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.
Hello Guys,
Now a days I can see so many approvals from USCIC. Congrats for whoever got approval. Please share your H1b/H4b Visa interview experience. So it can be useful for others.
Thanks in Advance
Got 221g during visa interview. Officer asked for client letter and project description which I didnt have.
Which consulate?
Chennai.. it is worst now.. Beware you should carry all supporting documents.
It can be denied during even in visa interview..
please state what all Questions were asked.
Buddy ,
So your work location is client location , So VO would have asked for Client Invitation letter.
If the Location is employer location then Client letter would not be needed
Saurabh,
Does this is fine.
Hi Saurabh,
Below is the information I request your views on:
1. Received the receipt – WAC161435**** on 18 May’16 and received RFE on 18 Aug ’16.
2. SoW and position details is required.
3. Current SoW only valid till Nov ’16 and client mentioned it will extend it to Mar 2016 but it will reach me in 1st week of Nov’16.
Questions:
1. What will be the deadline of the RFE response?
2. Nowadays, clients are not having long contracts with vendors hence, renewals are happening annually. On what grounds can USCIS accept such a case ,if it will ?
Hello Everyone,
I want to inform you that with God’s Grace, after long wait almost 6 months after my case has been approved today morning at 8:30 AM IST even i have checked today morning at 8:00 AM IST still its showing case was received status after 8:30 AM I just refreshed the page its showed my case was approved. Feel very happy at the moment. Thanks a lot Saurabh and Kumar and all of you. I applied for RP and my case number is WAC1614250***. I am the first person got direct approval in my project from last 6 years. Every year in my project who are all selected in the lottery they used to get RFE and then approved. I have seen many folks are posting the comments like security check and other comments like they are not going do the processing after October USCIS has not going do any cases and USCIS has reach end of line. Please don’t believe in this type rumours. It is purely workload and under-staffed centres that is causing the delay. Everything else will go by the standard rules and procedures. Nothing mysterious. All the best to every one.
Regards
Suresh
Hi,
My H1B approved on July Last week. Since then I am waiting for I797 approval petition. I spoke my employer on daily basis since last 2.6 months but answer is same since last couple of months (NOT RECEIVED FROM USCIS). We inquired USCIS they have provided the reference number and with in 3 days they have updated the status to COMPLETED. Again i asked employer what is the status – Again answer is same NOT Received.
What need to be done here.. Can you please some one guide me or show us some direction.
Rao,
Employer needs to be on top of this and follow-up w/ USCIS. They could have raised SR as early as 30 days after the approval date.
Hi Friends/Admin,
Thank you so much for all your great contribution to this site. Can anyone suggest me about the consulate interview process. What should i carry? questions asked during the interview etc. I appreciate your help. Good luck to all :)))
http://immigrationgirl.com/preparing-for-h-1b-visa-stamping/
Thank you very much my friend !!!
Hello Everyone,
I want to inform you that with God’s Grace, my case has approved. Thanks a lot Saurabh and Kumar and all of you. I applied for RP and my case number is WAC161485****
Regards
RAJ
Hi Saurabh,
What does the below status mean?
Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed
On October 5, 2016, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16148******. 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 October 19, 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.
Thanks,
Shree
Hi Shree,
For me also the same status got updated.
My employer had told me that USCIS required company related documents like tax sheets, ability to pay etc.
From which company you had applied H1B.
Capgemini and you?
Divensi
you can reach out to me @ lucky.h1b2017@gmail.com for more details.
Please advice on the RFE process.
I mean how much for attorney to receive the RFE request and time for response from our side and after which how much time for approval?
Anyone who has gone through RFE and obtained approval can please suggest.
Regular processing.
Hi All,
If am not wrong cases were transferred to new Jurisdiction to balance the load and quickly process all the cases,
but
mostly transferred cases are pending now and most of them getting rfe’s.
