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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. Any updates on RFE RR? Im still waiting frm Aug 11th. California center. I rember there were few others with me in same situation. So was there any update?

    Reply
  2. Experts,
    I have a query…
    Currently my H1B visa is stamped from Employer ‘ABC’ for 3 years and not travelled (Currently In India only). Now, If I changed company (Lets say XYZ) and if they want to transfer my H1B, what would be process and Do I need to go for stamping again? what is the entire process?
    Please suggest….
    Thanks

    Reply
    • 1. You already have USA visa stamped in your passport so you wont have to go for visa stamping again.
      2. your new employer has to file for H1B transfer petition, which is same like filing a new H1B except that this time you are cap exempt.

      Reply
  3. Hi experts

    Please help with my situation

    I have salary mismatch in LCA documents and offer letter. Any chances of rejecting my stamping?
    If they ask about my salary which salary should I tell?
    Please advice

    Thanks

    Reply
    • If offer letter salary is higher, then guess not an issue. I think you have to tell the offer letter salary. Better talk to your employer.

      Reply
  4. Hi,
    I first time applied in 2014 and got selected in lottery.
    RFE was raised on my case on 26-July.
    It was responded on 15-Oct and got denial on 17-Nov.
    Now only one option left is request employer/attorney to go for appeal. How are the chances to be successful in case of appeal? any one any experience?

    Reply
  5. My H1b is denied and my employer appealed and he has not shared the new receipt number. Yesterday the status on my original petition changed as:
    we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC141485XXXX, to another USCIS office. That office now has jurisdiction over your case. We sent you a notice that explains why we moved your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice.

    does anyone else have same update?

    Reply
  6. Anyone got updates on RFR RR from california center? Im still waiting form Aug11th. Sick with this waiting.. not sure whatz taking soo long with that center.

    Reply
    • I am on the same boat. my case has been RFERR since early August. I notice there are a bunch of ppl who also stuck in RFERR (California center) from the previous threads. bot sure what’s going on but let’s hope for the best.

      Reply
  7. For H1-B stamping, Please let me know if Transcripts are required for the MCA degree (Masters of Computer Application) if MCA done from university in INDIA. I have only marksheets for each semester but no transcripts as university did not provide any. Please reply.

    Reply
    • Hi even im MCA post-graduate. I dont think transcripts are really needed. All they need is marks sheet and convocation. That should be fine i guess. I will continue with what i have. And i think its very rare situation where they really ask to show the marks sheets in interview or so.
      Hope that helps.

      Reply
  8. For H1-B stamping, Please let me know if Transcripts are required for the MCA degree (Masters of Computer Application) if MCA done from university in INDIA. I have only marksheets for each semester but no transcripts as university did provided any. Please reply.

    Reply
  9. Hi All,

    feeling low. waiting for a call/mail from embassy from september 18,2014.

    Received 221g on September 17,2014 and sent those docs by sep 18,2014.

    After that I didt get any thing. In ceac site it still saying the same message for this many days. no updates in date also.

    Now i sent mail to support@ustraveldocs.in mail id and received this mail from them

    Dear Applicant

    Your application remains pending under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for administrative processing. Please note that U.S. immigration law requires that additional steps be completed in some cases before a file can be advanced for adjudicative review. The Department of State is continuously working to expedite visas. Please be assured once again that we will contact you as soon as the processing in your case is complete.

    You can also check the status of your visa online at: https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/.

    I dont know what to do…. still how many days it could take?

    Reply
    • Don’t Worry.
      This time most of the people on h1 are waiting.
      My case status is on rfe response review from sep 19..
      I know waiting is not easy
      But lets hope for the best
      Good Luck.

      Reply
  10. After a long long wait finally got my visa stamped. This forum has helped me a lot… thanks to all.

