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 ?
status changed to RFE on friday afternoon. was in case received status since apr 13th. happy to see RFE after 7 1/2 months long wait..have to wait another 2 months for the final result.
Wow !!
Congrats !! Your half way in .
Is it EAC or WAC ?
I have been waiting for more than 2 1/2 months since RFE received.
Hope for the best !!
It is eac15147 series… and from Itech America inc… I didnt received hard copy yet. Only got to see status online. Will definitely post once I receive hard copy.. probably on company audut since I saw couple of cases got rfe on same issue.
Hi mdm,
I also applied through Iblesoft..please let me know once you receive the hard copy about your rfe.. Heard the company audit issue was resolved and it looks like the applications are getting approved
lucky one …, mine is still same old **** … “Case was received”
Anyways .. whats was RFE abt
Hi girish, mine is also i received state. Did do contact ur employer about it? What did he said
Mine is also cass deceived state. Did u get any update from ur employer
HI,
What did ur employer say about the case???
Hi All,
Finally so happy to share my husband’s visa got approved. Details are.
Notice date:04/29/15
RFE :07/18/15
RFE Response Recd:10/29/15
Approved on 11/24/15
Filing center was vermont.
Non-Ad … RP
@kumar/@sourabh,
My case is still in received state.my employer called me and said the case is stuck in security check and asking me to withdraw. But where as the
srevice request responce which he has forwarded md says “pending adjudication”. Am confused of it is stuck in security check r pending adjudication.. Are both of them same.. Please throw some light on this
Which consultancy u r from??
Gemini it labs
same with me..he is going to withdraw my case as well…..
Did he asked you if about wothdrawing case. Or did he told u that he is gng to witbdraw case.
Can u give me hr mail id. I wil contact u
Sorry for the typo. Can u give me ur mail id. I wil contact u
Same with me… can you give me ur mail id to contact
he asked to think and update…but at the end he is going to withdraw…
@from gemini,
How you are so sure that he is going to withdraw at the end? did anyone told you from previous experiences?
Mail me at h1bcasereceived (at) gmail dot com
Guys, I’m in the same boat.Why the consultancy have to with draw our applications??
Hi Kumar/Sourabh,
Can you please provide your thoughts on my post?
H1b pending adjudication,
They may mean the same. Pending adjudication is a general term that it is still in process. The delay could be for various reasons and in your case it is b/c of security check.
I replied to a similar post sometime back on my thoughts of whether to withdraw it or not. Employer has nothing to lose by withdrawing it, and you have everything to lose.
Hi Kumar. My petition is approved and the copy is with employer. I have my reciept number with me. Visa is not stamped yet. I need to check if I want to transfer my h1 to different employer. Do I need petition copy or only receipt is enough.
Thanks in advance.
Bondhu,
Here is an article where someone in similar situation like yours has shared his experience.
Thanks Saurbh..That was good information to have.
See ya guys on Monday. Till then, nothing is gonna change.
Guys,
So, Can we expect any updates in the coming four days ?
As they have thanks giving day , followed by friday.
Any comments??
I believe there would be no activity for the remaining week and no approvals that we can expect due to a long weekend holiday period in US
USCIS following federal holiday system so only thanks giving Ts a holiday for them
does any one know about drop box facility ?
As, I am waiting since two months. I asked to my employer do you have any update on my case but employer did not reply.
Your employer can raise an SR ticket but it can be 90 days after RFE Response is received.
Sorry for grammatical error
Your employer can raise *a SR ticket but it can be 90 days after RFE Response is received.
Kunnu, With in 90 days or after 90 days .
Not sure exactly but it must be after 60 or 90 days. Mine is also in waiting state since last 2 months. Now thanksgiving holidays are there so expect delayed processing time .
If you are working for some MNC your employer must help you 🙂
HI
I think employer can raise a SR ticket if you did not receive any change of status after your submission of RFE to USCIS within 60 days
Thanks TEJ . I need to wait for 5 more days then I can ask them 🙂
You should get status change next week if not let us know what action your employer planning to take?
Hi,
Anybody attended visa interview from tringapps.
Could you please share your visa interview experience?
Are u sure they started?
They are not even replying mails.
About one month back, I received a mail from HR, saying that he would contact me, once he receives hard copy of my I797.
Hahah…It happened wid me as well.
