If you were one of the unlucky ones not picked in whopping 233,000 H1B 2016 Lottery Applications , you might be already wondering when is the next H1B season going to start. Also, some of you may be studying in US and some working abroad and planning to work in US next year. This page will be constantly updated with the latest details and commonly asked questions around the next upcoming H1B Visa fiscal year of 2017 season news and updates.
[alert type=”warning” close=”false” heading=”H1B Visa Cap reached for FY 2017, Lottery Done “] On April 7th, H1B Cap for FY 2017 was reached. Lottery was done on April 9th. Read News Summary – Over 236,000 Petitions for FY2017 [/alert]
- H1B 2017 season start date ?
- H1B Cap for FY 2017- Regular ? Masters ?
- H1B 2017 Predictions? Lottery?
- H1B Lottery Myths ?
- How to plan for H1B FY 2017 ?
- How to find H1B Sponsors for FY 2017 ?
- What is H1B Fee ? Details
- Any impact of Comprehensive Immigration Reform(CIR) on H1B
- What is H1B LCA
- H1B 2017 Premium Processing
- H1B 2017 Case Tracker
- Latest News Update of H1B 2017
- When is the next H1B Season ?
- Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017
When will the H1B visa 2017 season start ? Date ?
Short answer April 1st 2016. Typically, USCIS will start to accept petitions for the next fiscal year starting from April 1st of the previous fiscal year. USCIS fiscal year is from October 1st to September 30th. So, for H1B quota of fiscal year 2017, which starts from October 1st, 2017, USCIS would typically accept applications from April 1st, 2016. The H1B Visa 2016 season started on April 1st of 2015. Also, in the H1B Rejected Notices of 2016, USCIS mentioned that, the non-selected candidates can file H1B petitions for FY 2017 on or after April 1st, 2016.
USCIS announced on March 16th, 2016 that they will accept FY 2017 petitions from April 1st, 2016. Read Summary of USCIS press release FY 2017 .
Also, we have written an article summarizing on What to expect in H1B FY 2017 Season
What is H1B 2017 Cap ? What are the H1B 2017 Quota numbers ? Regular vs Masters ?
If you new to H1B, I suggest you read All about H1B Visa Cap- Regular vs Masters. In simple terms H1B cap is a congressional mandated maximum number of petitions that USCIS can accept in a year. As of now, below are the H1B cap number for fiscal year 2017. The below numbers are confirmed in press release by USCIS on Mar 16, 2016.
- Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
- H1B Master’s Degree Quota ( only US Master Degrees) : 20,000
- Out of the above, a total of 6,800 is usually set aside for Singapore and Chile citizens as part of the free trade agreement between them.
There have been many discussions around change in H1B cap numbers by Obama administration since 2013. The planned proposal was to increase the regular quota cap to 110,000 and Masters quota to 25,000. No changes for FY 2017, the above numbers of 65,000 and 20,000 are officially confirmed by USCIS in their press release.
What is H1B Visa 2017 Prediction? Will there be Lottery again for FY 2017
Update : USCIS Updated on April 12th, 2016 that they have received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota and the lottery was completed on April 9th.
Looking at the past trend of H1B season in the past three years, we could very likely have lottery for FY 2017. Last year for FY 2016 quota, there were 233,000 applications. We have done a detail analysis with the H4 Visa EAD rule in place considering the economy, students graduating, OPT news, etc. You should read article H1B Visa 2017 Lottery Prediction News, results, Date .
If H1B lottery, will there be any preference in lottery for Large companies ? Premium Processing
Well, no preference for anyone, all are treated equally, including premium processing. There are many such misconceptions about lottery process, we have compiled a list of such myths and criteria, you should read Myths of H1B Lottery, Criteria
When to plan for H1B visa 2017 Application ? How soon ? What should be the strategy ?
It is never too late to start planning for your H1B 2017 season. If you plan to work in US on H1B visa in the next coming fiscal year, below are some suggestions based on your situation.
- F1 Student in USA : If you are studying on F1 visa and about to graduate in next one year, you should seriously look at finding an internship or co-op at companies that can sponsor your H1B visa. You can search for H1B Sponsors in a particular area using our H1B Sponsors Search Tool and try to get an internship to work there on CPT or OPT after you graduate. This is a strategic move and will require sometime, so plan well.
- Professional from outside USA : If you are a working professional outside US, planning to work in US on H1B, your best bet is to find Multinational companies that have major US presence and secure a job there, so that you can position internally for applying to H1B visa, when the season starts. This is a very strategic decision, you need to carefully assess your options, speak to the company if such options exist and then only choose it.
- Other H4, L1 Visas : If you are on these visas, your best bet is to find companies just like I mentioned for F1 students that sponsor H1B visas and start interviewing and keeping the conversation going so that you can ask them to file H1B when the season starts.
We have put together a Step by Step Plan on How to apply for H1B 2017 Quota
How do I find a H1B Visa Sponsor – The most asked million dollar question ?
