Updated : November 25th, 2015
H1B Visa 2016 Filing Season Complete, Cap reached on April 7th, 2015.
Planning for next H1B season, Check out H1B Visa 2017 FAQs
As many of you know, H1B Visa 2015 quota was over in the first week and a whopping 172,500 H1B petitions were received in first week by USCIS. H1B Lottery / random selection was held by USCIS to select 85,000 H1B petitions to fulfil the work permit cap. Many of the unlucky ones are already wondering about next year H1B Visa quota. Also, some of you are planning for H1B visa for next year, you also would be wondering regarding the same. This article addresses many of the common questions, it will be updated constantly, whenever any changes to info. Bookmark this page ! To start with, firstly the news updates on this season, followed by many commonly asked questions.
Official & Unofficial USCIS News Updates Regarding H1B 2016 Season
- November 25th, 2015 : There is no special news as such, but we have our readers reporting that their H1Bs are still being approved that were under regular processing. So, if your status is stuck at one status, there is still some hope…
- July 14th, 2015 : USCIS released a note saying that they have returned all the petitions that were not selected in lottery for FY 2016. If you do not hear back from USCIS by July 20th, then you can contact them. Check Press note
- May 4th, 2015 : Data Entry for Selected H1B Petitions Completed
- April 14th, 2015 : Premium Processing H1B 2016 starts from April 27th
- April 13th, 2015: USCIS receives 233,000 for FY 2016 Lottery complete.
- April 7th, 2015: H1B Cap Reached for FY 2016. Summary of USCIS News
- April 6th, 2015: Guidance to file Second Petition, if Delivery Service Errors
When will the H1B season for fiscal 2016 begin ?
USCIS will accept petitions for H1B Visa 2016 season starting from April 1st, 2015. USCIS did a press release on March 12th outlining the details. Read summary of press release by USCIS on H1B 2016 .
Will there be lottery again for H1B Visa 2016 ? Predictions ?
We had lottery for FY 2015 and FY 2014. The total number of petitions filed for FY 14 were about 125,000 and for FY 2015, there were about 172,500 petitions… As H1B Quota did not increase for FY 2016, and the demand does not seem to decrease, we would very likely have lottery for FY 2016. Read H1B Visa 2016 Lottery Predictions, Dates, Results
What is the H1B Visa quota Cap Count ? Would there be any changes to H1B 2016 count ?
H1B Visa quota cap count is the total number of petitions that USCIS will accept for a fiscal year to provide temporary work permit for highly skilled workers. For the 2016 fiscal year, the cap count is as below :
- Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
- H1B Masters Degree Quota ( only US Degrees) : 20,000
- Out of the above, a total of 6,800 is usually set aside for Singapore and Chile citizens as part of the free trade agreement between them.
As per the press release in March 2015, the quota did not increase. To give some background, as per the Obama executive action in Nov 2014, no changes were announced to the H1B Cap count. There was proposal in 2013 to increase H1B cap from 65,000 to 110,000 and Masters quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000 did not go through as of March 2015. At least, for this FY 2016 season, the quota is fixed and it will be as above and no changes.
When should I start planning for H1B Visa 2016 ? What are the steps ?
It depends on your situation. Below are few scenarios and your plan.
- If you are a student on F1 Visa in USA, you need to plan for your internship/ CPT or OPT employment at a company that can sponsor your H1B Visa for FY 2016. In my view, you should start now to find something for the fall 2014 and continue that for next spring so that you can file for FY 2016
- If you are in other country and planning for H1B, it is good to start your process around the end of this year 2014. It will give you enough time to find sponsors, search for job, etc.
- If you are on H4, L1 or other visa in USA and planning for H1B for FY 2016, you also should consider looking around end of this year i.e. December 2014.
We have published step by step plan, you can read the article How to plan for H1B Visa 2016 ?Step by Step Guide
Most asked Question – How do I Find H1B Sponsors for FY 2016 ?
