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.
Did anyone receive the hard copy of approval notice recently ?
If yes, after how many days of approval ? Please help!
Hi XYZ_Hope!
My case got approved on Oct 6th i am also waiting for approval notice. I checked with my Global mobility team, they said we will get the approval notice with in 7 to 10 days after petition got approved. Can you please let me know when is your case has approved.
Thanks
Suresh
Mine was also approved on 6th Oct, same as your’s.
But I am in India, so it may take some additional time .. lets see .. keep me posted.
Suresh_CTS
You should be getting your petition approval mail anytime from now before 15th
Oct, the original will be provided to you during h1b briefing by Global Immigration team
Hi Sun and XYZ_Hope!
I have received my petition approval notice on today evening at 4:00 PM IST from Global mobility team. The petition valid from 10/1/2016 to 06/15/2019.
Thanks
Suresh
That’s a great news! Congratulations ..:)
Good luck with the stamping process and for working in the US.
I have not heard anything yet on my physical copy of approval notice.
Looking at your’s hoping that mine would also come shortly. Fingers crossed.
My wait time is over ..
Case was approved.. on Oct 11
EAC1614453xxx
Thanks to all your prayers..all the best for others.
Hello Saurabh,
URGENT…
I have question regarding DS160. I made a mistake by writing employer name instead of company name and also length of intended stay was put wrong. And since my status was h4 to h1 I will start working soon so will have to add current employer when I start. So If I have to make changes in DS160 what are my options? Will they change all the information I mentioned during biometrics? I have already scheduled my appointment. Thanks
They Should Correct at Consulate
shikha,
Couple of options:
1. Complete another DS-160 form and carry both forms to biometrics and ask the person to swap the old one with new one
2. Go w/ current DS-160 form and request the biometrics person to make the changes for you.
Hi Saurabh,
Finally my case is approved Just now. EAC161485****. I want to thank Saurabh and his team on Redbus. This is an wonderful site.
This is 3rd year. First 2 years was unlucky in lottery. Finally this year, after a long wait, i got approval.
Thanks.
Congrats Finally Approved!!!
Hey Guys,
i am following this forum from the day i got my H1 picked in lottery. after long wait today i got it approved.
thanks for all the updates posted by experts and H1b aspirants.
my series is EAC1614352…
My Series is EAC1614352***, Could you please tell me last 3 digits.
Or mail me praveenkdiddi@gmail.com
So what are you going to do with the last 3 digits???????????????????????
Some homa puja
Hello Saurabh,
What is the difference between these two statuses. Is one for cases transferred to California Center and the other transferred to Nebraska Center ?
Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction”
“Case Transferred To Another Office”
Regards,
Aj
Both are same
Hi Guyz,
Anyone applied thru Genome technology Corp, NJ based Desi consultancy.
Let’s all share our concerns and thoughts.
Thanks
(Un)lucky Guy
Hi Saurabh,
After more than 5 months waiting, my status got updated as-
On October 7, 2016, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1614252***. 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 21, 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.
I did not get any meaning out of it. It is RFE? Denial? Any danger in sight?
Can you help me to understand it exactly by the time I get any information from my attorney.
It must be NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny)
Hi NOID,
What should be done to return/avoid Denial in this case?
Hi Sourabh and All,
Did anybody receive similar status? Can anybody share experience. Appreciate any info in this.
KS,
If no RFE was issued previously, then most likely it should be an approval. If RFE was issued and responded, then it could be either approval or denial.
Thanks Saurabh for your response.
There was no RFE issued previously. This is first status changed after “Case was received”.
Regards,
KS
Hi All, I got approval today. Series EAC1614852***
Please help! Please refer to my previous posts.
My employer contact them for why our fees are going to be refunded. The reason is that he (we did not use any lawyer) filled that the employment would start on September 1 instead of October 1, which follows the way he did with previous case in our firm.
Up to this point, USCIS cannot provide any solution. They will call back within 15 days.
It is not fair as this small issue is much less problematic than REF, and how come no opportunity for us to remedy while REF cases have.
