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.
Saurabh,
I got my H1b approved few days back, and I hold a valid H4 visa. If I travel to US for a month or 2. will this affect my H1B stamping. Please advice
sujith kurian,
It is ok to travel to US on H-4 visa, return to home country and then appear for H-1 visa stamping. Another option is to apply for COS from H-4 to H-1 while you are inside US. Once COS is approved, you can work on H-1 even w/o getting the H-1 visa stamped immediately.
Hi Saurabh, I have only receipt number of my approved h1b petition. I have had not stamped it and it is more than 6 years old, was approved in 2008. I would like to file cap exemption, but the new employer needs copy of I-797 which I do not have. Please let me know how can I get a copy of I-797. I am in India. I read in one public forum, one can get copy of I-797 by submitting FOIA request. I am not sure if that is the correct. Please let me know.
SP,
Approval notice is needed to satisfy employer requirements and not USCIS requirements. Having the approval notice builds confidence in employer that the petition really belongs to you and has been approved. However, if you have just the receipt number, USCIS can easily look it up in their system to know all the details (more than what an approval notice would tell).
So talk to employer if they can file it w/ just receipt number, print out of online status and a letter stating that you don’t receipt number and request USCIS to gather the information from their system.
If you want to go the FOIA route, then you can file one w/ USCIS. I remember someone who did that and received I-129 copy in return. That would also prove that the receipt number does belong to you.
Read this discussion.
Thanks Saurabh. I have just have the email notification copy of the approval notice with the Receipt Number, that was shared by my visa sponsor.
Visa Receipt Number: eac………… Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A
NONIMMIGRANT WORKER Current Status: Approval notice sent. On July 17, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT.
Can I get copy of I-797 by emailing “uscis.foia@dhs.gov” and providing US address of my friend? Any idea if they send copy of I-797 through email? Please let me know. Thanks again.
SP,
As per the experience shared in the above link, the person filed G-639 form and followed the steps mentioned in USCIS FOIA site. You can do the same and mention a US address as communication address. It could be a friend’s – that’s fine.
Saurab, What is COS mentioned here.
Sujith,
COS = Change of Status. When an applicant is present inside US on XXX visa status and wants to move to another YYY visa status, COS needs to be applied. You can look it up online.
Saurabh,
After long wait I have got RFE related to COS abandonment. While me H1b petition was pending I traveled to Canada for 2 days. In RFE USCIS wants to prove if I have not departed the country on a specific date to continue with same COS petition. Is there a way I can convince USCIS to not abandon my COS request since I am currently in US on H4 visa and will continue to do so.
Also can I send a new COS form along with RFE . If not when can I reapply for COS and can that be premium processed.
COS_RFE,
Your COS should be abandoned as you left US while H-1 petition was pending. This RFE should be handled by the attorney. They can respond that you left US in b/w and hence lost your original I-94 number. They can then plead to still approve the COS, but I would be surprised if USCIS would agree to it.
i’m in same situation, can i file h4 to h1 COS with premium ? How much cost it involved ?
H4-H1,
No PP service is available when only COS is applied. If an accompanying I-129 is filed then PP option is available.
Does any one filed from IbleSoft and what is the current status?
I came to know couple of cases got RFE’s
If anyone filed from IbleSoft, Please respond with current status.
Name Was Updated
On September 15, 2016, we updated your name for your Form I-129,
Today my case is updated with above line:
do you know what does it mean?
Saurabh : would you able to help me with above status..
Whats your series number ?.
Btw congrats, the status means yr case is ab to be approved.
hi Jack
how do you know that this status is similar like approved.
my series is : EAC1614852+++
Thanks buddy,
This is great , i love it 🙂 🙂 It gives last day update ,can checkout numbers nearby yours.
http://h1bstat.ru/all-stats/WAC146.html
Series – EAC1614352*** most of them are in T/F or Other status.
God knows whats happening there!
I don’t see any T/F cases (only 48). It has most cases in Recieved status just like any other series. Where did you get that info from?
http://h1bstat.ru/all-stats/EAC143.html
Dunno if this is true.
