Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » H1B Visa 2017 – News, Quota, Cap, Predictions, Lottery, FAQs
H1B Visa 2017 News Updates, Fees , Lottery Predictions, LCA - Processing Times, FAQs.

H1B Visa 2017 – News, Quota, Cap, Predictions, Lottery, FAQs

| by | 23,619 Comments

If you were one of the unlucky ones not picked in whopping 233,000 H1B 2016 Lottery Applications , you might be already wondering when is the next H1B season going to start.  Also, some of you may be studying in US and some working abroad and planning to work in US next year. This page will be constantly updated with the latest details and commonly asked questions around the next upcoming H1B Visa fiscal year of 2017 season news and updates.
[alert type=”warning” close=”false” heading=”H1B Visa Cap reached for FY 2017, Lottery Done “]  On April 7th, H1B Cap for FY 2017 was reached. Lottery was done on April 9th. Read News Summary – Over 236,000 Petitions for FY2017 [/alert]

When will the H1B visa 2017 season start ? Date ?

Short answer April 1st 2016. Typically, USCIS will start to accept petitions for the next fiscal year starting from April 1st of the previous fiscal year. USCIS fiscal year is from October 1st to September 30th. So, for H1B quota of fiscal year 2017, which starts from October 1st, 2017, USCIS would typically accept applications from April 1st, 2016.  The H1B Visa 2016 season started on April 1st of 2015.  Also, in the H1B Rejected Notices of 2016, USCIS mentioned that, the non-selected candidates can file H1B petitions for FY 2017 on or after April 1st, 2016.

USCIS announced on March 16th, 2016 that they will accept FY 2017 petitions from April 1st, 2016. Read Summary of USCIS press release FY 2017 .
Also, we have written an article summarizing on What to expect in H1B FY 2017 Season 

What is H1B 2017 Cap ? What are the H1B 2017 Quota numbers ? Regular vs Masters ?
If you new to H1B, I suggest you read All about H1B Visa Cap- Regular vs Masters. In simple terms H1B cap is a congressional mandated maximum number of petitions that USCIS can accept in a year.  As of now, below are the H1B cap number for fiscal year 2017.  The below numbers are confirmed in press release by USCIS on Mar 16, 2016.

  • Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
  • H1B Master’s Degree Quota ( only US Master 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.

There have been many discussions around change in H1B cap numbers by Obama administration since 2013. The planned proposal was to increase the regular quota cap to 110,000 and Masters quota to 25,000.  No changes for FY 2017, the above numbers of 65,000 and 20,000 are officially confirmed by USCIS in their press release.

What is H1B Visa 2017 Prediction? Will there be Lottery again for FY 2017

Update :  USCIS Updated on April 12th, 2016 that they have received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota and the lottery was completed on April 9th.

Looking at the past trend of H1B season in the past three years, we could very likely have lottery for FY 2017. Last year for FY 2016 quota, there were 233,000 applications. We have done a detail analysis with the H4 Visa EAD rule in place considering the economy, students graduating, OPT news, etc.  You should read  article H1B Visa 2017 Lottery Prediction News, results, Date .

If H1B lottery, will there be any preference in lottery for Large companies ? Premium Processing 
Well, no preference for anyone, all are treated equally, including premium processing. There are many such misconceptions about lottery process, we have compiled a list of such myths and criteria, you should read Myths of H1B Lottery, Criteria

When to plan for H1B visa 2017 Application ? How soon ? What should be the strategy ?
It is never too late to start planning for your H1B 2017 season. If you plan to work in US on H1B visa in the next coming fiscal year, below are some suggestions based on your situation.

  • F1 Student in USA : If you are studying on F1 visa and about to graduate in next one year, you should seriously look at finding an internship or co-op at companies that can sponsor your H1B visa. You can search for H1B Sponsors in a particular area using our H1B Sponsors Search Tool and try to get an internship to work there on CPT or OPT after you graduate. This is a strategic move and will require sometime, so plan well.
  • Professional from outside USA : If you are a working professional outside US, planning to work in US on H1B, your best bet is to find Multinational companies that have major US presence and secure a job there, so that you can position internally for applying to H1B visa, when the season starts. This is a very strategic decision, you need to carefully assess your options, speak to the company if such options exist and then only choose it.
  • Other H4, L1 Visas : If you are on these visas, your best bet is to find companies just like I mentioned for F1 students that sponsor H1B visas and start interviewing and keeping the conversation going so that you can ask them to file H1B when the season starts.