Any suggestions and possibilities?
Thanks a lot!
its was your mistake(ur employer and urself),u people just want to save $300-500 to hire an employer.,instead thought u can do on ur own and also he risked on keeping start date sept 1.
now pay for your mistake, i hope ur petition should get rejected.
it should happen to people like u who r dumb.
i saw ur post earlier one.
*to hire a lawayer not employer
You mean Now?
Hi,
What is the start date on your LCA?
Emma,
The issue is a start date of Sep 1 would put your application in FY-16 and not FY-17. That is why your petition was considered in FY-16 and considered rejected and not denied.
It is up to USCIS whether to consider it as a typo or a game changing mistake. Work with employer to come up with a letter to plead your case and then hope for the best.
Hi All,
Hope, everyone will be fine.
I have a questios that I have got the approval on 7th Oct. Still I am waiting for the next update from my employer to book the stamping (Visa Interview)
I just want to know that I will apply H4 visa of my family. Do I need to carry the photos of my 5+ years and 1 year kids or its not required and it will be taken in the VISA office.
Regards
Raj
Yes you need to carry their photographs as per it’s specification for the size. Also you are allowed to go without kids too since they are under 14. Just carry their required documents along with photographs and you are good to go.
Thanks a lot Yash…
Added animation to the status data to navigate across dates at worktheme.com/tracker/
Be relaxed and let the processing take its own time 🙂
thanks for adding prev dt , next dt.
Wish you very happy Vijayadashami to all Redbus views !!! All the best to every one.
Hello All,
Currently I am on H4 and in USA. I can not work with current Status. My H1 is still not approved.
I have Excellent offer in hand from Company B. Company B is ready to transfer H1, as soon as it is approved.
My question is, As soon as H1 is approved, will I be on board of Company A (as I am already in USA)? Since company A has kept condition for 15 days prior notice before leaving, Do I have to wait for 15 days? OR I can just ask company B to transfer my H1 on the day of approval?
Thanks in Advance guys!
H4toH1,
B can file for cap-exempt petition soon after A’s petition has been approved. If A’s petition has been approved w/ COS (i.e. I-94 attached), then you need to start working for A from the approval date.
Even after B files for the transfer, you can decide to continue with A for some more time or join B immediately. This way you can honor the 15 day notice period commitment.
I got it. Thanks Saurabh!
But what if Company A do not have any project at the time of approval OR I don’t join his Project. Still I am under commitment of 15 days?
Because Company B is all set to send my documentation to USCIS and asking me to join company next day of approval itself.
Your reply is highly appreciated.
H4toH1,
A needs to pay you the salary. So if they are willing to pay salary for those 15 days then you should stay w/ them irrespective of whether you have project or not. However, if they are not willing to pay you, I don’t think you should stay w/ them.
Hi Saurabh and Team,
Whats the difference between these 2 RFE’s?
1. Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed
and
2. Request for Additional Evidence Was Mailed
Is first one Denial? OR It is sign of danger?
NoticeExplainingAction,
The first one is generic and could be approval or denial. The latter is clearly RFE.
Thanks Saurabh!
A Strange Scenario.
My employer did two applications for H1b this year. Somehow, My employer/My lawyer sent other person’s I-129 form in my application w/ my supporting documents. Other person’s application was perfect without any mistake.
USCIS intentionally denied other person’s application by saying duplicate with my application and he got NOID.
My lawyer found out that mistake and He responded with my original I-129 form.
Now, Other person’s status is Denied. (Feeling Bad for him).
My status is “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received”.
What should I do next ? My OPT period will be expired on Jan 24th.
Case received on April 11, today is Oct 10 and still waiting
WAC161415xxxx.
Any body in this series?
EAC16140XXX and still waiting.
Hello all, upgraded the application to premium on 30th and still no change in status. The wait is sooo annoying. Hope after this interview sate shouldn’t be another issue.
Ravi,
Premium SLA is 15 days (including weekends), so your petition should get approved anytime now. All the best.
its been 6+ months , still in “received” status, losing hopes .
