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H1B Visa 2017 News Updates, Fees , Lottery Predictions, LCA - Processing Times, FAQs.

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

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

When will the H1B visa 2017 season start ? Date ?

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

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

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

  • Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
  • H1B Master’s Degree Quota ( only US Master Degrees) : 20,000
  • Out of the above, a total of 6,800 is usually set aside for Singapore and Chile citizens as part of the free trade agreement between them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • H1B Cap to be increased from 65,000 to 110,000 per year.  Also have provisions to have it up to 180,000 in case of extreme demand.
  • Advanced degree from US cap quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000
  • The Filing fee for H1B could go up to 10,000 USD  ( Part of this came up as the fee increase in Omnibus Bill )
  • Additional H1B rules to avoid H1B Visa fraud by employers
  • Mandatory LCA posting for 30 days before it is certified.

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

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

H1B Visa 2017 Premium Processing Time :

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is the next H1B Season ?

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

Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017 ?

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

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

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

   

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23,619 Comments

  2. http://m.economictimes.com/nri/visa-and-immigration/donald-trump-talks-h-1b-again-vows-to-protect-jobs-for-americans/articleshow/54848288.cms

    Reply

  3. Hi Saurabh,

    I have made few mistakes in my form DS 160. I have digitally signed the form DS 160 but i did not book for visa interview. How can i correct the mistakes in form DS 160? Shall i create a new DS 160 and schedule visa appointment with that?

    Please provide your valuable inputs.

    Reply

  4. Hi Saurabh,

    I applied H1B through a consultancy and got REF for the following reasons.

    1)Multiple Beneficiaries on LCA

    2)Speciality Occupation.

    May I know what documents to submit for the above reasons?

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

  5. Hi All,

    Our attorney submitted RFE response on Sep 21st. I am able to see the status as RFE response received.
    Any Idea how long will it take to get an update from this stage?

    Thanks

    Reply

  6. Got paid first salary today. My company pays bi-weekly . Started working on 3rd of Oct. My visa was approved on June and came to USA 25th of Sept. Going to buy a car next week

    Reply

  7. I am following this Forum from long time and my H1 was picked around April-11 and i got it approved on Oct-12….Long Wait..Yeah…

    Thanks for Saurabh for all your support in this Forum.

    Reply

  8. Hi can anyone clarify this..EAC16143*****.Non AD ,Regular .Transfered case and got Rfe on oct 7th.waiting for Rfe reason.Planning to upgrade to Premium while responding to Rfe.But I read the below quoted lines in this same blog.. “” If we apply for premium processing , validity will b for 1 year.
    if it is regular it will b for 3 years”” .IS THIS TRUE.Can anyone suggest on this?

    Reply

    • Need clarification,

      Upgrade to PP doesn’t mean reduction of term to 1 year. It is based upon review of the documents irrespective of whether it is PP or not.

      Reply

  9. H1B applicant
    Saurabh ,

    I am following this portal for last few months.Its really helpdul and informative ..

    Thanks to you and all the supporters who provide updates and clarifications

    H1B got approved through a small company A .But they dont want to send for a project in USA as of now.They are not giving any assurance as well when that will happen…

    Stamping is also not yet done;Never travelled to US..

    One new Company B is ready to do H1B transfer.But A is not giving the documents(Both soft copy and hard copy)

    I know only the receipt number.

    Can you clarify below things

    1.With out H1B approved copy is it possible to do H1B transfer

    2.What are the other documents required for H1B transfer.

    3.without travelled once to US is that H1b transfer is possible ..?

    4.How much will be the cost of H1B transfer ..?

    5.How much time will take for the approval ..?

    Reply

    • H1B applicant,

      1. You can use the receipt number and print out of online status showing it as approved. New employer can also include a letter to USCIS mentioning that employer hasn’t shared 797 copy w/ you and USCIS can look-up the receipt copy in their systems using the receipt number.

      2. Rest of the documents is similar to what you needed for initial filing.

      3. Yes

      4. Same cost as initial H-1B. As always, this needs to be paid by employer and not you

      5. 4-6 months, but PP option is available.

      Reply

  10. Hi All,

    Case: AD/RP/Vermont processing Center. There is no change in status 6 months have gone by.