+1 🙂
Hey I heard from my employer that cases in security check will take very long time mostly an year and 2 years also.. Better to withdraw case. So my employer is withdrawing all cases..Anyone in the same boat??
Do u mean who r all in case received status ?
Case received and struck in security check..
Response Received and case Received is the two different status ??? Please reply….
Yes both are different..Case received is state change from lottery pick up.. Response received is after u respond to rfe
gemini_case,
Here is how I look at it. It is becoming increasingly difficult to have H-1 due to lottery. And with increasing demand it is going to become even more difficult in future.
If a company and applicant were lucky enough to make through the cap, the only reason why they would withdraw all cases is if:
1. They fear that security check would disclose something negative and may impact future filings
2. They fear that security check will take a while and by the time it is approved, the beneficiary (i.e. you), will take it for H-1 transfer and not join the original petitioner at all.
Try to convince him not to withdraw the case (ultimately it is their call) as the only loser in this scenario is you.
gemini itlabs has come to me saying the same reason to withdraw petition. Is it the situation with all the other cases in “case was received”…really disappointing….i feel something wrong with the consultancy
Can you let me know ur mail id to contact u??
long wait ended
case received april 13 vermont centre
Rfe july 13
dont know employer when responded to rfe worried lot
suddenly yesterday nov 25 Rfe received and case approved.
Both happened in same time surprisly…
Congrats!! What is your rfe about?
Hi all,
This is my first post ever. I check this website every hour for updates. My visa got approved today. Details are:
Notice date – April 29
RFE – July 15
RFE response received – Oct 15
Approved – Nov 25
EAC15148*****
All the best to everyone. Think positive
Hey,
I was a silent observer of this blog. Today, I finally got my approval.
Center: Vermont
Processing: Was Regular Processing. But upgraded to PP on last Thursday
RFE received to me: 14th June
RFE replied: 10th Aug
RFE response received to USCIS: 11th Aug
Case Approved: 11/25/2015! (after upgrading to PP)
My suggestion is don’t worry about negative comments. If your documents are fine, employer is legit you should be good. I know it’s much easier said than done!
Thanks and Good luck to everyone!
How long do they take for approval after converting to PP
I think it took 4-5 working days.
Congratulations
The long wait is now over fellas!
H1B lottery Picked up notice : April 29th
RFE : August 18th (Specialty Occupation)
RFE Response: October 19th
Approved: November 12th
Official Letter received: November 19th
Non AD/REG – WAC
I went for visa interview today, November 25th for my wife and I.
The process was very smooth and VO told me that my visa will be mailed in 3 to 5 days.
Questions that VO asked:
To myself –
1. What is going to be your job title?
2. What are your job duties?
3. Were you student before?
To my wife –
1. How long have you been married?
2. Where did you get married and why there?
3. Were you student before?
4. How did you guys meet each other?
VO only asked these questions. I was little bit worried because I did not carry my original I-797 (I only had copy of I-797) but I guess they don’t really care since they didn’t say anything after looking at my I-797 Copy.
Now I am just waiting for my hard copy visa and starting to pack my stuffs!
For those of you who are still waiting for the approval, please don’t lose hope. Jesus loves you, If you made it out through lottery, He have chosen you for a reason. Please don’t lose hope and keep praying!
Thank You!!
Congratulations.
Congrats!!! buddy…Just wanted to ask one thing
3. Were you student before? – Is VO is trying to ask from you or your spouse that where you student before in US..so I am bit confused on this question.
OR he wanted to check your degree institution’s name?.
Have you or your spouse did any education in USA?
Hi DD,
Yes, I was student before. Got my BS in dec 2012. I was under OPT & STEM OPT extension until july 2015. Applied for H1B in april 2015 and just got the passport with stamped visa via mail.
VO asked “were you student before” for both of us. Once we said yes, she took our old F1 visa and stamped “cancelled without prejustice” for F1 visas were expired for both my wife and I.
And ofc, my wife was student before. She never finished school though.
Thanks
Hi CM,
Thanks a lot for the info.
Hi All ,
I have BTech 6 year Exp , can any one suggest me how to proceed for H1 for 2016.
Find an employer\consultancy who is looking for the similar skill set that you have and willing to sponsor your H1B…..!!