If you are student in the US, it is very straight forward, you find the list of H1B Sponsoring companies using the tool in an area as I mentioned above and get an internship in one of them so that they can sponsor your H1B visa. Unlike, if you are coming from outside US, it can be tricky. If you work for an Multinational company ( MNC), then they will have some internal process to pick the candidates and then process H1B visa for them…The other option that has been used and abused is the consulting companies route…Many a times, the H1B aspirants approach a body shop IT consulting company to file H1B for them and they apply for the same. It gets nasty with the body shop consulting companies. The comments on this H1B Companies Reviews article are quite eye opening. I advise, you beware of the consulting companies and avoid fraud. Also, WE as RedBus2US do NOT provide any guidance or assistance or sponsor anything. If someone claims that, it is pure fraud and they are trying to trick you, we are not responsible for that. Please be careful. Anyways, for various other options , You may read article How to find H1B 2017 Sponsors
What is the H1B visa 2017 filing fee ? Is it same or any changes ?
It changed slightly this year with the Omnibus Bill passed in December 2015, that will increase the H1B filing fee by $4000 for FY 2017, until 2025 for certain companies that have over 50 employees and have more than 50% of their employees as H1B or L1 visa holders in USA. Check USCIS Guidelines on H1B Fee increase. Depending on the size of the company, the H1B filing fee can vary anywhere from $1,600 USD to $7,400 USD + Attorney Fee. There are various fees components that make up this number range, for more details Read Summary of H1B Filing Fee 2017 – Who pays for What ? . Below is a high level summary. Also, one key change is that, there was $2000 USD additional filing fee as per Public Law 111-230, this law expired on Sep 30, 2015 and that is not included anymore.
| H1B Fee Component | Fee in USD |
| Base filing fee | $325 |
| AICWA Fee | $750 or $1,500 |
| Fraud prevent & detection fee | $500 |
| Fee based on Public Law 114-113 ( if applicable) | $4000 |
| Premium processing fee (Optional) | $1,225 |
| Immigration Attorney Fee | Varies from $500 to $3000 |
What about Comprehensive Immigration Reform(CIR) and Obama Executive Actions for H1B 2017 Quota Increase ?
There has been many articles and discussions since 2013 around immigration reform by President Obama and changes around and some like below have been discussed in the last couple of years, nothing moved significantly.
- H1B Cap to be increased from 65,000 to 110,000 per year. Also have provisions to have it up to 180,000 in case of extreme demand.
- Advanced degree from US cap quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000
- The Filing fee for H1B could go up to 10,000 USD ( Part of this came up as the fee increase in Omnibus Bill )
- Additional H1B rules to avoid H1B Visa fraud by employers
- Mandatory LCA posting for 30 days before it is certified.
The current status on all of the above are basically “No updates”, there are no set deadlines for any of them and none of these are happening for FY 2017. You may read Summary of CIR Changes to H1B . Officially as per press release on March 16, 2016, the H1B cap is confirmed to be 65,000 for regular and 20,000 for masters…hence, no changes.
What is LCA for H1B Visa ? Processing times ?
LCA is a form that has to be filed with US Dept of Labor and get it certified before filing H1B petition with USCIS. It has to be sent along with H1B Package to USCIS. It has all the relevant information about the job position like wage, location, title, etc. It takes about 7 working days for processing of the LCA by US Dept of Labor (DOL). You can read complete details at Why is LCA Needed for H1B – Processing Time, Salary
USCIS Updated in their original press release on March 16, 2016 that the premium processing will begin no later than May 16, 2016. But, on April 22nd, they updated that the premium processing for FY 2017 will begin on May 12th, 2016. What it means is that the official 15 calendar day SLA for premium processing petitions will be starting from 12th. USCIS may process the petitions early as well, but officially their clock starts on that day.
H1B 2017 Case Tracker :
Did you apply for FY 2017 ? We have put together a tracker along with good graphs for analysis. It is completely anonymous as we do not capture your case number or any personal information. It is community contributed data, the more you add, the better for everyone, including You !
[prompt type=”left” title=”Track your H1B Case” message=” Anonymously Track your H1B Case – Share and Get updated from Community.” button_text=”H1B 2017 Case Tracker” href=”https://redbus2us.com/trackers/h1b-visa-tracker/”]
Most Recent News of FY 2017 H1B
Below is the most recent news regarding H1B 2017 season. You can check the updates page as indicated below for the full history and details.
- July 8th, 2016 ( Official ) : USCIS released a press note today indicating that they have completed returning all the petitions that were not selected in the H1B lottery for FY 2017. Read More details here
- May 2nd, 2016 ( Official Update ) : USCIS updated that data entry is complete for selected petitions in lottery. if you were selected, you should receive receipt notices in 2 to three weeks. If not, the chances are very slim to get selected. You should look at your plan B. Read H1B Data Entry Complete Article for full details
- April 22nd, 2016 : (Official Update) USCIS Updated that they will start premium processing from May 12th, instead of May 16th.
