but it is going to be an amendment to your H1B means your employer has to file a petition, its same process like filing new H1b or H1b extension except that you are CAP exempt so you can file h1b amendment any time. This happened with me few years ago, i got my h1b amended then got visa stamping..

      answer 2) yes , you have approved I797 so you are cap exempt so can try transfer to another company.

      Reply
  7. Hi All,

    Currently i am working in USA through desi company on L1B visa, I applied for H1 this year and its approved in July. I would like know, am i legal to work for desi company after 1st Oct in case they request for few days (suppose till 15th Oct or 30th Oct) and Join my new Company after that.

    Thank you response.

    Reply
    • I am in the same boat as you are. I consulted an attorney and the attorney said it depends on when the hiring company wants to start the payroll on H1. I am not very clear on this yet. Waiting for experts to respond.

      Thanks

      Reply
      • your case is a COS so your status will get changed to on H1B after 1st Oct or the date mentioned in H1B approval so its not legal BUT
        I have seen in my own company( big desi MNC) people leave by 13-20 October and join their H1B employer, so its Ok with 15-30 days delay. but for sure dont overlap payroll run for both employer if u planning for GC in future.

        as such once you are on H1B your employer is suppose to run payroll starting from that date but they are not that strict…

        Reply
  8. A unique case:
    Candidate is in India and Employer is mid size US based consulting company, owned by indian.
    Application submitted with EXPIRED passport, passport was already expired at the time of applying H1B.
    Got RFE for client letter (not for expired passport).
    Submitted RFE with client letter and new valid passport on 25th Aug.
    Got Approval on Sept/15.

    Reply
  9. Still waiting for lottery result. Anyone in the same situation? Are people still getting selection/rejection results?

    Reply
  10. while filling DS 160 form, by mistake i have forgot to enter details about my college degree information and submitted the form. Using DS 160 confirmation my company scheduled for Interview also. will it affect my stamping process or do i have any option for submitting the form again. Please help me

    Reply
        • Our company Immigration team informed me that I need to submit new DS 160 form with all the details. Since barcode in my old form is used to schedule the appoinment,i have to carry both the DS 160 form and show the latest to consulate. As per their feedback it will not affect stamping

          Reply
    • Even I made a minor mistake in my DS 160 which I found only after submitting it.My MNC immigration team got the appointment based on wrong DS 160.But after that I changed the DS 160 and got the new confirmation page.The bar code in new DS 160 will differ with the Old DS 160 confirmation page and appointment letter.the process is we have to take both old and new DS 160 confirmation pages for bio metrics and during bio metric they will change our bar code to the new one .So changing a DS 160 after getting apoointment is no big deal.

      Reply
  11. Hi,
    My husband would be taking the visa interview for his H1B shortly. I have applied for my H4 along with his H1.
    I am currently working and my employer is planning for a L1 visa for me. Will my H4 cause any problem for my L1 in case it is initiated?

    Thanks & Regards,
    NIB

    Reply
    • no problem, H4 and L1 are separate and different visa. if you enter USA on H4 and later your L1 gets approved then its COS. if you are in india while your L1 gets approved you are free to choose which ever petition ( husband’s H1 or your own L1 petition) you want to use for stamping purpose. but if you go for stamping H4 when you have approved L1 in hand that wont look nice to visa officer, though you can always say that your employer is not sending to you USA on L1 in near future and your L1 is for future use. if you move to USA on H4 while L1 is in process then ask your employer/attorney to update on your L1 petition that you are in USA on H4.

      Reply
  12. Is it possible to get RFE in the month of September/October. If yes, what will be the response time for such received RFE.

    Could any one shed some light on this concern.

    Reply
  13. Hi All,
    My Application got approved and i have seen consulate is chennai in I-797B form. do i need to go to Chennai for visa stamping. Actually am working in hyderabad and hyderabd has Consulate. Please update on this

    Reply
  14. Hi All,

    My petetion still showing as initial review last updated was on April 28th.
    is there any one in the same boat.

    Any idea how long USics will take to approve or RFE?

    Reply
  15. Hey Guys,
    I have approved H1B petition but my employer is not sending me for visa stamping. Now my spouse’s H1B petition also got approved and her employer asking her to attend for visa Interview soon.
    Shall I also get H4 visa and go to US? Can i work in US on my approved H1B petition? What all possibilities I have?

    Thanks,
    Priya

    Reply
  16. Hi,
    I have valid H1B approved petition(not stamped) from ABC company. I am working for XYZ company in India and my company wants to Renewal the H1B and transfer.
    Is it required to get approval from the previous company(ABC) to get the transfer? Does the ABC company has right to withdraw the approval petition?