This is a million dollar question ! One of the biggest challenges is to find a good sponsor that can offer you a job and wait for you to start work after 6 months of filing your petition. You should review the detail article on How to find H1B Sponsors for FY 2015. Your first place of start is to find the H1B Sponsors in an area or by company. Use our H1B Visa Sponsors Database to search and filter. Read this article on details on how to search in our H1B Sponsor database. We keep the database updated as DOL publishes data. Do NOT share your email or phone number on our website as comments, there are many people do H1B Sponsorship fraud by requesting money using your contact info. RedBus2US.com never provides personal guidance on H1B sponsors or seeks money from anyone, we only display publicly available data on our H1B Sponsors Database page. We DO NOT sponsor H1Bs or guide anyone. Beware of H1B sponsorship Fraud !
What about Comprehensive Immigration Reform ( CIR) – H1B Visa Changes ? What are they ?
There have been some proposed changes to the H1B Visa program to cater to the demand in the US economy as part of the Comprehensive Immigration reform. Below are some of the proposed changes.
- H1B Cap to be increased from 65,000 to 110,000 per year. Also have provisions to have it up to 180,000 in case of extreme demand.
- Advanced degree from US cap quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000
- The Filing fee for H1B could go up to 10,000 USD
- Additional H1B rules to avoid H1B Visa fraud by employers
- Mandatory LCA posting for 30 days before it is certified.
These were proposed in 2013, but nothing has moved significantly and all the above are just proposed rules. We are not sure when they will be implemented. You can read Summary of CIR – Immigration reform – H1B Visa and Green Card to get an idea. The latest update is that Obama has taken executive action on Immigration in Nov 2014 and none of the below are included as part of that. Stay tuned for updates.
H1B Visa 2016 Fees – Any changes ? How much does it cost ?
There are various components of the fee. The H1B Application filing fee could range anywhere from $1,600 USD to $4,400 depending on the size of the company. The attorney fee can range from $500 to $3000 depending on the attorney. If you apply for premium processing that is another $1,225. The fees has not changed in the past couple of years for FY 2014 and FY 2015. Unless USCIS revises fee based on immigration reform, it should be same. We will keep you all posted. For complete details of the fee by components and break up, read the article H1B Visa Fees and Who Pays for What ?
H4 Visa EAD rule impact on H1B Visa 2016 Season ?
As you know, certain H4 visa holders are now eligible for EAD. The H4 Visa EAD Rule Passed earlier in 2015 and is effective from May 26, 2015. USCIS will start accepting applications for EAD from those eligible H4 visa holders starting from May 26th. The question is that will that have an impact on number of H1B petitions for this fiscal year ? It very likely will have certain impact on the number of H1B applications that are filed for this year 2016 quota. Many of the H4 holders, who would now be eligible for EAD, may not apply for H1B visa, just because it gives them more flexibility to work and more choices to work as well. We would have to wait and see, how much of an impact that would have, but it is very straightforward and no brainer for eligible H4 visa holder to avoid the H1B processing.
H1B visa Premium Processing Changes to H1B Visa 2016 quota ?
USCIS updated in their press release that the premium processing will be accepted for FY 2016 quota and they will only begin that “no later than May 11, 2015”. What it means for the petitioners is that the official 15 day premium processing clock starts from May 11th, 2015 and their petition could be adjudicated within 15 days from May 11th, which would be May 26th, 2015. USCIS can process them earlier as well, but their new timeline is just indication for setting the right expectations to meet the stipulated time frame for premium processing.
Track H1B Visa 2016 Cap Count updates ?
As in previous years, we have created a page, where would track the cap count updates for FY 2016. You may check out H1B visa 2016 Cap Count Tracker.
While you wait, you can check out April 1st – USCIS H1B Visa 2016 Season Starts Today, When to expect Lottery ?
H1B Lottery Completed – Official Tweet and Press Release
USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for FY 2016 http://t.co/fQ6EPUb8Y4
— USCIS (@USCIS) April 13, 2015
H1B Cap Reached – Official USCIS Tweet and Link to Press release :
We have reached the congressionally mandated H-1B cap for FY 2016 http://t.co/RTja7POWYY — USCIS (@USCIS) April 7, 2015
Any other questions ?
Hi
Is there still any chance for regular processing. I am still waiting for my result.
Is others got the result….?? Please let me know who will get first Is rejected or accepted in lottery…??
how to know that receipt number is mine number. Consulting is not sharing to scan copy of i797.Please advise what I will do now.
Any hopes left for CTS guys yet ?
How long did IBM send the H1B updates to employees last year.. ?