- April 12th, 2016 – 6:30 PM EST : Official Update : USCIS released a press note that H1B lottery was completed on April 9th and they received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota. Read Press Release Summary
- April 12th, 2016 – 11:50 AM CST ( Unofficial Update ) : It is reported on blog by attorney ( immigrationgirl ) that they have received about 40 email receipts of Premium Processing. What it means is that USCIS has already conducted lottery. We will keep you posted with updates. If I am not wrong, they are just drafting the press release now.
[prompt type=”left” title=”H1B 2017 – Latest News Updates” message=” Most recent and complete history of all latest breaking news updates from Official sources like USCIS and Unofficial sources for FY 2017 Season.” button_text=”Latest H1B 2017 News” href=”https://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-2017-cap-count-updates-tracker-news/”]
When is the next H1B Season ?
The next H1B season starts on April 1st, 2017. Wondering about your next chance for H1B and various details about the next H1B season, check out H1B Visa 2018 FAQs
Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017 ?
USCIS has started to mail out the reject notices for FY 2017 petitions that were not picked in lottery. It says that the start date for next year H1B season is April 1, 2017. You can check out the Sample Reject Notice for FY 2017, Details
We have many more FAQs around H1B Visa 2017. We will continue to keep updating the page with latest news and updates regarding FY 2017. Bookmark this page and keep checking for updates.
Hello All,
Mine is NONAD RP approved in September, now I am planning to schedule the Visa interview appointment in Mumbai. Please clear me on the question below.
Can I schedule both OFC and Visa interview on same day or it is mandatory to have at least one day between the two ?
Best Regards,
Suresh
slots are allocated for 2 days only. every thing in a day is not possible.
Happy to share with you all that my visa stamping is done successfully today.
My visa interview experience.
VO: Give me I797 approval notice,
passport is already passed to the VO before my turn.
me: Provided
VO: who is your employer?
me: xxxx
VO: end client?
me: In-House project, so no end client.
VO: where are you going?
me: xxxx
VO: salary?
me: xxxx
VO: what is your highest degree?
me: xxxx
VO: what is your project?
me: xxxxx
VO: asked me to explain in detail?
me: xxxx
VO: my experience?
me: xxxx
VO: FInally golden words, your visa is approved.
me: Thank you.
Congratulations , all set to fly..!
I am not sure how this “in house project” model works. Is it the consultancy/sponsorer himself is the client for you? and it should be USA based ?
Could someone explain on this.
Tnx
Hi friends
Congratulation for all the participants of this forum in the particular Kumar for good suggestions.
Mine is Non-AD/RP
Apr 11 2016: picked up in lottery
Oct 4 2016: RFE
Dic 5 2016: RFE Response Received
and now my case is :
Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received
On December 5, 2016, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1614854xxx. Our Vermont Service Center office will begin working on your case again. We will mail you a decision or notify you if we need something from you. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Fed up of with this waiting , and worried too!
thank you all
“CASE WAS RECEIVED”
Anyone still in “CASE WAS RECEIVED” state?
Or only me in this state…. Worried.
Hey there are still 1300 applicationa with received state. Pls chk h1bstat.ru website regularly
Still Waiting..
04/11/2016 – Case Received
06/16/2016 – RFE Received
09/12/2016 – Response to RFE Received
On September 12, 2016, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1614XXXXXX. Our Vermont Service Center office will begin working on your case again. We will mail you a decision or notify you if we need something from you. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Any one else in similar state. its been 90 Days still in RFE Received Status. Guys can I still have hopes ??
Thanks,
Probably few more weeks to go. Stay positive!
I am here…. Sep-1st RFE Response Recieved.
Me to waiting.. Sep 30 RFE response received
Hi Mine also same situation
For my case- Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received
On October 21, 2016,
Waiting for status change .
Same here Response to RFE received Sept 12th so yesterday was 3 months after that changed still waiting
7th Sept: Got RFE
28th Nov: Response to RFE Sent
30th Nov: Response to RFE received. (on Last day)
10th Dec: Approved.
Best luck to all guys and girls. Thank you all for sharing their experiences here.
You are lucky to have it approved.. Have fun..
Hi all,
Urgent help is needed. Have filled my h1b ds160 form properly. While filling my wife’s and child h4b ds160 , I have given my employer details as us contact details. But have given relationship to my wife as employer. What should I do? Do I need to fill new ds160 and correct the relationship or shall I proceed with existing one.
Have submitted mine and my wife’s and children’s ds160 forms but hasn’t yet paid visa fee.
Please suggest.
Can we fill new ds160 if you have submitted already?
Correct your DS160 and submit
Once submitted, no corrections can be made. You can create a new one and submit.
Hi Raghu,
Hope you are doing good!
May I please request your response to the below questions?