Those who have filed for h1b through ARUSTECHNOLOGY,please ping me on raney.vikram@gmail.com
You are correct that Case is transferred to balance the load and quickly process all the cases. But your understanding that “transferred cases are pending now and most of them getting rfe’s” is wrong.
Here in the forum few people are posting everyday that Transferred cases are pending and getting RFEs so do not believe that.
There are many cases were transferred and processed and Approved also. There are many cases are not transferred still they got RFE. You will receive RFE if your documentation is not accurate and provide all the required information (Or Some people say all Desi company’s cases gets RFEs). If you or Your Employer provide Fake project, fake client or fake SOW information then it will go to RFE and then Denial.
So make sure your employer has submitted your case with all true documents. If everything is correct no one can stop you to get the Petition approved.
Have some patience !!
My Question is, if say My Passport Expires in 1 year, will the visa granted be restricted to 1 year only or they can grant it for 3 years as well?
Passport Expiry Doesn’t matter.
The visa end date would be based on
1) the duration approved in your petition (anywhere from 1 to 3 years depending upon application.
2) Passport end date
Maximum date of above two params i.e. in your case you will get it for 1 year since Passport is expiring, however you can continue to stay in the US for the petition approved duration . Its only when you travel outside the US, you will have to go for stamping of visa on your new passport.
Hope it helps
Thanks.
you need minimum of 6 months valid passport for stamping. check the ustraveldocs.com/in for more details
Kindly share the list of documents for interview
Finally got approval ….series – WAC1614650***…best of luck you guys
Hi Friends ,
My case still shows “Received” . Its already week past Oct , Most of my friends case got approved . Is this alarming ? Do i need to be serious Now ?
Is any one out there in same state ?
I’m lil anxious here please advice .
what are you planning to do if your case still shows “case received” until 4 more months.you can only do one thing either make it premium or sit quietly like a dog.
you cant even do anything to USCIS,this is reality.
Are more RFEs being issued this year compared to last year?
Hi All,
I applied from 2 unrelated employers. Both went into RFE :(. I have quit my current job also.
Are you aware of cases from previous experiences where 2 cases from rfe ever got approved? :(.
Any answers would be highly appreciated.
Jeevan,
It all depends upon the RFE reasons and employer’s response to it. Anything can happen to both petitions.
Completely fed up now..First waited for lottery results,now waiting for case status update still in Recieved status since 6 months..Btter i get a reject notice dont wanna fly seriously.. so many things are pending after approval as well..
So why you tensed better leave it on God or withdraw your application
Suppose if RFE , another 6 months…..
ACB FU u heartless moron
haha.. chill Given up all Hopes !!
everyone is waiting like you. You can upgrade to premium if you dont have patience.
Hi @Admin/ All,
Can you please tell me what is the expiration date for Form I-129.(I heard if you not received any updates on Oct 31 2016 after it will automatically expired ) I have selected in lottery on this year still waiting for further updates.
Thanks
Hi Guys,
Great forum..EAC16144.. case still in received status…did USCIS reach end of line … based of h1b 2016 comments on redbus.. last year most of the cases pending around this time went in to security check…is this year different or we will b lucky
Hi Raghu,
Can you please tell me what is mean by security check either for employer or employee.
Thanks
Waiting,
Employer should know the expiration date. Usually it is filed for 3 years. So it would still be valid for processing even after Oct 1.
Saurabh,
Can you please let us know the list of Documents needed for Stamping??
This would of great help.
If possible the list of Questions generally asked.
Frnd,
There are several articles written on this that highlight sample questions and asked documents. You can go through them on the blog.
Quick question:
I am planning to book Visa appointment is it good to book appointment with my wife and daughter or just My self
please share anyone experience
ShreeSai,
There are pros and cons to both. If you are confident about your stamping, then its preferred that everyone appears together so that you are done on single day. If you are not very confident then you should appear first. This way if you visa is denied (worst case scenario), you would not waste money on dependent’s visa stamping.