    Could you pls post your inputs?

    Reply
    • you would never need the approval from previous company, you can always approach your new company to get the transfer initiated. Once initiated, you can resign the current position from current company

      Reply
      • Does this holds true with 1st approved I797(without visa interview &stamping) ?

        I believe one should must have few months of payslips to file H1B transfer ?

        Thanks !

        Reply
  17. Hi all this site really helped me in providing lot of information about H1.Want to share my success story :

    April 9:Lottery
    April 24:Initial Review
    May 31st :RFE
    July 31st :Approved
    Sep 10th :OFC
    Sep 11:Visa Interview(Hyd) and approved.

    Visa Interview Q”S:

    Me : Hi madam .Good morning!
    VO:Good morning Gentleman .
    Me : How are you today ?
    VO:Doing good Thank you ……
    VO:What is the purpose of your travel
    Me:Employment .
    VO:who is your employer ?
    Me :XXXX
    VO: Is it a Client you are going to work ?
    Me:No ,Direct employer
    VO:How much they pay you ?
    Me:$$$$$
    VO: What is employer into ?
    Me :XXXXX
    VO: What they are planning to Develop?
    Me: XXXX
    VO:What is that tool ?
    Me:XXXX
    VO: Who will buy this tool?
    Me :XXXXX
    VO:You did your bachelors ?
    Me:Yes mam. .
    VO:How much they pay you (Again to cross check)
    Me:$$$$$
    VO: Gloden word s “Your visa is approved sir “.Please collect the documents once they sent an email or SMS.
    Me:Thank you mam..have a nice day!

    Reply
    • Hi KK,

      Did you get any project documentation from u r employer as u r one is for in house project ?my one also in house project but my employer said no documentation.is this any prob ?

      Thanks in advance…

      Reply
  18. Hi All,

    I have been working at a top core company in wireless domain in india since last 2 years. I am B.tech ECE passed out from one of the top NITs with good CGPA (8.3/10). Planning to go for MS in wirelss. My GRE score is 310 ( I have given the test casually, i can improve this score to above 320). I got engaged recently. She (My would be) is doing her internship in BDS. She is also planning to persue masters of dental surgery in US. We are planning to settle in US.

    But the problem is intial financial struggle. To overcome the financial struggle, i made few plans with suggestions of my friends.

    I’ll apply for a low tier university which gives 40 hours work permit ( i think universities which give 40 hours work permit are usually low tier) and i’ll work for a company for 1 year and make money. After one year, i’ll drop MS from the low tier university and apply for good universities. Meanwhile, my spouse will come on F1 visa for persuing her MPH (planning to take loan) and parallely she prepares for NBDE. By the time she is about to clear NBDE i’ll be completing masters and will be able to finance her for DDS.

    Please let me know whether this plan is feasible ?

    Or, Please suggest me better plans to settle well in life.

    Reply
    • you seems to be a intelligent person but still I am trying to give my 2 cents. if possible you also take loan and in first attempt only get good university. so you will complete your MS one year earlier ( you are planning to waste one year in low grade university + 40 hours working) if you get your MS one year early then one year full time job after MS from good university means $55-70K saving, assuming you are staying like a bachelor. without MS working one year means at max $20K saving. and also with good university after 1 years you can work. so difference is not of a whole year.my suggestion is try to get the study loan its worth. About your fiancee once you are in Job you can support her along with she on study loan. my thing is “your calculation of one year miss is costly though it looks like you are earning”

      Reply
    • You are a good story writer but you are not optimistic. Immigration laws are changing everyday. Looks like you are taking a huge risk by your imagination.

      Reply
    • Have you tried canada as a option ? in canada while doing MS you can work 20 hours after 2 sem. and plus point is your spouse gets work permit from day one. after MS you will get approx 3 years work visa. you can get citizenship within three years or can get your visa extended. this is one of my friend did and now he is happily settled in canada. Good thing about canada is you wont have to go through H1 lottery for work visa. for few sometimes H1 lottery process has proved a very painful experience specially when you happen to be a US Masters quota with a education loan.though canada has its own limitations. and if you are really reading these replies make it a point to acknowledge a thanks. I see many people dont post a concluding reply on their own post thats not good.