Mine is EAC16143526** Still “Case was Received” 🙁
Hi H1BVizag,
Same series same update Case T/F. Dont know whats going on
Any one rfe approved ??if yes can you can specify time line usis took??
My H-1B finally got approved last night. It was regular processing WAC161465****. Thank you so much for Redbus2us and everyone who has shared their experiences. This website, http://h1bstat.ru/all-stats/WAC146.html , was so helpful to know other’s status.
We are almost end of the race, so please don’t loose your hope!!
Still there are Aroun 1100 case in the series EAC147xxxxx. If each day they process 50 case , then in 20 days all from this series gets result!!!!!!!
Hi Saurabh,
I got RFE on 8 Aug, and my RFE due date was 13 sep.
I have send all the documents by 23rd of aug,
So when can i expect an answer?
How much time they take to approve the RFE?
And I am from tcs so do they also reject the RFE? I had all the proper valid docs.
TCS’r Ist time lottery selected,
There is no set processing time and it could take weeks or months. Your petition won’t be denied just b/c of the fact that you work for TCS. They look at each case individually.
I am from TCS as well, got RFE email on 13 Aug and sent doc on 3rd sept….
Contact me on karanverma39@gmail.com
Pending::: EAC: 15K WAC: 6K
Approved::: EAC: 33K. WAC:37K.
RFEs::: EAC:6.1K WAC: 6.8K
With this data I guess All cases will be approved by November End.
It seems about 100 approvals are happening in a day at EAC, as per worktheme stats. At this rate, the remaninig cases in received status will take 150 working days or atleast 6 months. They must be targetting to finish by March end.
Sorry – I misread it. The rate is actually 200 per day at EAC,. It might still take about 75 working days or 3 months (Dec end)
I can see around 300-400 per day for EAC.
Nope. At the August end there were about 33K approved cases and now it is 36K. That is 3K approvals in 2 weeks, which transaltes to 200/day
Pending::: EAC: 15K WAC: 6K
Approved::: EAC: 33K. WAC:37K.
RFEs::: EAC:6.1K WAC: 6.8K
With this data I guess All cases will be approved by November End.
@H1BApproved – 15K cases by Novmber end? That is 10 weeks or 50 working days, which means 300 per day. I doubt if we get that speed on average.
Now it looks more of playing with number rather the obvious sequence …
It looks like the speed has picked up in EAC 143, 143 and 144 now. Don’t you think?
I love this stats link. We could even go back days or weeks or even a month and analyse the rate of change.
https://h1bstat.ru/blog/2016/09/15/day-15-sep-2016/
All the best to all
HI!
Need help… I Have received RFE and last submission date is 20 Oct 2016.
Below are the points
1. Skills required to perform the job
2. Contract between both companies
3. Work order with client company for his position.
Are these common points ?…are to worry about it?
Is there any chance of approval after submission of documents for rfe?
IMO, you may need to worry mainly if you paid for your H1B Petition through a desi consultancy with fake client and requirements.
If you are through good company with proper valid client or requirements, you are good.
Best of luck
Thank you for your reply. My employer has all the documents which were asked in RFE, but work order ends in December 31 and its get renewed for next year (2017) in December end every time. Is there any problem if my employer submits work order that ends in December?
JAGAN NEELAM,
This is not a peculiar RFE but a common one. Your employer has to demonstrate that there is a client/project ready for you, and that the project requires skills which you posses.
Thank you for your reply. My employer has all the documents which were asked in RFE, but work order ends in December 31 and its get renewed for next year (2017) in December end every time. Is there any problem if my employer submits work order that ends in December?
JAGAN NEELAM,
They can submit current work order and maybe include old work orders to show that it is renewed annually. They can include a cover letter explaining the situation and address the upcoming work order end date.
Hi!
Thanks for reply,
My company has submitted two work order for me one ends in December and get renewed annually , other work order has next 3 years agreement. And in my skill requirements document I have mentioned both these work order projects…. Is this works? Any chances of my cases aplroval?
JAGAN NEELAM,
It is the officer’s discretion whether to approve the petition or not based upon submitted information. I think you did the best what you could; and its out of your hands now.