    Is this normal? Should I be worried?

    Reply

    • Saurabh – I hold H4 visa and when I submitted DS160 form for H1b, I got the same CGI reference number as H4. Did I make a mistake somewhere? Or its like for each login there is going to be only one reference # irrespective of type of visa’s ? Can you confirm.

      Reply

  11. Hi,

    I got an RFE regarding following documents:
    1. Company’s tax filings
    2. Employee-Employer relationship
    3. Primary H1B’s pay stubs from feb, 2016 till date (since its a COS from H4 to H1)

    Could anyone please tell me how simple/complex is it? My employer says there’s nothing to be concerned of, I just need a second opinion.

    Any help is appreciated.
    Thank you.

    Reply

  12. Saurabh,

    In my LCA i have place of EMployment 1 (Its my Employer premises)and Place of EMployment 2(It seems like Clinet Premises) and i have letter from my Employer Saying i will deployed in client premises and our business premises.

    If VO asks where you will be working I should say at our employer who filed the petition only right ?? And I should say it as a Inhouse project and later based on the requirement i might move to client side right ??

    As Place Of employment Corresponds to my Employer Office. Help me on ??

    Reply

    • Frnd,

      Your LCA covers both locations, which is good. If you will be primarily staying at employer location and traveling to client location for sometime every week or month, then you should respond on those lines. You can say that you will be sitting in employer office but may work at client site few days for in-person meeting etc. Talk to employer about your actual job description.

      Reply

      • Thanks Saurabh,

        But I haven’t got any Client letter Supportive Saying he will be working with us.
        My Employer Has Shared the Job Responsibilities with me and the role. But Project name was not mentioned over it.

        Its Just Stated that I will be working on these and these technical terms.But not the project name.

        If they Ask What is your project name ??
        Answer : ??
        If they for Client letter ??
        Answer : ??

        please help me on

        Reply

        • Frnd,

          You have to go w/ the documentation you have. Talk to your employer/attorney on how to respond to these questions. Saying that you don’t have client/project would work only if you are working in an internal project.

          Reply

  13. 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.
    Any suggestion would be appreciated.

    Reply

  14. 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/ & Ebs-minds It Inc) and iERATECH does not flourish in USA . The culprits are Man Mohan Akavaram, 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

    Reply

    • When you chose to pay USD 4000, you were equally at fault. You wanted to go the wrong route and you should have been prepared to face such consequences.

      Reply

  15. Hi Saurabh/Kumar,

    Yesterday my case status was updated to “name was updated”. What is the usual outcome of this status? Please advise

    Regards,
    H1bGen

    Reply

  16. OMG this wait is killing me already 6 months 🙁

    EAC16144503xx

    Keep Calm and Have Patience and More Patience and More Patience!!

    Reply

  17. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/09/23/trump-is-headed-for-a-win-says-professor-whos-predicted-30-years-of-presidential-outcomes-correctly/

    Reply

  18. Hi Saurabh,

    Do you have any idea if it is better to do amendment before stamping or after stamping?could you please let us know the pros and cons of it?

    Reply

    • IBMer,

      You maybe asked to provide relevant documents for the work location. If the location has changed and your contract etc point to new location, then get the amendment before the stamping.

      Reply

  19. Does USCIS process RFE in perticular order ?
    I can see that the people who send RFE response after me are getting approval but mine is not moving forward.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • 2 Companies that is banned by uscis and Department of Labor in USA is EBS MINDS (ebsminds) and iEratech. Both these companies charge around USD 4000 for processing H1B Visa and when not picked in lottery or RFE comes up, they refuse to refund even partially the Visa charges they have colleced, leaving the applicants in a lurch. I personally lodged a complaint and glad to see that Manmohan Akkavaram, Brijesh Vyas and Raghu MUTUKULA will be procecuted by the US Government. Thanks to all your website for hosting this review and 100s of other applicants who have compalint against companies like this.

