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]
- H1B 2017 season start date ?
- H1B Cap for FY 2017- Regular ? Masters ?
- H1B 2017 Predictions? Lottery?
- H1B Lottery Myths ?
- How to plan for H1B FY 2017 ?
- How to find H1B Sponsors for FY 2017 ?
- What is H1B Fee ? Details
- Any impact of Comprehensive Immigration Reform(CIR) on H1B
- What is H1B LCA
- H1B 2017 Premium Processing
- H1B 2017 Case Tracker
- Latest News Update of H1B 2017
- When is the next H1B Season ?
- Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017
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
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.
EAC1425****
May 18 – Case was transferred
Sep 10 – Request for additional evidence mailed
Awaiting to check with employer on the RFE details.
Alright, USCIS might be telling us not to check anymore or check once a week. The site is not working again (this is second time)
Its now working
There’s a schedule maintenance activity as per their news release
It’s not working for me
Sad story. Day by day my hope of getting H1 turning into sadness.. Here is my history.. I work for top MNC.. MY B1 was denied in 2009, B1 was denied in 2012, L1B individual petition was denied in 2013, H1B application was not selected in lottery year 2014, H1B application was not selected in lottery year 2015, Last attempt was this year and Finally H1B selected in current year lottery but turned into RFE now. Very sad 🙁
Dont worry. RFEs are common. you will through it
Very very sad story but I pretty confident and after reading your sad story I can sense of your positive result very soon.
All the best.
My case no is Eac16149***
Changed to PP and got RFE
Slowest series got updated (EAC1614454***)
Status updated to what I wasn’t expecting 🙁
Its RFE 🙁
18 May – Case was transferred to another office.
10-Sep – Request for additional evidence was mailed.
Did you convert it to PP?
Jack
Nope. I haven’t converted it to PP. It was RP.
Which all documents are they asking for evidence?
2ndTimer
I don’t know yet, what evidence they require. I have asked my employer about it but no feedback from the employer up til now.
Waiting and only waiting….
good to see lot of active ppl here and helping each other….i am working one of the top MNC in India and as usual do not have file number however i got that my application got selected in lottery but till then i am just waiting for those golden words ( time has changed )….not sure when i will hear that. best of luck to everyone.
Can you please let us know Which MNC you are from??
USCIS started buying time by issuing RFEs. all the have one month of time with around 20k cases to be reviewed in their hands.
FYI… USCIS is not obligated to process all applications before October.
IMO, they infact don’t need to send RFE to buy in time. They can take all their time to respond back.
Again it is a human that will review the documents. So it all depends on the individual’s situation and opinions. More like your language teacher… Some time you get good score and some time not…
Best of luck.
i saw a lot of cases where both petitions were same but one of them was rejected.
i know the last year timeline so i do not think OCT1 is the deadline. some people here made comments that some employers got mails like USCIS was about to try to review all petitions by OCT.
So what’s your point ?
So it is pure luck whether they will approve or give RFE. Getting RFE is common, but if you respond RFE without right documents, it might get denied also.
Even after getting approval, it is difficult to get your visa stamped without any 221g. Nowadays they are issuing 221g during visa interviews. So make sure you have enough documents to support from both employer and your end.
I saw multiple cases in my organization very similar where one of them approved and other one RFE.. so in my opinion it depends on individual who review petition.
Hi all,
My case status has been changed from “case was recieved” to ” Notice explaining USCIS’ actions was mailed”
On September 10, 2016, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC16147*****. We mailed you a notice informing you of the action we intend to take on your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice and submit any requested materials. If you do not receive your notice by September 24, 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.
What does this mean?Please help.
TIA
Could you please tell who is your employer.
It is mainly related to employer related documents (Ability to pay, tax details, financial condition) or it may be NOID (Notice of Intend to Deny)
FYI: Above details I came to know through various blogs but it may not be 100% correct.
You will come to know the exact details once your employer receives the physical copy of Notice
Still waiting EAC16147560xx.