Can anyone please tell, how much time it takes generally to get Visa Interview & Final stamp visa, after getting Petition approval..
ur funny…
Its serious question, i dont feel any fun in that… U might be having knowledge on complete process of H1B, but i dont. Thats why everyone is here, to share the knowledge , not to laugh on others.
arshad,
Once you have all the relevant documents, you can complete interview formalities and book a date online. Availability of dates depends upon the consulate, and are usually released few months in advance,
If the interview goes on smoothly, you should get the stamped passport within a week. If 221g is issued (equivalent to RFE), then it can be delayed by few weeks to several months.
Hello all,
I understand that many people are waiting for petition approval. I just want to tell u that if you feel that ur petition is legitimate, ur visa gets approved and u ll travel to United states.. Yes we should call it Unites states.. It s their pride as we have our own pride.. Every citizen of a country should try to develope his/her country. I am sorry to say this- H1 is a speciality occupation which helps IT firms and US economy..many people are mis using it..if u r worth , u ll travel..all the best folks
Approved…After long wait(4 – years trails and 1st time picked in Lottery).
Thank you redbus & all the members for your updates.
04/13/2015 – Petition Received
07/20/2015 – Mailed for RFE
10/27/2015 – Received RFE
11/24/2015 – Approved
Regular process
All the very best those who are waiting for Approval…!
Any body can please suggest/ guide me for Stamping Interview Preparation……,,,,,,,,,
Congratulations!
It is EAC or WAC?
Is it Vermont or California center
Vermont Service Center — EAC151495XXXX
Who ever making fun on these issues… you guys are mere disgrace in any field and to society….have to introspect about your actions
Still in “case was received” …, whats wrong , is my employer fooling me with fake recept number / is this really delay from USCIS …
Any one in same road ?
HI, who is your employer?? petition of some of the employers are stuck in case received and they have started withdrawing. I am from gemini & stuck in similar situation.
What’s your employer name ?
me too in case received status
Hey I heard from my employer that cases in security check will take very long time mostly an year and 2 years also.. Better to withdraw case. So my employer is withdrawing all cases..Anyone in the same boat??
is it?
is it the issue with employer…as i see many from Gemini are in received state
Hi… Not sure if its problem with consultacy…but very disappointed after long wait to hear this…
Approved…After long wait.
Thank you redbus & all the members for your updates suggestions.
04/13/2015 – Petition Received
07/20/2015 – Mailed for RFE
10/27/2015 – Received RFE
11/23/2015 – Approved
Regular process/ Not sure what is RFE about.
All the very best friends…!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing it here. It gives us hope.
Mine are the exact same dates, but I haven’t got approval yet. This waiting game is killing me. Employer refused to upgrade to PP citing silly reasons, like I might get only one year approval, etc etc. I think the window for getting hired this year is pretty much closed, with the festival season kicking in.
Congratulations 🙂
My dates are exactly matching with you till RFE response received.. Eagerly waiting for the next status change from last 1 month. Not sure what happens. Hoping for the best 🙂
I did not submit anything only employer always did so i don’t have more detail about it but i think mid of Sept , employer submitted rfe.Thanks
Thanks for your reply.. Congrats again.!! All the best for stamping..
Anyone here from MRCC???
Please reply me on jay999g (at) gmail (dot) com
After 10 Aug, my case status changed on USCIS site
On November 16, 2015, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1514…….. Our Vermont Service Center office will begin working on your case again. We will mail you a decision or notify you if we need something from you. If you move, go to
When did you send the RFE response?
Oh my God, My case is approved on 23 Nov. EAC….. series, Regular Processing. Waiting till 24 sept as status was “Response received”. means time take almost 1 day less in two months. Best of luck all…..
Congrats. I am waiting since 23rd September.
Congrats! Can you please tell us when you had submitted rfe documents? Thanks..
Hello Kumar, the article you have written gives good information for the people regarding H1B visa. However, while reading this I was bit confused regarding the date. You mentioned “USCIS released a note saying that they have returned all the petitions that were not selected in lottery for FY 2016” on July 14, 2016. Actually the year is July 14, 2015. As it was highlighted I did got confused and cross checked the link you have mentioned.