    My wait so far.. but worth the wait
    Apr: Petition applied
    Jun: Selected in lottery
    Aug: Petition Approved
    Sep: attended PA and got 221g for admin processing
    Nov: 221g cleared and visa stamped

    Reply
    • Hi Santosh,
      Congratulation :-)…
      I am also facing same issue (221 g), I am so happy u got approved H1b.
      How many days u got H1b after 221g form?
      How you submitted passport?

      Thanks..

      Reply
      • I got mail notification to collect second 221g after close to 90 days from the first 221g. i was asked to submit my passport to the nearest center In the second 221g.

        Reply
  11. Hi
    In RFE Review from 14 Oct, Waiting…….. EAC141475XXXX,How much time it will take for approval.
    What to do in this stage?Help……..

    Reply
  12. Hi All,

    As an avid follower of redbus2us, sharing my experience at Chennai consulate and process with all. Hope it helps –

    Petition submitted – 1st April 2014
    Lottery got selected (came to know) – around June first week
    RFE submission last date – 23rd July 2014
    RFE documents requested –
    Valid and Signed SOW
    Milestone Plans
    Organizational Chart
    Offer Letter and Terms of Employment, Benefits Summary, and any Promotion or Salary Letters
    Full U.S. contact information for the associate’s direct supervisor at the U.S. project location
    End-Client Confirmation Letter and BRM Letter

    Submitted all the above documents on 15th July

    Petition approval : Aug 20 (But my employer notified me only by Oct end)

    *OFC date 24th Nov

    Docs to carry : Appointmaint confirmation, DS 160 confirmation, passport, 2 photos(in case OFC has an issue)

    My appointment was at 10 AM, reached around 9:30. There were already two queues, one for 9:00 AM and another for 10:00 AM slot. 10:00 AM queue started moving right at 10. They were allowing 10-15 people at a time. My turn

    came at around 10:15. After entering the gate there were two greeters were sitting outside the building, one checked my appointment details, and another matched DS160 form information with passport details. Second greeter wrote

    the appointment serial number on DS160 confirmation page and told to go to the first floor.

    In first floor, there was two cubiles outside the room. In the first cubicle, asked me DS 160 and passport, not sure what he checked but returned and told to go to the next cubicle. In next cubilcle couple of people were sitting, one of

    them took my passport and DS 160, and asked my name. After confirming she pasted a label (this label is based on appointment serial number) back of the passport.

    Then went inside the room, there was another cubicle, where I had to give my passport, DS160 again. He gave me a token slip and told to check the monitor for my turn. It was not even 10 seconds, my turn came and went to one of

    the glass counter.

    In the counter, he took my DS 160, Appointment confirmation, passport and token. Asked my name, DOB and purpose of visit. Told appropriately. Then he took the fingerprints and pic.

    That’s it, done for the day.

    *PA date 25th Nov

    Docs to carry : Appointmaint confirmation, DS 160 confirmation, passport, 2 photos(in case there is system issue), Petition, Promotion letter, last 2 month’s Salary slips, degree certificate and marksheets, updated CV, also safe to

    carry – SOW, End client letter, BRM letter (if you are not asked for RFE, definitely counselor will definitely ask for SOW, ECL).

    Appointment was at 9:00 AM, I had already heard that, there will be huge rush, so went early. When I reached around 7:50, there were two queues, for 8:00 and 8:30 slots outside the building. There was a person with a tab, who was

    checking each and every one’s passport’s backside label for appointment details.

    At 8:00 AM, he allowed to start forming a queue for 9:00 AM slot. He came and checked my passport and let us go to other side at 8:30. However, there were still lot of people standing in 8:30 queue. So, I would advice, better go

    early and try to be front end of the queue, otherwise, you might need to wait for other queues to finish their first step.

    When I reached other side, there were atleast 150 people statnding in the queue for security check. Just before the security check, one person stamped on the DS 160, that application is received. My turn came around 9:15 AM,

    after security check, I went inside the building (one thing mention that, they were allowing single girl candidates without having them wait in this queue), where I had to put everything in a tray and cross another security check. After

    that went inside a room, from there, we were directed to go to another building for interview.