EAC1614652*** killing wait… can we expect result by end of this year…
Hi All,
my case got approved, so just want to now what would be the next step.
Is there any other document i can expect fro USICS?
is there any action point pending from my side?
Please help on this.
Shivaay
USCIS will send you the petition approval I797 form within 2 weeks of time.you can go ahead and fill up your DS160 and schedule the appointment for visa stamping. Make sure you keep the original I797 which you receive safely with you. This will have your visa validity and case approval details.
Congrats!
What is your series and What date and time you got your decision ?
If you have got REF and then approved, pls share your thoughts here ?
Hi Saurabh or any knowledgeable mates,
My employer was trying to book interview slot at Kolkata Consulate but it seems they have stopped giving slot at this moment because the wait time (120 days) in Kolkata is the highest among all Consulate across India.
I am thinking of booking my slot at Hyderabad. I have the following queries
1. My petition has been approved for Kolkata and filled DS160 for Kolkata. Do i need to fill DS160 again for Hyderabad?
2. Chances of rejection for changing consulate for visa interview.
Thanks in advance…
Hi Friend,
I am trying to book slot in Hyderabd but it s showing next available slot is in January.
Please let me know if I am checking correctly or not
There is nothing like H1B Visa approved for particular location.
When u want shcedule interview you should fill a separate DS160 form for each consulate.
If you do some mistakes in 1 DS160 for particular location, you can fill an another form for same location
Waiting for H1B interview,
1. You can appear in Hyd with same DS form.
2. Doesn’t impact
My friend’s consultancy is strongly advising her against going for PP. Actualy they are simply refusing to do it on her request. What could be the reason? Saurabh/Kumar/anybody?
Ofcourse, she is ready to pay.
As such there is nothing any issue to upgrade in PP. Actually people are in dilemma that if they will upgrade the application then USCIS will doubt on that case and USCIS might be reject the application but nothing like this. It’s my observation.
Regards
Raj
there are lot of cases in my friends and in this same forum where they went for pp last 3 weeks ,my own friends went for pp last week and simply status changed to case status changed to rfe and then to rejection.ofcourse your attorney can ask reason for rejection and try to make it positive but thats only happens for 1 in 1000.
so dont even dare to go for pp a this moment.
Hi,
anyone update from series EAC 16147XXXXX? Since 18th May My case status shows case transferred to another office. Please help to update if anyone has received any update from the same series.
This series is slowest… they r approving 5-10 case a day… hopefully will get something by Mid Oct
Thank you so much for the update. Lets see when can we hear the golden words ‘Case approved’ 🙂
Yes, it is absolutely true, This is the very slowest series in the entire process of H1B.
By the way, I am in the same series, EAC161475****
Hi,
Thanks. All the best. Lets hope and pray that we hear good new of case approved soon.
Seeing many rfe being rejected even for mncs also.this is making me really worried now
one of my friend in other company made his petition to premium last week but his status today says denied rejected, dont know the reason yet his attorney might figure it out i think.
Regular eac,
Do you know what were the ref queries. Can you share it pls?
he said he got 2 rfe queries one for his background and other for his company
Any from series WAC161415****?
Still waiting and no change in the status since April 24 (actually shows April 11)
How do we define consultancy? Reason why i am asking is.. I have received RFE asking Employer-Employee relationship. Many folks in this forum saying if it is consultancy, chances of approval are slim. Do we call Top MNC’s like Infy, Wipro, Accenture, Capgemin as consultancy? As i belong to one of Top MNC’s, i am not sure if they are called as consultancy. Also i am not sure about chances of my H1 approval after RFE which is making me to worry as this is my 3rd attempt and also final attempt for H1. Any feedback is much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
It is a normal RFE, just MSA with client or client letter should work.
the reason petitions will get declined rom consultancies because of bad company profile either tax payments,any previous red alerts etc, if the consultancy is maintaining good tax doc,deans number etc.
consultancies with $1M or $2 M insurances will be in this room.
consultancies with $5M insurance will have no trouble they will be always under USCIS eye, so they will have good health of the company.
if you ask me how to findout either $1m or $5M no you cant ,a normal employee no way he can do it,only internal staff will have this info accounts people i mean.
find a an irs dataset and then run an emr job to find your company’s tax returns.
