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.
what are the chances of getting approval after RFE. I could see the rejected cases are increasing..
Please provide your thoughts
Hey preethi, it’s not so. I can see so many RFEs getting approved thru this forum. RFE doesn’t meant for rejection. It depends on ur employer’s genuinenity. Talk to ur employer attorney about RFE reason and the response sent. If all good You have 100% approval chance.
Raj ,
Thanks Raj for your words
I have received RFE onoctober 18 th , I
I have asked my attorney the details , tehy have not shared the details yet.. I am worried
Preethi, I too got RFE on Oct 18th. My employer said like it’s reg speciality occupation and the attorney will take care. So am waiting for their further update.
Even I got RFE on 18th October (updated on USCIS website). Date mentioned on RFE Letter is 14th Oct.
RFE is about Specialty Occupation and Beneficiary Education.
it depends on type of rfe for rejection.
simple rfe’s which can get easily approved are below
1) client letter
2) employer employee relationship
3) employer client relationship
4) education evaluation
above all also depends upon your employer company profile
Finally, after almost a year of wait and suspense, my H1B petition finally got to approved status on Nov 5th . RFE response recieved by uscis on 21st OCT EAC16147* series. Thanks to redbus team for this wonderful blog.
Hey Congrats.. Is it regular or PP?
Congratulations.
Can u share….What was your RFE About???
It was Regular processing.. Don’t have details regarding RFE questions..
Thanks for replying..
All, in Regular processing Once your employer respond to RFE notice from USCIS. How much time does it taking lately to get a response from USCIS on applications again?.
I heard its 3-4 week now??.
i’m waiting from 60 + days.. Depends on our luck.. there is no SLA this is what our employer said to me.
I’ve got RFE in the first week of august and response received on Sep 28th. Finally got approved on 4th November.
Does wakf board marriage certificate from Karnataka works to get h4 visa ?
MY petition approved till Jul-2019. But due to requirement is not available in my project, my manager put on hold to initiate stamping.
1) Consider, If I delay my interview date, will that affect anything?
2) At this situation, Can I wait even for 3 years ?
3) ask them release and proceed with diff client?
Please advice.
you can wait till you get a project. dont worry. Since ur petition is valid for 3 year, u can go for stamping any time when you and ur employer r ready
Thanks H1Advisor
my husband is in us on h1b and my h1b petition is still in received status..if I apply for h4 and go to US in Dec than after my petition gets approved , can I file for CoS and start working on h1b??
Please suggest
Yes you can. Travel to US on H4 and file COS once the petition is approved. It may take around 2 months. Premium processing will be a better option if you want to start working asap. Once approved, you can start working.
Hello, any H1B candidate from Astir IT solutions?
I received 2 updates, first it was Response to RFE Received, and then later it changed to case was received and receipt notice was Emailed. I opted for PP so I think they already started processing? Please let me know if anyone got the 2nd one.
a little background, I work for a product based company in US. I worked in their offices for 1 and half years on F-1 OPT, they applied for my H1 in 2014, 2015 but didn’t get picked in the lottery. and in June 2015 my opt was finished. so they let me work from India as an independent contractor this year they applied for me again and it got picked. Since I did BS in US i fall under Non-AD, and it took forever to get update, I received speciality occupation RFE on 25th Oct. Lawyer received it on 28th OCT and the Lawyer replied on 3rd Nov. with PP. so I got the status messaged mentioned above.
All
I have been a regular on this forum for the last two years. Lottery failed me last year but I was lucky this year. Thanks to Kumar & Saurabh for running this quorum and answering questions.
Got RFE on July 15
Responded on Sep 1
RFE Evidence received from Sep 2
Approved on Nov 4
Some of my colleagues responded around Oct mid and they got approvals within a week or two whereas mine was still pending. This is a game of patience. Almost gave up on my travel and kind of prepared to wait. Otherwise I used to check every day morning and evening.
For those of you who are still waiting, and checking the status day and night, please focus your attention on something else for couple of weeks and hopefully time will pass. I believe there is no need to upgrade to PP, since most of my colleagues got approvals after RFE within 2 – 3 weeks in RP itself.
Wishing everyone the very best for your american dreams and career.
GV
GV,
Congratulations.
May i know what was your RFE about?. What all documents they asked?
JACK,
My RFE was related to “Right to control’.