Dont loose your hopes…..we will receive good news soon…!!!!
All T/F cases going to RFE. Now, no hopes of a 2016 travel, probably in 2017.
Disappointed with the way USCIS is working, never expected this from US.
Nothing is predictable, you may request your Employer for Premium Processing if you like travel before 2017.
Traveling is not the issue at all. The issue is lack of SLAs in processing.
Hi All,
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 ?
Thanks ,
Shweta, Pune
Shwetha,
I also had similar RFE on Aug 15th 2016 but in my case, employer was not willing to disclose SOW or MSA due to confidentialiy. So we submitted 2 things
1) Employement letter where it was clearly stated that SOW/MSA cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality
2) Client letter stating that “we expect agreement to continue beyond MSA”
We filed response and i am waiting 🙁
your deadline will be Nov 2nd week, because i had simiilar deadline
Hell all, are interview dates available for October and november?
@ Shiva,
Now the Interview dates are back to normal and there is no waiting time now.
So you should be able to get the slot anytime you want to.
All the best
I got a “Request for additional evidence was mailed” two weeks ago. Then our attorney sent the RFE to them. Three days ago, I found the status is “Document was mailed”. What does it mean? Attorney or employer didn’t receive any document until now. Thanks all and good luck.
We mailed your document for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker….
Sophia,
It could either be approval or denial. The attorney should receive it within couple of weeks and that would provide the clarity.
Hi.. Anyone from SVAM got approval or RFE ?
Hi,
My case after a long wait now shows that it is on HOLD. Anyone got da same status? Wats da next step?
Series EAC1614753**** comparisions yesterday and today via worktheme.com
Yesterdays stats:
Total received: 116
Approved:407
Rfe: 207
Other:219
Transferred: 50
Todays stats:
Total received: 114
Approved:411
Rfe: 219
Other:217
Transferred: 38
From above stats it looks as if all the transferred cases went to rfe..
So guys who have kept hopes of getting approval..get yourself ready with all the documents ready for rfe..dont get depressed if you get rfe..i have also stopped dreaming of going to US..
Where do you get the series stats??
worktheme.com/tracker/#/vcases/EAC1614753
My case updates:
On October 6, 2016, USCIS made the decision to refund the fee for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker…This refund does not affect the processing or location of your case…
Could anybody please help what that means? My case is regular processing.
Thanks!
Did you convert your case to premium processing lately?.
Nope.
Hi Emma ,
What’s your received date from your previous status ? That is like your case was received on April xx . this April xx date . if it 06 April ,then six months passed. So USCIS return the fee and do a free processing to you that’s my opinion .
My received date is April 11, 2016.
Is that possible that my cased was picked in error so I have to reapply next year?
Emma
My status still shows case was received. What should I do now?
Do exactly what you been doing since last 6 months……”WAIT”
Hello Saurabh or Team,
My H1B got picket in lottery and waiting for approval, my question here is , i got promoted to new role in the month of May, so i wanted to travel on the new role, which needs new LCA.
Do i need to wait till i get approval notice notice to request for new LCA or i can request now it self. Does new LCA also requires amendment or what is the process for the same(client not changed).
InfyH1bRFE,
Work with employer if a new LCA is required for the new role. Usually employer raises new LCA when there is a substantial change in job category and not for a regular promotion like MTS to SMTS etc.
If a new LCA is required, then wait for approval and then go for new LCA and H-1 amendment.
Saurabh,
Consulate name on approval is Chennai do we need to for Chennai Consulate Only for Stamping ??
@ Frnd,
You can book any consulate you want to but you need to give justification when they ask why didn’t you appear in Chennai consulate? Slots are available for Chennai now, you can go for same location if you have no issues.
All the best
I met with Accident and i am not in a position to travel back to Chennai for Stamping will this reason would be good enough as i have already booked a Slot at hyderabad.
Saurabh,
Expecting a reply from you ??
Frnd,
You can go to any consulate for stamping.
