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 Saurabh
I have been waiting since 24 Sept 2015 of EAC group so if my employer will not raise PP or SR till 31 March 2016 so my petition will automatically rejected ? what was happened in previous year ? throw some light on this as I can force my employer to raise an SR before 31 March 2016.
H1b Visa,
They are not automatically rejected. They will continue to be processed even after April.
Hi Saurabh,
I remember you saying in a few of your earlier posts that all applications will be processed before March 31.
But now you are saying this will be carried forward to next season! Is this true? Because, after all this waiting, if we get denial after April 1st, we wont even be able to file for the next season.
Could you please clarify? This is really a tough call.
Thanks.
Waiting4Ever,
What I said was historically they have processed almost all the petitions by Mar. It is not a rule, but they do that to make room for next fiscal year filings.
In worst case scenario, petition is not processed by Mar (security clearance or something else), then it will continue to be processed beyond Mar 31 and wouldn’t be automatically denied.
Hi Saurabh,Kumar
I have my H1b petition approved from employer A this year but they are not sending me for stamping. I don’t have the approved petition from them also. I only posses the Receipt number.
Now can in transfer my H1 to a new employer. What are the documents the new employer would be expecting?
Also how long my H1b petiotion is valid?
H1bfirsttime,
Another employer can file cap-exempt petition for you just using the receipt number. The new employer would need similar documents as your original petitioner. Additional documents include – receipt number, print out of online status showing receipt number as approved.
Petition can be approved for 1-3 year term depending upon USCIS’ review. So unless your employer informs you, it is not possible to know the duration. The cap-exempt petition can be filed within 6 years of original approval date.
There is an article on the blog where someone has shared their detailed successful experience on this.
Thanks a lot Saurabh.
Could you please point me to the document link. I couldn’t trace that yet.
H1bfirsttime,
This is the post I am referring to.
Hi anyone from logic planet got approved
Still waiting for an update. RFE response received on Jan 14th.
Rfe waiting WAC from Nov 12… Can we expect some result in coming days? Anyone in same boat
WAC15145*******
I am also from California center waiting from Sep 23rd.
Wac15147*****
RFE waiting since Aug 26 ‘2015 . WAC151455**** , California centre:-(
I am also from California center waiting from Oct 23rd.
Wac15142*****
California service center ,waiting from Sep .
I am also RFE received status from California center WAC15140***** since October 19th..
Status got changed “Name was updated” by recently Jan 19th.
I don’t know why it was like…. Anyone in same case.!!!
I am not in same boat – WAC.
But, I am waiting from Oct 27th in rfe resp received status… EAC.., Any body in same boat?
Am waiting fro EAC from Oct 6. RFE response received..
Hello guys,
I am still waiting for my decision. RFE received by USCIS on Dec 9th. My series is EAC at Vermont Center. Is USCIS going to give out results for all by March 31st? I am currently in US and I must to travel to India on April 14th. Should I upgrade to premium now? Is it a right decision to do now? I have heard currently USCIS is processing RFEs which are received during last week of November. Is it true? This is what my employer told me.
Did anyone get the result for whom the RFE was received during December?
Suppose USCIS doesn’t close the case even by March 31st, is it legal to file another petition on April 1st 2016?
Please advise.
Hi,
We are hoping that USCIS gives out all results by 31-Mar.
Upgrading to premium is better option.
I know of 2 EAC cases which were approved on 05-Feb and whose RFE response was received on 25-Sep and 06-oct. Both are from consultancy.
I am also from same consultancy and in RFE response received status from 22-Sep at EAC. It might not be correct to state that USCIS is currently processing cases with RFE response received in Nov end.
If you go through the comments mentioned below you will find that many cases with RFE response received status in Dec have been approved.
There are many cases which converted to Premium and got their approval within 14 days as they have mentioned in comments below.
Also if you go through the comments below, many have asked question about filing another petition on 01-Apr-2016. It is legal.
All the best.
Hi Waiting,
Thank you so much for your prompt and detailed answer.
Hello Saurabh and all,
If I apply on April 1st, 2016 can I travel to India from April 14 to May 15th? Would the result come out before May 15th if I don’t apply for premium and will that result in cancellation of my visa? Can someone please clarify .
I know that its recommended not to travel while the visa is under processing but what is the real reason behind it. What are the safe dates to travel during April and May. I must be in India during last week of April. Can you please suggest.