1. My case was approved on 28-Nov. How much time it takes to receive approval letter?
2. Is it good to move to USA on h1b considering President elect Trump’s strict policies towards restricting h1b employees? Will there be any issues for h1b(2016/2017 approved) employees?
3. At this point after receiving approval letter from USCIS, What are the points(such as further process or anything important) I should keep in mind to discuss with my Attorney/Consultancy?
Thank you.
Nobody knows what Donald thinks about H1B employees. If he sends out all we need to come out of USA. So, think and do what is good for the present.
Your employer should recieve an approval letter in a week or two. Wait for a month and ask ur employer to raise an SR
Trump can only give statements and discourage market. However law can only be changed with house and senate vote which will be a long drawn out process and can take years. Dont worry about that. If you are confident and ur skillsets r in demand – u can land a job in recession too. A lot depends on ur luck too. U have tried ur luck by applying for h1 .. why not go all the way and see if u can make it in usa..
Folks..Trump is getting strict on h1b. Any impact on those who got approvals/ visas this time? Will he creates any kind of trouble once we go there? Admins/Friends please comment!!
Definitely he will create some trouble. Anyways we will go for now. If he sends out, we’ll come back and do something here. Does this idea sounds good?
Hey, you may avoid going there as he would create problems in future for sure. Would you go or avoid?
My friend in US said he might raise minimum wages for h1 to 120k or something and discontinue h4EAD in jan. This will impact many .
Happy to share movements. First of all thanks to Redbus Site. Applied H1B First Time. I am following this site since April’16.
May Case is approved on 08-Dec-2016 (EAC1614453XXX)
1. Case was received status: 22-Apr-2016
2. Requesting For Additional Evidence: 10-Sep-2016
3. RFE Response submitted :29-Nov-2016 (Regular)
4. Response received to REF:30-Nov-2016 (Regular)
5. Approved: 08-Dec-2016
HI,
Did you get receipt now ?
How much time it takes to receive approval letter. Also, how time it takes to approve h4 once h1 is approved?
Happy to share movements. First of all thanks to Redbus Site. Applied H1B First Time. I am following this site since April’16. May Case is approved on 08-N0v-2016 (EAC1614453XXX)
1. Case was received status: 22-Apr-2016
2. Requesting For Additional Evidence: 10-Sep-2016
3. RFE Response submitted :29-Nov-2016 (Regular)
4. Response received to REF:30-Nov-2016 (Regular)
5. Approved: 08-Dec-2016
Congrats…
Guys,
H1B base filing fees have been revised $325 to $460
Could someone please help clarify irregular status update that I am seeing in USCIS case status portal?
Here is the issue, my case went to RFE requested status on Sep 22nd but yesterday I noticed it has been switched to “On December 8, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACxxxxxxxx, and mailed you a receipt notice. It is being processed at our California Service Center location.”
My employer was planning to responding to my RFE this week. I was expecting the status to be changed to “RFE response received ” or something similar. Any thoughts please?
Hi Raghu/Saurabh/Friends,
While I am waiting for approval notice(3 weeks since approval), INeed one suggestion..
If I plan to change employer and get my petition amended at a later stage.. Would it be OK without approval notice?
I have receipt copy with me to prove that it’s my case and USCIS portal indicating case approval.
Sumit,
I personally feel to play safe in any situation.
Having approval notice original copy will make your case stronger.
In this immigration process. Patience is the key. Dont try to jump all hurdle at once.
Take calculated risk. Why to complicate case while you have everything.
This is just my opinion. Final decision is your’s as you know better.
Thanks Jack. I agree with you but believe me I have gone through lots of hurdle to see my case getting approved. I work for a MNC so there is no consultancy involved..
I am just trying to understand my available options… I dont wanna miss out on a good opportunity.
Hi Sumit,
Everyone here are 99% genuine cases.
Once you have your approved petition, you have all option open.
Also no opportunity is the last. As you can avail infinite opportunity if you have h1b immigration work paper are clean.
Don’t think and take decision in hastily.
I still suggest you wait and acquire original petition. Also i assume you have not signed any bond with your original h1b petitioner as it might put u in trouble, if u have.
Final decision is your’s!
Thanks again buddy!!
I would wait for some more time. Even I want to get my hands on the approval notice.
May I please know the ideal time to receive the copy. Since the case status says: “We will mail the approval notice”, I am assuming it is quite possible that USCIS a week or two after approval for sending the notice to the attorney and hence it may take again 2-3 weeks for coming to India. So 4-5 weeks max from the approval date?
Your opinion?
Yes you can do that , but its upto your employer whether he wants the copy of approval or the Approved Status in USCIS portal
Thank you Frnd…That makes sense.
Hi Sumeet,
Its possible. I remember one person posting on redbus where he has done that woth petition number and an affidavit
My case got approved today ..RFE issue date was 6 October
Rfe response sent – 23 Nov
Rfe response received – 29 Nov
Case was approved – 8 December
All the best
Congrats ….
Was this PP or RP ?
It’s WAC or EAC?