      See below of other such companies with Debarment period: 4/4/2015 to 4/3/2019:

      Advanced Professional Marketing, Inc
      Ebs minds
      Anthony Information Technology Inc
      iEratech
      Global Telecom Corp
      Gunderson Sweetwater
      NYVA Soft Inc
      Orian Engineers Inc
      Northern California Universal Enterprise Corporation (NCUE)
      Prithvi Information Solution International, LLC
      RMJM Group Inc
      Scopus Consulting Group Inc
      Sirsai Inc
      Space Age Inc
      Tekseed Solutions
      Xcel Solutions Corp
      Riedstra Dairy Ltd

      Reply

  21. Hi Saurabh,
    I have received my H1B Approval on August 19th, 2016. My consultancy is saying they did not receive the approval notice hard copy still. Is this a normal situation? Mine is under regular processing. can I appear for interview without approval notice hard copy?
    Please provide your suggestions.

    Reply

    • H1_B Waiting for approval notice,

      If the employer has not received it yet, then they should immediately contact USCIS and raise a SR to get the duplicate copy.

      Reply

  22. Hi All,

    After a long wait, today my RP case was approved after RFE

    WAC161435****

    Resp Recd on Sep 14th and approved on Oct 12th.
    Patience is the key here, I know it is easy to say that.
    But we don’t have a choice.

    Advance wishes everyone.

    Reply

  23. Anyone from EAC1614255 series with status as case transferred? There are only 10 petitions with that status and i am one of them. I see lot of RFE’s for transferred cases in this series. Please share ur thoughts as well.

    Reply

  24. Hi Saurabh,

    I had travelled to U.S on L1 Blanket and worked for 3 years(2009-2012) with Employer A. Now I have got a H1 B approved this year with Employer B and got I-797 until 2019. Kindly let me know if the total (6 years) work permit includes both H1 and L1 stays eventhough there is a gap of 4 years in between. Thanks in advance.

    Reply

    • If you have already stayed outside of the US for more than a year, your previous stay on L1B gets reset. So your 6 year period on H1 begins the day you enter the US on your new H1.

      Reply

      • Thanks for the update @ MaxOutReset. Believe, I can then apply for extension for 3 more years after the current approval ends in 2019.

        Reply

        • WorkPermit Limit Doubt,

          Yes you will be eligible for 3 more years of H-1 once the current period is about to expire. Your clock has been reset.

          Reply

  25. I got RFE on July 28 and documents were submitted on 17th Aug….Got approval on 12 th Oct 2016….My question is I need H1B amendment because I would be travelling for a different client and project from the one mentioned in the LCA….Please suggest if this H1B amendment need to be done before stamping interview or after the stamping interview….

    Reply

      • RFE was for Employer Employee Relationship….Documents that were submitted are SOW and Manager Letter….As SOW was going to end on 31st Dec 2016…It was mentioned in the Manager Letter that I would be working on different projects for different clients and my service was not restricted to only one client…Mine is a big MNC…

        Reply

    • Need Suggestion_H1B_RFE_Approved,

      I would encourage to get amendment prior to stamping. This way your supporting documents would support the work location.

      Reply

  26. Hi Saurab,

    Please reply. Very Urgent.

    I have original bachelor degree certificates which i have submitted while my company(MNC) filing H1B. But for my PGDCA (post graduation diploma in computer application ) I have transcripts and provisional certificate of University(IGNOU). It will take time to get convocation certificate. My question is will the uscis accept provisional certificate for RFE?

    Reply

    • clifeRFE,

      They may or may not. It would be officer’s discretion. As long as they think that you are qualified based upon bachelor’s degree they may not dig deep into your post grad.

      Reply

  27. EAC1614753*** Series

    My status got changed to RFE as expected,90% transferred cases changing to RFE.

    People in this series please try some other countries instead of US as our stars are not…

    Now I am 99% sure from RFE it will go to Denied status as I might have been picked in lottery by luck,but my luck is not good enough to get all decisions in my favour…

    Reply

    • Agreed, most of T/F cases were sent as RFEs. But I cant agree that most of them will be denials. RFEs will also be approved, provided we submit them required information.

      Reply

    • you are sad i get that no need to blow out of proportion though i am in the same boat , we will get through it just some more wait and adequate reply from employer.

      Reply

  28. Very Urgent, please reply.

    I have original degree certificate. But for my PGDCA (post graduation diploma in computer application ) I have transcripts and provisional certificate. It will take time to get convocation certificate. My question is will the uscis accept provisional certificate for RFE?