We have put together a Step by Step Plan on How to apply for H1B 2017 Quota

How do I find a H1B Visa Sponsor – The most asked million dollar question ?
If you are student in the US, it is very straight forward, you find the list of H1B Sponsoring companies using the tool in an area as I mentioned above and get an internship in one of them so that they can sponsor your H1B visa.   Unlike, if you are coming from outside US, it can be tricky.  If you work for an Multinational company ( MNC), then they will have some internal process to pick the candidates and then process H1B visa for them…The other option that has been used and abused is the consulting companies route…Many a times, the H1B aspirants approach a body shop IT consulting company to file H1B for them and they apply for the same. It gets nasty with the body shop consulting companies.  The comments on this H1B Companies Reviews article are quite eye opening. I advise, you beware of the consulting companies and avoid fraud.  Also, WE as RedBus2US do NOT provide any guidance or assistance or sponsor anything. If someone claims that, it is pure fraud and they are trying to trick you, we are not responsible for that. Please be careful. Anyways, for various other options , You may read article How to find H1B 2017 Sponsors

What is the H1B visa 2017 filing fee ? Is it same or any changes ?
It changed slightly this year with the Omnibus Bill passed in December 2015, that will increase the H1B filing fee by $4000 for FY 2017, until 2025 for certain companies that have over 50 employees and have more than 50% of their employees as H1B or L1 visa holders in USA.  Check USCIS Guidelines on H1B Fee increase. Depending on the size of the company, the H1B filing fee can vary anywhere from $1,600 USD to $7,400 USD + Attorney Fee. There are various fees components that make up this number range, for more details Read Summary of H1B Filing Fee 2017 – Who pays for What ? . Below is a high level summary. Also, one key change is that,  there was $2000 USD additional filing fee as per Public Law 111-230, this law expired on Sep 30, 2015 and that is not included anymore.

H1B Fee Component Fee in USD
 Base filing fee $325
AICWA Fee $750  or $1,500
Fraud prevent & detection fee $500
Fee based on Public Law 114-113 ( if applicable) $4000
Premium processing fee (Optional) $1,225
Immigration Attorney Fee Varies from $500 to $3000

What about Comprehensive Immigration Reform(CIR) and Obama Executive Actions for H1B 2017 Quota Increase ? 
There has been many articles and discussions since 2013 around immigration reform by President Obama and changes around and some like below have been discussed in the last couple of years, nothing moved significantly.

  • 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  ( Part of this came up as the fee increase in Omnibus Bill )
  • Additional H1B rules to avoid H1B Visa fraud by employers
  • Mandatory LCA posting for 30 days before it is certified.

The current status on all of the above are basically “No updates”,  there are no set deadlines for any of them and none of these are happening for FY 2017. You may read Summary of CIR Changes to H1B . Officially as per press release on March 16, 2016, the H1B cap is confirmed to be 65,000 for regular and 20,000 for masters…hence, no changes.

What is LCA for H1B Visa ? Processing times ?
LCA is a form that has to be filed with US Dept of Labor and get it certified before filing H1B petition with USCIS. It has to be sent along with H1B Package to USCIS.  It has all the relevant information about the job position like wage, location, title, etc. It takes about 7 working days for processing of the LCA by US Dept of Labor (DOL). You can read complete details at Why is LCA Needed for H1B – Processing Time, Salary 

H1B Visa 2017 Premium Processing Time :

USCIS Updated in their original press release on March 16, 2016 that the premium processing will begin no later than May 16, 2016.  But, on April 22nd, they updated that the premium processing for FY 2017 will begin on May 12th, 2016. What it means is that the official 15 calendar day SLA for premium processing petitions will be starting from 12th.  USCIS may process the petitions early as well, but officially their clock starts on that day.

H1B 2017 Case Tracker  :
Did you apply for FY 2017 ?  We have put together a tracker along with good graphs for analysis. It is completely anonymous as we do not capture your case number or any personal information. It is community contributed data, the more you add, the better for everyone, including  You !