Do you thik they will denied?they can put
My case in admin process in worst case….thanks for your suggestion
Shreesai,
They may put it in administrative process. After that process is completed, visa is either issued or denied. So anything can happen.
Can any one please tell me whether LCA and client letter is necessary to be carried while going for visa interview?
IMO of course its needed. They can ask for anything and if you fail to show any single document can put you in trouble. Trouble means you may get 221g slip.
Please take 2nd opinion as well.
Help!,
These are not mandatory documents but good to have. The officer can ask for any document based upon his discretion and review of your case.
Yes, they are important and highly recommended that you carry them.
Infyrfe approved case wac164 series no premium upgration submited docs on aug 15th
Did u receive RFE or your case was directly approved?
Sorry I missed the RFE part
i am also from INFY docs submitted back on Aug11th, still awaiting for approval..
The RFE response for my case was received on 12-Sep by USCIS.
Any idea how long it usually takes to hear back from them. ?
what was the RFE about ?
Hi All, Please let me know why this year USCIS has processing all the H1B cases very slow compare to previous years. In last year by this time all my friends, colleagues and most of the peoples done visa stamping also. An input will be highly appreciated.
Hi Saurabh,
I see in some comments, if we upgrade to PP now then we can get approval for only one year??
Is that true?? Because am planning to upgrade my case to premium..
Please provide your inputs!
RPtoPP,
There is no co-relation b/w the two. RPs can be approved for 1 year and PPs can be approved for 3 years.
After waiting for six months in “case T/F” status, yesterday, it was updated to RFE.
90% of “case T/F” are being changed to RFEs.
Dunno whats the strategy involved.
I also got RFE. Still don’t know details .
Not really. Mine moved from transferred to Approved on 4th…Same for one more other collegue.
Cheers,
ZK
You fall in that 10% buddy 🙂
Same here EAC1614350*** series. Went from TF to RFE yesterday. Still waiting to hear from employer on the docs required.
Same series transferred and rfe lol we have found some pattern in all these randomness.
Case approved on 5th after RFE
Hi Case Approved WAC 145,
did u go for premium processing! if not how much time it takes for you in normal processing. pls let us know the details.
It was RP.
Response to RFE was received at USCIS end on 25 July
What was the nature of RFE?
Requested SOW,MSA, Client letter(Provided generic one as our client dont provide individual letters)
Hi, when did you submit response to RFE ? What was the RFE about ? Did you go with pp after RFE?
Please share with us when You have received RFE and submitted docs?
Eac161465**** waiting since 188 day’s
Any one got approval with series WAC161475**** .Its too long any expected date
Waiting WAC161455***
Anyone from Infy booked interview slot in Chennai/Mumbai?
Did you get your approval notice on GICS? How many days it took after update on USCIS?
Their SLA is 4 weeks after the petition approval. Mine was updated in the fourth week only.
Hi,
My H1b application series is EAC1614654xxx, still waiting for update. Case is in received state only.
Did anyone filed through Infomatics Corp in this forum ? If yes, anyone got approval…?
Thanks !
Hello all, how much time is USCIS taking for premium processing now… Has anyone done it recently? I know SAL is 15days but was wondering if people are getting results sooner?
Hi rimi,
My petition is also upgraded to premium on Sept 30th, am waiting for approval. Might be within the 15 day window it will be taken care.
All the best
Yeah mine too was received on 30th… hoping to see the result soon . its really a pain to wait for 5+ months.
Hi rimi,
Just wanted to check.if you got any updates, if so please share. Thanks
Also anyone from Cg still waiting for approval?
Good luck ! Keep us posted. Mine got upgraded on 28 and status changed to acceptance on 29th.
Hi XYZ_hope,
My petition got approved it was upgraded on 30th September and it got approved today October 7th. Please check yours as well. All the very best.
Hello! Congrats !
Mine got approved yesterday . Did you book interview slot ?