In my account last year we got till May 8th. But his year last week we got 4 to 5 receipts. So seems like we should be hopeful till month end this time.
Any one from “Torana Inc” who got receipt number?
I believe in miracles.. I gonna know I will get selected..
Let’s hope for the miracle to happen tomorrow
Final try with this name. Hope some miracle happens.. 🙂
Hello fellow Wipro-ites,
Congrats to all those who got receipts last week 🙂
your life is gonna change now.
Do pray for us who are still waiting.
All the best who are still waiting for their receipts, hopefully there are plenty of receipts sent this week as well.
Waiting to hear good news from you all, hopefully will see some happy faces in office as well.
jai mata di
PS:
I am also waiting for my receipt.
Jay Mata Di!!!
The people who recieved the last week receipts are selected in lottery or rejected in lottery..?
Please advise whether only the people who are selected in lottery will receive the receipt…? Rest all got rejected or rejection also will get some details???
I checked wth GIMS… Rejections ll be updated this week
Hey TCSers,
Anyone from Pune location receive any confirmation from fdfu/RMG regarding h1b lottery status ?
oh god please please please please……i really want h1b plz plz
I have got the receipt… anybody can pls tell how long will it take to get my final approval..
congrats bro…can u plz tell me when did u get it…and when ur cheque got encashed???
Any one filed thru BonafideInc in florida and got a receipt?
Any one filed with Samiti Technology New Jersey and got the receipt Number?
They agreed they will file visa for me. Interviewed me and selected. In the end they were asking for filing fees for which I rejected.
Even after lottery its very hard for such consultancies to get the stamping as they dont have any clients, and lot of rejection takes place.
My employer said….no updates on my name till now and he can’t tell anything until he gets a rejection notice..what are the chances of getting through into the lottery??any reply much appreciated.
My employer says this to me, “USCIS says that your file is in progress.” What does it means????
It means you are selected in lottery & your file is processed for further action
Hello SR are you pretty sure about this. Please find the below email and confirm me.
Re: Certification of Case Number for (My name)
This is an official notification that the Application for H1B, covering 1 worker(s) is in-progress. Due Receipt and allocation will be confirmed.
anyone from Accenture Bangalore got confirmation ?
there has been no communication yet
Nope..no communication yet….
As per the information I got, in some of the location RMS already communicated receipt / confirmation number. However from BDC perspective it seems they are yet to roll out. In my project 4 guys (including me) are waiting for the result. The worst case can be everything is over and whoever got selected got the communicate from PMSD..hope that is not the case here…
Dear TCSers
Expect some good numbers by month end!
First list of 88 was a really short one. Last year first list was also similar to this years. It had only 55.
Last year 27th May list and 08th Jun list had almost all the names of selected associates. May be, this year, we should have 95% of the selected names by 15 Jun!
May be this helps some one.
On another note, TCS Visa cell sends updates every 10 days till September. This is just the regular update of lottery selection, approval-stamping and RFEs.
Good luck for all who are awaiting lottery results 🙂
Where did you get this info???? They are lacking in transperancy this year !!
Please GOD, you only can do miracles, I totally trust you that you will still do it this year for me. Dont fail me… Plz..plz..plz…. swamiyae saranam …….
Amen…Me too waiting for a miracle to happen…. filed for second time
It looks like USCIS pre-reject most of consulting companies application during lottery. Next step is to reject the one who got selected from consulting companies.
Hi,
I was informed by my employer that my check was encashed on april 27 but yet no details on the receipt.woukd it take such a long time for my employer to receive the receipt.mine in non ad /rp….
A little confused if my employer did some error in looking for checks that are encashed…..anyone in same situation…??
Me too
Employer told reciept number to me but not ready to share I 797 with me, anybody in similar situation??? Please respond
need not worry
just wait for Approval , I797 for approval will be provided to you for stamping
Thanks for responding
how to know that receipt number is mine number.
got email from HR abt lottery selection.. finally long wait over..
Non AP, RP – Persistent Sys
Thank you all..
Anyone got receipts from Collabera?
Its over..dont waste time
i got msg from my employer stating that my case was picked up in the lottery finally long waiting has come to an end thank u so much guys for u help.
Congrats Ajay!
Your’s is regular processing or premium processing??
When did you receive the confirmation?