Employer responded with
1. Last appraisal details
2. Updated client letter mentioning that the employee will be supervised by the employer themselves
3. Org structure
Congrats !!! i’m also your case responded on Aug 31 and They received on 1st Sep.. still waiting for approval.. i’m like a mad checking the status daily..
By next week i’m guessing.. but election is also der.. lets see..
Hey GV, Congrats n thanks for the trick given to wait patiently and pass the time till it’s Approved.
I Got RFE on Oct 18 and my employer told they will respond in 3 weeks (maxEnd of Nov) . If it happens so, can expect my approvals around at least by Dec/Jan? Please advise.. Thanks.
Did you receive RFE letter and what it is all about because I’m still waiting for the letter(got RFE on 14th Oct)?
Hi Aj, My employer received the RFE letter details already and didn’t reveal details to me. instead they said like it’s a normal RFE reg speciality occupation and the attorney will take care.
Got RFE status change on 18th Oct and they said in few days they received the details. Also they said in max 3weeks time attorney will send the RFE response to uscis.
Thanks For Quick Response, Raj! !
Raj,
Yes, should be done by Dec end.
Congrats ! Cheers !
Hi Guys
Plzzz Help me
what is the chance to get H1b visa for a marketing profile in an IT company. I have done MBA marketing and have experience in the marketing domain in IT company. I have got an RFE indicating towards educational qualification.
There is no special chance / requirement. You need to find an employer to sponsor your H1B and go through standard lottery and approval process.
One major challenge will be English accent. Also, since you are in non technical marketing profession, it will be challenging to get an employer.
Best of luck.
Hi H1B helper
I already have an employer who applied in H1B . On 25th Oct I got an RFE there was some query regarding my education though I have done MBA in Marketing . The only thing I want to know that is there any chance for getting approval. My employer is working on response and will apply for PP to get it done fast.
Thanks
Hope your LCA and job description in H1B petition matches with your qualification.
You must be fine if your employer responded with right information asked in RFE.
I know most people would not like this post, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
I applied through a consultancy and they only agreed to do it with an in house project. And as expected I got an RFE. On a side note, I applied through another consultancy with a client letter but it didn’t make it in the lottery. My employer has good supporting documents and has already sent the response.
Everyone hates this consulting business, especially people who work in the top 4 consultancies. Yes they are consulting companies, only bigger.
I live in the US on a h4 visa and I’ve been literally knocking on doors asking for people to hire me. They love my qualifications and experience but the moment you say you need a visa they back out. No one wants to hire lawyers, go through the bullshit with uscis and wait for 7-8 months to get me on board. It simply doesn’t work that way. If you own a business you would know.
With no option of working at all, all I want to say is, I don’t have a choice other than going back to India or applying through a desi consultant. An F1 on opt has more choices than me. People applying from India through a consultancy at least can keep their existing job.
After trying my luck for 3 years in a row, here I am waiting and hoping that my case will be approved. And if not we will probably be heading back.
I’m not looking for sympathy, but I’m saying everyone has a story and it’s easy to point fingers as to who’s right or who deserves it more.
Sorry for the long post, I wanted to ask a simple question.
Is there hope?
While it always depends on the documents submitted along the applications OR sent in RFE Response, this year it seems USCIS is more strict. There are more RFEs for sure. All my friends who filed through these small consultancies received RFEs and the application is yet to be Approved/Rejected.
So you never know. I just wish you LUCK. H4 has been a curse but thanks to H4 EAD Rule since last year, there is hope. I think you shall explore this H4 EAD option. See if your spouse get his/her I140 with his/her H1.
Thanks Sandeep. What you say is right. The RFE was directed only towards employer like pics of premises, financial liabilities, tax returns, Marketing analysis, etc. no questions or documents from my side. Lets see what they say.
The H4 EAD is another big story. Spouses employer just started collecting documents now and will only file in EB3! Conservatively speaking we’re looking at another 2 years from now for that to happen. God knows with the elections and stuff what new changes will take place. Not much hope on that.
Totally agree. Visa reforms should happen in USA. On one side you could get an Australian PR within 4-6 months and on other side around 12 years in US. Within this 12 years, you have to wait endlessly for any H1 transfer filing, extension filings, PERM / I-140 approval and so on. Till you get GC, its a matter of waiting and waiting and prepared to travel to home town any minute.