Last weekend i found the dataset and thought of doing and then thought its no use anyway this time.
if you are able to find tax returns it doesn’t mean that company is fully paying the taxes to the USCIS,thats called choking,thats what all desis do in US.
how i know all this info because i am in same line.
Thank you all for response!
Same series: approved after 10 days in PP. Wishing the best to you!
EAC1614754*** series. Hoping to get update at least before this month end. Its painful to see still ‘Case was received’ status at the month of September.
Me to same EAC1614752***. Still waiting…..
No of RFES are more now.
How many cases are pending from california center or WAC?
6k.
EAC 14k
Thanks suresh
six months of waiting come to an end!!!..yessssss finally my case got approved yesterday..Thanks to this forum and All the best to everyone waiting for approval, soon will hear a good news!!
Whats your series number?
EAC1614252***
Anyone booked Interview slots at HYDERABAD consulate office, Is it available within 2 days ? Any idea?
Can you please share where you can see dates for visa appointment .?
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html/
Hi,
I am trying to book slot in Hyderbad but slots are not available till january.
I am in confusion whether I am checking correctly or not beacuse wait itme in HYD is showing 3 days but actually not available till january.
I am fed up tracking for the last 6 months, same text “Your Case was received”
I will stop for a month … better read some newspaper/track cricket score.
Go forr PP, you will get updated in 2days…
I upgrade my case and it’s been 5 days..!! Still waiting..!!
It all depends swapnil but 15 days is any how on their SlA.
Booked th slot on Jan 18 and Feb 1st week for counsellor.
Thanks
Hi ,
Which location you have booked interview slot.
I am trying to book visa slot in hyderabad location but slots are available in only January.
Regards,
I have bookd in Chennai..
Any one in series are waiting for approval WAC 161455XXXX
Same here. Waiting waiting waiting!
Hi,
I am in series EAC16445**** Case was received since Apr 11.
Anyone in this series got approved.Not sure how long need to wait for approval.
Please share if you have any info
Thanks
sorry my series is EAC16144****
even me 2
Hi gayathri,
I am also waiting eac1614355*** still showing case received. Its so painful to see the status from april month. Hoping for the best.
Same with my series EAC16144******. Still ‘ Cased Approved ‘ ..
Case Approved??
Case Received – I mean 🙂 ,,,,
i am in same eac16144519XX.
3rd time petetion, we need to wait until october 30
Same series : EAC161445*
Still waiting and it seems the series has not yet started processing anything.
I am done with H1B Visa stamping interview at interview location. All the best to everyone in this portal who are waiting for approval or pending with the visa stamping.
This is wonderful website to know information about the H1b Visa process. Thanks to Saurabh and all other members who are posting the comments
Whats your series number?
EAC1614254xxx
Can you share the interview details…what questions did they asked you.
its the very basic questions:
1) who is ur petetioner?
2) which city you are going to?
3) whats your salary in US?
4) What is ur designation in India and US?
5) Do u have friends or relatives?
6) How long you have been working with current employer?
question to my wife:
1) How long you have been married?
At which center you gave interview.? Share the site where you can see dates available for visa stamping.?
Thanks Shan.
Much appreciated for sharing the stamping experience.
This is what I expected from others as well who attend visa interview.
Hello ,
After your petition was approved , how many days USCIS has taken to send your hard copy ?
Thanks,
VV
Hi VV,
For me it took 22 days to receive I797 form after approval.
I got RFE in mid August , and after submission of documents i haven’t received any update .
Any idea how much time it will take to reflect the changed status on the website.
It,
It should change within few days. If not, employer should follow-up w/ USCIS.
Finally heard golden words case was Approved
Series EAC16142*****
congrats
Congratz!..waiting for the same Series!!..when did you get the approval email? will it usually be India time or US time?