Mine is also in RFE response received status…
It was RP processing & EAC receipt.
Anyone from Diaspark?
Hi friends
my employer sent the RFE response on october 25th. Still my status is not upgraded to status received.is there anyone like this? Please help…
Learn the difference between update and upgrade.
Normally the status changes only once the RFE due date reaches unless its a premium process.
I got the clue now. Thx buddy
Normally it gets updated within a week from RFE to RFE recieved. Same happened with me and many other people I know. We are have regular processing only.
Once USCIS receive the response, they update the status to ‘received response’ for the rfe case.
You say the employer responded on October 25. If that is true, your status must be ‘received’ now.
I think USCIS never got the response. Check with your employer. You must get the tracking number of package sent to USCIS. Best of luck, if it is a small consultancy.
.
Sharing my story…
I got RFE on August 4th for a specialty occupation.
I had a masters in Industrial Engineering and company hired me in Supply Chain role. Just as I suspected, got an RFE for specialty occupation.
My RFE response was received by USCIS on October 28th.
I was following this site and kept reading that if the company is genuine, one shouldn’t worry. I guess it was true.
I asked my lawyer if the RFE response should be done via premium upgrade and she advised against it saying that it is only taking a month for USCIS to decide on cases.
My case got approved on Dec 7th.
So, I guess, if your company is genuine regardless of being big or small, keep your hopes high. I believe my case was very weak because of my job description and all but if my case got approved, I believe many others will get approved as well.
Best of luck to everyone. I know our futures are counting on approvals and one can’t imagine the aftermath of a denial.
I hope no one has to go through it. Good luck.
Vermont/Advanced/Regular
My case got approved today ..RFE issue date was 6 October
Rfe response sent – 23 Nov
Rfe response received – 29 Nov
Case was approved – 8 December
All the best
Today also in “CASE WAS RECEIVED” State ?
Yours ?
Hi All,
My h1B visa got stamped last month for Client A. Now I am planning to travel for a different Client (Client B). Please let me know the approximate processing time for new LCA and H1B Amendment. Also whether I need to wait for the amendment approval for travel ?
Thanks In Advance.
RFE on sep 14, response received on 1 Dec. Anyone in similar timeframe whois approved? ONLY FOR EAC guys.
Currently in most cases where the case is straightforward people are getting approvals with in a month. In some cases week to two too…
However there are still cases which are taking 2-3 months. So patience is the key. good luck!
Yes absolutely.
Based on cases and case handling officers. It’s not depends on date or time or company or receipt number for regular processing.
Even for premium also , if the clock starts then result will updated in uscis within 15 working days. Uscis won’t start the clock immediately . Uscis always take time to start the clock .
NO ONE KNOWS THE ORDER IN WHICH USCIS PROCESS the case
@H1b but it does seem to be dependent on office… so if there is a trend of quick approval in one ofc, you may hear good news sooner…
@Raghu : Mine is 4 th month. RFE was answered on August 17th
Hi SK,
Mine RFE recieved on Sep-1st, Please mail me ramvilas4321@gmail.com.
My guess it will be on security check.
I am in similar dates, REF on Sep 1, response received on 22 Nov…EACXXXX
Still waiting…
Mine was rfe on October 26, response received on November 30 . Still waiting
Just 1 week due to my petition ref. And my employer said that he submitted the RFE response last week. But I don’t see the status changed yet.
Could someone tell me how long will it take to reflect the status?
Hi Anamika,
Normally with in a week to two based on this years experience. In few cases it took a couple of months. Either case if you dont see a change of status to RFE response received – ask your attorney or employer to raise a SR after a month
Hi Anamika , for me rfe on oct 26 , my employer submitted rfe response around November 25 , my petition status changed to rfe response received on November 30 .
Any visa approvals from ACCELIGENT so far ???
mine got denied. waiting for denial notice. all the best to u !
What is the reason for deny?
my employer is not telling the reason, nor giving me the denail notice. Have you applied via Acceligent ?
Hello all,
Is there anyone who is working or applied for H1B for Estimator position? Please reply me
Just 1 week due to my petition ref. Any my employer said that he submitted the RFE response last week. Bu i don’t see the status changed yet.
Could someone tell me how long will it take to reflect the status?
I got DS160 confirmation page in Hindi
Is there any issue at consulate ?
Can i get it in English?
Thanks
Hi all! Passively reading this blog as in a same boat.
RFE received by USCIS 09 Nov
Approved – 05 Dec
WAC1614652XXX
Non AD/RP
Good luck everyone!
Anybody from A B Star Group got their RFE response adjudicated ?
RFE response received on Oct 6th and not yet adjudicated , Case series – WAC1614650***.
RFE was on Multiple Beneficiaries on Single LCA, is this a complicated RFE?
What are the chances of approval ?any first hand experience?
Greatly appreciate your response, Thanks!