USA is already a country of immigrants and they should be knowing that and making the process simpler and quicker. I wish that happens one day.
GV
Agreed. And they should give some transparency to the employee as well. Atleast USCIS should be willing to give information to us directly instead of saying talk to your employer.
@Hope, uscis is just buying time this year to justify the long time taken to process. I wish your case Approved!
Thanks Raj! They say USCIS is understaffed. I don’t mind if they double the filing fee to double their staff.
Hi hope ,,
I am also facing the same situation like you . Selected in lot ..then rfe .. then employer said me that uscis is asking details regarding the inhouse project and now they have responded .Not sure what documents he provided .
Hoping the best will happen.
OneH1Guy
H1b approved on Nov2. Receipt # EAC16141… AD RP. Good luck to all.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pMsGtKC6sGS2uj4JL3JX5IYytzU5jJO_qJ-UJKXiCr4/htmlview#
Ther was no received case processed yesterday for EAC….any idea why processing has gone from slow to zero??
I know, like why aren’t they processing the hundreds of cases a day??? like that they are never going to finish they honestly don’t care, I’m in the US so is only a COS and my employer keeps asking when am I going to be able to start, FRUSTRATING, been waiting for a response to RFE for 2 months on Monday
Anybody waiting for approved hard copy? Mine case was approved on 29th September and yet not received the I797 copy. Any idea how much more time to receive the same.
Your feedback is appreciated, please let us know
Thanks
H1B SK,
If it has been more than 30 days and employer/attorney have not received the receipt notice, then they should follow-up w/ USCIS ASAP.
Mine has been approved on September 1st still I am waiting for hard copy..I am keep on checking with my employer….but no updates.
Hi Sourabh,
I got status update today as
“we updated your name for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, ….
”
Actually I got RFE on 7Oct and the response is not yet sent across. Suddenly I got this status update today. Do not know how to understand this now. Has anybody receive similar?
Any info will surely help what exactly going on with petition.
You need not worry about this status change. Its just that USCIS might have updated your name somewhere in their system and hence the status change. You can ignore this.
Thanks, Vishal.
Processing became slow according to worktheme stats at https://worktheme.com/ Due to holidays etc, Nov end is expected target date for all cases to recieve an update.
There was only one holiday on Monday for Halloween….if the processing goras with same pace as this week…I don’t think so processing will complete by Nov end…is this you gut feeling about Nov end prediction or you got this info from somewhere else…..
looks like they are more concentrated on RFE cases now..
I have approved H1B petition but SOW ends on 31st Dec 2016 and there would be no renewal….Can I go ahead for Visa stamping in this situation. My petition is approved for 1 year….Please advice its urgent…
It doesn’t matter once your petition case is approved. VO will not ask anything about your SOW if you are going through a good reputed company because I was in the same situation and they never asked me for SOW during stamping
You cant take all cases similar to one another..
do you think you would be able to travel before 31st Dec’16. To fill an extension, you should reach US with in some specified time( i think it 30 days or 45 days).
Hi Guys
what is the chance to get H1b visa for a marketing profile in an IT company. I have done MBA marketing and have experience in the marketing domain in IT company. I have got an RFE indicating towards educational qualification.
Hello Saurabh/All, This is second time I’m posting my below query. Lets see if I get any luck atleast this time.
Can anyone please clarify on H1B petition rejection is not same as Visa rejection. If H1B Petition denied, do I require to mention this petition rejection in any of the future H1B or L1 type applications when they asked about previous visa rejections. Thanks in advance for your help on clarifying basic doubt.
Petition is approved by USCIS. Visa is approved by US DOS. ‘Visa’ is different from ‘petition’. Petition rejection is not visa rejection. For some visas, you dont need petition. Hope that clears your question.
Thank you very much for response. Its really helpful.
After the case was approved, how long does it takes to receive approval notice from USCIS ??
My case was approved on 29th September and I am still waiting for I797 approved hard copy. Looks like it will take about 5weeks.
Hi TechM_H1B_FY17, I think you are from TechM, then you can go and Contact Visa team in person and speak with them after 15 days of approval. they are receiving the Approval docs from US TechM from Batches,,,,
TechM Approved, I have already contacted Visa cell and was informed that it will take a month..anyways will followup with them regularly. Just wanted to check here with others who have already received.