Hi guys… has anyone from IBM Pune got the receipt???
Dear all,
I have received receipt number(case number) today.
Non AD/RP/EAC (California Center).
Best Regards,
Sai
At what time did you receive and from where was your LCA approved?
Received at IST 7:00 pm on 16th may.
California (WAC)
Which company?
Congrats Sai
Thank you.
Congrats Sai
EAC: Vermont
WAC: California
WAC (california)
you are from CTS or IBM?
Yes folk.. I got the receipt# on 8th May.
Cheque encashed but no receipt?? Anybody with me?? it’s really a very tensed situation.
Got update from BRM .. said my h1b got picked..
Hey dude, which isu? Have you mailed him directly or he informed..pls reply…asap..thnks much..
Pls inform from which isu you are? You are informed by brm or you mailed requesting status..
Ensol. sent him a mail.
Never heard boss, tcsers got notified from BRM. It comes usually by FDFU or ISU RMG..
all the best for all who got thru..no hopes for me..this is my second time.. i dint get thru lottery…game over..very limited this time 🙁
Hi Rahul,
How could you say game over, did Infy updated rejected in AIMS Portal, As per my knowledge, very few people have got update on their status, I do not know, why the selection ratio is so Low this time for Infy. Last Year it was good.
Regards
Infy
Agree with u….Even i have heard very less selected people so far in infy.
Infact in my department no one hve received so far….dnt understand whts happening in infy this time..
Sill any hopes guys?
it is not only for infy.. For CTS also , this year very less.
Guys,
I am really tensed. Is it all over ???
Just have hope..Yesterday i got mail from my employer as i picked up in the lottery as they received recipt
Guys I could still we have hope. Last receipt number I could find on USCIS site was WAC1516051696 Receipt date 15th May. So guys let’s hope “twomarrow never Die”. Receipt are still on the way. Jay Mata Di
I too checked couple of receipts dated 15 may 15 around the receipt number you mentioned. Seems like some hope is still there
Congrats and thanks for keeping hopes alive 🙂
Do you know when cheque was encashed for this? please reply
Jay mata di
Stop making fool of people
ur company name pls??
Any updates from TCS guys ??
No One has got till now I think. Don’t know when it will start for us. 🙁
Hi,
Yet not have any update from fdfu even sent mails twice. As per previous year, this week was the tome when received updates.dnt know whts going on.
Hi,
I have sent a mail to FDFU , they replied by saying awaiting lottery status…
Hi
Do you think my recent B1/B2 visa stamping denial will negatively effect on my H1B visa stamping .
thanks for your thought
It depends for what reason it was denied (I am assuming it was denied and not cancelled.) If it was not denied on the basis of fraud, then you should be okay. Even if there was a wrong-doing in previous visa, it should not be a reason for denying the H1b visa. It will simply cause the USCIS to look at the application more closely.
So if your going for visa interview, be prepared for being asked for questions related to your previous visa. But as long as your H1b application details are in order your previous visa denials should not cause any problems.
Miscob
It is not related , just donot fear
B1/B2 is seperate from H1b — need not worry : no relation at all ( generally)
so , chill
Guys hope some of you saw my earlier conversations regarding my h1 thus year and my marriage with my gf stuff . However I didn’t get any update on file, I willl wait unti my package returns. So I just had a call with my company owner and our attorney in US.i f I am not getting my h1 this year I am trying for my l1,if still not L1 then I will go on b1 nd I will settle in US, my attorneys are ready to make it legal after some time. This is plan I am going to apply as per my attorneys suggestion.the nly reason my company is taking all these risks is because they know how worth able I am to their company. I will keep you posted on my next steps.
Any attorney suggesting settling in USA with a B1 is not worth what you pay him. Make it “legal” after some time? Ridiculous. If you are really worth it for the company, and really have done noteworthy and significant work for them, an L1 should be a cakewalk.
I hope either me or my gf gets H1B this year.
Her chances are less though, because her petition was filed under premium category.
But still, its not over until its “over” .
God plz, shower your blessing on us. It would really really help us if any one of us get H1B this year.
You know, we have been working so hard for longgg time. We have failed so many times but we never lost hope and continued working, facing all the difficulties, because we knew we can overcome any difficulties, we believe in our strengths and acknowledge our weakness as well.