Many thanks to everyone in this group.
Pinky,
If you are currently inside US, and apply for H-1 in April 2016, then most likely it will be applied w/ COS and not consular processing.
1. If you leave US before petition is approved, then petition will continue to be processed as consular processing. This means your status will not change to H-1 on approval, and you will have to enter on stamped H-1 visa or file separate COS.
2. If you leave YS after petition is approved, then it will be approved w/ COS (provided other conditions for COS are satisfied). You can return on your current visa before Oct 1 and still be on H-1 from Oct 1. If you leave after Oct 1, then your status will not be changed to H-1 and you need to take an action mentioned in (1)
Makes sense?
My case still in received state.Last update done on Oct 29. It’s more than 90 days.Guys pls suggest …is there any action we could take to get the update ? When we could expect the next update ? How many people are there in still RFE Received ?
My Suggestion is ..ask your employer to raise an SR
SR will take 30 days to process, might as well upgrade to PP.
Thanks for your reply Saurabh.
It is very confusing and hard to understand for my amateur brain. What does COS mean? what is the difference btw COS and consular processing.
Saurabh,
Can you please clarify what this means.
Thank you.
pinky,
COS = change of status
Consular Processing = visa stamping
If the person is already inside US when H-1 is applied and continues to remain inside US through its approval, then COS is approved. You can start working w/o needing to get the visa stamped first.
If not, its consular processing and you need to get your visa stamped first.
Who is your employer??
Approved on 5th FEB
EAC151475XXXX
RFE on 15 Sep
RFE received on 3 rd dec
hi RR,
did u convert to Premium or it was regular
thanks
Hi MS,
It was regular . I was hoping for 2 months period after receiving RFE will work for me ( I observed for most of the recent cases approved got cleared after 2 months)and it worked for me as well.
Regards
Ramana
Hi Saurabh,
My h1b for this year got denied from uscis..Reason is not yet known..I have received RFE for employee employer relation..Same rfe other collegaue also got ..But that person visa got approved ..My h4 will get expired on Feb 22 and i have given it for extension now.
My doubt is ,now is it possible for me to apply for coming h1b lottery with the visa.Because i dont know when that h4 is gonna be approved ..Since the extension is in progress can i go for h1 lottery process.And if so is it fine if i go throught the same consultancy..Will it be an issue coz it got denied once with the sams consultancy
H1b 2017,
You can apply for H-1 in next cap even if your H-4 extension is in progress. What may happen is that USCIS will issue RFE asking for H-4 extension approval (as your I-94 would have expired in April and you would get an extended one only w/ extension approval). If your H-4 extension is approved by then, you can submit the new I-94. The other option is to apply H-1 w/ consular processing, but I think applying w/ COS and addressing that particular RFE in future will also be fine. You can include H-4 extension transfer receipt w/ your H-1 petition.
If you apply through same employer, you should discuss w/ employer how they plan to address EE concerns. If you guys have a groomed plan, then its fine; else its better to look for other options.
Is there anyone from Infisystems LLC who got their petitions approved?
I am from the same consultancy. RFE received status since Oct5th :(.I heard from employer that one petition got approved.
I am also waiting since Oct 5. Do you know whether any RFE was issued for the approved petition?
I am not sure…
Hi saurabh ,
I have some different situation .
My sister was us citizen and she was put my us file in 2011(blood relation) , I was selected in h1b . ( I am in India)
Is there any issue in h1b due to earlier petition file (blood relation file)
Rama,
It should be ok. H-1B is a dual intent visa which allows one to immigrate to US (employer filed green card). So having a pending family based green card filed shouldn’t impact the outcome. As always, remain truthful in DS form.
Hi saurabh …
Thanks for quick and to the point reply in details.
I really appreciate your reply each and every time.
I got 221 g white slip in Mumbai and waiting reply from consulate ……waiting from 45 days….
Any one from asklepian or ibis tech got approved… I know 2are rejected remaining all are rfe response received status.
Please write back duniyadeals(dot) com(at) gmail(dot). Com
We can unleash further more if it’s true or not…
Thank god my friend’s H1b approved finally today,after long wait..
RFE response received -October 20
Upgraded to PP – January 29
Approved-February 05
Thanks to redbus
Don’t loose hope,hope for the best..
Hi Asritha,
When you applied for PP did USCIS update your status in their website? I also applied for PP on February 01, 2016 and up to now they didn’t send any acknowledgement nor update my case number on their website. BTW mine is RFE response received on November 13, 2015.