Liana Jett, Nice catch ! That was a big typo, my bad 🙂 I have fixed it. Thanks for pointing it out.
hi All,
I want to update my friends case here. He received approval just now. We both applied same time same employer and same attorney…..and with same project and same documentation….both of us received rfe, his rfe is about employer-eployeee relationship and project work. As I mentioned in my previous post I only prepared project documentation and he got approval …..my rfe is about education evaluation, work experience evaluation and project and employer-employee relation…hope to see good news soon…..Guys just forget about negative comments be confident… u will receive approval…………His approval news gave me boosting….. as I prepared the project documentation with some internal project and he received approval and so i
My RFE is similar to your friends, waiting for a response still. Hope to see the good news soon.
I am also waiting for approval
When did u submit the RFE
When can we expect the approval in regular process Vermont centre
Mine is also RFE for Vermont . Response received in OCT 1st, still waiting……
@Kunnu
what did your employer say about when you can expect the approval ?
He told me to wait for some time as Vermont center has lots of Backlogs .
I’m waiting from Sept 30..Vermont
He received in 6 working days..after rfe submission……in rp….csc
Hi Guys,
My RFE response received by uscis on 20th Aug. Still i didnt get any update. Day by day i m loosing hope as many denial cases are coming 🙁
Do not loose hope. Everything will be ok. Which center is your case with? and What is your RFE about?
Thanks…It’s california centre..RFE was about manager letter and project SOW which were submitted
This is very common RFE. Dont worry about it , it will get easily cleared.
Try for next year dude.Its almost over.
All the best ..
Hi “Try for next year”, you know something, not only next year, you can nver get h1b not only just h1b none of the visas….. hello RFE still waiting, don’t worry as long as you submitted gfood docs, you are fine
I already travelled three times.. 🙂 already holding h1b 🙂
You “Next year”==illegal immigrant….not sure how you entered but you should be busted……..Nasty netgative fellow. See my latest comment, my friend already received approval…….I went to usa way back in 2009 on h1b …this would be my second time with new h1b……
Will wait and see whether u will get this time or not.. I pray to god for you.. Dont worry.. Seriously i pray for you 🙂
If you cant help others at least do not try to demotivate them.
Happy Thanksgiving .
lol. No need to be that negative yet. April is far away. Approvals are coming and so are denials which means they are working on cases. If the documents are good, there’s always a good chance.
California Processing center is usually slow. Mine RFE was received on Aug 7 and case was approved on Nov 19th. So there is absolutely no need to worry.
Hello, I am also in same situation. RFE response received by USCIS on 28th Aug, still waiting for an update on my case.
My H1B is approved long back. Got Client Letter from diff client. But IBM stopped amendment for everyone in this year.
Is it the same case for all other companies like TCS, CTS, Infy and others.
Where are you currently? if you are india, it’s risky to apply for amendment, you need to travel with the approved h1b to the location mentioned in the LCA, after port of entry you can apply for amendment. If you apply amendment now, high chances for deny…..
This has something to do with internal policy. That is not the case with other companies.
i CAN SEE MOST OF THE COMPANIES ARE DOING AMENDMENT. I am cap exemption + amendment filed on july 02nd , still waiting from EAC15196*****. My suggestion is with out changing Employer , try to go unless you dont have issues with Employer. or else you can do visa transfer to some employer but it is less likely approved. Above applicable if you hav valid visa more than this date.
no issues with amendment, companies are doing amendment and they are getting approvals for sure….
Hi guys.
My employer sent RFE response 5 days ago by priority mail, along with moving regular to premium. He said that according to postal service documents were delivered 4 days ago but status still the same on USCIS website (RFE was mailed).
Please share your experience after what time status was changed to “RFE response was received “.
Thank you!
It depends on the officer who updates, sometimes it shows the same status for weeks but at the background ppl will be working on your application…can’t say this, sometimes it gets updated immediately……don’t panic all the best dude.
Hi,
I believe it depends on the officer working on your case, coz for me my employer sent RFE response on Sep-9 and it got updated on Sep-29 that RFE docs received.
So do not worry, just be positive.
Greetings to everyone on the forum! 🙂
How long does H1B Security clearance process take? Please give your input about Average time? I’ve looked online on the forums and seen guys who have been waiting for more than a year and so. Waiting without hope.
Are there some guys who got clearnce in 2-3 months? I think we should also post good examples to get moral boost. What should I do? Wait or withdrawn my application and start looking for other countries.
This can affect anyone. It’s high time for all H1B Security check cases to come together.
@Kumar: I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks.