      Reply
  19. Hi All
    Have a situation with me..
    Yesterday i went for H1B interview.
    VO asked me about:
    Company,Degree,Client,Location ,Pay in US,and role.
    After typing around 2 ,3 min she told me at the moment i am not able to tell you about VISA approval.as there is some communication failure between to systems.she explain me and tell me it doesn’t mean that your profile has any issue.
    she names to system also which has employer detail but i don’t remember the name.than she tell me you will get your passport within next 5 days.
    Now i am confused What is My VISA STATUS:

    Reply
    • Hi,
      Don’t worry you will get passport with stamped. consulate will not take passport if officer have doubt on petition then instead of taking passport, they will give 221(g) with passport or if rejected then only return passport, So wait for 3-5 days you and 99% your visa is approved. Good Luck

      Reply
      • Hi All
        Got My Passport today with VISA stamped.
        Thanks every body and Red Bus for such a support.
        got great knowledge and information about US Visa due to which i am able to get my VISA.

        Reply
  20. I have a confusing situation and seeking answer in this forum:
    I am on H4. and this year I got two H1 approved from two different employers, I have still not yet decided which employer I am going to join as I have location constraints. But in first week of October I have to go SSN office to apply SSN. my question is : Is it matters which H1 petition number I use while applying for SSN. Is SSN number linked to H1 petition number ? or approved H1 number is just the qualifying document for issuing SSN ?

    Reply
  21. I have a confusing situation and seeking answer in this forum:
    I am on H4. and this year I got two H1 approved from two different employers, I have still not yet decided which employer I am going to join as I have location constraints. But in first week of October I have to go SSN office to apply SSN. my question is : Is it matters which H1 petition number I use while applying for SSN. Is SSN number linked to H1 petition number ? or approved H1 number is just the qualifying document for issuing SSN ?

    Reply
  22. Hi,
    My H1B was approved in June with COS from L1 to H1. Due to an emergency I had to travel to India and I came back on Sept 7th. Port of Entry went fine and I94 issued on L1.

    My question is, will my COS becomes invalid now? Or will it automatically start from Oct 1st? I’m planning to resign to my company this week. If the H1 COS becomes invalid, can I apply it again?

    Reply
    • You are good, your COS has not yet changed it will effectively changed on 1st October , before first October you can travel as many time as you want outside USA, no issues. and your new i-94 issued with H1 is valid only after 1 -st october so you are good

      Reply
  23. Hi,
    My petition got approved and my application ha been submitted through an small company with inhouse project .Now my employer is telling to travel before 1st October with h4 and cos conversion can be done from h4 to h1 after going there .
    So I am afraid whether my petition gets canceled if I travel with h4 after the approval .

    Thanks and appreciate your response.

    Reply
    • thats a pretty clever move by your employer. if you have valid H4 visa stamped in your passport no issues you can travel on that visa. and H1 petition approval and H1 visa stamping are two different things. in your case you have H1 petition approved but you dont have the H1 visa in your passport so you are safe to travel on H4 visa. and that is right once you are inside USA you can apply for COS. no issue in that. I understand your employer dont want you to go for H1 stamping in india and take the risk of visa rejection and I think your employer dont have all the documents required for visa stamping. Is you husband/wife is already working in USA on H1 ?

      Reply
  24. H1B Stamped

    May 23rd – Received mail saying that my petition was selected in the lottery..
    Aug 11 – Visa petition was approved..
    Sep 9th –OFC appointment @ Chennai…
    Sep 10th- Consulate interview..
    My interview was completed in less than a minute..this was my 3rd visa interview @ Chennai but all 3 times it was for different visa categories..
    My experience as follows:
    I was wearing my company ID card so he did not ask the name or any other information related to my employer.He was constantly observing my id card. He asked me who is my client..
    He then gave me a pamphlet and told me that my visa is approved..

    Reply
  25. Hi friends,

    I applied h1 through consultancy having 250 + employees.My petition was approved for in house project.planning to go for stamping now.
    my employer did not provide any project documentation instead of that employer client agreement has been provided …so… will it be problem for stamping interview ? is it mandatory to have project documentation ?

    Please guide me friends…thanks in advance…

    Reply
    • Hey, it’s good to carry few documents like client contracts, tax documents, project documentation because you will not have client letter. It all depends on their mood on what documents they would ask you for. If you want in detail what all documents need to be carried, I will give a list to you.

      Reply
      • Hi Guest,

        I appreciate you help.Apart from project documentation everything is being provided.my employer is mid size company is having 250 + employees.could you please list out the documents ?

        Thanks in advance….

        Reply
  26. For those who are planning to give interview at mumbai location.

    Interview dates

    Sep: only 24th is blocked
    Oct: First week of Oct, then each week has one blocked day
    Nov: 11,12, 27,28

    Rest of the business days are available.

