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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.

   

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23,888 Comments

  1. I am loosing hope day by day. Weird situation , got my h1 approved in Oct 14, but my stupid consultant is saying unlike other people, I have to get a job in order to go for stamping for which he is not scheduling any interviews. All the people go to US and then attend interviews. I am not knowing whether I am lucky to get my h1 approved without much hassle or unlucky as my consultant became a pain in the ____ . No one is coming forward even for h1 transfer. I am loosing my cool 🙁

    Reply
    • Hi,
      I completely understand the pain. I am also going through similar situation with a step ahead. I have a stamped visa.

      My company has no date when they going to send me on some project. I have one company ready to transfer. But I am just worried what this original petitioner does not leave or convince me to stay back.

      Any clue what should be done? Do I need to go for stamping again if I transfer it without going to USA for the first time?

      I have almost wasted more than 7 months now waiting.

      Reply
      • Bro…ur work is done….Only thing u have to do is buy the ticket for US….But most important climax part of my H1 movie is not finished yet…..dont even have an idea when it is going to happen….

        Reply
    • Nothin belong to us, and not everything is like what we think. Living in our country is not mean living in the hell. Be happy!

      Reply
  2. @ABUJABAR,

    What do you think how many person will be here sponsored by google or facebook, have you got offer form them???, i am not talking here for 1% people i am talking about 60% people who filled their petitions through consultancies or by TCS, infosys and wipro and change their company immediately after reaching to US do you think this is right???, a company is sponsoring you considering a thought that you will work in their office and people immediately start to find a new company after receiving visa, Man nothing is right or wrong here all about your passion and dream and if have a passion or dream to settle in USA no excuse will work everybody have their different choice, you know 60% people who are working in USA on OPT or L1 or even they have H4 visa getting free sponsorship from these desi consultancies only you don’t need to pay anything to them , i am in india i never visited to US but still i applied two petitions this year without giving a single penny to sponsors

    Reply
  3. got 221g abt 4 mnths bak… received emails frm consulate officer to submit further docs, submitted dox then asked for further dox, this happened thrice… after that no update frm one mnth… any1 havng any idea how long will dis admin processing take

    Reply
  4. attended visa interview on feb 6th, passports taken during interview no documents needed from my side or from company. march 30 status updated but administrative process, march 31 its issued …after long wait 🙂

    Reply
  5. Anybody still waiting for RFE results ?
    I didn’t see any further comments from people waiting for RFE results. so just curious to know.

    Reply
  6. Hi All,
    I am working in a MNC for a US client project. My H1B was filed in anticipation of some work at client location in US and my petition was approved in October’15 itself till Sep’ 2017, stamping is still pending as there is no such assignment at client location in US as of now and it is not expected in near future too.
    My query is if I quit my current company and join a new one, would I be able to use my current approved petition? If yes, what will be the procedure to use it. Please help

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
      • But i heard that without running a single payroll, the h1 transfer is not possible ??? I am i the same situation as well, i am still waiting for the stamping as my employer is not responding properly so thought of changing to other consultant, but that is what i heard.

        Reply
        • Yes you can do that without running single payroll. You will find many such a people around you who did such a transfer . Just find one and ask them how they did it.

          Reply
    • you can transfer your petition to other employer, two years back i did same and you are not required to submit any payslip. Make sure to take petition approval(I-797) soft copy when you quit ur current employer.

      Reply
  7. My case is denied finally after almost wait of 6 months.
    Vermont center.
    How unfortunate I am that only my case was denied of my employer.
    There was nothing wrong from my side as RFE was not on education or experience.
    I have no words now.
    Best luck to all who are still waiting for RFE results.
    Thanks to this forum for giving all information.

    Reply
      • Just Yesterday on 14th Mar.
        I worked in USA for 2.5 years earlier on L1 visa and RFE was not on my side.
        Don’t know what wrong my employer put in RFE so only my case is denied ((: . Waiting for documents to know why it was rejected.

        Reply
  8. Hi Friends,

    My employer responded to 221 (g) white slip given in Mumbai one month back. Any idea how much more time they will take from mumbai consulate to validate the docs.

    thanks in advnace.