Dude sorry to say but this security clearance is something very not clear by anyone…..not sure what kind of security clearnace they want?Either with the employer or clerance on you, most of the times it’s on employer if they found something fishy on your employer…..did you check clearly how the employer is is this security clearance is after rfe response or it’s before issuing rfe and how is it? What i heard from ppl is this security clerance can go months, just wait and don’t wait and think about it too much…..homeland security will take their own sweet time to complete this…….
Even My case also sturck on security check since Dec 2014.. anyone pls let me know time line to clear security check
Hi… R u also from Gemini it labs? Is there anyone from any other consultancy other than this waiting at security check.
still Case received status…employer informed it under security check.guys loosing hope.suggest me Gud consultancy in US for nxt lottery
I applied h1b 2013 ,my application under SC more then 2 years. I applied again 2015 with other company ,because of pending 1st security check my second application went in to security check.I should have withdrawn my first petition in 2013 it self ..
If any h1b application stuck in any security check that means it is gone case, I know few of my friends cases in stuck in security check in 2014 and they don’t have any update till now.
Hello, I had submitted my RFE documents on 1st Sept, any ideas till when i can expect approval? Thanks..
Depends on the officer who issued RFE on your case, if he is not having much work he will work on your case otherwise he will take time…..on average you should hear anytime ,anything from now……because most of the times, in one month they will update otherwise in two months there is no definite time period…..relax, as long as you submitted correct documentation you are good……One fine morning you will see the alert mail with good news…all the best dude….by the way what was your rfe
Thanks for your reply. RFE was related to employer employee relationship. I had submitted client letter, SOWs and org. hierarchy.
Ok that’s fine, your rfe is very normal…..you should be fine as long as you showed that your employer has full rights on you though you work at client location instead of client manager who monitors your work and other activities……
Hello All,
I was avid follower of this forum since April 6th to see the updates from different people , status updates and different types of RFE’s and responses and final decisions. very fortunate to see their experiences and knowledge and their ignorance about H1’s. Let me brief everyone about my H1B.
My current employer tied up with one desi consultanct in USA to apply for my h1. The company in usa applied my h1 with very basic documentation without submitting any project details, just he applied with some offer letter, lca, my educational certificates and experience certificates which were not even evaluated .Obviously, i recived rfe on september 2nd about my educational evaluation, license to work in usa, work exp and usa degree, asked to meet any one of the requirements to be qualified to work in usa.Also asked additional evidence about right to control and project immediately after landing in usa.
To respond to this:
1. I got my Education Evaluation done from trusteoforte and work experience evaluation done from trustforte.
2. Prepared some internal project along with decent business plan, project plan and design docs and other regualr project documentation.i have around 10.5 years of development experience in networking/embedded domain.
3. Employer -employee relationship documentation.
Looks to me we substantiated whatever USCIS asked and submitted last week and waiting for response and confident that i will receive approval. I request everyone here not to lose hope and listen to other negative views and comments.
Each case and each one’s background is different, employer is different, attorney is different, rfe is different. USCIS is not saddist, they just raise rfe to know amore about your documentation to avoid illegal entries into united states(Like people without professional degree or work exp in specialty occupation). If someone applied with bcom /mba degree to enter into usa, it’s obvious rejection.
Let me know if anyone received similar rfe as mine ….mine is 9 pages rfe and i feel we substantiated everything they have asked for. Applied with in house project….but that project is not actually running currently in my employer’s office.We have given market analysis, finance documents and other business plan requirements, product pictures, design documents. this project is actually which i wroekd previously for one of our client. Let me know your views.
I urge here ppl not to simply write negative comments,only your experiences.
Well said,
“Each case and each one’s background is different, employer is different, attorney is different, rfe is different. USCIS is not saddist, they just raise rfe to know amore about your documentation to avoid illegal entries into united states”
Very True !!
I have received RFE in the mid Aug 18 asking to submit Client Letter, SOW, Position Description Letter, and Organization Hierarchy.
My RFE was responded in the mid Sept with all the above documents except SOW as there was agreement between my company and client not to disclose sow to third party and i was told that client letter would be than enough by my employer.
Since then waiting for approval !
If you have genuine documents ,with valid work exp and edu eval , definitely case will get through .
Be positive All is well!
********
I would appreciate if people can be professional here and try not to hurt others by posting those silly comments and if you have those Guts better dare to share your original name and Email ids .
Every case is different , do not spread rumors. If you have submitted all the valid documents your case will be approved. It doesn’t depend on whether it is Premium Processing or Regular Processing.