Hi,
There is small name difference on passport and my degree certificate. Name on degree ‘VIBHORJINDAL’, where as on passport ‘VIBHOR JINDAL’ . Will it be any issue?
This will not make any problem. Typically if the letters missed or not matching then it may be little problem.
Not in this case.
@RK, Thanks for response.
Still in received status….Is it something to be worried ?….Uscis is only giving RFE’s these days and processing is really slow now….
Same here…
Same too me…EAC16142XXXXXXX, Can someone (Admin) please suggest what it would be the possibility for approval or is it some thing hold at security check ???
same in my case , (case is received”) statue from last 6 -7 months is that my visa get process or any problem ?
Same case here. But I am checking h1b stat website. They are getting slowly updated. At this pace, we should have update by this month end.
Need Suggestion:
Hi, I am planning to attend H1B visa interview with my family, but my company suggesting to go me alone first and later for family.
In this case what should I answer if VO asks “Will your wife and child travelling with you?”
If I say NO, later when family goes for interview, will it create any issue? Or I should tell actual story to VO… Pleaae suggest.
Vivek
Going together should be better option as obviously you will 🙂
Vivek,
You can say that family had other commitments and would attend later.
Hi, I have VISA interview in US Consulate Delhi along with my wife and elder daughter. My younger daughter is 3 years old and USA citizen.
I want to know that if we can take her along for visa interview as we dont know anyone in Delhi where we can leave her or make any other arrangements.
I read somewhere that they only allow who have visa interview so worried what happened if they wont allow her inside embassy office?
Please help me with my question.
You sure can. Just carry her US passport.
My daughter is also a us citizen and we appeared for interview yesterday.
I have been a regular reader of this blog, have got the case approved in September and now getting ready to book an appointment.
Has anyone from a small company or consultancy gone through the Visa Interview process? (where clients name is not a big fortune 500 company)
Curious to know what kind of documentation and questions are being asked.
Thanks for sharing…
Congrats! please let us know the appointment slot wait time. looks like unlike earlier its not possible to see the available slots prior to paying the fee.
Thats not right. If you select location it does display latest available interview slot. Give it a try.
h1 got approved after rfe.So much thax 2 this forum.It experienced lots of patience,deeply belive in God…so that achivement won’t be so far.Again thax all of u and all the best in future.
Hey congrats! how long it took for approval after RFE? Is it regular or Premium?
thax.within 3 weeks.RP.
within 3 weeks.RP.
Gr8.. I got RFE on 18 Oct and still waiting for my employer to respond. How long urs took for approval??
Is pure luck I would think, I have been waiting for 7 weeks already after they received the response to RFE and there are people who are getting it approved after 1 to 3 weeks I’ve seen after they sent their response, hopefully you are in the lucky ones that takes 1 week 🙂
Delighted, After long wait. My case was approved on NOV 1st.
EAC161435****. It was from Received to Approved. Thanks to GOD.
All the best to others. Hope you will be receiving the approval’s soon.
Thanks for the all the members.
Please let me know if you have any queries.
Delighted, After long wait. My case was approved on NOV 1st.
EAC161435****. It was from Received to Approved. Thanks to GOD.
All the best to others. Hope you will be receiving the approval’s soon.
Thanks for the all the members.
Please let me know if you have any queries.
Hi Praveen, Congrats !
I am also waiting in the series as received status,
Was yours big company?
Have you started filing DS160 and scheduling appointment? please share the link and steps.
Hope yours was regular.
Thanks
Hey Guys,, Great news,,My case approved today. Rfe docs were more from education till date exp. Rfe submitted last Wednesday. Approved today. Within a week. Though it was Regular process. Thanking you all friends/Saurabh for this wonderful blog,,, All the very best to all waiting….
Hey, thats a great news. Would you mind sharing how long your employer took to respond to RFE? I got RFE’d on Oct 19th and waiting for my employer to respond.
@Raj, My employer visa team team took almost 75+days,,, before a week to my deadline,they submitted rfe docs to USCIS. Rfe on Aug 5.
Rfe docs received on Oct 25.
Case approved on Nov 1. Regular processing. Thanks to God especially Chilkur Balaji.,,,,
That is great, I have been waiting for freaking 7 weeks and still nothing, I’m getting more and more nervous of why they won’t get to mine since I’ve sent it several weeks ago, congratulations and I hope to hear from mine soon (tomorrow with approved notice 🙂
Your advice will helps me!!