Hi ,
I have received a mail from my company that my H1b got picked in lottery and status shown by my company is receipt copy received. They are not sharing the receipt copy number. please tell me how many days i need to wait for H1B to get approved.
Thanks in advance,
Sandeep
Sandeep Vare,
Has the company specifically told you that the petition is still pending? As you don’t have the receipt number, the employer may or may not share all the information timely. In general, there are several other petitions still pending. There is no set SLA for this.
Hi Saurabh,
They have said that we have not get any update still on your H1B. Only status i got was in may that my H1B got picked up in the lottery and receipt copy was received. Same with the other Account team members from the company.
Thanks,
Sandeep
Still pending for approval from USICS. Few people got RFE in my company but no approvals yet.
Hello Saurabh,
Can you please clarify by doubt? I know this question asked by many people in this forum. Please don’t feel bad.
I have applied H1B through some consultancy, the petition got picked and waiting for approval notice. My current company is asking me to travel to US for 3 months on Business visa which I am yet to apply and attend interview.
Will this impact my H1B petition?
Thanks in advance.
PS: I tried to search in our forum but no luck, so posting here.
I did travel to US for a week at a time and the B1 should have no bearing on the H1B processing.
3 months is fishy business dude….don’t let the company abuse the B1 program and say no!
RP,
If you have valid need to travel on B-1, then go ahead and do that. Your H-1B processing is not impacted by B-1 travel. If you stay in US close to 5-6 months on B-1 and/or do productive work on this visa, then you may run into issues during H-1 stamping.
Hi Saurabh,
Kindly let us know that where can we get the precise information on slot availablity of different consulates in India??
U can find the exact available slots only after paying the visa fees.
After paying the fess, u can schedule the appointment within 1 year.
can i have the link please?
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html/
Hello,
My petition starts with EAC1614652*** and still in received state. Any luck for anybody in this series?
People who are waiting with Transferred Case status might be hearing good news soon. At max by this month end 90% of the transferred cases stutus will get changed…! ALL the Best to every one 🙂 🙂 🙂
KK,
How do you say 90% of cases will get it cleared by this month end?
Any insight?
Yeah…There are only 2800 transferred cases right now….100 cases per day were changing the status as i see….so it takes maximum of 28 days to clear all…
Added H1-B Progress TImeline at https://worktheme.com/tracker/. Hope that gives more insights into current processing rate.
I was following this blog for almost a 2 years. Thanks to everyone who shares the info.
– 2nd time application for H1B
– April 11th selected in H1B lottery
– Septembet 1st upgrade to PP
– September 14th I-129 has been approved
Yay!! My case got approved today morning EAC1614754***. For those who are tracking your case and having sleepless nights, the best way to track your case is using an app. Just install uscis app in your mobile and turn on the alerts.
Btw I did not receive notification from uscis website through mail or message till now, I tracked my case status only through App. All the best everyone, stay positive!!
Which app did you use?
App Name – USCIS Case status by spinach mobile LLC available in playstore
Yay!! My case got approved today morning EAC1614754***. For those who are tracking your case and having sleepless nights, the best way to track your case is using an app. Just install uscis app in your mobile and turn on the alerts.
Btw I did not receive notification from uscis website through mail or message till now, I tracked my case status only through App. All the best everyone, stay positive!!
Hi
My lottery has been picked up on April 21th. When will be my approval takes place. I am regularly tracking my Receipt number. Please help!
Here is my Receipt number : EAC1614XXXXX
That series is very slow.. still 1.8k are to be processed.
may take more than a month at the current face of around 50 per day
Its just a suggestion, do not share your petition no with public forum. At least wipe out few digits.
saiteja mikkilineni,
I have masked your receipt number.
Thank you for masking my number Saurabh
Hi !!
Wassup!
Hi All,
Good Morning, did any one from the series 1614250XXX get approval. The status has been showing as “Case Was Received” since May 2016.
Any info will be highly appreciated.
Regards
K.Radhakrishna
Not yet. Still waiting for approval on series eac1614254@@@.
I got rfe under speciality of occupation….I have done my diploma and three years of engineering .RFE s to provide first year of bachelor s degree.How to reply for this.Admin and others please update.
Same here, there is very little progress seen.