My case is still in received status. How many from Anira in same status?
+1
With same status and same company
+1
Same, can you mail me at warwick855atgmail.com?
+1
+1
+1
Hi ,
My H1 petition was in RFE for a long time. The petition got denied and the reason for denial that i heard from my employer is that “Amendment required, advised to initiate the amendment “. Can anybody enlighten me on the same ? , What are the possibilities to get it approved ?
Thanks,
Sajith
I can see more denial than approval in the recent days.. looks like whoever in the waiting list can expect the Denial soon,, hard luck guys.. better luck next year.. take care.
It depends on case to case dude, uscis do not dey just like that, they are bound to mention proper reason including clauses and immigration rules under work permit. Don’t just simply pass negative comments which can create panic situation for others
Oh more denial than approval, next year kya tera baap lottery mai no lagwaega. Go to hell with your view.
That’s expected considering that those petitions were under RFE already. If they knew how to file documents property, it should have been approved during the first attempt itself. These lazy people leave it all on luck. I saw my own file and it was an obvious rejection. Still the officer was kind enough to issue an RFE. God knows what response they have sent.
What was the reason for denial?
It’s not denied yet and is under RFE response received since last 2 months. RFE was about specially occupation. Basically, USCIS challenged my employer’s decision to bring me to USA by saying that the task which I have been hired for could be done by any local American worker easily.
Seems to be different case, can tell us what was your RFE and what you submitted……what was the work you showed initially while filing petition and what was the work you showed while responding to rfe, is there any change in the LCA?
So many factors constitute for the denial….let us know the scenario and steps then we can guide you the next steps if there is a possibility
Thanks for the response. I also dont have much information. My employer didnt share those details yet. Its against as per their policy. This is the only details i could get from them. ” Amendment required, advised to initiate the amendment “.
can you tell me ur case is regular cap subject or cap exemption ?
My case was a regular case. Got RFE on June 4th, Submitted response on August 4. Status changed to denial on Nov 4th.
RFE to Denial,
Amendments are required when there is change in job location. Is it possible that your LCA was filed for location X and client information (during initial filing or as part of RFE response) was submitted for location Y?
When i checked my H1 filing document – Under section Part5 ( zipcode – 95125 ) is different than mentioned in the address mentioned in LCA ( zipcode – 94583 ) document. zip code 95125 and 94583. Guess it might have lead to denial.
Hi , can’t say like that, it all depends on what he initially applied i mean LCA for which location and when he sent response to RFE, LCA location. If there is a change in LCA location from initial petition filed to when you sent RFE response, that’s a sure shot denial. No doubt in that, unless there is a proper explanation and depends on the officer how he gets convinced……….
My Case got approved directly from case received. we are also waiting since 13 apr.
Bye Bye
Hi Everyone,
My Lawyer requested SR to USCIS on 6th Oct 2015 and USCIS responded that my H1B processing is on hold due to security check.
“The status of this service request is: 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.”
Case type:
— I129
Filing date:
— 04/13/2015
How long can it take? Is there a way to expedite the security check? It is still fuzzy to me and I have no idea what to do next? Please share any more information you may have.
A reply would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Is it Small company/Consultancy ?
GeminiItLabs. It’s a small consultancy.
H1B Security Check ? Tired of looking for answers :(,
There is no way to expedite it and you have to just wait for them to complete the checks.
I heard USCIS will not work on Security Checks cases and they remain in the same state forever. My employer even suggested to Withdraw the case for this year.
Is security check = denial???
Anyone please answer my question. This would help me and many others who are in similar position..
Thanks so much.
H1B Security Checks,
No it doesn’t mean denial. They may approve or deny it based on what they find out from their research.
My petition approved on oct 27 but still not received the notice. how long is it taking nowadays?
Same here . God knows when we will receive it. 🙁
Finally got the approval.
RFE Received by USCIS: August 8
Approval Date: November 19.
RFE was about education evaluation, Regular Processing
California Processing Center WAC15********
Many congratulations 🙂
May I know how did your education evaluation RFE was addressed? I too have got the same RFE.
All the best for stamping.
What is your educational backgroud and your job profile? I too got same RFE, I am having 10plus years of exp in IT but my education background is BTech in Mechanical Engineering
Here is what I did and got the approval:
1. Get an edu + Exp evaluation showing that your bachelors is equivalen to degree mentioned as per OOhandbook from external Expert opinion
2. Get all the experience letters from previous employers. Make sure that it shows progressive which means you have up the ladder in all these years working with experts in the IT filed.