[prompt type=”left” title=”Track your H1B Case” message=” Anonymously Track your H1B Case – Share and Get updated from Community.” button_text=”H1B 2017 Case Tracker” href=”https://redbus2us.com/trackers/h1b-visa-tracker/”]

Most Recent News of FY 2017 H1B
Below is the most recent news regarding H1B 2017 season. You can check the updates page as indicated below for the full history and details.

  • July 8th, 2016 ( Official ) : USCIS released a press note today indicating that they have completed returning all the petitions that were not selected in the H1B lottery for FY 2017. Read More details here 
  • May 2nd, 2016 ( Official Update ) : USCIS updated that data entry is complete for selected petitions in lottery. if you were selected, you should receive receipt notices in 2 to three weeks. If not, the chances are very slim to get selected. You should look at your plan B.  Read H1B Data Entry Complete Article for full details
  • April 22nd, 2016 : (Official Update) USCIS Updated that they will start premium processing from May 12th, instead of May 16th.
  • April 12th, 2016 – 6:30 PM EST : Official Update :  USCIS released a press note that H1B lottery was completed on April 9th and they received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota. Read Press Release Summary  
  • April 12th, 2016 – 11:50 AM CST ( Unofficial Update ) : It is reported on blog by attorney ( immigrationgirl ) that they have received about 40 email receipts of Premium Processing. What it means is that USCIS has already conducted lottery. We will keep you posted with updates. If I am not wrong, they are just drafting the press release now.

[prompt type=”left” title=”H1B 2017 – Latest News Updates” message=” Most recent and complete history of all latest breaking news updates from Official sources like USCIS and Unofficial sources for FY 2017 Season.” button_text=”Latest H1B 2017 News” href=”https://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-2017-cap-count-updates-tracker-news/”]

When is the next H1B Season ?

The next H1B season starts on April 1st, 2017.  Wondering about your next chance for H1B and various details about the next H1B season, check out H1B Visa 2018 FAQs

Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017 ?

USCIS has started to mail out the reject notices for FY 2017 petitions that were not picked in lottery. It says that the start date for next year H1B season is April 1, 2017. You can check out the Sample Reject Notice for FY 2017, Details

We have many more FAQs around H1B Visa 2017. We will continue to keep updating the page with latest news and updates regarding FY 2017. Bookmark this page and keep checking for updates.

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

Other Articles

23,619 Comments

  1. Did anyone from Accenture got VISA update from Mobility team ?
    Last update I got was on June that my application was selected and do not expect update until August 2016.

    Reply

  2. Status Changed to “RFE” from “Case was transferred”. It’s my third attempt and kindda losing my hope.

    2014 – not picked in lottery
    2015 – not picked in lottery
    2016 – Made it (Bit Relief) . received RFE on 1 sep. (Receipt series EAC1614753***) (really frustrated now)

    All the best for those who are waiting for approval and congratulations for those who got approval.
    From past 3 years of my experience on this H1B process, I can say it is pretty usual time USCIS takes to process case so be patience . I wish for all remaining pending cases to get approval.

    Reply

  3. Hi,
    My series starts with EAC16143XXXXX my status show Case Transferres since May. Is there anything to worry about.
    When can i expect my case to get approved?

    Reply

  4. Finally the golden words “Case Was Approved”…!!!
    So happy to see this mail in my mailbox…

    Thank you so much Saurabh for your immense contribution towards providing valuable inputs all the time and of course Thanks to each and everyone here following it and providing valuable information too…!
    Its is really knowledgeable blog-post and real help to keep us alive in this “Game of Patience” 🙂

    Good luck to all of you, who are still waiting and and Congratulations to whom got approval…!!!

    Reply

  5. Hi Friends/Saurabh,

    My H1b got approved for 4 months (Till Jan’17) initially and my employer applied for an amendment of dates for current petition and it was extended to 1 year ( i.e.., 1st Oct ’16 – 30 Sept 2017)

    My concern is my current work location and contract is till 24th September 2017.

    1) What would happen if I travel US with my current petition just 6 days before the expiry date?

    2) Can I re-amend it again requesting for extension of petition validity ? Is it safe to request fir amending the dates twice in such a small span ?

    Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

    Thanks
    H1b_Amend

    Reply

    • H1B_Amend,

      1. You would get I-94 based on updated petition (Sep 30, 2017) and will have to apply for H-1 extension prior to that.
      2. Yes, another extension can be applied as and when needed.