Hi,
One LCA can be used for multiple beneficiaries if your employer has applied for two petitioners for the same job and all LCA conditions are similar for both. However he should have explicitly mentioned the number for beneficiaries corresponding to that LCA explicitly at that time else it is an issue.
I do not have much information on this but check with your attorney if the have done above. If indeed that is the case – why did the RFE come and how they are planning to approach it.
Thanks a bunch Raghu, You are right, an LCA can be used for multiple petitions as long as it met some of the criterias and should have explicitly mentioned the number for beneficiaries corresponding to that LCA.
But in our case they didn’t have explicit mention of the number for beneficiaries corresponding to that LCA, here as RFE goes…
Multiple Beneficiaries on LCA: The Labor Condition Application submitted indicates that more than one H-1B nonimmigrant has been certified for employment with the petitioner. Title 8 C.F.R. 214.2(h)(4)(i)(B)(3) state that in the situation where more than one individual has been certified for employment with an employer/petitioner it will be necessary to identify all file numbers for beneficiaries who have previously “used” this LCA. Therefore, submit a detailed list of all Service
file numbers for beneficiaries who have been approved using this Labor Condition Application
I am in the same status from the same consultancy. You can reach me on staurus12@hotmail.com to have a direct tab on our status updates
Today also in “CASE WAS RECEIVED” State ?
Yours ?
Hi,
I want to ask that is there any validity period of the visa stamping before which i need to fly?
To be clear, my visa stamping is on 22nd December but i don’t want to fly before May next year. Will my visa stamping expire by May’2017? If yes than re-stamping will be troublesome? H1B though is valid till 2018
Thanks
No problem, But you ned to prepare for PoE with documentation like latest letter from employer , project letter etc if qnd when u decide to go to usa.
Anybody had their appointments in Chennai Consulate this Monday/Tuesday which got cancelled due to Jayalalitha’s death? Appears that next available slot is far from now… Were any of you able to get it rescheduled yet?
Hi,
I know this is irrelevant, but do you know any one who received rfe in aug and have not got approved till now?
I am from tcs and i have not get any approval notice till now.
My RFE was answered in august. Till now no response
drop me the email buddy. we are on same page. anil.pitapuram@gmail.com
I also got RFE in Aug end and due date and didn’t receive any Approval update so far. God knows when this long wait is going to end.
Hi all tcs people
Lets connect
Drop me an email on karankalra0402@icloud.com
And we will talk.
Don’t worry, all will get approval even though you have a RFE.. In my team all got their approvals few days back after a long wait… So have patience!!!
I got on 15th Dec, til now there is no change received.
Hi all,
I got the RFE for employer-emp replationship, after this my client was changed. So I submitted the docs for new client in response to RFE.
Luckily my petition has been approved now 🙂
Now my VISA dept has asked me to file a amendment because of work location change in I-129 petition.
so I want to know how much time it generally takes to get it approve in both regular and premium processing.
Thanks.
Can’t be sure about approval of amendment , A friend of mine in state for approval notice of amendment after 16 months . make it PP, get it in 15 days.
Hi All,
My case still showing this only
On October 21, 2016, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC161*****. Our California Service Center office will begin working on your case again. We will mail you a decision or notify you if we need something from you. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
My RFE about Employee-Employer relationship .
please tell me how many days it will take .
Finally my petition got approved this morning.
On December 6, 2016, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC16142XXXXX. We will mail your approval notice. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Here is my case status flow:
Mine is regular process .
1.Case was received status: 24-Apr-2016
2.Requesting for additional Evidence: 07-Sep-2016 (REF type: specialty occupation & Right to control)
3.Response received to REF:28-Nov-2016 (Regular)
4.Approved:06-Dec-2016
I have a question: Are there any general timeline to receive approval notice?
Typically employer will receive within 7 days. But maximum time is 30 days, if its not received in 30 days, your employer can contact USCIS.
Thanks for info RK…
My case was finally approved after the long wait,
been losing hopes before but thanks to some comments here in RedBus I was able to overcome it. This site gave me a lot of useful information and been visiting this sites since April. Thanks Saurabh and Kumar for replying in my inquiries before.
April 11 – received
Aug 11 – RFE
Sept 14 – RFE received
Dec 2 – Approved
Dear Friends,
Finally my petition got approved this morning.
On December 6, 2016, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC16142XXXXX. We will mail your approval notice. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Here is my case status flow:
Mine is regular process .
1.Case was received status: 24-Apr-2016
2.Requesting for additional Evidence: 07-Sep-2016 (REF type: specialty occupation & Right to control)
3.Response received to REF:28-Nov-2016 (Regular)
4.Approved:06-Dec-2016
I have a question: Are there any general timeline to receive approval notice?
Hi Param,
After Case Approved, should it change to ‘case approved and emailed’ because my case was approved some time back(oct 11), till now did not receive the notice
Anybody from seqltek got approval
Hi ,
Mine also same company . Please mail to this ID koushik009@gmail.com.