    (Excluding weekends)

    Reply
  27. I have my surname blank in passport.i have been asked to correct it before stamping..could anyone tell me the procedure and also if anyone can tell me if this can reject my visa

    Reply
    • This is not a problem.
      As per the norm is you have only one name the that will go to the surname and the Given Name will be FNU.

      My wife had the same prob but its fine, we followed the same rule.

      Given name : XXXXX
      Surname :

      so in DS 160 it will be XXXX, FNU

      You can see the previous posts some one advised me the same and now I have the VISA stamped.

      Reply
    • Hi,

      I had the same issue for last 10 years.
      So last week I applied for renewal of passport (expiry date: 05/2015).
      While renewing I split my initials to put under Surname field.
      Just had to explain the reason to RPO, she approved.
      Got my new passport within 3 days (tatkal process).

      I did the renewal because my passport was about to expire in a year.

      You can continue with the same passport using FNU option.
      All your official documents (SSN, DL, IT returns will have the same name). Except that it should not be a problem.

      Reply
    • As mentioned in the comment above, there is no problem for VISA and you can fill up DS160 with First Name as FNU (First Name Unknown) and your full name in the Last Name (or Surname) field. This is what generally people do and this is acceptable.
      But I advise you to have the name changed in passport by visiting the passport office because you’ll have FNU as First Name on all the US documents forever. If this is not a problem for you, its fine. But my recommendation is to fix it now.

      Reply
  28. Hi All,

    My H1B visa was stamped and got the passport back yesterday. Just want to share my experience.

    April 1 – Visa filed.
    May 30 – Got petition number.
    June 30 – Visa petition was approved.
    July 31 – Got the original approved petition.
    Aug 13 – OFC appt for biometrics & photograph @ Chennai.
    Aug 14 – Chennai Consulate Appt. With basic questions from VO like location, salary & roles and responsibilities, I was issued blue form 221G for additional administrative processing. VO retained my client letter, I129 & original petition and returned my passport back. He informed me that I will be contacted when the additional administrative processing is completed with a reference case number for online tracking.
    Aug 25 – Noted an update in CAEC portal on my case number in last updated date with same updates.
    Sep 5 – Got an email from travel docs that my passport is ready for pick up. I was confused initially as I had my passport. But understood from the forum that it can be the docs that I submitted to VO. Everything is being tracked in CAEC portal with passport number a reference.
    Sep 8 – Collected the envelope from OFC which has all the docs that I submitted to VO during interview with another 221G asking me to submit the passport.
    Took print outs of CGI form from nearest net centre (CGI is an acknowledgement which will be signed by OFC and given to us after submission of passport).
    Sep 10 – Got an email from travel docs that my passport is ready for pick up.
    Sep 11 – Collected my passport from VFC with stamped visa.

    Reply
  29. Hi Friends,
    I am in bit of confusion, can anyone please help.
    I applied for H1B this year through a big MNC. My petition got approved and the petition is valid from Oct2014 to Sep2015 even the client latter in the petition show project duration till Dec2017.

    I got the visa stamped and the visa have below details :
    Expiration date: sep2015
    PED : sep2015

    Now have below query’s :

    1. As far as I know H1B max stay duration is 6 year. Can my visa can be extended for another 5 years.
    2. Is it usual to get PED and Expiration date for only one year.

    Please tell me should I worry?

    Reply
  30. Hi All,

    Below is my application flow -( Regular processing , Vermont )

    Initial Review – 10th April
    RFE – July 18
    RFE Response Review – 3rd September
    Post decision Activity – ???

    When I can expect my application to be in PDA stage. Whats the average time taken by USCIS for that?

    Thanks,
    JD

    Reply
    • you are in a queue..lot’s of applications of RFE mode are pending. mine documents submitted on 14th Sept and status not updated yet. your status will be update between 10 to 60 days. only you can do is just pray that your application come first. nothing else.

      Reply
  31. Hi friends,

    I applied h1 through consultancy having 250 + employees.My petition was approved for in house project.planning to go for stamping now.
    my employer did not provide any project documentation instead of that employer client agreement has been provided …so… will it be problem for stamping interview ? is it mandatory to have project documentation ?

    Please guide me friends…thanks in advance…

    Reply
  32. Hi All,

    Please help me by assessing my situation.

    I applied H1B through small consultancy.
    Got RFE on June 24th, replied to USCIS on August 26th.
    Status is still in “Request for Evidence”. Deadline September 15.

    How much time would USCIS will take to update the status to “Request for Evidence Response Review”.
    Should I contact USCIS for update?

    Please help.