It approved at 10pm india time, they update any time better install App and set alert. It will take 10 days to get Hard copy.
How do you know that it will take only 10 days to receive your hard copy
Great !!! Mine is also in same series . Its been a long wait. Hoping It will get processed soon.
Why no one booking slots in slots in Hyderabad, is it true that there is lot of scrutiny there? Wait time is 3 days but still no one is ready to book?
Thanks
Hi All,
Its showing wrong data as 2 days waiting period for visa slot in Hyderabad.
However when I am trying to book slot,Available slot is January 10th.
Did any facing the same issue?
Slots available for Sept/Oct in hyderabad/Chennai?
Please help me
Its showing wrong data as 2 days waiting period for visa slot in Hyderabad.
However when I am trying to book slot,Available slot is January 10th.
Did any facing the same issue?
Slots available for Sept/Oct in hyderabad/Chennai?
Please help me
All , Iam not seeing any updates on Visa interview experience, could someone share please..I am still waiting to book slots…
Thanks
Hi,
Today I am done with Visa stamping interview at Hyderabad location successfully. I am from on e of top MNCs in India.
Please see the questions in reply to one of the post in this page.
Which MNC you are from Shan??
Hi Saurabh,
Got RFE asking about my education being related to the position applied. I have got 7+ years IT experience and my Btech specialization is Electronics and Communication.
Please let me know is it sufficient if i provide my IT work experience reference letters as evidence.
Kindly Suggest!
you need to check with your employer,you yourself said your rfe is about education and how can u provide documents regarding ur work.
Anil,
To provide evidence(by providing experience letters) like i have got IT experience to be eligible for the job applied though i got degree in ECE.
@Padmmaja
It all depends on LCA.
Your qualifications/experience must match the LCA. If the LCA filed for that opening was different than that of yours, then it becomes unpleasant.
Usually employeer’s attorney get your educational qualifications and experience to makeup a LCA (that looks close to what is your situation).
If there is a mismatch, then USCIS will question it through RFE. Best of luck.
Helper,
Ok. I got it. Thank you very much!
You can provide them the Education evolution certificate which can be done by some third party organizations. Check with employer/attorney.
Tolstoy,
Ok. I will check with them. Thank you for the info!
H1B needs bachelor degree or equivalent work experience to transform it to bachelor degree in related job area. Your employer needs to justify how your degree is connected to the position they are offering.
Bachelor degree in related field
Bachelor degree + work experience (4 year of work in related field = 1 year of Bachelor degree)
My friend has 2 year BCOM degree + 14 years of experience. He is working in US for last 3 years in US. His employer has filed for GC too.
H1B Expert,
Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation.
My case, I hold Bachelors degree in ECE + 8 years IT experience.
Job offered is related to IT.
So my query, will it help if I provide all my IT experience letters as evidence?
Appreciate your help!
Hi Padmaja,
It depends on your lawyer. Every H1B application filed for people having foreign degree needs evaluation by degree evaluater. You can google it and get the details. As immigration officer do not understand other country degree requirements and cannot match it to US bachelor degree if they have some doubts they will issue an RFE. It will totally depend on the lawyer how he present the case and documents.
Hi H1BExpert,
Could you clarify me the below.
Myne is: M.Sc (Organic Chemistry) and having 8.9 years of chemical experience.
But I was moved to software side. Now having 7+ years of IT experience on SAP.
I was applied for H1B On IT on SAP.
__________________________________________
Based on my M.Sc (organic chemistry)+ 7 and half years of IT experience can I get approval.
Now 8+ years of IT experience on SAP.
Please clarify me.
Yes you can get your H1B approved provided the lawyer files it appropriately.
Thanks for the good response “H1BExpert”.
Yesterday I was received RFE. I hope It will approve.
Hi,
I have two H1Bs approved from two different employers. when should I notify my second employer to withdraw the approved petition?
Getting 1 h1b itself is great deal , How you got two h1b approvals?