      Reply

  6. Hi Saurab,

    I have a question. The status of a case is in “Case was received” from April. There is also some issues with the particular employer. If we have the soft copy / hard copy of the receipt notice on hand, is it possible to change the employer and file a transfer now in this stage? Please advice and help us out.

    Thank you.

    Reply

  8. Hi Saurabh,

    My petition has been approved. In interview can they ask for client letter or MSA or SOW. I believe they have already verified so that is why they have approved my petition. Please correct me if I am wrong

    Reply

    • Hope you know that petition was approved by USCIS. But visa is issued by US Department of State. They both are entitled to verify what you say. It is again your luck. You are supposed to have those documents ready. Failing might get you into trouble. Most of people who go through desi small consultancy will get more questions.

      Best of luck.

      Reply

    • H1b,

      They are different departments – USCIS and State Department. So each government department can ask for documents to do their own due diligence. At times it looks redundant, but it happens lot of times.

      Reply

  9. HI Saurabh

    Last year in 2015 I have travelled to Abhudhabi (UAE) from my Employeer , due to personal reasons and health issues I have cancelled my 2 years visa in 45 days and back to INDIA .

    Now I am planning to apply for H1B Visa , would you please let me know that will this causes any issue for filing H1B .

    Best Regards
    Sandeep Gunda

    Reply

    • Hope you know H1B visa can only be done by employer. You cannot apply the visa yourself. This year visa process is over. Also there will mostly be a lottery next year.

      Otherwise, there is no issues (unless you crossed the border and went into Syria or Iraq).

      Reply

  15. Hi Saurabh,

    My case EAC161465**** is still showing as ‘Case Was Received’, So in such case I can go ahead and book appointment slot for interview before approval.

    Do we need to provide any additional details(i.e. depended on post case approval) or is it only receipt number while filling the DS-160 form.
    Can you please let me know.

    Reply

    • H1B 2017,

      You can complete the DS form and book the appointment. Things to watch out for:
      1. Your petition may not get approved or get denied by the interview date
      2. Your petition may be approved for a term different from what you entered in the DS form.

      Reply

  16. My application fee check was cashed (cleared ) months back, but did not get the receipt notice. Receipt number not available.
    What might be status of my application ?
    Is it approved?
    just picked?

    Reply

    • Which check… Was it a check you gave to your employer or the one your employer gave to USCIS.

      If it is a desi consultancy, the probability of them fooling you is high.

      As said earlier, when USCIS encashed check, they write the receipt number at the back of it. In US, bank can provide you the image of check put for collection. If your consultant is genuine, he will provide you that. Ask.

      Reply

    • This is the pure case of your employer cheating with you. Your prospective employer is hiding it from you purposely.

      Its not possible that your number is not available but your check is encased.

      Reply

      • I am from a public listed MNC. and I did not paid anything for my visa. Our Imerg dept informed that the cash was withdrawn by USCIS for my application. They will not disclose the details unless they get receipt notice. Few among us got receipt and few got reject. So it seems my company is not cheating. Btw is it a normal case in which check cashed by USCIS and receipt notice did not arrive in months ?
        Also cashed means approval or lot selection only?

        Reply

        • HornBill,

          Most of the times the receipt number is on the back of the cashed check. If employer doesn’t see that, then they should contact USCIS and follow-up on this. They shouldn’t be sitting on their bottoms waiting indefinitely for the receipt number to arrive.

          Reply

    • Abhi,

      Ask your employer to follow-up with USCIS if the check was really cashed and they haven’t received the receipt number yet.

      Reply

  17. Just added the overall (full) visualization for EAC and WAC at https://worktheme.com/tracker. Will update the data today.

    Reply

  19. If I enter US by Jan-2017 with fresh H1 visa, When can my H4 start work in US legally? My spouse is a post graduate with 10+ years experience in an MNC.

    Reply

    • Spouse of H1 people can work once they have reached a particular stage in GC processing (I140 approved).
      Depending upon which category you and your employer choose to file your GC (read about EB1, EB2, EB3) it could take several months to years to become eligible for EAD.

      It would be better if you go with clear understanding of wait involved to avoid frustration later on.