Hi All,
Finally got the Approval from USCIS for EAC161455XXXX.
It has been a long wait as this was my 3rd attempt. I was playing the same game for last 3 years. The only site that was giving regular updates and keeping everybody’s hope alive was this. Hence i really want to thank all of you for regular updates and Congratulations to all who has got Approved and Best of luck to all who are waiting for the same. Thank You Saurabh and all who are maintaining this site.
Congrats..
Can you please tell what date it was received, like April 11, April 10.
Hi RK,
It was received on April 11th and Approved on September 13th.
is there any one from SLK got approved???
Finally got RFE after long wait .
WAC1614752******* 🙂
Same here Finally got RFE WAC1614650***, can anybody tell me now how more much ? How much time to respond this RFE and how much time USCIS will take a decision? Now gain long wait I guess
I am in the same series and still waiting 🙁
My case was finally approved today, case number WAC161375XXXX after a long wait. Thanks to all redbus blogers for your help. Quick question: how much time do I have to get the visa stamping? Is there a time limit? I will not be able to leave my home country before several months, but I want to make sure this will not affect my h1B visa. Thank you!
Case was finally approved,
You can appear for stamping anytime within the petition validity period. Same holds true for the entry to US.
Whenever you go for stamping or enter US, make sure you have recently dated supporting documents like employment letter, project documents etc.
if anyone has paid the fees for visa stamping, request you to share the first available date in Mumbai/New Delhi.
I have been stuck here for over an year now and can’t come back to India because of either petition, cap gap and now stamping.
In my last post I had mentioned that scarcity of stamping dates is man made, now that’s proven to be true.
On Monday, h1b stamping que in Kolkata was 120 days, today it is showing 1 day.
Its impossible that they did 119 days of work in 2 days.
Mark my words, the que will jump back to 100+ days in next few days again….
Wtf is us consulate is doing god only know…………… 🙁
H1b Concern,
Actually every booked their slot with their I797 copy in advance, if they have not received their respective I797 hard copies so there are reschedule there dates so those dates available for you.
Please correct me if i am wrong.
Absolutely yes, I797 hard copy will tells you Start and end date of your petition. You need to those dates while filling up your DS160 to attend for the VISA Interview.
Hi ,
I ‘m from Accenture did get any update for my approval.Is there any deadline USCIS that they will share all result.Its already mid of September.I don’t have any reference number so that i can ask for my case status directly.
TECHM_WAITING
Any TECHMAHINDRA lucky guy so far ?
If so, got hardcopy of approved Petition paper?
Schedulued appointment ?
Please us know
Nothing yet still waiting…
got rfe just now.. 🙁
eac16147***
any ideas of typical RFE processing timeframe… approve/reject ration?
Regular processing?. No premium processing?.
Also RFE processing response from USCIS is 3 months in regular case, but as we are almost towards h1b start of the season. You might get response early.
thanks.. yes RP.. any thoughts on approve/reject scenario after RFE? anyways there is no appointment at consulates by mid jan.. so i don’t think that even approval by mid Dec here will cause much delay.. but finger crossed at fact that it is now hanging between approve/reject!
Hi Saurabh,
I have a question about COS. (in my case F2 to H1)
1. Is it necessary to apply for Change of status along with filing h1b petition in April.
2. If the petition was filed from India (the beneficiary also being in india at that time) and after the petition is approved, if the beneficiary travels to USA on F2 visa, can we apply COS from USA??? i.e. can we start working in USA without coming back to india for stamping?
3. in my case , since there is long waiting time for interview dates, I wish to travel earlier on my f2 and wish to join work without returning to india for stamping. is it possible?
Hi Subash,
I am a Licensed Health care professional. My H1b receipt was issued on April 11. My number is EAC1614451***. It looks like many people with EAC161475**** line up has received approval. I am completely lost here….
can anyone give me an advice on what should I do now?
Thanks
Hi Onam,
We have to just wait and wait, As long as I know we have no other option as well.
All the best !
Thanks team,,,,
I wish more and more will update their status in redbus.com tracker.