Looking at the status of Transferred cases, USCIS seems to give a RFE to majority of the cases. These cases don’t look like they were picked randomly for transfer. Do we have any Approvals here for Transf cases/Non-AD/RP?
Seems to be right. On 8th Oct a total of 77 RFEs were issued from 87 transferred and 15 non-transferred cases !! They are just trying to meet some deadline set. Giving RFEs could buy them more time looks like. The process is messed up !
RFE…
6 months long wait turned to RFE today…
Was Updated at 1030AM IST today (10/08/16) and yet to get the RFE details from my employer.
WAC 161455***
Sick of waiting
Another transfered case and another rfe
Why is this series so slow? More than 1300 cases still in Received state. 😐
Me too waiting for any update EAC614354XXX
Hi AJ, Same case for most of the people who’s case got picked in the lottery. Mine too EAC161455XXXX, by the way i guess ur consultancy also applied in USCIS Vermont Service Center. Please share ur mail ID. Mine – santhoshc86@yahoo.co.in
I am also from same series EAC1614354XXX ….still case is in received status….
I am also EAC1614354xxx and case is still pending. Looks like most in this series are still waiting for a decision.
Hi,
Today my case status changed from Transferred to “Request for Additional Evidence Was Mailed”. Is it same as RFE?
EAC1614852***.
yes. Obviously
Hi All
My case was approved on October 7th
Just wanted to check availability of interview dates .
I see some people telling , waiting period is 5 days.What does it mean ? After 5 days , can we book on any date ?
Is there’s a way we can which dates are available.
Mine WAC161475xxxx
Still waiting with same series 🙁
Hello all, does premium processing timeline includes weekends and holidays?
Ashy,
PP is 15 calendar days and it includes weekends, holidays etc.
anyone still in case received status in my row eac16144519XX
here i am
Hi All,
I got RFE today. Can anyone please tell how much time it takes to clear RFE
Thanks in Advance,
Khushi
it depends how quick your employer or attorney to send the required documents after they will received the RFE by mail w/c is about a week. They will have 3 months to reply for the RFE and after USCIS received the documents maybe after a month or more as there is no SLA.
got approval today 7th Oct. Series EAC1614755***
I am already in US on L1B….my H1B was filed in April 2016 and since May 18th it was in transfered state and then today it was approved without RFE…all the best Guys!
Vijay,
Congrats.
H1 from same Company As L1B or different
If its different, Is ti COS, then how your moving from L1 to H1, is ther any notice period u have to serve with L1.
Thanks,
H1b from same company as L1b. Attorney had filled COS but I think they approved my case as initial petition and not as COS because H4 COS status for my family is showing as denied. Also while my H1b was pending we had to travel to India due to family emergency but returned back to US in a months time… may have to wait for notice to reach to clearly understand what exactly is happening…but could someone tell if in this situation my family’s stay is still lawful until we have valid L1/L2? Our L visa expires in end of 2017
Vijay,
As you all left US when the petitions were pending, the COS has been abandoned. Your H-1 is approved w/ consular processing and H-1 COS and H-4 COS are denied.
You all can continue to stay until current L-1/2 I-94 expiration date. You guys are still on L-1/2 and not H-1, correct?
Hi All,
Is any one still waiting with the status ‘Case was received on April 11th ” .
Just wanted to know if there are any left with this status, mine is RP , Non AD , WAC centre .. It just doesn’t move , its been 6 months , mine is WAC16144*** series
Waiting…
WAC161455***
Hi,
Mine is EAC161495 series, still it is received
My case status is also the same, though for the Vermont office. Really frustrating !!
I am also in the same boat…Non-Ad/RP/VT still case is in received status….
Hi Sai,
As mentioned in our WAC16144 series still only 83 cases are in received status. You may get the updates very soon.
Thanks
Suresh
After 6 months of loooooooooong wait…today the status updated to RFE ?
WAC1614554***
I’m also in the same boat. series eac161425++++. still in case received status.
Thanks Saurab….that is correct Saurab we are on L1/L2 currently which does not expire till Aug 2017..