    Once reached the other building I gave my passport, to a reception kind of counter. She pasted a token on the frontside of the passport. Then went further in, and stood in a queue for hardly 2 mins. Here my fingerprints were taken in

    a counter.

    Reached waiting lobby (interview counters are here only), and sat for around 10-15 mins. I would advice to keep a close eye on the monitor. Your token number might just flash for a second and go.

    Then finally, my turn came…

    Agian a queue, there were 3 candidates before me. It took around 20 mins for them.

    VO asked me to come forward…

    VO : Hello, how are you doing today?
    Me: Hi, I am doing fine.

    VO : Please give me your passport.
    Me : Handed over.

    VO : Is it your first visit to US?
    Me : Yes, it would be my first visit, if VISA is approved.

    VO : So, you are working for Tata?
    Me : Yes I am working for TCS

    VO : Do you have a client?
    Me : Yes, my client’s name is XYZ.

    VO : Sorry what was that?
    Me : Repeated the same, and she got it this time.

    VO : What is your designation?
    Me : My designation is ABC in India, I working as a in US.

    VO : How many years are you in TCS?
    Me : I am working for Q years and WW months.

    VO : What would be your salary in US?
    Me : My salary would be SS thousand and RR hundred.

    VO : Where you will be going in US?
    Me : AA city in BB state.

    VO: Oh! that’s a very cold place 🙂
    Me : Yes 🙂

    VO : Your VISA is approved, please take this pamphelt…enjoy your stay.
    Me : Thanks a lot…

    It didn’t last more than 10 mins, she didn’t even asked for any documents… 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi ,

      I also submitted the RFE docs on august 28th .But till now no response.Do u knwo how can we get the update?. Chennai is saying decsion is pending with USCIS.:(

      Reply
  13. Hi,

    Has anyone seen any movement on USCIS site for Vermont office ( EACxxxx) cases ? Has anyone got his case approved in last one week from Vermont center ?

    Reply
  14. Hi All

    My H1b Visa approved in Chennai
    My student visa was rejected twice in 2010

    Question asked;
    Will you be working for Employer or Client?- Client
    Client Name? -XYZ
    You visa was refused twice, Ok ……your visa is approved Sir

    I said thanks and left…
    Thanks to every one who share their experiences.

    Reply
  15. I got H1B Visa on Sep 2012 for Employer A. Entered into USA with Employer A stamped Visa.

    Employer A Stamped Visa Expiry Date:
    09/31/2013

    have done H1B Transferred with Employer B(desi Consultancy) along with I94 extension

    Employer B Status:
    H1B valid from 2014 to 2017.

    Now i got the new offer from Employer C . They want to do H1B transfer with them. Issue is, i have been bench in Employer B so I don’t have payslip for the past 60 days (Have last Payslip generated on Oct 6 2014). Employer C doesn’t know about it.

    Questions:

    Can i do H1 BTransfer with Employer C in Normal or premium Process?

    Can i get Affidavit for 60 days from Employer B since they
    are not willing to generate the paystub while am in bench?

    If Suppose H1B transfer with Employer C got denied or out of status
    Shall i continue to work with Employer B Approved I 797A?

    Can i go to India now(out of USA) and do transfer with Employer C with no payslip and come back with stamped by Employer C ?

    Awaiting your response.

    Thanks in Advance

    Reply
  16. My case was on initial Review since April-2014
    But now i got following info. Experts please suggest.

    We have placed your case on a processing hold because the required security checks remain pending. Until we receive the results of these security checks, we cannot move forward on your case. We require the results of security checks before we make a decision on any pending case.
    We cannot predict when we will receive the results of these security checks. Please be assured that we will make every effort to make a decision in your case as soon as the security checks are complete.

    Reply
  17. I am,really sad to ask…I have aplied h1b still no response,for lottery result …how,come is,this possible? 8 months . And still no lottery result? Wot is,happening ? I cannot wait bo more please,gov ur opinions

    Reply
  18. If you are selected in the lottery and got petition denial then you come under cap-exemption for next time. Mostly after one year you may again apply as cap-exemption, that means, no need to apply in April only, you can apply at any time the petition is that true?