    Reply
  9. Hi All,

    Please find enclosed sad ending of H1b status of 2014. Last year, my petition got selected from draw. After which,everything collapsed in my case. I got an RFE stating doubt in Employee & Employer status. Hence RFE was replied with supportive docs,but again it was declined. Hence my consultant filed motion to appeal with more supportive docs,again it got declined. Kindly let me know what best can be done to my case. I have travelled once to us for 3 weeks alone. Please clarify my doubts:

    1. what is E&E relationship doubt
    2. Is there is any way,I can proceed further on my case
    3. can i apply for h1b for this year
    4. If I apply with same employer,whether chances of rejection is high
    5. Any feaibility for postive outcome for this year through other sponsors.

    Kindly guide me….

    Reply
    • Hi Prashant,

      When did you appeal and when did you get the decision? I have appealed on oct 26th and still pending decision.

      Reply
      • hi all,

        i appealed on nov2014,,got decision by jan end stating.its been declined.i m based out of delhi.

        Experts, please guide me on following points:

        1. My case was rejected due to E&E reason
        2. Is my case concluded by usics,any chances to re-appeal.
        3. I want to knw exact specific reason for this rejection
        4. Can i re-apply for ths year
        5. I have visited once to us for two weeks alone.
        6.Can i reapply using same company.
        7. Any feasibility of getting througu this year.

        Reply
  10. Hi,I am on H4 and my hubby’s H1b received rfe in sep 2014. We did not get response for many months. Then we upgraded to premium and it was approved within 4 days

    Reply
  11. HI all..

    Is there anybody else who is still waiting for RFE response Review result. USCIS received had sent the response on Sep 23. Still no response. It is really frustrating to sit back and just keep waiting.

    Mine is Calinfonia Center

    Reply
    • I am on the same boat. USCIS updated the status as Response for RFE is recieved on Sep 17. Let us hopefully wait. April 1st the next year’s filing will start. I think they should take decision before that.

      Reply
      • I thought that they will respond before march 1, so as to give ppl chance for this year incase their case got rejected. But I guess we won’t have that chance now. So just hoping decision comes as approval. All the best and do let us know in case of any update.

        Reply
    • I m in same situation. My RFE responded on 24th Sep 14. No status yet..
      any hope left ? Can’t plan anything.. and that is the worst thing in this situation.

      Reply
      • I totally agree anand. Hope is still there since they haven’t given any decision. Just keep ur fingers crossed and do let us know in case of any update . Yours is which centre California or vermont ?

        Reply
        • Yes Neha agree with you. Its Vermont center.
          My employer told that their all RFEs are cleared successfully except mine. They have history of at least 1 rejection every year, so I am worried lot (:
          Hope by March end all RFE cases will have some final result.

          Reply
    • No, both are different. Offer letter is from your employer for your onsite transfer stating job description and salary details.
      Client letter you need to get from your client which clearly indicates your role and responsibilities at client location.

      Reply
  12. Please help me out with this situation:

    I’m on H1B with company A which is valid till Sept 2015. Now I don’t have a project and hence have to go back to India.

    Q1. Is there a way I can retain my H1B and not travel to India also.

    Q2. Now If i apply for COS to H4, will I forgo my H1B?

    Reply
    • 1. You can transfer your H1B to different employer if you can find another job shortly.
      2. Your H1B will not be valid once you change to H4.

      Reply
  13. Hi People ,
    I am in strange situation, filed h1b last year, got picked in lottery, received an RFE in Aug, RFE responded in Sep 2014, but no response since then, my consultant suggested to file for PP , and i did the same on Jan 30, status on USCICS does show PP petition received, but its almost 4 weeks now, and no response received again. Anyone in similar situation? Any one who could guide ?

    Reply
  14. Hi All,
    I am working in a MNC for a US client project. My H1B was filed in anticipation of some work at client location in US and my petition was approved in October’15 itself till Sep’ 2017, stamping is still pending as there is no such assignment at client location in US as of now and it is not expected in near future too.
    My query is if I quit my current company and join a new one, would I be able to use my current approved petition? If yes, what will be the procedure to use it. Please help

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  15. Hey guys, My sponsor is still not responding reg my stamping. Are there any scenarios in any year that u have heard or known of where inspite of being a big and well known consultant, they did not send their h1 approved candidates in India for stamping and their h1 lapsed??Plz tell me if anyone know anything reg such

    Reply
  16. HI friends,
    I am working in TCS and i have PA on March 2nd at Hyderabad Consulate. My petition is approved without RFE, and i dont have client letter(i am no longer working for that client project , so he wont give that letter).I heard VO is issuing 221g if we dont submit the client letter at the time of interview. Can some please help me how to get out of that situation.
    What should i do , if VO aks for client letter.