I came to know about the H1b statistics in the following link
https://h1bstat.ru/blog/2016/09/13/day-13-sep-2016/
Hi ,
My case got approved yesterday 🙂 EAC16148*. Thank you all for your valuable inputs.
Hi Saurabh,
Request you to please reply on my query, so that I plan my further action.
h1b_cos_query,
1. It is not required to apply for COS along w/ original petition. In your case as you were outside US, it is not even possible to do so.
2. Yes, COS can be applied separately.
3. Yes, you can enter US on F-2 and after 30-60 days of staying on F-2 apply for H-1 COS. Do not apply for COS before 30 days have elapsed.
any got updates on EAC1614855*** series.
The wait is really hurting. 🙁 . I applied h1b for my husband .currently he is in h4. but i would like to go to india on vacation and i can’t go because it will mess up both of our i94 status when i return. we are very desperate that there should be some update on his petition. please update
why to worry. why dont you upgrade to premium process? Regular process is like that and there are other people also waiting.. How come your husband i-94 will be impacted, if you are only traveling.
we talked to an immigration attorney .and he mentioned staying on h4 becomes invalid when the primary applicant on h1b is not in US. So when i come back to US, my I94 status changes and he will be retaining h4 status
husband asked his employer for PP, but they said it will not be good if we upgrade to PP at this time and there are lots of rejections happening.
You should have second opinion from some other attorney. because if it is short term vacation(2-3 weeks ), it should be fine. h1b – i797 is very first phase of approval process, it doesn’t matter if you go for short term visit to India. i feel it is good to go. worst case your husband will get an RFE asking to prove his H4 status asking few recent pay stub of yours.
Also taking vacation of 2-3 weeks is legal and you still be in US payroll. You can still show payslips of the vacation. I don’t think there is an issue at all . better seek a second opinion from a good lawyer. It is not practical to take your dependent also where ever you travel.
Thank you so much. Your comments are valid too. I will check further
No update mine is EAC16148522**
Dear Saurabh,
Could you throw some light if USA elections have any impact on VISA processing time and success rate? Thanks
Mahesh,
I don’t think the elections have any impact on the huge wait times at the consulates.
CURRENT WAITING TIME
Check Here
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html/
Today
——–
Delhi – 134 Days (Increased so much !!! )
Mumbai – 93 days
Kolkata – 1 Days (Is it really only 1 day ?? )
Hyderbad – 136 Days
Chennai – 109 Days
I asked the same question to our immigration team. They said this is not correct. After paying fees when you are going to book the slots you will get dates only on JAN in Kolkata consulate.
I got the the date in JAN 13th at Kolkata.
Congrats for all who have got approved or waiting to get approved after RFE. 🙂 🙂
Can you please share at what time in IST you guys have got notification about it.
Thanks in advance
U can never guess it jst like picking of cases for further processing…. I got around 8 pm IST on the other hand many of my friends got around 2 PM
APPROVAL_HARDCOPY_ARRIVAL?
Hi Guys,
Could anyone tell us, once Approval is issued, Where the hardcopy will be sent?
As I heard that hardcopy will be sent USA office (either USA Attorney, USA VISA cell (Employer)).
Later on company Attorney/VISA cell will send hard copy either mailed/faxed to India.. Is it correct? Please help here …
Also looks this process, USCIS to USA office might take 2 weeks, and USA VISA cell take their own time back to India …
Your input is appreciated.
Is the petition copy received in original or photocopy/faxed copy?
ppl in ibm started getting hard copies from IBM USA
APPROVAL_HARDCOPY_ARRIVAL?,
It will be sent to the immigration attorney on file. They can then share it w/ employer who will then share it w/ you.
Hello Friends. My case got approved yesterday but it reflected in the uscis site today.
WAC1614351***. Non Ad/RP. Long wait is over. All the best for everyone and will pray that everyone get approval without RFE. Special thanks to Redbus2us owners. Great and lively blog.
Congrats!
Confusing, How did you know about the approval before it’s got reflected at USCIS site ?
Hi. I check every day morning. When I checked on 13 th it showed me the received status. When I checked on 14th it showed” On September 13, 2016, we approved your Form I-129…….