    Reply
  33. Hi All,

    Please help me. I applied H1B through small consultancy
    Got RFE on June 24th , replied to USCIS on August 26th.
    Status is still in “Request for Evidence”. Deadline September 15.

    How much time would USCIS will take to update the status to “Request for Evidence Response Review”.
    Should I contact USCIS for update?

    Please help.

    Reply
    • Your employer needs to submit the response to uscis. The response should reach uscis before sep 15. Contact your consultancy/employer to check if they already sent the response.

      What is the rfe about? Your employer should’ve given the details by now.

      Reply
  34. Hi Fiends,
    I am going visa interview this month end, would you please suggest me good hotels
    surrounding Chennai embassy(interview) place.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  35. Hi Fiends,
    I am going visa interview this month end, would you please suggest me good hotels
    surrounding Chennai embassy(interview) place.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  36. Guys….any update?. Its been 2 months now since i submitted RFE docs. I saw many people have got approval notice within 2 months after submitting their RFE docs into this forum.
    Can anyone please shed some light on this?

    Reply
    • Hi TCSers,

      My RFE docs are submitted to USCIS in last week and on 10th of this month my HIB status is moved to “RFE Response Review” from “RFE”.

      Reply
      • Atleast you must be having receipt number with you and you can check the status on regular basis. We TCS people don’t get receipt number until and unless we got petition hard copy. So its like we are traveling into the darkness of unknown. :)))

        Reply
          • Hi Tcsers,

            I am in the same situation. I just got the email saying that my name was selected in the lottery and since then there is no update on the visa status. I didn’t get any RFE too. So just wondering what can be the issue.

            Can anyone suggest.

            Thanks.

      • Hey sun, please let me know how did you get to know your receipt number.. I too submitted them almost a month back but didn’t get to know anything so far. Kindly get me the info pls..

        Reply
    • I am waiting since 5th september.. But normally it comes to attorney or employer withih two days.. as it comes via speed post..and then on top of thos document, consultancy add some more required documents and will send us…so it takes 2- 3 weeks atleast..

      Reply
      • You are wrong. The employer/attorney won’t get in two days. It takes at least 7 days and can take upto 15 days to reach your employer/attorney. It depends on how quick USCIS post and the location of the employer. But not definitely in two days.

        Reply
  37. Hi All,

    I am planning to attend h1b visa interview on next week Wednesday in chennai consulate.

    My employer have given me LCA,petition and approval notice,invitation letter from us employer and offer letter (mentioned my salary, job duties and there is only one line stated in which project am going to work in)

    I am going to work in employer location only and not in client project means IN HOUSE Project(product of my US company)

    I dont have any documents for project description.

    Apart from this I am going to take my resume,education certificates, last six month pay slip and bank statement of current employee(indian company).

    Then what else I need to carry?

    Reply
    • Hi,
      I can only wish you “All The Very Best” as i am also in queue to get the related documents from US Employer (Not Consultancy).

      Probably you will help for those who are waiting to attend the interview at Chennai Consulate upon your successful interview (Visa Stamping) in detail.

      Thanks

      Reply
        • Hi Chennai Guy,

          Have you attended for interview.how did you manage about your project documentation in interview as u did not get from u r employer.please help me i am also in the same boat..

          Thanks…

          Reply
          • Hi Sairam,

            I went to consulate today and I didt not take project document so he issued 221g, requested to submit project document, wage and salary report, and tax returns of my employer for 12 and 13 year.

            Please take project document if ur are going for an in house project.

  38. Hi All,
    The status of my H1B turned to RFE a couple of months back and my attorney sent the required documents a few days back. My attorney also informed that, as per my company’s direction they have also upgraded the petition to Premium. I can see that the current status is RFE Response Review though its not mentioned anywhere that its premium. Can someone help me out as to how to find if my application has been upgraded to premium. Will it be mentioned anywhere?

    Regards,
    Vish

    Reply
  39. Hi Guys,

    Heard that, if we don’t hear anything reg petition , after approval of lottery from uscis before 0ct 1st 2014, then sure case is that we may get RFE? How much accurate is this news and is this correct ?

    Thnx

    Reply
  40. I have been silent watcher of this forum,I was waiting for lottery result, got news on that my case is RFE yesterday. So there is still hope left for people who are waiting for lottery results. All the best.

    Reply
  41. Hi,

    Currently I am in L1B Visa and working in USA for Big MNC company. I have applied H1B thru a desi consultancy and got approved. Now I getting offer from another Big MNC company. So my question is

    Can I join the new MNC directly without working for Desi consultancy by LCA?
    Or Do I need to work for the Desi Consultancy at least few monthly, since they applied H1B?

    Reply

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