    Reply
    • wat u heard is right bro…..Client letter is the very first document that VOs are looking for, if not now, go for the interview later, but go with Client letter instead of going and getting a 221G….again waiting for that decision later is more horrible…..

      Reply
    • Per my knowledge, you need either one of these – a valid MSA or a Client letter. This is not a legal opinion. I went with a valid MSA only. Of course VO never asked any of my documents but the MSA was part of the filing too and the client relationship was a long-term one. Your mileage may vary.

      Reply
      • Today I attended visa interview at chennai. I did not had the client letter and the VO did not ask anything apart from passports. Do not worry if you are from reputed MNC.
        Only thing VO asked were emp name, client name, salary and highest degree.

        Reply
  17. I have New Delhi consulate appointment on 2nd Mar 2015, I have checked nearest metro station is Race Course, can ay body tell how about auto services from metro station to consulate??

    Reply
  18. Guys…Got rfe results …I am from texas and got 3 results from our consultancy, all three denied….USCIS is working fast on RFE queries …good luck for all the other folks who are all waiting.

    Centre- Vermont
    RFE- responded on July 27th
    EAC141385XXXX

    Reply
  19. Dear all Friends, Kindly give your reply
    Here I have one difficult situation if you have any answer pls reply,

    Currently I am working with ‘A’ company,
    My approved petition on Aug 2014 with ‘B’ company (Interview is pending)
    I got Good offer From ‘C’ company.

    If I will Join C company Will it be Impact on my H1b interview ?

    Reply
  20. Almost near to 6 months …aug28th Still RFERR ..EAC14138***** .
    Any approval guys this week? Can we expect all pending cases can be cleared by March..??!!??

    Reply
          • Hi KK and KSV (of PVR America),
            Were you given the reason for RFE ? (I was only told that the RFE was related to the employer and received no more further details in spite of repeated requests). If you know the reason for RFE, What was it about ? Also my current visa status is H4. How about you both ?

        • After waiting for more than 5 months on RFE, My Application was finally denied.
          Receipt date – May 15 th
          RFE – july 21st
          RFE Response – Sep 16 th
          Decision Denied – Feb 26th

          Reply
      • Hello friends, My h1b petition got approved from PVR America on Febraury 27th. Initially got a rfe July 22 2014, approved on feb 27 2015.

        Reply
        • All my redbus friends- I got my H1b petition approved from PVR America yesterday online. My friend also got it approved 2 weeks back from the same company on Feb 26.
          Thanks,
          Rajesh.

          Reply
          • Faking!!! What is your USCIS case ID?

            Truth is that…. Guys applied through PVR and didn’t get picked in lottery were lucky because they get some of their money back at least. Its a loose for rest all (at least for me and ALL my friends) . Don’t choose this. if you don’t you believe, just wait for your turn if applied in 2015 quota and post your comments later….

  21. Hi All,

    Chennai

    OFC Date : 15th Feb
    Intrview : 17th Feb

    OFC process was very smooth and finished before time.

    Visa nterview was at 7.30 but we wre called at 7.20 am to form th queue.

    VO :: Pass your passports.

    VO: Which Company your working Present?
    Me: Answered XYZ

    VO: what did they do ?
    Me: Answered

    VO to me again : How long have you been wth this company/
    Me: Answered.

    Vo: how much salary
    Me: Answered

    VO: Who is your client?
    Me: Answered

    Vo: C;ient letter
    Me: Answered

    VO: show me your docs 797B and I129
    Me: Answered

    VO: I am approving your visa. Have a good day.

    That it 18 th I got my passport Thanks All.

    Reply
  22. Hi Guys,

    I got RFE twice and on website I should get a decision by Feb 3rd. My receipt number starts from EAC14148… I am seeing in the comments, people with EAC14148 are still waiting for results.. Can we hope for best? Any suggestions?