This is why its all about luck. no talent here
I got PhD in computer science..whats your talent Mr. Einstien Suresh…
LuckyUnlucky,
If you are outside US, then I would notify the other employer after getting the visa stamped. If you are inside US and H-1 is approved w/ COS, then I would notify soon before COS effective date.
The attorney following up my case received this information from USCIS 2 weeks ago, I share it with you all:
“USCIS is making its best effort to complete all H-1B cap subject cases prior to 10/1, but cannot guarantee it. They are trying to issue all RFEs prior to 10/1. SCOPS urges petitioners to quickly respond to RFEs to facilitate adjudication by October 1.”
I hope this message finds everyone well! I’m also waiting!!!
Peter. Thanks for the message. I can see some light at the end of the tunnel now. It’s motivating.
Thank you for sharing
Hi Peter,
Thank you so much for sharing this message. It gives me hope and positivity to wait for the best. Thanks once again
There are still 15k applications yet to be processed from Vermont center alone.
So they have to process 500 per day even to give an RFE
Hi suresh,
what is the current rate of processing for vermont ? somebody was saying it started processing 350 + per day
Check this link out
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pMsGtKC6sGS2uj4JL3JX5IYytzU5jJO_qJ-UJKXiCr4/edit#gid=237954566
Thanks Peter for the update. We will wait until this September ends.
Hi All,
Is there any deadline for USCIS to approve all the pending cases? I am from Accenture and not received any update regarding my case status, moreover they did not share Receipt Number so we cannot check by our own.
Is there any deadline on part of USCIS to process all the pending cases?
Thanks
Any approvals for RFE, Regular Processing ?
I hope it doesn’t take more than a month, they just send the response to RFE yesterday so hopefully they get to it soon, has anyone received result to RFE without premium fast???
Thanks
Hey Man! I’m also waiting. Accenture has not provided any update to us yet.
I got an email 3 weeks ago that my application is in RFE.
Any approval after RFE? Did you apply for premium processing? Thanks!
Hi Saurab,
Could you please guide me on this.
My H1-B Case got approved yesterday.
In howmany days i will get approval notice..?
is approval notice required for visa stamping..?
Your attorney will get the I797 hardcopy with a max of 10 days (should be much sooner)
Yes, 797 is a must during your visa interview
Vishal,
Will the attorney then post the hardcopy of I797 to us ?
Regards,
Dechen
They will have to give it to you eventually, since you need it for your visa interview.
Thanks Vishal.
Thank you Vishal..But one thing..can’t we schedule visa interview without I797..?
You can… if you know the dates on your Labor.
But then if the 797 dates dont match with your Labor, you will have to update it on your DS-160.
Ideally its recommended to wait till you get your 797 to avoid any updates/corrections later, however, its upto you and your employer to decide.
saurabh my frnds H1b got denied after RFE ?What does this mean? he cannot enter into US now?
I got RFE yesterday.. I’m worried now..
Denied means rejected,then how can u enter US without the h1b.
Just simple thing use brain.
Did you apply via nay consultancy? What was the reason for RFE?
Anyone from Metanoia Solutions Inc. based in Virginia ? Wait for my transferred case to be updated for 5 months. Any of you out there with the same company ?
Hi Guys,
What documents are required while going for visa stamping. Will the agency or USCIS post us required documents or how does it work?
Please let me know.
Here are some required doc list. Not all are mandatory though and yes all the employer related docs will be mailed by your employer.