3. Provide training details (if any) in the proforred position
First of all Congratulations. May I know the below details.
1) Do you have non IT degree?
2) what’s your total experience in IT?
Your reply is greatly appreciated.
Yes I have non IT degree and 12 years of exp
Thanks for replying.
I got your point #1 and #3.
For #2, I have experience letters from my previous employers which says that I worked for them between so and so date on this designation. When you say “progressive”, do you mean promotion details?
I am B.E. in Information Technology and have 8+ years of experience in Software Testing. This is my third company and in throughout my career I have worked in Software Testing only. Do you think there could be any challenge.
Progressive means for e.g.: analyst then promoted to senior analyst then promoted to Manager either in the same org or with multiple employers. Your job duties mentioned in those exp letters should also show that. Please let me know if u need more details
How exactly the Premium Processing work? What makes the visa officer find time to work on our case under PP and respond within 15 days when at the same time thousands of remaining files wait to b3 picked? Is it like officially bribing them to expedite our file processing?
Any one waiting from ITECH AMERICA INC?
Mine is still in case received status..did you talk to the enployer? Did they tell u the application is on hold due to client site visit by uscis?
Yup.i am from I tech america..did you talk to the employer?
ok, you , me and vrk waiting for status update from same company. last time they told me about site visit audit and after that no update. It taking too long time and need to ask them more frequently to expedite the process. You have any company attorney contacts?
No updates from the employer..not sure what they are doing..did u talk to them recently?
i talked to US iblesoft management and they said they raised queries on few cases and are hoping to get approvals by end of nov on those cases. after they are going to raise queries on remaining cases. i guess this process takes atleast one month from now. They have nearly 25 on case received status. approved only 5. so we are not alone. we applied thru a fair consulting company so keep hopes.
+1 from itec america. In case received status…
thanks vrk for the update.
Hi guys, my case is also in received status since very long and my case is from IT America Inc. Please share some updates if you have any.
thanks …
Case was received and decision notice was email. What is the meaning of this ? Yesterday it was name update ? It’s denial because no approved word in status ?
Sad but true, most likely it’s denial but cannot say….sometimes USCIS case status shows wrong….direct denial from case recevied status is not very common unless employer is in some fishy radar under home land security…
Ok, I am tracing mine and one other receipt no since 4 months because status on both receipt have been changed simultaneously. I hope this one also will approve soon and mine as well which in response received status on 24 Sept status.
Anyone from gemini it labs got approval??
Noone yet said they got approval , RFE or denial..seems all cases are HOLD
still in received state….Can we upgrade to PP if its under security check?
What is the Premium Processing Cost ?
1225 USD for PP
My case was denied today
RFE: 11 sep. About education
Response: 3 Nov. Sent EE and detailed exp letters
PP: 11 Nov
Denied:19 NOV
What to do next?
Sad…denying with EE reason is silly unless your degree is totally from different stream to proffered position….what was the rfe actually and what all you submitted…tell the things correctly so ppl can suggest u
BCOM and MBA
Hi,
Being in PP, you may get detailed explanation for Denial reason.
This is the first time I have seen something denied for EE.
1. What was your To be Job ?
2. What is your Educational Qualification ?
Even if something is wrong they send RFE again . Can you check once again with your Attorney if they can help.
These dates exactly the same with my case. Even the RFE. Mine was approved yesterday. R u a 3 year B.com ?
Bcom and MBA.
Ohhh Man!!! In this case it is expected….you should have get your education evaluation done from some good institutions/evaluators in detail explaining your subjects and involvement in computer courses and programming. Coming to your work experience instead of submitting detailed exp letters, you should have get it done from work exp evaluators which they will charge 500 USD but it’s worth. They will give in detail your progressive exp and related to comupter insustry……sad but this is obvious denial…sorry to say but that is fact, your attorney should have taken care about this….
I can help you…please provide following details:
Employer: Small consultancy ?
Education: Bcom or Btech
Experience: Have you shown progressive exp letters or just exp letters
Thank to All.
My Case approved on 18th Nov 2014.
Details:
Received : 13th May.
RFE : 30th July.
RFE RESP : 30th Oct.
Approved: 18th Nov.