    Reply
  23. I got an RFE in may, responded in july, was supposed to have an answer by september but nothing was send.
    Last week my lawyer told me they sent her an email saying Your petition received supervisory review prior to
    denial being sent.
    Anyone know what does that mean???
    What is supervisor review!???

    Reply
  24. Following is the satus od USCIS website
    “On February 13, 2015, we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC14136XXXXX, to another USCIS office. That office now has jurisdiction over your case ”

    a] What does it mean? Is it a good sign?
    b] How much time to get the decision?

    Reply
      • Mine is waiting Since Sep24. EAC14148……. Vermont Center.
        Can we categories on this site, so we can come to know who all r waiting on RFERR and members give there updates, so we can guess what is happening.

        Reply
      • I am also waiting .RFE response is given..Since Sep’14 there is no response..I am planning to convert it in PP now…Will it be helpful ..or should wait for some more time?

        Reply
    • Hi ,

      I was in the same boat like you for the past 6-7 months ,
      my petition was approved y’day after 2 RFE’s , you’ve waited for so long wait for some more days, I thank this forum for constant updates on the visa processing .

      Reply
      • Good.. Congrats!
        which center ?
        can you give us brief details like when 1st RFE received, when got USCIS response after your update on 1st RFE to uscis ? and similarly for 2nd RFE.

        Reply
  25. Hi All,

    OFC Date : 11th Feb
    Intrview : 12th Feb

    OFC process was very smooth and finished before time.

    Visa nterview was at 11:00 but we wre called at 10:10 am to form th queue.
    Surprised to see that no token was given to us. And we were asked to follow a queue and wait for our turn. Fingerprints were matched. and then we were made to stand in front of a counter to wait for our turn. We could easily listen to the questions VO was asking to the person before us.

    VO :: Pass your passports. I did and wished him morning

    VO: Which Company do you work with?
    Me: Answered XYZ

    VO: Who is your client?
    Me: Answered ABC

    VO: What is your role?
    Me: Reconfirmed if he want to know the role at the client side and answered.

    VO to my wife : How long have you been married

    VO to my wife : What will you be doing in the US

    VO to my wife: Where will you be staying in the US

    VO to me again : How long have you been wth this company/
    Me: Answered.

    VO: I am approving your visa. Have a good day.

    Reply
    • Yesterday, i spoke to him. He says the same thing that he has to find a job and nothing has come up yet, that suits my profile. But says that the market has just started and nothing to worry. Fingers hands legs everything are crossed. What abt u??

      Reply
      • @Red – Same response – They are working on it. Not revealing real reason for the delay. BTW, did you get Approval Notice Soft Copy (I-797) from your employer?

        Reply
          • @Red-No, I have not yet got any documents (not even soft copy) from my employer. Heard that US market are little slow during Jan/Feb and also may be due to Tax seasons.

    • Dear Friends , @Red @H1 waiting for stamping
      I am also in same situation, My H1 approval done in Aug 2014 but still awaited for interview.

      Here I have one difficult situation if you have any answer ply reply,

      Currently I am working with ‘A’ company,
      My approved petition on Aug 2014 with ‘B’ company (Interview is pending)
      I got Good offer From ‘C’ company.

      If I will Join C company Will it be Impact on my H1b interview ?

      Reply
  26. Hi All,

    My Sincere thanks to REDBUS2US / EXPERTS / FORUM FOLLOWERS / SUGGESTERS and OTHERS as wel 🙂

    Today i got my passport(s) with Visa Stamped 🙂

    Feeling Very Happy Happy & Happy !!!

    But the thing is Visa is valid till end of Sept 2015 🙁 Let me work out that later.

    Thank You All Once Again !!!

    Reply
  27. I received another rfe latestly in the month of January and my employer submitted them on 09 feb and mentioned in site to wait till 10 apr. Fingers tightly crossed.
    If going wrong this time, I could not even submit for this year..

    Luck and God should favour me

    Reply
    • After how many months you got 2nd RFE after your status become RFERR first time? Mine is still pending in RFERR since almost 140 days for first RFE.
      1st and 2nd RFE was on which questions ?
      If I really get 2nd RFE then it will go to May 2015.. (:

      Reply
  28. Hi All,
    Today, I got an email from my employer that my h1b got approved.
    Not updated in the USCIS site yet. it might take some time to update.