Hi xyz-hope
Congrats to you as well. Yeah interview booked in the month of November 13th and 14th in mumbai will check with mobility if any early dates available in Chennai. Thanks
Hi Rimi,
My case got approved some few mins back. I wanted to let you know, please check yours as well. All the very best.
Hi Sourab/Admins
I had got the h1b from company A, but working with company B currently. I checked with Company B if they can transfer my approved petition as they have a immediate openings in US. however company B is asking to get it stamped first.
** note: I am yet to get the h1b stamped
Question : can company B transfer h1b visa without creating any concerns or its mandatory to travel with company A, as port of entry is not done. Hearing some grape wine that USCIS can cancel the cap exempt petition when company A does the h1b transfer. Appreciate your inputs
you can do transfer directly if the petition is approved. Just that you need a soft copy of i797 approval notice. No need to go for stamping.
Hello folks,
I got a request for additional evidence on Sep 29th.
Waiting for my company to provide me the reason for rfe .
Raul
Raul,
I also received RFE on the same date. Waiting for details.
After reading 19183 comments … Finally got my approval .. EAC1614651***
Thanks Saurabh and all other knowledgeables in the field of h1b.. I wish all of you receive ur approvals soon… Just hold on tight .. All the very best guys
Finally after a 5 month wait – “Case Transferred for Faster Processing” …My petition finally got approved.
AD/RP/Vermont – EAC1614051XXX
Gl to all those waiting!
Previously booked my Visa Interview on 13th JAN 2017 in Kolkata. Later got a mail from Kolkata consulate for rescheduling as they made slots available in OCT and NOV 2016.
Finally got a new date OCT 25th 2016 as I opted for it. 🙂
Note: I am not encouraging anyone to do this. I am just sharing my facts.
Good luck APN.
I hope you will share your interview experience here with other folks whose interview date is later than Oct 25, 2016. I am also one of them 🙂
BTW, would you mind in sharing the document list you are planning to carry for your visa interview?
My case has been approved yesterday 4th Oct and status changed to “My Case was Approved” at 10 PM IST.
Congratulations.. what’s your serial number and when was it filed ??
Is it upgraded to PP ?
I am under F-1 OPT (stem extension) status. I am an employee of “A” working for a client company “B”.
“A” filed H-1B on April 2016.
USCIS issued RFE on June 2016.
Replied RFE to USCIS on July 2016.
H-1B was denied end of August 2016.
MTR (Motion to Reopen) was filed by “A” and USCIS received I-290B end of Sept 2016.
Now, “B” is planning to hire me as their full-time employee. I have work authorization in F-1 OPT status valid till July 2018. I have a set of questions to be clarified.
1) Since my H-1B petition (Change of status) was denied and MTR is filed by “A”, what will be my current status? Is it F-1 OPT?
2) Can “B” hire me with F-1 OPT work authorization, while the MTR filed by “A” is pending?
3) “B” is also ready to file an H-1B for me. But irrespective of the MTR filed by “A”, can “B” file another H-1B petition on April 2017?
4) If the MTR filed by “A” gets approved before “B” files H-1B on April 2017, then “B” can apply for an H-1B transfer. Am I right?
5) If the MTR filed by “A” gets denied before “B” files H-1B on April 2017, then “B” can apply for a new H-1B on April 2017. Am I right?
6) Is it advisable to travel outside US, while the MTR is pending?
H1B_Applicant,
1. You should still be on F-1 OPT. Contact your DSO to make sure your SEVIS record didn’t get messed up b/c of this.
2. Yes
3. Yes, B can file a cap-subject petition in April 2017.
4. Yes
5. Yes
6. No impact on the outcome as long as (1) is correct.
RFE response submitted in PP on Sep 29.
Case in Acceptance state, no shift since then. 🙁
Hi, can you please inform RFE about?
Hello XYZ_Hope
I submitted mint for RFE in PP on September 27 and it got approved today, October 5th. Receipt number EAC16139***. RFE was about the CPT course I am enrolled in.
Wait 2 more days
Thank you ! Congrats !