    Reply
    • The answer is No.
      Only if you have valid H1 Petition in the past (which has expired now), then you can apply for Out of Cap subject to maximum of 6 years since being on H1 status.
      If your petition was denied, you were never on H1 status.

      Reply
  19. Hi,

    My RFE was responded on 04th Sept 2014.
    Have not got any response yet. It’s already been 2 months.
    Mine is for US-California, from TCS.

    Anybody in the same situation ?

    Reply
  20. Hi All,

    After Visa Stamped if i am going to travel to a different location and different client do i need go for new LCA or is H1B ammendment required.

    Is there a new rule like we need to go for Ammendment.

    Reply
  21. Had been a silent observer of this site. Got H1B approved. Working for company xxx, but will be joining the petitioner(company yyy).

    Questions asked:

    1) Where I am currently working
    2) For how long
    3) Who is your client
    4) What is your highest qualification

    Reply
  22. Hi All
    I am a IT professional. almost 14-15 years experience. Looking for H1B.. have been working with reputed MNCs in India. Now working working with a Telecom organization in India. can someone help me / advice me how to get a H1B ?
    Many thanks in advance.

    Reply
  23. Yesterday, I got to know that my petition is denial without RFE. selected in lottery and waiting for petition or RFE but denial came.
    TCS is shocked why denial,waiting for reason from USCIS. Doors closed for this year. I have h4 visa and I m planning to travel in first week of January 2015.

    Guys,
    Please help me in guiding the process from h4 to h1b or h4 to f1 visa in usa.
    what are the options? what is the process?
    Please help.
    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  24. I am currently working for company A.I had an approved H1b filled thru company B but yet to be stamped.

    My current company A is willing to transfer my visa.Can this be done without travelling (or) maintaining status ??

    Any suggestions/thoughts ??

    Reply
  25. Finally my case got approved after a 2nd RFE.

    Detailed timelines :

    Case Submitted : April 10
    1st RFE : Jun 13
    RFE RR : July 10
    2nd RFE : Sep 9
    RFE RR: Oct 23
    Approved : Nov 13
    For all those awaiting,Plz keep up ur hope.
    !!! Lord Sai Baba !!!!

    Reply
  26. What could be the better or appropriate answer to the question:

    Why do you want to go to USA or work in USA? why not other countries like UK/Europe

    Reply
  27. I am working with Company A right Now.
    Company B filled my H1B and I am planning for interview.
    As I am still working with Company A and I will resign once visa is stamp.
    So what could be possible question in Visa interview ?

    please help

    Reply
  28. i-129 petition it has chennai consulate
    while filling DS-160 i selected as hyderabd and submitted.
    shall i select chennai consulate while booking appointment ??
    should DS-160 match with booking appointment(consulate)
    PLEASE SUGGEST ME. ****

    Reply
  29. My application is under review since April .10. yesterday my employer contacted USCIS by phone, according to them ,it is normal delay in processing , now they are processing 7th April 2014 received applications…in next few weeks we can get response.
    So , Need to wait..
    Goodluck…

    Reply
    • Thank you for the post. Feeling bit relieved now. I was waiting from Aug11th. California center regular process. I was soo worried. But now feeling better.

      Reply
      • Even my Employers attorney, had a discussion and it has been informed that, there is general delay and in next 15 day there should be a good progress. Let’s hope for the best

        Reply
  30. i-129 petition it has chennai consulate
    while filling DS-160 selected as hyderabd and submitted in onlne
    shall i select chennai consulate while booking appointment ??
    should DS-160 match with booking appointment(consulate)
    PLEASE SUGGEST ME. ****

    Reply
  31. im booking slots now, it shows only ” Please schedule an appointment for an interview” dates,
    it doesn’t given an option to select biometric finger prints date & interview date separately..

    please help me out …… how many days we should book appointment

    Reply
    • Hi “admin please help”
      You can book interview date first and then subsequently you would get a page prompt to book biometric finger prints date..
      No worries.. its all simple

      all the best

      Reply
    • Hi “admin please help”
      You can book interview date first and then subsequently you would get a page prompt to book biometric finger prints date..
      No worries.. its all simple

      all the best

      Reply
      • hi,
        if i book interview date in first page, after that i have to book biometric date ryt.
        in that case, biometric date should be previous day to the interview date. if biometric slots not available to previous day ??