My case went RFE asking EE relationship & Job duties and got approved.
Will there be any visa rejection during H1B Interview, as I’m being MUSLIM religion.
What will be expected questions for me as being Muslim
They won’t see any religion. You should not have any problem until your documents are proper.
Thanks Mr. Yash, that helps me.
I’m having proper documents with regards the employer or client as well mine. I’ve heared from some blogs, that during interview they were giving pink slip due to common Muslim names, which undergoes verification and making delay for months. That’s questioned me.
Dont worry, I have couple of Muslim friends who travelled with no issues. Just be confident and to the point on whatever the questions you answer, specially at the port of entry.
Thanks Mr.Sam
Man, do not worry about religion… ur documents are proper.. be happy, enjoy ur h1b and work……
Thanks Mr.H1b,
It boosted me well 🙂
Hey Seeks your advice pls 🙁
Congrats….!
Could you please tell me how long it took for ur approval after RFE.? Also PP or Regular?
Hello Mr.Raj
REF at 25th Aug
REF Recvd at 26th September (32 days – Status changed to Recvd immeditely on the next day after we submitted documents)
Approved at 26th October (30 days)
I thought to make it PP but left, since many RFEs are getting quickly approved in this season. So it approved in RP itself
Sorry REF – RFE*
Hi,
Currently I am working in a MNC and applied H1B through company B. Now the status is RFE. I am from Biotech background so they are asking for my roles and responsibilities in the current company. But my current company HR is saying that as i am still working in their company its not legal to apply H1B from other company and they are not willing to provide supporting documents to me. Please any one help me in this regard.
Regards
Suresh
Suresh,
It is NOT illegal to apply H-1 from B while you are still working for A. A may not provide the docs to support your case as they may feel betrayed by this.
See if you can get letters from colleagues and managers to support your case.
Thanks a lot Saurabh.
Documents from colleagues and managers saying that I have worked on so and so skills, get it signed and making an affidavit will suffice to clear my RFE? Will USCIS accept these kind of documents to approve my application?
Thanks in advance.
Is it advisable to attend the H1B interview with my spouse and kid, as I’m going to attend my first H1B visa interview.
What should I have to answer if VO asks “Will your wife and child travelling with you?”
Which country you belong from?
Vicky, I’m Indian
yes, Good to get it stamped for all at once.
Thank you Raj
@ Confused by other fellow,
It doesn’t matter if you are attending the interview alone or with your dependents as long as you have the proper documents. If you are planning to take your family to US, then attend the interview together and say YES if he asks will you take your family along with you.
All the best
Thank you Sun,
And we also expecting our 2nd baby at Feb, when looks my wife it will shows that she is pregnant as she in 7th month. Will they question any like where do you deliver. What should response for that.
Can anyboday please let me the know the visa appointment wait time in Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai. I checked on USCIS website and that is showing 2 calendar days for each one of the state, but i doubt that its true because few days back i got to know that wait time was 2 to 3 months,
Yes it’s indeed 2 calendar days
They have increased the staff at all embassies till dec end this year. So youncan boom your appointment now or re-schedule one setup in the future.
When the VO asks for passport during H1B Interview, should we have to give only the new valid passport or the both old and new passports together.
FYI: I have 10 years B1 valid visa also in the old passport, traveled 1 time for 2 months last year
Your case is an exact match to mine, and I am seeking the answer as well. 🙂
In short – give both
You should always have both your passports with you when you go for the interview. However, the VO wont ask for your old PP unless they feel they need to verify something in your previous PP.
Hand over the new PP only, unless specifically asked for the old one. If you were to give them both, in all likelihood they ll give you back the old one and tell you they dont need it.
That sounds really good!! Thanks Vishal
Hi All, I am a silent reader of redbus2us . Got timely updates Thank you..!!
My H1B approved on Sep and my employer received hard copy and updated me on Mid Oct. PA scheduled on Nov 1 & 2. Completed Biometric on Nov 1 also Completed PA on Nov 2 successfully.