      Reply

  21. I have a H4 dependent Visa which is valid till Sept 2018( where my wife is on H1-B extended valid till Sept 2018), I have visited USA last on 2015 August month and came back due to my Job in India. now my wife is pregent and i want to quit my job and go to USA and take care of her.
    what are the questions i may face at port of entrance. And will i get visa stamping to stay for longer period time say next two years.

    Reply

    • POE Officer: Sir you say, you left US on 2015 August and your wife is pregnant now (2016 August)… And you are going to babysit… Welcome home… !!!

      Reply

  22. Am planning to send my mother-in-law (who doesn’t know English) on B2 Visitor visa as support to my wife (Who is on H1-B valid till Sept 2018) during pregnency. Due to my job engagement am currently resident of Abudhabi. What are the possible questions she might face during visa stamping time in India and also at the port of entry?
    (I heard that we should not say the daughter pregnency time period support for house hold work as it is making less employment to the labours in USA.)

    Reply

  23. Saurabh,

    I received the i797, counsalate mentioned as Chennai where the wait time is huge, can I still book in Hyderabad?

    Another question is if get slot in Chennai for January, is there a possibility that they prepone my case if things going fast?

    Reply

    • you can go to any consulate for stamping…should not affect your case.

      there is no way your appointment will get pre-poned once you book a slot. If earlier slots open up, you may change your date, but you are allowed a max of 2 updates only.

      Reply

  24. Hi Sourabh, I see my case status has been changed from “case received” to “name was updated” today. I know my employer requested for premium processing for my application and I am really confused to see the change in the status. I am sure my name has changed ever.

    Could you please tell me what is likely going on?
    Thank you.

    Reply

      • Thanks for the kind reply. I was expecting a change to premium processing status like-“case was received and a received notice was emailed”. Not sure if the change is because of the premium processing or from the regular processing.

        Reply

  25. I have a PhD in chemistry from a prestigious USA university. My GPA is 4.00. Have 12 peer reviewed publications. Worked under OPT and academic H1B for 4 years in USA. My new company sponsored me H1b visa and I got through the lotterry. We submitted all the documents, but today I got RFE. I don’t know what it is yet. But it is unbeliavable. I can’t think of anything missing there

    Reply

  27. If an H1B gets denied ,due to some reason, will we have to go through the lottery process again . Or can we find another employer and file a new petition under cap exempt. What is the process for this?

    Reply

    • There will be only one lottery process yearly,for cap exempt u should qualify the cap exempt,all the are available in google.
      Why dont u Google it firstu dumb indian

      Reply

    • @ Curious

      If your h1b petition gets denied after RFE/lottery due to some reason, in this case you can re appeal by opening MTR (Motion to Reopen) for which there is no proper time frame to get the result. This can be done if your case and documents are strong and you feel the rejection was due to some error by the officer.
      Your luck will play a very important role here for MTR 🙂
      Lets stay positive. All the best

      Reply

    • @ H1_RFE

      If you are lucky you can even get the result in 30 days, I believe within 90 days you should mostly get an update, in worst case there is no time frame.

      All the best and lets hope you will get a happy result soon 🙂

      Reply

  29. Saurabh,

    Can we upgrade RFE case to Premium along with submitting documents? Or is there any risk of getting denied? As i seen few posts saying the same. Please suggest!

    Reply

    • Padmmaja,

      Yes, it can be upgraded to PP when responding to the RFE. Upgrading to PP will not improve or deteriorate your chances of approval. One thing that may happen is that it gets transferred to another officer when upgraded to PP who after the review may issue another RFE. Each officer treats the case differently.

      Reply

  31. Hi saurabh ,

    i entered USA with h4 . Now i applied COS[h4 to h1b] through one consultancy. My h1b is in progress . My wife has h1b. she is working . she has to go to india next week . Will it affect my COS or h1b approval .

    will it affect my h4 visa ? [because she will go to india next week so if she is here then only my h4 visa is valid else my visa is not valid . is it true ?]

    Reply

    • No. You will be in H4 only. You are safe. She can go for leave. It will not affect your petition. I assume you are not going with her right..?

      Once your h1b COS is approved, you are legally start working in H1b status immediately and the employer should start your payroll in h1b.