RP
Hello all
Finally the wait is over my case got approved this morning
RFE received – 10 September
Rfe sent – 11/30/2016
Case Approved : 12/06/2016
All the best to everyone and thanks to redbus
Hi All ,
I am very new to H1B process as this was my first time with this process and luckily it was picked up in the lottery.
I received an RFE in mid of august 2016 for which i got approval in mid of November 2016 .
I am still waiting to received the hard copy of petition
What is the expected time for receiving the hard copy of approved petition .
Thanks
Congrats.. Did you upgrade to PP after RFE?
Nope it was regular processing, didn’t upgrade to PP
No mine was in the regular process only , do you have any idea how much time it will take to get the hard copy of approved petition ?
15 – 30 days max
Congrats !!RP ..It is taking only 7 days to approval from rfe response sent. 11/29/2016 USCIS has received my rfe respose & waiting for approval.
which center WAC or EAC ?
Hello Jon,
Should the status change to ‘Case approved and mailed’ to receive the approval notice?
Got approved this morning.
7/19 received RFE
9/23 mailed RFE
12/05 approved case
total duration is 249 days.
thank you redbus.
processed in which center?
vermont
Hi Guys,
Finally, my case got approved today without RFE.
Series : EAC1614354***
Good luck to all.
Congrats! Did you apply via consultancy or company?
Today also in “CASE WAS RECEIVED” State 🙂
Yours ?
Hi,
I work for an Indian IT MNC.
I have got my H1b approval last week. Could you please let me know the process after that?
There is no opening in the original Account/project and manager has informed that he will start to look for project in my current account.
Can I go ahead for stamping on current petition or first amendment is required?
Process is as follows
Easiest thing is convince your employer to hold you on the project they applied for atleast for some months. Go for stamping. Get your visa. Go the project.
Apply amendment in the US and then move on to the new project.
You can move on to the new project any time between above steps. The longer you delay the better and easy it becomes for you.
Else you can move to the new project anytime in between those steps and file an amendment. If you are outside US and your amendment needs to be approved before you can go to stamping
Hi Raghu,
Just a question.
For the approved case, with the employee no longer in the same project for which the filing(first time application) was done, does it makes any sense to go for stamping or one should wait for an amendment opportunity and then perhaps go for stamping?
I believe there is no advantage in simply getting the visa stamped as he/she would have to go for stamping again in case of amendment. Am I right?
NO need for stamping again after new amendment
Sorry I am confused.. If the new amendment has new LCA.. how come new stamping is not required?
Please clarify.
If you are outside us – Technically by going to stamping using invalid project papers..you are putting your stamping at risk. File amendment, get approval and go to stamping
Hi Saurabh,
Christmas and new year is coming and most of us are waiting for rfe to get cleared.
So does these holidays will impact USCIS ? and the cases that are pending?
Any TCS guy whose rfe did not get approved?
H1b RFE Recieved : 14th July
RFE Response Recieved: 12th September
Approval : 5th December
Series : WAC 16145******
Its been a mentally difficult time for last few months and i think the forum for support.
1st stage is completed and now move on to the next stage.
All the best and have patience , it will get approved
What is the next steps? I am in a similar position.
What was your RFE about ?
Congratulations bud, I also have been waiting since Sep 12th when they received my RFE response and still waiting, mine is from Vermont, I hope I get a positive answer this week since on Monday will be the 90 days mark. Good luck in your next stages
Anybody got approved their petition after Education Evaluation RFE .What are the chances of approval
Hi KK,
Very good. If your is a STEM education nothing to worry at all. Even if not if your employer can demonstrate your education or work experience is directly related to the job you intend to perform you have a great chance. Work closely with your employer and understand his strategy in responding. Key is your involvement. Good Luck!!
Hi Raghu,
I have done Graduation from India. My employer told he will take care of this RFE . I have contacted them Many times but got the same Answer.and i have received RFE on Oct 18 th , January 9 th is the last date .not sure how to proceed . I am worried .
Hi Jahnavi (kk),
Please share your employer company name!
Hi KK,
Unfortunately most of the Indian consulting companies do not share and or allow you to participate in the process. Personally i am not sure what is there to hide. either they dont want to cause the panic to candidate or to spoil their reputation if the RFE has a remark on the employer too. Either ways if he has assured you that he will address the same even after your request to get involved in the process – hopefully that will turn alright if you have trust in the company.
Yes Mine was approved…
My REF is specialty occupation. I have converted my indian Masters Degree to equivalent US degree through some online portals as given in below. They gave a certificate saying my indian degree=U.S degree. My consultancy submitted same to USCIS on Oct 29th 2016.
Here is my case status flow:
Mine is regular process .
1.Case was received status: 24-Apr-2016
2.Requesting for additional Evidence: 07-Sep-2016 (REF type: specialty occupation & Right to control)
3.Response received to REF:28-Nov-2016 (Regular)
4.Approved:06-Dec-2016
For your reference:
https://www.silvergateevaluations.com/
PARAMESHWAR, Please contact me on anup05sept@gmail.com
I need your suggestion.