    Q: right now i am in Europe, Can i schedule and attend interview from Eupore country instead of going back to my home country (INDIA) ?

    Reply
  29. Hi,

    My H-1B Petition was approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in August 2014. I am looking for a Project in my company and probably this year end or next year i will be able to travel to US. Now my question is that till what duration is this approved Petition valid? for an year or two? So if i do not get chance to travel in 2015 then will the petition valid for 2016 also? Thanks a lot for your help.

    Reply
  30. attended visa interview on feb 6th , got 221g no docs required from employee/employer side, they have taken my passports, interviewed by lady VO, let me know any one in similar situation and how long it will take for approval.

    questions they have asked.
    employer name
    current employer name
    salary in US
    highest degree
    about project i am going to work on
    roles and responsibilities

    questions to my wife.
    highest degree
    are you working in India?

    Reply
    • Hi h1b visa interview feb 6th,

      I was in the same situation as i attended the visa interview on 31st Dec 2014 and got the same 221(g) BLUE Sheet (No documents required, but just they need to do some more additional administrative processing)

      Jan 30th i got a mail from US Travel Docs to approach the nearest Visa Application Center. I received a sealed envelope in that “Please submit your passport(s) to your nearest visa application center” was ticked.

      I have submitted and waiting for my passports.

      In your case, your passports were retained during the interview itself, so expect an early response or just wait calmly for the email from US Travel Docs.

      All The Best !!!

      Reply
  31. As I mentioned in my earlier messages that my h1 got approved on oct 2nd, since then my petitioner says he should find a job for going for the stamping process and making months delay which was not the earlier process. Due to their delays, all my time is getting wasted and not able to plan anything. If these morons dont want us to come to US, then why the hell did they accept to file for us?? if my employer does not give any response, can I come to US on a student visa?? What are the approval chances of my student visa as there will be questioning in the consulate saying that u have a h1 and why u coming on student?? What are the chances of getting student visa approved in that case??? Any experts plz reply.

    Reply
    • You have some options:
      1). You can transfer your h1b to another company
      2). You can bug your company to find a project for you
      3). You can go on a student visa, but then again there is a good chance that he may ask you the reason for h1 and then again for f1. So you have to be prepared for the answer.

      Another option is, you can get in touch with us and we can market your resume to find a project based on your skill set. Once you get a project, you can go for the visa stamping.

      Reply
  32. Hi ,

    My H1b petition is approved and valid till august 2017. And i will be travelling to US only after a year. Can i go for stamping now ? because i am worried there will be expiry date for visa stamping as well. Is that true ?
    Can some one please guide me ?

    Thanks you

    Reply
  33. Dear friends

    My petition was approved in sep 14, after RFE.( RFE submitted in July). Still my interview was not organize by employer . When I ask my employer they are saying that we are searching job. It’s all most 5 months but not any good news for me.

    Now i have no hope and working on plan B. concentrate on current organization .

    All the best still who r waiting for intew and RFE .

    Reply
    • same situation with me also bro….my employer told me that he is also searching for job since Jan, my visa got approved on Oct 2nd. Well we cant consider Oct,Nov and Dec as that is a dead season, only their time starts from Jan. Even I am thinking about plan B.

      Reply
  34. By God’s grace, finally I have my affair in order. This forum has been very much helpful during the long tenure (more than 1 year 3 months). I would like to share the synopsis of my story for the benefit of the community.
    Step 1: found a sponsor (not necessarily a job)
    Step 2: Got the petition approved
    Step 3: Found for a job in the city of my liking
    Step 4: Got h1b transferred.

    It is a tedious effort and required lot of patience. I often contemplated abandoning the H1 chase wondering whether it is all worth it, as I already had a very high paying job in India (22 LPA).