      Reply

    • Help,

      You should be fine. If the spouse is traveling just for few days or weeks, you can continue to stay in US on H-4 and still have valid status. If the spouse is going on long term, then its better that you leave US as well with them.

      Did you submit spouse’s I-94 with your H-1 package?

      Reply

        • I think you would have submitted the payslips of your spouse to prove the employment in h1b. upon receiving the i797 H1b with COS, you will get a new i94 slip with same no as your old i94(h4), but it will be associated to your h1b petition #.

          Reply

  33. HYDERABAD WAITING TIME IS 2 DAYS ONLY:
    Waiting Status now,

    Today

    Delhi – 21 Days
    Mumbai – 81 days
    Kolkata – 126 Days
    Hyderbad – 2 Days (decreased)
    Chennai – 130 Days (Increased)

    Last week,

    Delhi – 21 Days (same)
    Mumbai – 81 days (increased)
    Kolkata – 126 Days (same)
    Hyderbad – 13 Days (same)
    Chennai – 120 Days (same)

    Hyderabad 2 days only 🙂

    Reply

  36. Got my petition approved 2 weeks back, however the current project does not have any onsite role, now i have found a new project and they want me to travel by Oct, however the stamping dates are only in the month of January, Can anyone suggest me if there is any way? I see Hyd & Delhi slots available much earlier but can i file an ammendment and get my visa stamped from there. Please help

    Reply

    • H1B approved,

      Yes, you can appear for stamping in Del or Hyd as well. Like you mentioned, an amendment is also required in your case.

      Reply

      • Thank you for the response Saurabh, just a quick question can i do the ammendment after stamping or do i need to do it before stamping? what is your suggestion, Please advice.

        I had this idea because I can atleast proceed with stamping with my previous project details and then later file for ammendment as you know it is really tough to get the dates. Your thoughts please

        Reply

        • H1B approved,

          If you are able to provide supporting documents for current client/location, then go ahead w/ it now. If not, better to get amendment done first.

          Reply

  37. Still waiting for approval/rfe on my case . I am non ad and rp and series is wac-16-143-xxxx . Is this timeline normal and will this affect the date I can travel to US .
    If I get rfe how long it will take to complete the process.

    Reply

    • Hi H1bstatus,

      I am also in the same series EAC 1614355*** did you get any update? Mine is still in “Case was received” status. I am also waiting….thanks

      kind regards,
      sunitha

      Reply

  38. Hi Saurabh,

    My petition was approved in 2012 through my employer. But my visa expired with out travelling. Re-applied again through the same employer in 2015 and was denied. What is the probability of Approval on re-applying the same. The employer is the same but client has been changed now.

    Reply

    • AA,

      You can still apply for cap-exempt petition through same or different employer. You need to submit original approval notice as proof of having made through the H-1. Do you know the reason for denial?

      Reply

  39. My case EAC1614654*** is got approved yesterday. I have been seeing this site from nomination time. This site helped me a lot.. Thanks Admin team…

    All the best guys.. You will receive good news soon 🙂

    Reply

  40. My status is still the same 🙁

    On May 18, 2016, we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16142***** to another USCIS office….

    Reply

  41. Finally got Approval After long wait on 30th of August. Case EAC-16-1455*. Non-AD/RP. I am following this website for the last few months , and its very helpful . A Big thanks to Saurav for doing this great help.

    Reply

    • I too from capgemini, with case (EAC-16-148-5**) transferred on 18 may. Still no status change. Is there anyone else from capgemini being approved?

      Reply

    • Ashish,

      There is no official deadline. They strive to process most petitions by Oct, and almost all of them by Mar 31 (before petitions for next cap are received).

      Reply

      • Hi saurabh,

        Any kind of pattern followed by uscis , in order to process the regular cases applied for h1b . I am not asking approval of h1b . i am asking how they took a case on particular day. for example .

        till now uscis approved some 30000 petitions. Next day uscis employee , will take one case thats is from some EACseries ie EAC16148XXXXX .

        how they are choosing the above EAC series is the next one and XXXXX case is next one to process ? is there any pattern followed by USCIS. or just random.

        Reply

        • USCIS pattern,

          There is no published information on this and so its all guess work how they take up the petitions. Couple of theories:

          1. They take it in sequential order but then some petitions see movement outside this trend.

          2. They give out petitions in bulk to officers who may end up getting petitions from different dates. He continues to go through them, may be one at a time or in parallel. Once he is done, he will take-up another package but that means lot of petitions filed in b/w are still pending w/ other officers and not seeing any movement.