Are you under WAC or EAC?
Yes, once we upgrade to premium USCIS will send a notification to your attorney via email and this is EAC.
i got h1b till aug 2018.
Can i change my employer before going to US and join new employer ?
hasuram,
Yes, that can be done. Find a new employer, have them file a cap-exempt petition for you and then join them in US to work for them.
Anyone from EIT professionals corp applied for H1B? Approved or rejected?
Anyone from Connectworld LLC applied for H1B ? Approved or Rejected ?
Hi ,
I have two H1B petitions both are approved , from Company A and Company B.
Currently i am working for Company A. I have chosen work with company B.
before going for visa interview do i need resign company A or after visa stamping I can resign . please advise.
if multiple petitions are approved will the ask any things related to that in visa interview .
cheers,
Sai
Sai,
You are not required to resign from A. Appear w/ B’s documents and if asked mention A as your current employer. I don’t remember hearing about any experience where they questioned why multiple petitions were filed.
I assume you are still in India and have not traveled to US yet on H-1.
Thank you saurabh,yes i am in India , planning to travel..thank you
Hi,
My application was approved and now i have all the docs and planning to attend the interview next week.
they have mentioned my salary as 68700 USD in LCA and other docs, but in employee agreement then have mentioned as 70K. please let me know that this is OK or do we need to modify that.
Thanks,
Prateek
It’s ok. LCA is prevailing wage salary and it need not be exact as your agreement.
Mine was similar and there was no issue in stamping
Can some one tell me good consultant/consultancies in Hyderabad who sponsors H1B?
Thanks in advance
Applied for H1B first time. Regular processing. All done. Completed stamping last week.
I just want to thank everyone who commented in this forum. Really helpful. i was a silent watcher of this forum. Thanks Kumar & Saurabh.
Those who are still waiting, all the best. It will get approved, if you have all valid docs. I know its tough to wait for long. Hope it will over soon.
Cheers !
Hi Saurabh,
I have got my H1b approval notice on the USCIS website on 2nd Feb. My current employer is yet to receive the hard copy of the documents. Is there a way i can get the soft copy.
This is the first time that my H1b is approved and i have never been to US. My question :
Is it possible to transfer my h1b to another employer in this situation. If so, what are the documents needed and how much time it takes.
Thanks a lot for all your help.
Hi Saurabh,
My case struck was under Security check since Dec 2014. please let me knw when can expect security clearance and also approval chances?
Hi,
I got the approved petition hard copy but my case status has changed to “Notice went to USCIS due to post office could not deliver it”. earlier it was Case approved.
Kindly suggest whether i can attend the visa interview or not..?
venkat,
Are you seeing this status on USCIS site? There could be 2 reasons – an error in online system, or USCIS sent something to employer/attorney and was marked as undelivered. Ask your employer/attorney to follow-up w/ USCIS.
Thanks saurab…informed to employer.. Whether we can attend the interview or will Wait for some time..?
Venkat,
If the employer can get a quick response from USCIS, that would be best. If not, you can take chances and assume it to be a site error and appear for interview.
PK,
There is no SLA for petitions under security check. Your employer can follow-up w/ USCIS but they may not provide any meaningful response.
Thanks Saurabh, But we already raised 2 SRs .last update Oct 2015 for 2nd SR. if it possible to apply fresh H1b this year since my Old H1b under security check? or i need to wait till old h1b will be cleared ?
PK,
You can go through cap again this year while waiting on those H-1s.
OCT 2nd RFE Recieved
Any one from Avant Systems INC, Vermont Centre
I got my approval on Jan 14th, 2016 from California center. Any idea how long does it take for the petition to be received by the company? I applied from an Indian MNC.
The immigration team says that it may take about 40-45 days.
PG,
Typically it is received in 1-2 weeks. Their SLA is 30 days after which your employer should contact USCIS.
Thank you Saurabh!
Finally Good news to share 🙂
This is my case details . RP,WAC15********
13th April 2015 : Case Received
20th Jan 2016: SR raised by my consultancy
3rd Feb 2016 : Case Approved directly from received status.
Thanks to Redbus for all the information I got from the forum.All the best guys who are waiting for approval. Don’t loose Hopes!!
Wow congrats..Who is your employer ?
Congrats..good to see approvals from california centre 🙂
For how long is your petition valid ?