        Reply
        • Yes first you need to book visa appointment and in next page you can select any previous date for biometric. No need to be just previous day.

          Reply
          • @xyz, now available appointment dates shows dec16 onwards,, if i book 16th. In the next page if i don’t get any of the dates prior to dec16 for biometric ?

          • In that case, click on back button available on the biometric page, come back to appointment page and change the date.
            But in generalvif appointment slot is available on 16th dec then there will be dates available for biometric as well in previous dates. Good luck.

  32. i-129 petition has chennai,
    while filling DS-160 selected as hyderabd.
    shall i select chennai consulate while booking appointment ??
    should DS-160 match with booking appointment(consulate)
    PLEASE SUGGEST ME. ****

    Reply
  33. im booking slots now, it shows only “Schedule Consular Appointment” dates,
    doesn’t give an option to select biometric finger prints date & interview date.
    please help me out ……

    Reply
  34. i-129 petition has chennai,
    while filling DS-160 selected as hyderabd.
    shall i select chennai while booking appointment ??

    PLEASE SUGGEST ME. ****

    Reply
  35. my i-129 petition has chennai,
    while filling DS-160 selected as hyderabd.
    shall i select chennai while booking appointment ??
    PLEASE SUGGEST ME.

    Reply
  36. My petition status went to RFE RR on Aug 25th, 2014. But still waiting for the update frm USCIS on further updates. Mine is WAC14142 series (California Service Center). Anyone here, waiting for the update with same date & same series?. Please let me know…

    Reply
          • Even im sailing in the same boat. RFE RR from Aug 11th. Still waiting for approval from california location. WAC14141xxxx series.

          • Hey Rats & h1bwaiting… how about changing from normal to PP now. As we are in RFE RR status for so many months, I wanna move to PP now. So will it work out… ur comments on this pls…

          • I dont think that will be a good idea. What i feel is that there may be full chance for a VO to question the reason for change and that shouldnt put in more trouble. And secondly, from my observation, i saw people are getting rfe rr approvals from reverse order.. meaning, so far i seen septmber batch has got the results and august nd july people are still waiting. I assume thay last-in-first out method. BUT as i said, its all my assumption and observation. Nothing is confirm.
            And as per discussion with my petitioner, he asked me to wait till this month end.
            So lets wait for few more days and hope for good news to come our way…
            All the best..

          • yes..I’m also waiting since Aug14th. Status changed to RFERR on this day. California location & normal processing. What happening with Calfornia Sercvicing center? It seems all applications from this center are not at all taking further step.

          • Yes Sacwa, It looks like California Service Center is a bit slow, when compared to all others. By the way, u got any update or not yet???…

  37. Today I along with my family, attended the H1 visa interview at the U.S consulate, Hyderabad and my visa is APPROVED.
    Below are the questions that were asked:
    [V.O] Who is your petitioner?
    [Me] xxxxxx (My Indian Company’s U.S subsidy).
    [V.O] The same as your tag (my ID card) ?
    [Me] Yes Sir.
    [V.O] What is your highest education qualification?
    [Me] Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology
    [V.O] Who is your Client?
    [Me] XXXXX
    [V.O] They prepare some cool applications
    [Me] Yes Sir.
    [V.O] Your visa is approved, have a nice day.
    [Me] (With a big smile) Thank you officer, have a nice day you too.

    Thanks a lot for all the members for their insights…

    Reply

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