My RFE was about speciality occupation and employer employee.
Hope I also get it timely.
Mine also same case
Folks, is USCIS is proceesing the cases this week also.. the processing count for this week seems to be feeble..,compared to last week/month.. any suggestion pls
Is there any way to track if decisions are high or low for certain weeks? I have been waiting since April 11 and my case is still pending. My case number is EAC161425XXX. Any inputs would be appreciated.
Does anyone know how the cases are being picked to work on each day, is it case number wise or randomly? I am still waiting for approval from last 6 months. My series is WAC1614250+++. Any input will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
Mine is WAC1614251+++ still waiting. Not sure how they picked the case.
People who had applied through Divensi/Azimetry
Did anyone got approval yet.
@H1B2017, we got status “notice explaining USCIS action”. What did you get…
Same
no same status “notice explaining USCIS action”.
Hi Saurabh/All,
I have received RFE to submit SOW and Client Letter. My employer is trying to upgrade to Premium processing due to requirement. The issue here is my Project SOW is valid till Dec’2016 and will be renewed in December. Can you please let me know how should I handle the situation. Need to submit the RFE docs by end of October.
I received RFE on 30-SEP.Hope it gets approved after submitting the required documents
Saurabh/anyone
when can we expect RFE mail from USCIS to attorney.Is there any ETA for this.
My receipt number EAC1614250***?
CASE TRANSFERRED ON 18TH MAY
RFE ON 30TH SEP
Hi, I received RFE on 29th Sep.
I received RFE on 30th Sept.. Series EAC161445****, it was transferred case. hoping to get the reason soon. Employer said it will come to Attorney and then they will respond. Waiting now 🙂
Me also . Same case
Same here transferred and rfe on 28th sep
Sai,
They usually receive it within 2 weeks, but the SLA is 30 days.
I am also in the same boat as yours. Let me know what happened to your case
H1B RFE,
If there is a chance of project to get extended, then submit that information as well. Your attorney can frame rest of the response on how to present the case to USCIS.
Thanks for your response Saurabh.
I have project planning document for 2017(project timelines) from client. Also in current SOW it is clearly mentioned that first release will end in Dec’16. Is that info enough for the attorney to frame response to uscis?
H1B RFE,
Maybe ok, but your attorney is in a better position to review them. Maybe include a cover letter explaining the situation.
Hi Kumar/ Saurabh,
This is amazing forum. lot of insight. can u also please help us with below details..
Where we can report about the Fraud consultancy ?
What kind of proof required to submit so that we can collect ?
Thanks,
We are not sure about the reporting…but defiantly it will be helpful for those who g0t into tap of consultancy
Please report all such fraud consultancies and agencies to USCIS mail ID directly. Its available on their website, you can also copy dept. of immigration.
I don’t think you can find any. But if your consultancy is asking huge money like 4K -5K for visa, then it is highly likely to be a fraud.
Also if some consultancies promise to apply for H1b without any interview process(Only money they take). They don’t bother to test your technical skills or place you in a client projects.
You can directly report it to DOL (Departmetn Of Labor) and thye will take car of it.
case approved on 22nd september as per USCIS website.How much time it will take to get the hard copy
2 Weeks ETA 30 days as per USCIS
This review is about EBS Minds and iEratech. Fraud companies.
I have lodged a complaint with uscis and Department of Labor in USA so that in future companies like EBSMINDS (http://www.ebsminds.com/) and iERATECH does not flourish in USA . The culprits are Manmohan Akkavaram, Brijesh Vyas and Raghu MUTUKULA. All these 3 people are responsible for taking the money from me (USD 4000) for processing the H1B Visa. After they took the mopney , they have not moved my Visa further and refused to send me for H1B Visa stamping even thought the visa was picked in lottery and Approved. I hope they are investigated by USCIS and DOL and procescuted. I am ready to be a whisteblower and provide evidence in any court of law. Please contact me in India at +91 709319 8849
EBSMinds also goes by the name of ebs-minds IT inc, so beware of this fraud company
What’s the USCIS address to report frauds. I tried a lot of things even local consulate. got no positive response.