Thanks
I have not yet received my Approval copy. Will post once I get them
Approved from case received,
You’re lucky, my lawyer submitted SR on January 12, 2016 and up to now still in RFE received status.
Upgraded to PP on February 01, 2016, hopefully there will be changes in the coming days.
Hi all
Has anyone gone for a MTR or appeal for any denied visa..If so what was the denial reason.
Hi, My H1b which got selected in this years lottery is in RFE replied status from december 23rd. Not sure when the status gets updated. I don’t want to take any chance. I have an employer who is willing to process my H1b for next year. I need following clarifications from experts.
==> what happens if this year’s H1b gets approved and next years H1b gets selected in the lottery ?
+1
Hi all any one from connect world llc
Hi All ,
Any one from connect world llc rfe’ s gets approved or rejected ? Pls reply.
H1B Guru,
Both petitions can be processed independent of each other. If your new petition get selected, it will be processed irrespective of what happens to current petition.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for the reply.
So, if current petition gets approved, we’ve to withdraw 2017 petition. Is that crct? In which case, the employer who files for 2017 gets hurted.. 😉
Result < Mar'2016 pls., Why do you need to withdraw it. If you really like to work for the new employer, you can let it proceed to approval and then join them. If you don't like them then yes the employer loses money but that would have been your intention from the get go (to leave them sooner or later).
My case was approved on 20th Nov. Still have not received the hord copies. My employer keep saying that, they will send docs by this week. I assume my employer somehow passing the time.
Any one facing the same issue?
Any guess what whould be the reason for delay?
Who is u r employer?I had the same issue.
Horizon
iera
Who is your employer?
Did he gave any receipt number to check the status or you are trusting his words only?
Case was approved on USCIS site.
Hi All,
After a long wait today I got my petition approved .All the best for all.Thanks for the redbus .
For RFE in a list of document I didnt submit the client document since client is not ready to give the letter.Still got approved by god grace
Congratulations! When did your status change to RFE received?
Congrats !! way to go !!
California or Vermont ?
RFE Received date ?
Hi Saurabh/Kumar,
I have the below doubts.
H1B Stamping @Kolkata
OFC : 2nd Feb 2016
Took fingerprints and photo. Everything went good.
CONSULAR (Hyderabad): 3rd Feb 2016
My appointment was at 8:00 am. I reached there around 7:00. Security guys have checked passport and appointment confirmation and let me in.
A person handed me a pamplet (us rights) in the waiting room.
VO : How are you Maam? Can i have your documents please.
ME : Yes
VO : Who is your end client?
ME : Answered
vo : Which place u r going to
me : Answered
VO : Are you married
me : Answered
VO : Do you have any children?
me : Answered
VO : All right Maam. You will get your passport back within 4 days.
ME : Told Thank you!
But now when I am checking the status in ceac website its displaying the below info.
Your visa case is currently undergoing necessary administrative processing. This processing can take several weeks. Please follow any instructions provided by the Consular Officer at the time of your interview. If further information is needed, you will be contacted. If your visa application is approved, it will be processed and mailed/available within two business days.
Do anyone have any idea why this is showing ? Is there any issue ?
Congratulations!
You will get your passport stamped with visa in 2-3 days.
This is the state immediately after VISA interview. They will be doing printing etc. I had the same status before issue. Check after two days.
Any one still waiting from Ecomnets?
I am still waiting from ecomnets
When was your RFE response received? Do you know anyone from Ecomnets who got it approved?
I don’t think anyone got approved or denied through ecomnets.
Waiting since August (RFE response received status) from ecomnets. Anyone got approvals?
I don’t think anyone got either approval or denial from ecomnets. I am waiting since Oct 27.
Hi Saurabh,
My h1b case just got denied ..My employer hasnt received the documents yet..So we have no idea what is the reason for denial..Out of 8 cases selected in lottery ,only mine was denied..Rest all got it approved with the sams consultancy..Even if my employer go for an appeal for any valid reason are there any chances of approval..If so how long will it take..
Denied,
They can file MTR or Appeal within 30 days of decision date. There is no guarantee of approval and it all comes down to why it was denied and how your employer counter argues it. As for processing time, it can take several months. As a back-up, you should try in next year’s cap as well.