    Reply

  29. Today my case status was showing “name was updated”. What does that mean? I did some research in google and it is confusing that few got approval and few got rfe leading to rejection,

    My attorney or consultant didn’t submit any request to update name change.
    What would be the outcome of this status?

    Please let me know,

    Reply

  31. Hi guys,
    I would just like to share that I have just received the email from my employer that my case is approved. 🙂
    **Receipt No: EAC-16-144-55xxx
    **Receipt Date: April 22, 1016
    **Approved Date: October 6, 2016

    Believe me, I almost lost hope as well thinking that it’s been so long since April. But at the end of the day I just know that God is faithful to His promises and He will always be. So even if you’re left with a little piece of patience and hope, just hang on there buddy!!! Your time will come. 🙂

    Thanks too, Saurabh! I’ve been following this site the whole time and it’s been really informative.

    God bless us all!!!

    Reply

  32. Hi Saurabh/Kumar,

    I have received RFE asking to provide Specialty Occupation in details.

    I’ve done BSc in IT and working as Business Analyst more than 5+ years .

    USCIS asked How does my education is related to Specialty Occupation.

    What kind of documents I should provide to them?

    Reply

    • RFE-Ist time,

      Your employer/attorney should be handling this. On a broader term this involves documents to show how your past education/experience helps in doing the prospective job duties. If the employer has other employees doing similar job w/ similar profile, then submit that information. You can also include job openings from prominent companies who accept candidates similar to you for similar jobs.

      Reply

  33. HI,
    It has been mentioned ‘Consulate: Chennai’ in my approval notice. Should i appear for interview only at Chennai or can appear any consulate in India? Please suggest me on this. I appreciate your help!!

    Thanks.

    Reply

  34. Hi All,

    I have received RFE asking to provide Speciality education evaluation.

    I am a mechanical Engineer by Education,but i am working in IT with 10 + years of experience.I am employing with my 5th company.

    Not sure how to provide evidence to USCIS as i am with IT industry and working on IT project.Appreciate your valuable feedback and inputs.

    Unfortunately i don’t have course certificates to support me.

    Reply

    • I think in your RFE, USCIS should have mentioned the acceptable documents that you can submit. My suggestion would be to get the Credential evaluation done by a third party. I got mine done with CCI

      Reply

  36. Hi All,

    Currently I am in L1 visa and I applied 2 H1B petitions both are picked in lottery one is Transfer case(EAC16147) went RFE on Sep 13th and another one EAC1614650. On Oct 4th I have converted to PP and today morning my application got approved. All the best to every one.

    Reply

    • Raj … did you do PP for both? I am in same boat, one is in RFE and another one in received status. I am scared to do PP as rfe may impact the second application. Please suggest/share.

      Reply

      • Hi Sam,
        I didn’t convert PP for RFE petition still it’s showing RFE. Even I didn’t ask my employer about RFE. I converted another case which is in Received status one in to PP on 4th Oct and today morning 7:00 am PST my case got approved. You can also do the same. Your petition wil get approved soon…

        Reply

  37. After long wait, my case approved this morning (12 Oct), series EAC161415…

    What should I expect next? How long does receiving approval document take? How should I prepare for interview?

    Thanks everyone and best wishes.

    Reply

  38. Case was approved yesterday evening around 5 EST

    RP-Non-AD
    April 11 received to Oct 11 approved .. Round figure 6 months

    Reply

  40. 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.
    Please suggest something.

    Reply

  41. Hi All,

    After long wait my case got approved on Oct 6th and received approval notice on today evening from my Global mobility team. The petition valid from 10/1/2016 to 06/15/2019. Feeling happy. All the best to every one.

    Thanks
    Suresh

    Reply

    • Suresh_CTS

      Congrats for 3 years visa approval. I got for 1 year.. Did you submit SOW or any other document to get 3 years while filing the petition ? You can get this info from your I129 petition.

      Reply

      • Hi Sun,
        My employer has submitted all the documents like MSN, SOW, LCA and on site manager letter. I checked with my Seniors in my project from last 6 years who are all selected in the lottery everyone has received the RFE after submitted RFE they got only one year visa. I am the first person got direct approved and got 3 years visa.
        Note: My project SOW has expired on July 2016. Same documents but my teammate got RFE.