1. Passport
2. I-797 – Original
3. DS-160 confirmation page
4. Original interview appointment letter
5. I-129 &H1B cover letter
6. Copy of LCA
7. Pay stubs for the last 2 years
8. Employer letter/ Employment Verification Letter
9. Client Letter – Make sure Client mention Petitioner’s name in the Letter
10. Vendor letter
11. Employer agreement / Employment contract letter signed by you and Employer Company (Original) / Contract between candidate and petitioner
12. Experience letters
13. Project documents
14. Employer Tax returns 3 years and financial statements
15. Quarterly unemployment wage reports for last 6 quarters and Employers list (Org chart)
16. H1B visa petition and supporting docs filed with USCIS
17. SOW (Vendor – Client) / Contract between vendor and client – IF Possible
18. Work Orders / Purchase order (Employer – Vendor)
19. Contract between petitioner and vendor
20. Proof of payment
21. Letters verifying your employment history and specific work skills (promotion/ appreciation/project certification letters) (if available/applicable)
22. W2’s and Tax Returns (for the entire period of your stay in USA)
23. Bank statements for last 2 years highlighting Direct deposits (Optional)
24. Updated Resume
25. I 20’s (All Original)–If you did mastesr’s
26. OPT Cards–If you did mastesr’s
27. Work location pictures
28. Client ID/Badge, Employer ID/Badge
29. Timesheets
30. All Original Academic Credentials along with mark sheets(MS, BTECH, INTER, 10th)
31. SSN card–optional
32. Drivers license–optional
33. A detail report on the project that you will work on at client including the technical details, timeline, current status, employees assigned etc. / Status Reports
Finally the wait is over. My petition got approved yesterday around 11:30am IST series is WAC161435****
I am also in the same series can u share 2 more numbers
Congrats 🙂
Finally Status changed to RFE after long wait………..
Not able to see Status as RFE.
Anyone help me out regarding RFE.
what kind of documents they may ask in case of RFE.
Check with ur employer
Finally..The wait is over..My case got approved yesterday. EAC1614652***
Congrats
HI YoursPune_H1_2nd_Time,
At what time you have received notification , that your case has been approved.
I have checked yesterday morning..and the status displayed as approved..
Got my EAC16148xxxxx approved on September 7. This is my 3rd try. Was earlier moved to another processing center.
I am already in US on L1B 4 th year working for a product company 8 years totally.
Best of luck to everyone. Hope everyone’s dream come true.
So you number EAC1614855213 right ?
Hi Saurabh
I am in a confused state now
I was on H4 when we applied H1.My H1 is picked this year and is in Received state
In the mean time my husband’s H1 transfer got denied on August 1.
So, they refiled H1 transfer for Consular process in PP on Sep 2. and they filed me as H4 for him
We are expecting the result by Sep 17.Once it gets approved,he have to travel to India for stamping
Do I need to travel if my H1 gets approved ?
Can I stay back as my H1 is in pending state.BecauseI learnt that if I travel my Cos would have negative effect.
Thanks a ton in advance
Nikhitha
In my opinion, If you guys are already in USA and if your hubby’s original H1B still valid, you should be OK. You may get approval with COS abandoned. You will need to get stamping to start H1B. But If he lost his existing job, it is not good, and you both are out of status and might get into issues.
It all depends on your hubby’s H1B status.
His denial notice says we can stay till I 94 expires..and we have I 94 till May 2017..at present we are out of status…mostly in 2 weeks we might be back to status…he would be h1 and me h4..
Good. Important point to know is, even though I94 is valid, your hubby must be in payroll to make it valid. Hope he applied for transfer by choice and not due to situation like layoffs.
In that case, denial for transfer will not impact existing status and he can continue to work for current employer. And your H1 should not have any problem other then the employer’s credibility here in US.
Hi Everyone,
After a longggg wait i could see the change in status from “case received” to “Request for Additional Evidence Required” . It hurts to see this :'( But yes no one can change the fate…
Kindly clarify my below queries please,
1)What is the time gap to receive the rfe detail in mail after the change in status in website?
2)Any idea on possibility of getting approval at this time for RFE?
3)Right now am on H4. Will i be considered as H1B Visa holder as on October 1st or It will be effective only if it is Approved?
Thank you for the reply in Advance
Sorry to hear that pal.
RFE now will take at least a month to respond and another 2 to 4 months for decision.
Only after approval your status changes.
Best of luck if you gone through a desi consultancy.