My case has been approved on 15th aug only but my HR is telling that she has still not received the approval notice. I think she wont be hiding becoz my senior manager was also in CC of that mail.
Is there anyone who has any info on this ? How long this can take ? Any help is appreciated
Hi All,
any one got approval for this series.
EAC1614950***
My Case was approved on August 30,2016. And I have received my hard copy today i.e. 4th Sept ( Updated in my Company portal ). They might received the hard copy before that, definitely they might of taken one or two days to update in my portal. I reckon it will take close to 2 weeks.
Correction of date in my previous comment.
My Case was approved on August 30,2016. And I have received my hard copy today i.e. 14th Sept ( Updated in my Company portal ). They might received the hard copy before that, definitely they might of taken one or two days to update in my portal. I reckon it will take close to 2 weeks.
So It takes 2 weeks. For me , it is already 4 weeks.
Saurav (admin )
Do you know any case where it took longer than 4 weeks after case was approved? Should I ask my employer to contact uscis ?
I reckon your employer might have been received your hard copy and not updated to you . even my other friend whose case was approved and got the approval within 2weeks of time
Not received approval mail,
The SLA is 30 days. If the employer/attorney have not received it within 30 days, they should follow-up w/ USCIS.
Hi VV, Are you based out in India or USA?
As I heard that hardcopy will be sent USA office (either Attorney, VISA cell (Employer)).
Then hard copy will be mailed/faxed to India.. Is it correct? Please help here .
it should come within a month.. or you can contact the USCIS toll free number
My petition got approved on 9th August and I got the soft copy of the approval notice on 17th August from my employer.
Not received approval mail,
If the employer has not received the notice, then they should contact USCIS as 30 day SLA has just elapsed.
Thanks Saurav. They have asked to wait till end of this week , after that they will follow up.
Hi All,
Need help.
I applied H1B thorough connvertex technology for this year i.e. 2017.
At the end of April, they said to me that I got selected in lottery but when i asked about the receipt number, they were denying to share the receipt number due to some security issue.
I am contentiously in touch with them but till now I did not get approval of H1B. they are saying same line that none of connvertex petition is approved for this year. will update you once we get any update.
So can any other facing same situation for connvertex or any other company ?
Also please guide me on below queries ?
How can I know that is my petition selected in lottery without having receipt no?
If selected then what max time to get visa approval?
Thanks,
I also applied through connvertex and got the same reply from HR waiting for the final words .:)
Any updates so far guys ?
Finally case got approved on September 13th , series EAC161475****
Applied through company or consultancy??
Tell me one more digit.. Also regular or premium??
Congrats Neil!
Regular or Premium processing?
By the way, I am in the same series and waiting for Approvals.
Congrats…was it converted to PP??
Any update or the time line for EAC1614750*** Series.?
My Status still shows Transferred to another office from June 🙁
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 pregnancy. 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 pregnancy time period support for house hold work as it is making less employment to the labors in USA.)
What happened to WAC16147 series?..there are no changes now a days?
Same for WAC16146 series..
You will soon H1b-kab jaunga USA beta 🙂
Teri jabaan kaam kar gayi… @Hbeli_IBM
Got Approval…
Come and join the party in New york.
Waiting in same series (WAC16147) 🙁
EAC16147*** status:
I-129 = 779
Approved = 211
Received = 214
RFE = 117
Rejected = 2
So looks like it is picking up now
So still how many are in “Received status”
Hello,
How abt EAC16148***** series …Can someone pls share the status.
Thanks
where to check statics ????
Guys,
Here you have nice view of the series and frequent updates on the grid as well.
http://h1bstat.ru/all-stats/EAC147.html
Excellent this one.
Could you help to provide for this series also: EAC1614950***
http://h1bstat.ru/all-stats/EAC149.html
Anyone got approval from Diaspark?
Good to know someone else from same employer. Still waiting , no further updates than lottery selection.
Pls do update in case any updates..will do in case any updates.
Best luck!!!
Once alerts have been setup for h1b status, are we going to receive the status changes via SMS/Email to India number? Can someone please confirm this
I received the updates in email, once the status is updated in USCIS.