Does this mean before our L1/L2 expires we will have to go to India and get stamping done?
Assume we go to India for stamping somewhere in Jan of 2017 During time of stamping are there still chances of VISA getting denied? if that happens does it mean we cannot return to US?
Vijay,
If your H-1 visa stamping is denied, you can still return on your L-1/2 visas.
You can stay in US on L-1/2 until Aug 2017. To stay thereafter you either need to get L-1/2 extension filed, or move to H-1 (through stamping or filing COS from L-1/2 to H-1/4).
Thanks Saurab….
Yes that is correct Saurab we are on L1/L2 currently which does not expire till Aug 2017..
Does this mean before our L1/L2 expires we will have to go to India and get stamping done?
Assume we go to India for stamping somewhere in Jan of 2017 During time of stamping are there still chances of VISA getting denied? if that happens does it mean we cannot return to US?
How long it takes to clear RFE in regular processing ?
Status changed to RFE Response received on 3rd Oct.
Nobody knows exactly, but it might take a month or so, my case is also in received starus after rfe, since sept 8th
USCIS has an sla of 60 working days to keep the case active. So if they receive the response for RFE there would be a change in status by or on the 60 th working day.
Hello all,
My case got approved today at 7.10 PM IST. It was upgraded to premium processing on September 30th and got approved today October 7th. All the best to each one of you waiting for your approval.
My series is EAC1614355***
Hi Saurabh and team,
Your forum is really good and informative. I really appreciate the work and service you are giving each of the H1b aspirants. Please continue the good work. I thank you for all the information provided.
Congrats for Approval..
What is the rfe about ??
Congrats Sunitha!
Hi All,
After waiting 5 months, My case was approved on Oct3rd. my series is EAC1614853***. and regular one.
Saurabh ,
Thanks for creating this forum and sharing useful information.
How many days will it take to receive approved copy to my employer?
where can we check the availability dates for stamping?
what all documents do I need to carry?
Sr,
Employer should receive it within 2 weeks, but the SLA is 30 days.
You can see the wait times here: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html
After 6 months RFE, WAC14251
Hello All,
My case got approved today October 7th, 7.10 PM IST. It was upgraded to Premium processing on 30th September. I wish each one of you the very best and get approvals soon.
Hi Saurabh and team,
This forum is one of the best and I recommend to all my acquaintances. Please continue the good work and the information on the site is very good and communicates to all audiences. Thanks once again.
Hi All,
Also my series number is EAC1614355***
All the very best and I wish all of you waiting there will get a good news soon.
Hello to everyone!
My petition for H1B visa was approved a month ago. Unfortunately, approval notice came with some errors (USCIS errors – petition was correct). My attorney already called the USCIS and now we need to wait for a new, amended approval. Anybody in the same situation? How long this process of correction can take? Anybody knows? Thank you and good luck!
Nel
Please let us know at least one transferred case got approved or not??
how much time they took to send you the initial physical approval notice ?
Finally! After 6 months of waiting I got approval. Visa was updated to PP on 29th of Sep. Today 7th of October it was approved. EAC161465***.
Thanks to everyone on this forum.
Best
RFE. After 6 month……:'( :'(
Eac14850… Transfer case
Hi All,
Attended the H1B interview today at Kolkata. It was very simple. Visa Officer asked just 2 questions (1- Where will I work, 2- What will be my designation). They kept my passport and told me that, I will receive it in next 2-3 days by post.
Congrats ! In fact it should be simple 🙂 …. Where is your office based out ? How long was it took to schedule a interview? It was 3-4 months earlier .. how much is now?
All the best.
can you please share whole thing here ? http://redbus2us.com/share-your-experience/
Anyone from Diaspark got approval ?
In same boat applied through DP, still waiting….. Not sure if anyone got approval.
Looks like USCIS is trying to hit some deadlines set. EAC16147XXX series alone has 70 RFEs issued out of the 100 odd petitions they reviewed yesterday. Wish they had streamlined this process and done a better job instead