@H1b_Waiting…. Thank you soo much for the reply and information…
@H1b_Waiting…
All the Best for your H1B…
I got the RFE letter in the mail in only 4 days after it changed online, they gave me until October 15 to reply and sent everything back to them yesterday Sept 7, they did request a lot of me so praying is all I have, good luck, I’m sure you’ll get through it 🙂
I too got RFE asking for lot of documents on August 31st
Is your RFE on Employer-Employee relationship?
I too received same RFE. The issue is my project will end this Year and I have to submit SOW before November. One more issue is my LCA is for NY location but my work place is Chicago. Same client. Not sure how it will work out.
@Praying!!!!!!!….
Thank you for the information and wish… Much Appreciated!…
Waiting for the employer mail/call for the details on RFE received…
All the Best to you too… 🙂
Hi Guys
Anyone applied from Experis this year? If yes please send me your mobile number on er_nitish_jain@yahoo.com, will add you in our whatsapp group for sharing the updates..
Just wondering do this RedBus2 forum also has any whatsapp group so that we can get instant updates and news?
Thanks
NJ
My status is still under “my case was received”. I just leant that I was pregnant and I would like to give birth in my home country and move to the US in 8 months (provided that my h1b finally gets approved).
1. If my h1b gets approved will that be a problem if I move to the US 7/8 months later? Is there a deadline to enter the US and start working for my employer?
2. Should I get the visa stamped immediately after it has been approved or wait a couple of months?
Thank you for your help!
You can enter US at any time during your visa validity period.
Once you have approved H1B petition, You can attend visa interview immediately or after few months depending on appointments at US consulates, there is no issues as long as you have valid approved petition and updated documents.
Thank you for your response, much appreciated!
Hi Saurabh,
My H4 is expiring on Oct-31 and H1 Case is still under processing. As I applied for COS, I am informed not file for H4 extension.
1. Will I be able to stay in US post expiry of my H4, as my H1 application is undergoing ?
2. If I apply for H4 extension will that have a negative impact on my H1?
3. Finally, the option of going premium mode is only possible way out?
yes, go for premium right away in this case. you should have done this a few months back. if your h1b is not approved or got RFE, you cant stay in US beyond your H4 expiry date. So better make it premium and get approval or RFE(incase of RFE, respond to RFE soon, you will get the update with in 15 days). So act soon. you have around 1.6 months time left before your h4 expiry.
Hi Ria,
I am also in de same situation…. De consultancy is not ok to go for pp too as it might have negative impact…
Hi Ria,
I m in de same situation…. Can u pls email me to jee.h42h1b@gmail.com… We ll discuss more on this. Thanks
Ria,
1. Yes, you can stay up to 240 days or H-1 denial date, whichever is earlier.
2. No negative impact but you need to watch out for the sequence of approval. Search for Last Action Rule
3. It is the better option as it would give clarity on your H-1 petition and you would know for sure whether to apply for H-4 extension or not.
why is eac161445XXXX series is so dull ,very low approval,may be they are premium who got approved.
Saurabh,
I am working for Employer A in India and my H1B petition filed by Employer B (USA). My current petition status is “Response to RFE received”. Now, I am planning to quit job (Employer A) due to personal reason and my last working day will be Sept 12th.
Please advise me on the below queries:
1) Is it mandatory to work for current employer till the stamping process?
2) Is current month pay slips required for Visa Interview (In my case I will not have Sept and Oct month pay slips as 12th Sep is my last working day).
3) Is it okay if I have two or three months career gap before Visa Interview as visa interview schedule dates available only after January 17, 2017 in Hyderabad Consulate.
Thank you for your help in advance.
Not mandatory to work somewhere. You tell them for personal issues you resigned.
Employer A will in all likelihood withdraw the petition. Since you have gone through the lottery you could have waited at least until the petition gets approved.
Well, just read your post completely. You MUST be working for the petitioner (B) during the visa interview. Payslips will not be required as you just recently joined them.
RK,
1. You can resign from A anytime as they are not processing your H-1
2. Usually Indian paylips are not asked.
3. No impact
Any one from Prowise Solutions NJ, I have not heard anything from them yet other than that it was picked up in the lottery? Anyone else having similar experience ?