          Reply

          • Saurabh thanks for your reply . May be pattern is based on Employment start date in LCA or based on petition received date and time by USCIS or type of petitions like AD , Non -AD , COS[ L1 , F1 , H4 ] , Consular [ based on countries ].

            Is it possible to find out the pattern using Approved petitions ?

  43. Finally got Approval on 30th of August. Case EAC-16-144-51*. Non-AD/RP. Just wanted to share with all.
    I am following this page from few months and I really want to thank Saurav for doing this great help.

    Reply

    • Its Anybody not “Any body” I dont think (dead) bodies are allowed to petition for H1Bs !!
      How I wish TOEFL was made compulsory for H1B as well. USCIS application processing would have been lot more faster with lesser applicants !

      Reply

      • @Vinay,

        May be you have attempted TOEFL multiple times, showing your frustration here.
        This discussion forum is meant for helping hands on H1B, dont spoil this.

        Reply

        • Waste fellow Vinay:

          @ Vinay .. People like you, are the waste fellows posting these type of unnecessary comments in this site. Better keep quite and guide people if you can. It will be good for everyone.

          Reply

  46. Saurabh,

    “On April 11, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16141*****, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 11, 2016, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.”

    My status still Says this. AD/RP.

    Will be visiting India in January. Should I upgrade it to Premium Processing, or I still got some time before that?

    Kindly help!

    Thank You.

    Reply

    • I think you can afford to wait. By October, you should get a status change and if it’s RFE then you can upgrade it to Premium for faster process. But it’s approval, then it all depends on visa slot availability where even Premium processing can’t help.

      Reply

    • Wait or Upgrade?,

      You can wait for some more time before upgrading to PP. Maybe if you don’t hear anything by Oct-Nov, then upgrade to PP.

      Reply

  47. Hi Guys,

    Is IT-returns compulsory for Visa stamping from India. I have only Form 16 for this year. I am unable to get the previous 2 years. Can I provide any other alternate proof or I can get through with 1 year?
    Any reply would be highly appreciated.

    Reply

  48. Hi Saurabh/kumar,

    I will be travelling from my current company -Company A for 3 weeks to UK starting from 2nd week of October till end of Oct. My employer company B who filed H1B for me ,wants me to get the stamping done by first week of Oct . Will there be any issue if i get H1B stamped from Employer B , before getting UK Visa stamping from Company A ?

    Thanks
    Vishal

    Reply

    • Vishal,

      The order in which you get UK visa and H-1B visa doesn’t matter. They are independent of each other. The thing to watch out for is if you appear for H-1 stamping and they keep your passport for some weeks (administrative processing), then you may not have the passport back by the time UK visa appointment date arrives.

      Reply

  49. After a long wait my petition got denied after the RFE . Don’t know If I can continue with the same petition with some documents etc , any help appreciated .

    Reply

  50. Dear Saurabh/other knowledgeable members,
    My petition, EAC1614551*** has been approved. I want to apply H4 for my wife. She is a govt employee so she has to get NoC from her school. Her school is writing the below sentences

    “The organization has no objection to her for applying dependent US visa (H4) and she can visit USA during long vacations like Summer Vacation, Puja Vacation and Christmas Vacation in school. Also she can use her available leaves to stay at USA. Also the organization is ready to grant any emergency leaves if required.”

    Can you please suggest me if it is mandatory to mention any specific date or duration of granted leaves in NoC? I am really not getting much help either from my company or from Google.

    Is there any chance of rejecting H1B application if the H4 document does not meet their expectation?

    Reply

    • Ashish Mondal,

      There is no set NOC format. I think it should be fine. There is a good chance that they won’t even ask for it.

      Reply

      • Hi Saurabh,
        I have the same case as Mr.Ashish. My wife is working in state govt. Do I need to mention anything specific in NOC.

        My case is still in transferred status and when can we expect the processing of transferred cases??.

        Thank you
        Sai

        Reply

        • Sa-H1B,

          There is no specific format for the NOC. Some of the transferred cases have already been approved. Others may get processed in next few months.

          Reply

Leave a Comment