Hi Ansh,
Sent a mail to you, Please reach me on your questions related to REF
Hi Sourav,
I got RFE on Aug5 and my attony replied on Sep-6th. It’s almost 3 months, still the status showing as response received.
Can anyone tell me usually how much time it will take for RFE?
Thank you
Sk
You can check the below comments there some one mentioned around 90 days . If it is more than 90 days . You can ask your attorney to check with uscis regarding your petition
In the page 127. Jack. mentioned the above comments. Pls check over there
Nothing we can do need to wait or convert to PP 🙁
In my case after submitting RFE there no response for more than 3 months then converted to PP and got approved in 2 days .
My RFE Response was submitted on Sep-1st, still I am waiting.
Jack told me to ask my attorney to raise an SR with USCIS in 127 page.
I sent a mail to my attorney, but they didn’t responded to my mail.
In ur case ask ur attorney to raise an SR, atleast may u will get an reply.
USCIS fee has been increased which will be effective from Dec 2016. Check the below link for the new fee
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/our-fees
Visa stamping interview experience at Mumbai Consulate.
December 1, 2016 – biometrics appointment scheduled at 9:30 am. I reached there 8:45 am. Here it’s beneficial for you to go bit early. Seecurity gaurd was asking to stand in a queue who has 9:30 appointment even though it was just 9. I went inside the office around at 9:05. They have two desks where they are verifying our password with our ds 160 forms. If there is any correction, they will send you out and get it corrected. There is a cyber cafe by that office where you update your ds 160 in this situation and can go back inside the office again without going in queue. But if your form is good with your passport, you are smoothly good to go. Mine was accurate so I finished fingerprints and came out before my schedule appointment time which was 9:30
December 2, 2016 – visa interview appointment scheduled at 10 am. I reached there around 9:10 am and security guard was asking everyone to stay in queue who has 10 am appointment. I directly joined the queue. I took around 15-20 miniutes to clear the queue and go inside the building. Here at the gate, they are checking our passport and allow us to go in. Next thing we need to pass the security same as we do at airport. Here I had some issues. I knew phones are not allowed to take inside but I had smart watch and I didn’t think even that smart watch could be restricted too. They called me in side and said I have to go out and arrange my watch outside anywhere. They won’t help if we ask where to arrange my watch. To whom I can give to take care but they said “you go out and do it by yourself. We don’t have any idea” . I was bit worried about my smart watch. But outside of that building, you will find AutoRikshaw driver who takes some money and keep our stuff with them until we finish our interview process. He charged me 300/- Rs for taking care of my watch.
Again I went inside. At 1st counter, they verifying our passports and will send us to the next window where we need to give interview.
VO: Hello, Good morning
Me: Good morning (with smiling face)
VO: can I see your passport and i 797
Me: Sure ( I gave my daughter’s passport too along with mine who is under 14)
VO: who’s your client
Me: XXXX
VO: since how long you working wit that client
Me: XXXX Years ( my case was COS because I’m already working in USA on other visa with EAD)
VO: your highest education
Me: XXXX
VO: Is your wife also traveling with you
Me: Yes
VO: on which visa she is coming
Me: XXX
VO: your salary?
Me: XXX
She smiled and said “you are all set to go and your USA visa is approved. You will receive it in next 2-3 days.
Experience was good and quite easy than expected.
Hope it helps.
Good luck.
Waiting Pain is Just Pain:
Not sure how is this wait, but it is really frustrating ….
I have been seeing “CASE WAS RECEIVED” Since April …. Now it is Dec …. So it is almost 9 Months … A child delivery can happen in this wait 🙂
What you say?
Mine is also same .. but I am not sure other than PREMIUM upgrade . what else we can do on this…. Feel like they forgot our processing 🙁
Mine is also in same state. Keeping hope everyday to get an update on my file but every day get disappointed to see CASE IS RECEIVED. My file series is 143******
These companies barred for H1B
http://www.gadgetsnow.com/slideshows/17-companies-barred-from-applying-for-h-1b-visas/Scopus-Consulting-Group-Inc/photolist/55317239.cms
Hi Saurabh,
My actual petition for this year got approved. Later I changed client with same employer and they filed an amendment in premium mode couple of weeks back. Now the amendment petition has gone to RFE seeking employee-employer relation. I am working with employer to get client letter to respond to RFE. Please suggest , in case of worst case – the amendment rfe turning to rejection – will it affect my actual approval. Can I file another amendment later for different client or goto stamping for the original approved client? Kindly advise.
Thanks in advance.
Hi ,
As far as i am aware – if your amendment gets refused you can get back to the previous job or work or location you are on. This is applicable for people who are already in USA. I am not quite sure if the same logic could be applied to your case. Ideally check with your employer or attorney.
Most importantly though your RFE looks straight forward. Provide client letter / SOW and you should be able to get approval soon.