Interview happened less than 2 min.. I attended interview with my dependent. Just some basic questions and they said “your visa is approved”. Below are the questions asked,
1. Who is your employer?
2. How long are you working for this employer?
3. What type of Visa you applied for?
4. Who is your client?
5. What is the address of your client?
6. What is your qualification?
To my dependent,
1. How long you have been married?
2. Kids?
3. What is your highest qualification?
Interviewer just saw my passport alone. Not even my petition.
sunshine , i think you are from some good company [not a consultancy ].
Anyone who had applied from Divensi/Azimetry got approval yet.
I have filed throug Divensi/Azimetry. I am having status ‘Response to RFE Received’ for nearly 3 month
can you pls mail to
b3lieve.2 at gmail dot com
Anyone applied through Diaspark have got any update after the lottery pickup?
Anyone from collabera who have received rfe
When is the earliest interview date available in Chennai, India?
Missed to mention, its for H1B [myself] + H4 [Wife+Kid]
You should be able to book a slot within a weeks time. The waiting time as per US consulate for Chennai is just 2 days now.
All the Best
Thanks, Much appreciated!
Hi All,
Please advice on below query.
my application is process under RFE. I got this email form my employer on 30th September and there is no further update on this.
Whenever I asked about further updates, they said that they don’t receive any mail from USCIC to ask about the evidence till now.
So please suggest whether is it possible that my application is processed under RFE since last 1 month without asking any evidence?
If it is possible then what max time for getting such mail from USCIC to my employer ?
What is the max time to convert RFE into Approval or Deny state?
Thanks,
RFE_User
If your employer has already received and replied back to the RFE, then you need to wait patiently for further updates, since there is not set timeline.
If USCIS has issued you an RFE and your employer has not yet received the details, then check the status details online for the following:
“If you do not receive your request for additional evidence by XXXXXX (date — generally about a month from the RFE issue date), please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy”
Your employer/attorney can request a new copy of the RFE.
If you do not have the receipt number, then your employer can check the status online, and confirm if the above date is passed, in which case he can initiate the request.
Normally your employer should receive the details with a week or 2. I got my RFE details in about 4 days from the date it was issued.
USCIS generally gives you about 90 days to respond to the RFE — from the date it was issued. The date by which you have to respond to the RFE is mentioned on the RFE details copy that your employer will receive.
I went for stamping yesterday here at Singapore. VO gave me a pink slip asking for office pictures, current projects by the petitioner and which project I will deployed. I already have these docs now and will submit it tomorrow. Question is, if all is ok, will VO immediately approve my VISA? or will I still wait for them to validate everything again, hence, I will wait for more weeks… Anyone with experience like this. thanks so much.
In the past I have had a white 221g. In there they asked me for a few documents, which my employer provided to them. It took them 3 months to approve my case, and then they asked me for my passport, which was returned to me after 3 days with the stamp.
I would suggest you look out for blogs online which talk about specific 221g’s, in your case the pink 221g. You may get more accurate information.
Good luck!
Finally, the Bell has rung – Status changed from Received to Approved, and yet to receive the hard copy.
Thanks to the forum, admins and members for sharing the valuable information which helped me to the core!
Cheers to all the approved ones and best of luck to the rest..
When did it got approved?
25th Oct – EAC1614152***
Hi Rota,
I am on same page. My case approved on 26th of October and didn’t receive any update from attorney regarding approval notice. Is there any ETA on that?
I heard it may take 2 to 4 weeks.
Hi,
i have attended an interview on 19-oct-2016, for H-1B. the VO didnt even asked me the client letter or anything. he just took my passport and asked me abt the employer, project, designation, salary and the location address. he took my passport and left the counter and came back after 10 mins and issued me 221G white slip. i have droped am ail to the consulate regarding the status. they replied that its in administrative procesing. please do advise.
It depends on reason for 221g…they must have checked some boxes on the slip regarding what proof they need…drop all those proofs to them via email…there is number on 221g which can be tracked on uscis site…google the exact link…..once done you will get mail from consulate to ask you to drop passport at consulate…
hi,
the vo checked off the last check box states that they need additional administrative processing. the slip is white. please do advise.
Hi Sourab,
My Case has been Denied today, After RFE. I am not sure. What RFE they asked. Is it possible after RFE/Denied also if we asked for re- appeal, shall I get approval?
Or Once Denied we can’t do any thing or Shall I re-appeal for this Denial?