Hi Saurabh
Thanks for your reply.But are there any chances of denial because I have done my engineering in electronics and I applied for IT job.I have 4 years of software experience with a company in India but I applied via a consultancy in Us..In that case is an appeal possible.?.What if I go for an appeal via PP also will it take so many months
denied,
There is no PP option available for MTR/Appeal. Chances of approval will depend upon the denial reason, which you would know once they receive the letter. Did you receive any RFE during the processing stage? Did you submit education evaluation?
Hi Saurabh,
Yes I had rfe .But that was regarding the employee-employer relation.They din ask for educational evaluation..That same rfe gt approved fr another person..Then y just me.Any idea as to how this is being done..
Denied,
It is better to wait to know what the denial reasons are. Cases are reviewed by different USCIS officers and it is possible they arrive at different results after reviewing same set of documents.
What is your RFE response received date and decision change date?
Rfe recvd date was Nov 5.from california center.
WAc151465*****.it got denied on Feb 2.My adjacent number rfe rcvd date s sep 18 and for that its still n rfe rcvd state..
Hi guys! Good news to share!!! Finally Petition Approved!!!!
Lottery:- April 13th 2015.
RFE:- July 21st 2015.
RFE Response Received:- September 23rd 2015.
Petition Approved:- February 1st 2016.
Office:- Vermont.
Type:- Regular Processing.
I have 11 years in IT with Masters in Computer Applications and had applied for the position of Solution Architect with an IT Consulting firm which has its client base across North America.
I hope things go smooth during the stamping. Good Luck to all those who are still awaiting a decision.
Cheers!!
Congratulations! Are you from a consultancy or an MNC?
Waitingforever,
I have mentioned that already.
HI firsttimer
can you please tell me that , you submitted any transcripts or evaluation documents for all educational degree & certificate.
Regards
Rp
Hi RP,
Yes, I had submitted the transcripts and degree certificates. Education evaluation was not needed.
Hi ,
I just got some good news from my Employer that my H1B is approved and he will send the documents shortly!!!I will post the details once i receive them .
@Saurabh or Kumar ,
I will be applying for visa slot in next couple of weeks , but i have applied for passport reissue for spouse name inclusion, mother’s name change(name changed due to astrology reasons and gazzette obtained ) already ! Will this reissue of passport cause any problem!!! I am not sure if the reissued passport will have all the previous details as well
Thanks for your help in advance!!
Hi,
My H-1B expired on 1/2/2016, I was not aware of it and my employer also did not take any initiative, GC is also not iniated..any possible way to extend it for further more or file GC from India or staying in the US? Or how much time can i stay here on my extention that is expired..what are the possible ways for me..!! Please help
H-1B expired,
So you are inside US and your H-1 has expired, correct? If your I-94 and 797 have expired, then you should leave US ASAP and file for cap-exempt petition from outside US.
So, can i apply immidiately or what has to be done?? I heard i need to wait 1 whole year? 🙁
Also, can you please explain in detail abt cap exempt?
H-1B expired,
This question looks similar to what is posted on Q&A forum here.
If yes, then let’s continue the conversation on the Q&A forum.
Can you please also explain in detail abt cap exempt?
sure..
Finally after long wait, almost 4 months has come to end. Please be patient you definitely get good news. Thanks to the site organizers for their suggestions and inputs. By the way I am not from MNC.
Picked – Apr 13th.
RFE – Sep 1st
RFE Response received – Oct 8th
Case Approved – 1st Feb
WAC151455####
Congrats. Do you know if they filed with in-house project?
Congrats!! 🙂
Anyone from Microexcel got approval/rejection this year..??
Check the status of few cases which were in RFE received status for long time..
Case No. Status RFE Received Date Approved/Denied Date
WAC1514XXXX04 Approved 20-Oct 29-Jan
WAC1514XXXX39 Denied 15-Sep 26-Jan(My Case)
WAC1514XXXX45 Denied 11-Sep 30-Jan
WAC1514XXXX46 Denied 30-Oct 30-Jan
WAC1514XXXX83 Denied 10-Sep 30-Jan
WAC1514XXXX27 Denied 11-Sep 30-Jan
WAC1514XXXX68 Denied 23-Sep 18-Jan
H1B got denied today. It was RP
RFE in July
Responded on 15th Sep
Denied on 31st Jan
Case #: WAC15145XXXXX
Consultant: Numeric Technologies
My case was denied on Jan 30th. Same consultancy and a total of 105 cases were denied. Reason yet to know.