Thanks and Regards.
r u a cap exemption ? EAC/WAC ? Regualr /PP ?
Congrats. Can you please tell when you had submitted RFE response documents? Thanks.
What is the meaning of this status ???? Please reply….
On November 18, 2015, we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC………
If there is a clerical error in your name or address it will be corrected and thus the status. Nothing to panic.
I had this status when my first name was missing and raised a request to correct the same
My turn to share the good news, my H1B got approved finally.
Vermont Regular Processing
Picked in Lottery: 13 April 2015
RFE: 17 July 2015
RFE response received: 14 October 2015
H1 Approved: 16 Nov 2015
All the best to everyone.
Congratulation Gurpreet.
Thanks Rohit, what about your case. How is it going? What stage is it in?
For me:
Case received status since 20th oct. Expecting the response. It should come up soon.
Congratulations Gupreet
Congrats Gurpreet. Can you please tell when you had submitted RFE response documents? Thanks.
My RFE response was submitted in thr third week of September, as my RFE was due for submission on 12 Oct
@Kumar
I personally thank you for all your guidance regrading H1B.
From your blog only I have learned more about this entire process.
Thanks you
Its my turn to update.
Selected in Lottery :May 5th
No update till Nov my application was in CASE RECEIVED (till Nov 16th )
So requested consultancy to raise SR
SR raised on Nov 3rd
Nov 17th got Direct Approval (Status changed to Approved in USCIS site)
waiting for the hard copy
No RFE….
So for all the Rumor spreading people please stop doing this…..
For all the people who were still waiting…have hope guys..if ur doc is valid u will definitely get the Visa.
If you don’t mind, can you share the employer details?
its a small consultancy
Is ur consultancy had a uscis site visit?
Nope they haven’t had any client place visit.
My employer attorney said there no such things will uscis is doing.
Hello All,
Not sure who started saying there will be security check, client visit all this nonsense……USCIS will have full data of information including DOL and Home land security about every employer and any complaints against them. As long as you provide good documentation, your case will be approved assuming your employer is in good books of US govt. Site visit/security check will happen when you go for visa and if VO decides to have a second opinion before giving you visa, he will put donw 221g and then he will start sending docs to uscis/homeland security , then these ppl will do site visit or email checks with client, or visiting/talking to existing employees to learn about your employer and then they will issue a certificate to the VO who raised query…….if VO is happy about the certificate, he will ask you to submit your passport and issue visa otherwise he will refuse saying your employer/petitioner has not followed INS regulations while applying your petition and rejec visa. This is the visa process.
If some attorney says security check, site visit, means they are not aware of complete process and should be some desi attorneys for sure..all the best boys……
To “H1B Exp …” , time to brush up your knowledge a bit….
Security checks do exist and it can happen before you go for stamping…I am one of the unfortunates whose petition is on HOLD as it is under SC..I have amil from USCIS which clearly says the below :
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.
Dude what do you mean bu security check ….What kind of seurity they will analyse and send the docs and wait for results. To my upmost knowledge uscis wil have their own home security information and will take information from them……but it’s not that they will keep you on hold bout that. If its security then chances are minimal
Cheer Kwin ! Happy to hear.
Very happy to hear Kwin. i think u r first person in this month who got approved directly from case received. we are also waiting , case received since 13 apr. can you please share your consultancy name if you dont mind. we will be happy if it matches with ours (ITAmerica).
My case was approved today after a long wait.
RFE: 12 sep. About expertise due to my 3 year degree.
Response: 2 Nov. Sent EE and detailed exp letters
PP: 11 Nov
Thanks Kumar. You are doing a commendable job. Without this forum I wouldn’t have made it.
My L1A blanket and Individual were rejected in Jan and April this year. My Manager is kind enough for spending so much on me. I am telling all this to give some hope. Hope all the pending petitions gets approved.
Cheers H1b Jupitor !
Hi Kumar,
My visa is still showing case received status from April 13 . Its EAC Series Vermont centre , not able to understand , what to do next , can you please guide me for the same .
thanks deepti
Deepti,
Check if it is feasible to upgrade for PP.
Regards,
Kunnu
i would have done that but my employer is not ready , to upgrade it to premium processing , so i dont know what to do in this situation , very badly stressed by seeing by case in the case received status from 13 april ,
My status is also same.
U belong to which centre , vermont and california ?