    Below is my timeline:

    Nov, 2013-Feb,2014: Started looking for sponsors. Emailed resume to nearly 80-90 companies asking for sponsorship and a job. (Had primarily targeted small firms and desi consultancies because large corporations generally do no prefer to wait for 6-10 months for a open position – nearly impossible unless you are already working for them). Got a response back from only a few of them. In-parallel, was networking with friends in US asking them for any sponsor contact info.
    March (1st week), 2014: Shortlisted 5 small companies whom I though are not fraud.
    March 3rd week, 2014: Finalized 4 companies to apply for visa.
    March 4th week, 2014: constant follow up with the companies to ensure the petition is filed on time and reaches uscis on Apr 1.
    April, 2014: Sat back and waited.
    May 2nd week,2014: Got picked in lottery through 1 company, did not get picked in lottery with 2 other company and the last one turned out to be a fraud.
    May 4th week, 2014: Got RFE
    Aug 3rd week, 2014: RFE responded to by the employer
    Oct 1st, 2014: Petition Approved.
    October – November, 2014: Job hunt. US job market is very slow during the end of the year.
    Dec 1st week, 2014: Got an interview and cracked it.
    Dec 2nd week – Jan last week, 2014: Got H1 transferred to an Indian MNC and then joined the client.

    Hope this helps/encourages/keep-the-hope-alive for all the aspirants on this forum.
    And thanks to the forum, its owner and the admin for providing such a platform.

    -Signing off !!

    Reply
    • Hi h1b hopeful,
      Congrats!!!
      One question you had H1B stamping from your petitioner or got it from new company after transfer.

      Regards,
      Priya

      Reply
        • @h1b hopeful, Congrats… You should be super lucky.

          I have a question.. In case if you would have got two petitions picked in lottery and both were in approval state, what will happen. Will both get approved and get to choose to select the employer to stamp or will it get rejected considering it as duplicate petitions for same employee name. Appreciate your help here. I am sure you would have prepared for this.

          Reply
          • @h1friend :

            It is perfectly within the bounds of USCIS rules. You can apply through multiple petitioner and in case multiple petition gets selected in the lottery, each of those petitions will be individually judged on the merit of the case. Multiple petitions can get approved, then it will be your call on which petition to take your case forward with.

            I am not sure how this impacts stamping, whether the VO will have all this details on his computer screen at the consulate and will it adversely effect your stamping chance. My case was a COS (H4->h1) and hence I haven’t gone for h1b stamping yet.

    • Heartiest Congrats !
      I had applied for H1-B through my current employer but couldn’t crack through lottery.
      Now I am planning to apply through multiple Employers like you did last year. Can we connect on this as your guidance will be very helpful.

      Reply
    • Mine is still in RFE RR since 4.5 months.
      My employer called uscis and they just says ‘in process’, no any concrete response.
      have u checked with your employer, what they says ?
      I don’t understand what algorithm is there to process cases, as some cases gets decision within 2-3 weeks and some takes 4-5-6 months.
      Our case still in RFE does it mean they haven’t looked at our case or there are various steps to work on RFE and our case is somewhere in the middle of these steps ?
      only guesses.. guesses..guesses.. and little hope (:
      Experts plz advise.

      Reply
      • Its all about luck. You can,t do anything on that ,you have to wait no option other then that. Hope for the best and prepared for worst. Be ready with your back plan and act accordingly. Keep in mind whatever is happening is happening for good and Say All is Well, All is well.
        That’s all you can do.

        Reply
    • Hi 221G,

      No updates in CEAC, but i got mail from US Travel Docs (Twice) saying your passport is ready for pick-up.

      I was totally confused as the passport(s) were with me, today i had a chat with Consulate. They assisted me to get in touch with VFS Pick up Location.

      Reply
        • Hi Sairam,

          Request you to approach the nearest VFS Office to your location.

          Hope you will hear GOOD NEWS from them !!!

          or

          Do a quick chat with the consulate where you had been for Stamping.

          If still didnt work out, then do reply

          Reply
  35. Visa approved today at Chennai. VO asked only 2 questions – who is your employer and who is the client. Asked for only passport. I work for an indian MNC.

    Reply
  36. Hi guys,

    I have my ofc on 11th feb, just wanted to know if they allow us to carry our luggage since i shall be directly reaching the ofc centre. else are there any places where we can keep our luggage.
    Please help

    Reply
  37. Hello ,
    I have question regarding H1B visa
    I dont have experience letter of first company in which i had worked on May 2000- Nov 2002, I did mine Professional Practice as part of GNIIT program in this company

    Please suggest what to do, As for H1B visa requirment is to give all exprenece letters.

    Should I not show this company in Resume , if i don’t show then question comes of GAP ?
    Please suggest

    Reply

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