Could one of you please let me know whether it is mandatory to have your spouse name in either your or your spouse’s passports to file H4? Both our passports do not contain each other’s names. Will that be an issue?
Its not mandatory.
You should have marriage certicate or any other proof then its not mandatory spouse name on the passport.
Thank you Raj for your reply.
Better to have them in passport.
Dear Sir/Mam
I want to get H1B visa for USA. Would you like to suggest me what is the what are the best way. I am working in Engineering field and work experience is 12 years.
Awaiting for your prompt and positive reply.
Regards,
Hardik Trivedi
7575047210
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Hi ,
I am on L1 and COS H1(EAC161495***) is received, not approved yet.
My family has L2 stamping scheduled for 26th September. I have booked flight tickets for 28th Sep. If my H1 gets approved before they land here in US, how much does it impact the travel plans? Can they still land here even if H1 gets approved on their L2 status? I have not filed H4 for them yet.
Thanks.
Once your H1 COS is approved, your status is changed to H1. At that point, L2 is not applicable at all. Legally you cant enter with L2 since it is not applicable. Your family has to face questions on Port of entry if they entering with L2.
why did you apply for L2 for visa, if you already apply for L1 to H1 with COS. you should have waited till your h1 cos is approved.
Is L2 is filed from same company or different company ?
I suggest halt your family L2 stamping/travel and wait for your approval. and then let your family travel in H4.
Hi H1Advisor,
Thanks for your inputs. They were here in US on L2, and traveled to India in summer. I thought that they would come back in 2 months. Due to delay in interview dates, they got it for 26th Sep. Yes, i have been with same company for last 3 years on L1 status. H1 is from different employer though.
The reason i can’t wait for H4 is, i don’t know when H1 gets approved and from there again another 4 to 5 months for H4 stamping. Considering these factors, i am opting with L2 status. If my H1 won’t get approved until 29th Sep, then, can they travel on L2 before that?
Thanks.
Think about your family landed in US in L2 and then suddenly your h1 is approved after 1 month or so. In that case, your family also would need to fall back to H4. I assume you didn’t apply for H4 for your family. Again you need to rush for a change status from L2 to H4, you will loose your peace of mind.
My advise is wait for your H1 approved. L1 to H1b COS is a complicated process and it can run you into complicated situation if not acted properly. Please wait once your status in US is confirmed, then invite your family to avoid further complications.
You can still go for L2 stamping since you booked your appointment and but don’t make your family travel until you get some status on your H1B.
Also please make sure you are into H1 employer payroll once your status is changed from L1 to H1. Legally you are not allowed to work for L1 employer once your H1B COS is approved. It is a big catch and not many people are aware on this.
Hello h1b Advisor. We belong to same category.my husband applied for h1b.He is on L1 working for good client in Us. We(myself and my baby)were on L2 and came back recently to india.we are waiting for his h1b approval.we are pLanning to go back to Us,once he gets approval and after h4 stamping. But Can U explain abt wat u told..that ‘ L1 to H1 is a big catch’. It means, Is that difficult to get h1 approval for L1 people.pls clarify.
No. not regarding the approval. If your case is genuine, it will be approved. L1B to H1b COS( change of status) will change your status automatically to H1b once it is approved and you will get a new i94 with new expiry date. It will affect your dependent visas also(L2 would have to fall back to H4). You must not continue to work for L1b employer, you need to immediately move to your h1b employer payroll.
Some desi consultancies would not put you in their payroll till you get some client, they would have projected some dummy project to get your h1 approved. So people tend to work for L1b employer even though their status is changed to H1. I’m saying this is illegal
Hi h1bAdvisor,
Thanks for these details. I am good with my L1 to H1 status. The day, H1 gets approved, my current L1 employer is going to contact H1 employer for sub contracting. That terms are agreed. So that’s not an issue. So only issue is with family travel. I think what you said makes sense. I will wait for H1 approval.
Thanks.
Hi h1bAdvisor,
Even though h1B is approved before sept 26, your h1b visa is valid from oct 1st, So L2 visa is valid on sept 26.
What is the problem if dependents travel on sept 26?
If officers ask anything at POE, they can tell that they will apply for change of status from L2 to H4 on Oct 1st.
Make sense?