But this H1B lottery, its not in our hand, you know that. Please help us get through this lottery this year, you know how it can affect our lives.
Give us strength.
JMD!!!
we will get through mate..dont worry..god might test our patience but he loves his children..jai mata di
Anyone from BAL NONAD/RP/VT? Portal says awaiting receipt notice
Same here
I am also waiting for reply from BAL. Please let me know if you guys got any update.
For me, the last status on BAL portal is “Case was submitted to USCIS” on 2nd April
Amar bai! BAL is one of the slowest attorney. Please check with your employer. When i check my employer says “This is an official notification that the Application for H1B, covering 1 worker(s) is in-progress. Due Receipt and allocation will be confirmed.” they received a notification as mentioned. I’m not sure what does it mean. Please update when you receive something on your case 🙂 good luck
waiting for my receipt..NonAd/RP..God please shower your blessings on me. i promise will continue doing good deeds if im through..love u god.Jai Mata Di..IBM guyz be patient..last year 5 of my colleagues got receipt june end
Any update guys in AIMs or from GI team?
Not yet….waiting
Same here.. waiting..
Couple of days back got mail from GI team to wait till mid of July..FYI
One of my friends in Infosys MLR got the receipt (I think it was RP) on Friday 15th. Another colleague got receipt two weeks back (maybe PP).
Anyone from IBM got on may15 NIGHT?
Yes, received mail mentioning the receipt#.
Hi… please specify the location. Have anyone from IBM Pune for the receipt???
I am from kolkata
California centre?
Yes mate.. I got the receipt# on May 8th.. I am from IBM Pune.
Anyone from BAL NONAD/RP/VT? Portal says awaiting receipt notice
I am also from BAl and Same Status
Feeling to kill those BAL attorney!!! Bro for me heidi is the attorney. How about you?
Hey Vik, lol, Charita is the attorney for me. Everyone is saying that they are very slow in processing.
Guys don’t worry last year one of my friend got receipt on May last week .Some may get even in the first week of June.Don’t loose hope.All the best.Pray to god.
I got my h1b this year and I work for a leading MNC. the thing is I dont want to stick with my current company as I got good offers from other companies (more than 100% hike). what happens to my H1b in this case? what are my options?
Ur only option is to go Himalayas and meditate for salvation.
Before you make any decision keep this in mind that once you leave the company, it has to revoke your H1B within 60 days. If you get your visa transferred to a new company (or even the transfer petition reaches the USCIS) before the old company revokes the H1b then you are fine, otherwise you will lose you H1b and will have to go through H1b lottery again. You can get your H1b transferred while in India, so if you decide to change employer I would recommend to get the H1b transferred first.
I am also in the same boat. However, I think, as per new rule that came in 2014, we cannot transfer H1B before start date (October 1). If first company revokes H1B before October 1, then we are screwed and have to go through lottery again!!
Does any one have any idea on this? Please advice…
Keep the status Quo : donot do anything daring at this moment
Just be with your employer , get h1b stamped , join him in USA
and then think of making job Switch
Cheque en-cashed on 27th April and got receipt from employer on 1st May…any idea on petition approval status change estimated time…!!!!
Lost all the hope for h1b. Good luck for those who got selection
Yes whenever call them, they suggest to wait. but does not mentioned how long to wait
Strange thing is applicant from 8kmiles responded that they have received the receipts from 8k.
Yes game over– @robin.
Thank you
Monday 18th May will be My day for sure…
I got the RFE for Specialty Occupation:
“Copies of any written contracts (or work orders ) between the petitioner and the beneficiary or, if there is no written contract, a summary of the terms of the oral agreement under which the beneficiary will be employed that indicates the services being provided by your company and/or the beneficiary.”
Since I didn’t get lottery last year and used CPT to work, I don’t have any written contract. So what can i do with this? Anyone who has the similar experience, please help.
Hi Sandra,
I have a similar case…Can you please call me at 617-838-4348 or email at rooans @ gmail .com (No Spaces)
I think what USCIS is requesting is commonly called offer letter. The offer letter usually states the start date, salary, designation, and roles and responsibilities for which the company (that filed the H1b for you) is hiring you for. Notice that start date of your employment can be in future in the offer letter.