My case number is: EAC16149505*
Regards,
Vinayak.
@Vinayak, really sorry to hear about it. As far as I know, there is always a way to appeal. Pls talk to your employer.
Thanks Raj and Sourab.
If they appeal again will USCIS consider after Denied.
After denied can i get amount from my employeer?
Please help any one on this.
Thanks Raj. I will ask to appeal again.
Regards
Hi vinayak,
Sorry to hear tat.
Your employer can raise MTR. This takes a hell lot of time and results are not always favorable given that your employer hasn’t goofed up with docs in the first placd. You can ask your employer to raise and move on to filing a fresh petition in 2017 in parallel.
Just curious what is the employee strength of you employer. Some small consultancys donot have the supporting docs sometime they get away with it and at times they don’t .
Usually the causes of denial are fake/forged documents, short period SOWs and blacklisted names.
Hi RFE,
I am not sure employer strength. And if they raise MTR, USCIS can check the application again.
If denied can i got some amount from my employeer?
Note: If they applied again fresh in 2017, that time also may be denied.
Not sure why they denied. I am waiting for the USCIS response.
Thanks.
I got may case approved on 29th Sept. Till now I have not received the I797hard copy.
How much more to wait , worried about the stamping wait period now.
Saurabh please put some light- does it take more than a month to receive the hard copy as I am unable to fill my DS160 form too?
Thanks in advance for your input
Recieved RFE on Nov 1st.
Too bad to get RFE in last minute.
Its too bad to get rfe at this time…I guess they are issuing RFE’s to all received cases these days….I m too in received status..:(
Hi,
I am holding H1B with XYZ company named.
If i resigned from XYZ company, then …
h1b visa having company name on it.
1. Will that H1B valid for USA entry… If i joined another company, Am I eligible to work in USA.?
2. Can I search job in USA with this H1B visa ? If Yes, how sponsor willl be changed ?
3. H
1. You need a valid stamp on your passport to enter US. If you plan to travel to US with XYZ, then get a stamp, go to US, find a new employer, transfer your H1B, and then resign from XYZ.
If you resign from XYZ, before you travel to US, your new employer will need to transfer the H1B under them, then go for a visa stamp and then travel to US under the new employer,
2. You can always try to search for a job in US, whether you are in or out of US. The main thing is that your new employer should be willing to transfer the H1B under him (he will need a copy of your I797). Once done, you would need a stamp on your passport if you are outside US.
Hi,
I am holding H1B with XYZ company named.
If i resigned from XYZ company, then …
1. Will that H1B valid for USA entry… If i joined another company, Am I eligible to work in USA.?
2. Can I search job in USA with this H1B visa ? If Yes, how sponsor willl be changed
Hi Saurabh/Kumar,
Awaiting your valued inputs on this please…
I received an RFE two weeks ago. My attorney has asked me to get the following documents:
Experience letters from former employers detailing position title, job duties, and the dates employed at each place. USCIS is questioning qualifications for the position, so we have to get an educational and work experience evaluation.
My first company, who I worked with 9 years ago has shut shop.
My Current employer only gives an experience letter with Job Title and number of years worked, but no job description.
Please help how I can produce these documents. What are the alternate options I have ? Kindly give your inputs
Hi RajH1B,
I have got the same RFE to submit education evaluation document and experience letter from former employer. My former employer doesnt provide job skills certificate just like yours.
In this case you can get 2 or 3 letters from your previous supervisors or colleagues saying that you worked on so and so skills, get it signed and make an affidavit.
That should be enough.
Hi Raj,
Same is the case with me. My current employer is not willing to give job description on letter head. Please advice.
Hi Saurabh,
I applied H1 through a consultancy and went into RFE. Currently am in L2 visa and working for company A. Can I do H1 transfer to my company while H1 is in RFE?
Thanks in advance
My visa was approved on 30th September, I am yet waiting for approved hard copy. Any idea how much more time to wait, anybody in same situation?
You cannot. U have to wait until your H1b is approved. U need approval copy to transfer your H1b
my visa got stamped ,but my client location changed now.
Kindly let me know what all documents and process required.
finally my h1 got approved which was processed in pp,can someone help me in how many days will the employer receives the approval hard copy
My visa was approved on 30th September, I am yet waiting for approved hard copy. Any idea how much more time to wait, anybody in same situation?