Same case for me denied on 30th jan, same consultancy. Don’t know the reason.
Consultant: Numeric Technologies
Finally my turn to share some good news
H1 Stamping @hyderabad
OFC : 20th JAN 2016
Took fingerprints and photo. Everything went good.
CONSULAR (Hyderabad): 28th JAN 2016
My appointment was at 11:30. I reached there around 11:15. Security guys have checked passport and appointment confirmation and let me in.
I then joined a queue , then a person handed me a pamplet (us rights) .
we then moved to a different queue , where they took our finger prints and then a lady has given me a token number and redirected to me the counter.
ME :Good Morning Officer
VO : Good Morning, Can i have your passport please
ME : Yes
VO : Who is your employer
ME : Answered
VO : Who is your client
me : Answered
vo : Which place u r going to (He was typing something in the machine while asking me questions)
me : Answered
VO : What is ur highest education
me : Answered
VO : Your VISA is approved and then looked at my face
ME : Told Thank you!
I have waited for this moment for the past 9 months. I know how frustating the wait is. But, it was finally worth the wait.
I really thank god and everyone, who have contributed to this forum.
Hi Saurabh,
Could you please give detailed meaning of below status and what are the alternatives asap ?
Thanks in advance.
Withdrawal Acknowledgement Notice Was Sent
On January 30, 2016, we received your request to withdraw your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC15146XXXX, and completed our review. We mailed you a Withdrawal Acknowledgment Notice. If you do not receive your Withdrawal Acknowledgment Notice by February 29, 2016, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Rajesh,
Most likely your employer has requested USCIS to withdraw the petition. USCIS will withdraw the petition now.
Can you provide more details about your case.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for quick reply.
Previous status is RFE documents are received on sept 23rd.
After that now the status has been changed to Withdrawal Acknowledgement Notice Was Sent. Do you want any further details ? If my employer request withdraw , then any possibility to provide another employer on the same ?
So sad to hear this…
Rajesh,
Your employer may have withdrew the petition as they may no longer have an employment for you, or are not confident about petition’s approval. As the petition was never approved, it cannot be used by any other employer for cap-exempt purposes. You have to go through the cap/lottery again.
I called my employer and he told that simply he don’t know . He has to check and let me know.
I wonder why they choose to withdraw a petition instead of waiting for a decision a little longer. They don’t get a refund anyway.
Thanks Much Redbus and Saurabh,
Finally I got the good news for which I was from almost 1 year.
“Case was Approved”
RFE Issued- 13 Aug 2015
RFE Received- 27 Nov
Case Approved- 28 Jan.
Congrats MS!
Congrats dude!! All the best for the interview!!
Cheers MS !
I have below status after lottery selected in case history.
‘your address for your Form I-129, Petition for a Non immigrant Worker, was changed’
does this means after lottery selected whether my employer have filed amendment with new LCA for employment location address change from initial LCA?
Raj,
Looks like you made through the lottery. Ask your employer to follow-up w/ USCIS to know what is happening.
The address change could also refer to employer’s mailing address being changed.
Hi Saurabh,
My F1 visa has expired..I am waiting for response on my H1.
I am graduating in May with a master’s degree. After graduation, can I enroll for another Master’s even when my F1 visa has expired?
I heard from someone that I cannot re-enroll if I am graduating after my F1 has expired.
Shreya,
The visa stamp in the passport comes into picture only if you leave US. As long as you are inside US, it doesn’t matter what happens to your visa stamp.
Once you receive admit and I-20 from new school, you can do Masters from that school. Next time you leave US, you will have to get F-1 visa stamped.
However, you have H-1 petition in play, which may have been filed w/ COS. So you need to be careful about the timing, so that your eventual status (F-1 or H-1) is what you desire.
Hi saurabh , KUMAR , expert.
I got 221 g in Mumbai on dec 14, document submitted on 23 dec…
Still waiting for result ……and
I was checked online status it’s saws ” hold case/ 221g & refusal /214b ”
Needs your valuable input for me , why refusal/214 they mention ? Is it some negative sign ?
VISA is refused, accept that and move on with your life.
221g white,
What visa category did you appear for? 214b is issued when you are considered potential immigrant. Did you apply for F-1 or B-1/2 visa?