It seems they do not have enough resources to investigate.
What response did you get from them?
Hi Kumar/ Saurabh,
This is amazing forum. lot of insight. can u also please help us with below details..
Where we can report about the Fraud consultancy ?
What kind of proof required to submit so that we can collect ?
Thanks,
First of all, you guys know that this is not legal to pay money but still you pay (I am 100% sure that you guys do research before paying this huge money) in the hope that you will get the Visa and you will not be in that 10 or 20% ppl.
But later when u find yourself in those 10 or 20% ppl who are cheated, you start barking here and there with REPORTING FRAUD like Street Dogs.
Just don’t flood messages here and keep this forum only for the reason it meant.
This forum is to discuss H1B 2017 Visa, Lottery, Stamping etc.. Not for your FRAUD REPORTING.
you are part of the consultancy Agent …we know fu>>>r
Dog !!
Slots for consulates? Anyone ?
In all the consulates the slots are available in 2 days time, the waiting time is gone now.
Hi All,
After a long wait received RFE:( Need the following details. can someone please help on these, any sample templates if there is any..
1) Employer – Employee relationship
2) Speciality Occupation Position
Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I have also received RFE . But don’t know details yet. Employer will take care of RFE. We no need to do anything I think.
My employer mailed the RFE details and asked to submit the docs mentioned in the mail.
You can not submit those details. If your employer need any doc from you, then u can send it.
But at the end your employer respond to RFE.
H1B RFE,
Why is your employer asking you to prepare the documents? These are the documents required from employer and not employee.
1. Employer needs to show how they would control your tasks and activities etc when you are working for a client at client/employer location.
2. Employer needs to show that the offered position requires at least 4 years of US Bachelor degree or its equivalent.
Hi Saurabh,
Can you please provide more info or any links on 2nd point.
My role is UI developer(web developer) and in speciality occupation position document they asked me to provide my weekly tasks with number of hours, min. education required, min. experience required. I’m replying with all my duties(eg: Development,Requirement analysis, Testing,Migration etc.,)with education as Bachelor of Technology.
Will that be enough in the RFE response??
H1B RFE,
Your attorney is the better person to prepare the response but I can just give an outline. Typically one has to show how the job requirements are supported by the education one gains during Bachelors. They can submit similar job openings from reputed companies to show that in general all companies have that requirement. They can also submit resume of other employees working in similar profile having the necessary qualification.
I have applied L1->H1 and L1 Extension same employer. I received the RFE for both cases. Already L1B RFE replied.
During the H1 RFE reply, can we change the H1-B Filling Status from Change of Status to Consular Processing? Does it affect h1 petition approval? Please let me know
Nandhini,
I don’t think you can change it from COS to CP when replying to the RFE. Your attorney can confirm.
Hi Saurabh,
I got my H1b this year and traveling by January. I will be getting married by July 2017. I need your suggestion about the process involved to take my spouse with me after marriage. Appreciate your help!! Thanks!!
Hey George
When was your interview? What docs and question were asked during interview?
For taking ur spouse you need to get your marriage registered because marriage certificate is the only doc reuired for H4 stamping.
Thanks,
After marriage, get the marriage certificate.
Not sure, whether you/your wife should have the spouse name details in u/her passport. Check about this also.
George,
Your spouse can appear for H-4 stamping after the marriage by carrying your 797 and proof of marriage (marriage certificate and/or wedding card/album).
Got approval email today from immigration team.. My application was upgraded to premium processing two weeks back.
Good luck to all who are waiting..! Thank you Redbus and everyone here for helping out everytime there was an query..!!
EAC161435xxxx
How many days it took for aproval according to uscis website?
Hi Pune_2nd_timer
Did it get approved directly from Case Received or any RFE while PP?? Which MNC you are from??