        Reply

  42. RFE

    After 6 long month waiting period status got changed to RFE today, they have asked to submit the docs by november 11th, could any one please let me know how much time it will take for them to take further deception on my case after my document submission.

    Reply

    • For rfe documents submission you will have time up to Jan 2nd week, but make it quick asap.
      There is no time limit for USCIS to look into your case back. But you can get result hopefully 60 to 90 days after your submission.
      Was your case Transferred before you got RFE?

      Reply

        • Looks to be all Transferred cases are going as RFE.
          No Worries!!
          Would be mostly asking for SOW/MSA, Job responsibilities at client place and who will control you from your employer/client and pay during the 3 years.
          All the best!!

          Reply

    • There is no SLA for RFEs. However if you submit all reqd docs ASAP, you may get the approval by December end or first week of January 2017.

      Reply

  43. Finally Golden words “Your Case Has been Approved”.
    Case :NON AD/ RP
    Series :EAC148
    For those waiting ,Guys a simple suggestion from my end,Dont Panic. H1b counts only days for which you have stayed in US. So if you are not able to go on 1st October dont worry too much. Take a deep Breath
    Just flow with flow …..

    Reply

  44. ** ATTENTION **

    Next president is TRUMP. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/09/23/trump-is-headed-for-a-win-says-professor-whos-predicted-30-years-of-presidential-outcomes-correctly/)

    Good luck, you all.

    I got an RFE and no interest anymore. left my previous job and found another better one where i live.

    Reply

  46. Guys any idea how they decided to transfer a case to share work load, I mean it doesn’t looks like a continuous lot of receipt were transferred. Got a RFE now my colleagues with same documents have got approval. So it is not about document it is because the case was transferred.

    Reply

  47. Hi Saurabh

    My case no. is EAC16143530** which is still in received status. Any idea how much more time will it take. It’s quite frustrating 🙁

    Reply

    • Hello Nitya mine is also same series (EAC1614354XXX) and same status. We have to wait max till November end for any update about our case. If we are lucky may get soon also.

      Reply

        • EAC16143***** series has 1167 cases yet to be processed.
          In total Vermont center has 7540 cases yet to be processed (In received status).

          If we take 200 – 300 cases per day, they will finish initial review of all the cases with in 20 to 30 working days.

          Reply

        • WAC center can finished up initial review of all cases till 30 October.
          But for EAC center to finished up initial review of all cases till 30 October they need to process 600 cases per day which is not possible i think. So I think EAC can complete it by 3rd or 4th week of November.

          Reply

          • @ Nitya you have already waited for 6 months so wait for another month. You may get it approval in few days time. Premium processing will take 15 days max time after submitting it and it will cost 1225$.

  48. Hi Saurabh,

    i have few questions while filling DS-160 form.

    1) Primary Occupation: What should i mention?

    Options Available in Form: Computer Science, Not Employed

    Currently i am not employed as September 20, 2016 was my last working day with my employer in India.
    I resigned job to join new employer in USA.

    2) Education Section: Do we need to fill the details like SSC, HSC? or is it okay to mention from Graduation.

    3) Have you made specific plans ?. Please advise which one i need to select.

    Options Available in Form : Yes, No

    If i select “Yes” it is asking details like

    Date of Arrival to US: 1 week of November

    Date of Departure from US: My Petition was approved till Sep 2019. Am i supposed to use this date ?

    If i select “No” it is asking details like

    Intended date of arrival : 1 week of November

    Intended Length of Stay in U.S.: 34 Months

    Thanks in Advance.

    Reply

  49. Hi All,

    My husband and I, both have valid H1B petitions.Petitions approved two weeks ago.
    We are planning to schedule appointments for interview in the next ten days.
    We both work for different employers.
    As per our company’s procedure, I would be appearing @ Chennai consulate and he at Hyderabad Consulate.

    My questions:

    At the interview, incase we are asked about our spouse’s travel, Is it ok to mention about the H1 for both of us?
    Considering the visa is approved for both of us, Is it advised to travel together, having port of entry in mind.

    If someone can share his view or similar personal experience on this, it will be very helpful for me.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply

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