Saurabh
I was applied for h1b
And while online tracking it saws ” hold case/221g and refusal 214b
Very tence
221g white,
H-1B is a dual intent visa, so it may not apply to your case. Maybe its a generic message that they show to all applicants who are issued 221g or 214b. In either case just wait for them to complete their processing. Unfortunately, there is no SLA for this.
How many of u r waiting with rfe response recvd on oct 1st week?
Eac Oct 3rd rfe received and waiting to
waiting since oct 19th… and status got change “Name was updated” on Jan 19th..
Don’t know what’s going behind…. Lets hope for the best.
Is there anyone who applied from Asklepian Inc got approval or stuck in RFE response received state. I am waiting from Oct 2nd EAC.
hi,
me too… from asklepian and my RFE recieved since oct 2, EAC.
Hi Reddy,
I am not able to reach anyone in Asklepain to find out the status. Did you speak to anyone? pls share your email id.
Reddy & RP,
Please share u r mail i d. mine is —
d u n i y a d e a l s (dot) c o m (at) g m a i l (dot) c o m
thanks,
Me too stuck on RFE received on 2nd oct. did spoke some time back but, only response they give was to wait and watch. one i am aware was rejected way back in december.
not sure of any approval so far. any one having approval from asklepian please revert.
Reddy & RP,
Please share u r mail i d. mine is —
d u n i y a d e a l s (dot) c o m (at) g m a i l (dot) c o m
thanks,
RFE response received since Oct 5… Vermont center… Keeping fingers crossed
I am waiting from Oct 29 th..Still same status…Its too delay .
I had my H1B visa interview on 28 Jan @ chennai consulate. VO asked about my in-house projects & offer letter. After collecting asked me to wait. I waited for 3 hours and got a phone call in the office. One lady asked whether I have my company tax return document with me, which I hadn’t. I waited again 2 hours and finally VO called and issued a 221g blue slip with none of the documents mentioned/checked. Also returned the passport and documents collected.
1. Is my visa going to be rejected, especially when they returned my passport?
2. Else, how long generally it will take for a visa approval?
3. How come my employer know which document they need, when they haven’t mentioned/checked anything on the blue slip given to me?
Somebody please help me.
Hi,
Can you please let us know the consultancy or location of consultancy
221g blue slip – Administrative processing before a final decision,
1. Your visa is refused as 221g was issued. They returned the passport as they don’t know how much time processing would take and don’t want to keep the passport for so long.
2. Processing time varies from case to case. It can take few days to several months
3. If consulate or USCIS need any specific document, they will contact you or the employer.
WAC151435… still waiting. Planning to upgrade to premium processing, should I or just wait for more days?
If your employer agrees to, and if you have the cash, go for it. You can earn that money back in a week. No point wasting time waiting like this.
I wish I could.
Hi Saurabh,
Even I am also planning to upgrade to premium but my consultancy saying don’t go at this time. I am not understanding why they are not ready even though I am ready to pay premium amount. Please suggest.
My case num: WAS1514XXXXXX
RFE docs received date: 24th Nov
Nandi,
If something went wrong during fresh PP verification, it may be just a trial miss for you. But, for employer, they ll loose their license, _____, etc…
That may be stopping them to take a step… If it is a consultancy, Believe it or not, They ll have 100times more tension than you… Don’t take this as -ve..
I am waiting since Oct 27th in RFE received state, even my employer z not willing to go for PP.. 🙁
Hmm..ok got it. thanks for your update chanti.
Nandi,
Some employers feel that upgrading to PP leads to denial b/c of extra scrutiny. However, this is just an urban legend and upgrading to PP doesn’t guarantee denial.
Even am waiting since oct 5 th as rfe received. Still no updates. 🙁
worried a lot..’EAC…’
Waiting sep 15, WAC…
“Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received”
I am also waiting from Sep 23, California center.
Any plans to upgrade it to PP ?
My employer told me that we can’t convert this to PP at this time..
Hi saurabh,
my H1b visa approved with my old passport xxxxx surname which was expired.So i applied for new passport changed my surname yyyyy .I received my approved 1797 with old surname .Does it create any problem to transfer my h1b to new employer with new passport.please reply thank you in advance,
aruna,
If your official name has changed to YYYY, then you should get it updated in your 797. It may be ok to have XXXX in your current 797, but when transferring H-1, you can request for updated name.
hi,
Anybody applied from I ERA TECHNOLOSIES OR EBIS MINDS.Please reply.
Oct 5th… 🙁
I am waiting f since Oct 6 from Vermont Center..