This seems to be for validating the employer-employee relationship and is pretty common. I am not sure why your company did not submit it along with the original application. If you have already been working with the company you can also submit your pay-stubs as an additional document.
The offer letter is usually typed on the company’s letter head where they will mention the terms of employment (salary, role-responsibilities, termination conditions, yada yada yada) and one person will sign it (usually from HR) and then you sign it. You can sign and send a scanned copy to them as well. The employer will send the signed copy to USCIS.
I don’t have written contract. Only Internship offers that I presented to the school for issuing CPT.
Yes, I have pay-stubs too.
When we apply for h1b, the company provided support letter to USCIS. The support letter includes the job duties and the salary.
The written contract in this case is not a legal document per se, but preferably a formal looking document between you and your employer where you should have accepted their offer to join (contingent upon some conditions such as getting H1b etc.)
You are correct that the employer usually provides support letter that contains the roles and responsibilities, but they are usually addressed towards USCIS. I am not sure if your employer provided that or the exact offer letter that was sent to you.
The intership offers would seem to be valid for intership purposes only and not for the actual employment. You would need an offer letter for intended employment.
Providing offer letter is usually not a problem for companies, since this don’t cost money and is part of the normal processes. After all they are hiring you, so it should not be a problem for them writing it down.
Do you expect any issues in getting such letter from them ?
I don’t know if the company can provide me an offer letter. When i was hired, they didn’t provide me the offer letter. I think i can just summarize the oral agreement and ask the company print it with company headletter, and also submit paystubs. Thank you for your kind help.
Hi, how to apply for canada no hopes on h1b
take Ielts
get your degree transcripts from college and then go to any Canada specified agency ( I think wes etc. there are 3 agencies) for evaluation
and once evaluated go to next steps
Refer Express entry on cic website Or hire some consultant
I know few in India / Delhi : Oppuluntus ( oppuluntuz) etc. are quite genuine , Nehru Place in Delhi has lot of good to average kind of consultant
sure about banglore/ hyderabad also — just google
total cost is around 1100 Canadian dollar per person
+ Consultant cost ( 60K to 1lac)
Not so easy dude. I have tried that last year but with no hope.
Please bring my husband luck.Waiting for the receipt
ha ha ha ha ha 🙂 rofl
old day savitri – she asked for her husband’s life from yamraj
mordern day savitri – Please bring my husband luck.Waiting for the receipt
😀 😀 😀
🙂 just tried if this name would bring me luck.. enough of wait.. waiting to work on plan B
Start plan B 🙂
Guys Mine is Non AD /RP.Its updated for my receipt as Approved your form I-129 on May14 2015.Can you please let me know what it means.Because mine is RP.Whether approval for RP started.
No, actually in your case in specific, “Approved” means that it is actually rejected and you will be receiving your package back shortly.
Seriously such a attitude you have got.Very bad.If u don’t want to answer stop it.Why are u hurting others.
Who in their right minds asks for help on understanding what “Approved” means?
Please read carefully. He did not ask for meaning of Approval. He saying he got approved and since his was RP can he expect this in this small period. Just asking if RP approval started . Thanks!
has the approval started for RP ? U sure yours is regular ? n which center ?
What’s the date on your receipt notice? The date they received your application? Is it CA or Vermont?
if it says Approved , that means Approved, just chill and wait for going for stamping as specified by employer
and then wait for Oct 1 to start raining of dollars
IF regular started then it’s good , I am waiting for my wife’s petition to be approved ( regular)
WAC1516051511: this was picked today and an email notice was sent.
Hey was your check encashed today?
H-1B case status changed to “Name was updated”. What does it mean? Can you guys answer?
It means your name has been updated by USCIS
they did not like your name. so they updated it.
i know couple of desi consultancies one in PA and NJ.
where do i report regarding the h1b fraud they do?
Please send a hand written report with required proof by USPS to the following address:
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20500
Hi Guys,
Its all over. comments from immigration girl. Lets go for Plan B . Or wait for your petitions back. Thank you Redbus. Is been almost 1.5 months following with redbus website.
***UPDATE 5/15/15 – Unfortunately for those who have not received a receipt notice yet, I think the time has come to an end. We have not received any since Tuesday. I will continue to update when we start receiving returned petitions, any RFE trends, and approval processing times. I wish everyone the best of luck with the next phase of your immigration journey! ***