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.
Hi,
I will appear on Visa stamping next month at Delhi location along with my wife. we are living at Chennai location.
is it necessary to take our children to appear for Biometrics?
if not required, is it advangtage to appear Visa interview with children?
Thanks
Kumar
Children less than 14 yrs not required for both biometrics and interview.Just need to carry their snaps and docs.For visa interview suggest taking one kid so that you don’t have to stand in Q and can come out faster.
Hi, My employer says that they will respond my RFE on Jan 10th.
Per the current trends, approx. how long would it take for approvals?
My status is Response to RFE received on Oct 20. Still I am in same status. its more than 65 days now.
Hey guys..
Does anybody still waiting for their employer to respond to RFEs..
My employer wanted to utilize the complete time given to respond to RFE.
Any thoughts please?
Hi,
My employer is also going to reply on Jan 15.
Cool… My employer is planning to reply on 80th day (Jan 10) after RFE.
How long your employer takes to respond??
“Does Anybody still Waiting” – Dude, where did you learn this English from? Most Indian guys cannot frame a proper sentence or question. Spend some quality time in learning 6th grade English grammar. It will help greatly.
Please respect sentiment and feeling of others. This forum is not for the preparation of TOEFL . It’s almost 8 months and people are waiting desperately for “Case is Approved” status like anything.
Dude Grammar,
You should keep your mouth shut when you don’t have an answer. Better you work on your weaknesses rather than showing your strength in which you have some expertise. I am pretty sure the person you are pointing to, might be more expert than you in some other area.
@Grammar, if you know the answer let me know. Else shut and get lost, do not teach me English. Got it?
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/ar/comment/61640
@Grammar, I am correct with my English. See this link-
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/ar/comment/61640
If you know the answer reply back., else keep quite. do not try becomd my IELTS/TOEFL teacher. Also if I am wrong point it out n do not say Indians. Indians are good at English and that’s what is being witnessed across the world.
I am correct with my English..
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/ar/comment/61640
No you are not correct and there is nothing in that link that teaches that you are. The correct way of asking is: “Is anybody still waiting …”
Go to hell
Grammatically it’s correct –
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/ar/comment/61640
Am sorry, i was wrong. 🙁
Mr English,
We not working for a call center by the way. We are IT employees, Some people may came from regional language medium education background.
Communication is important but that is not everything. a well know fact is 50% of people in IT industry surviving only with communication skills.
So focus on main purpose of this blog and stop pointing others.
My grammar is correct –
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/ar/comment/61640
Hi Saurabh,
Is it possible to change the end client when the status is RFE ? Since the delay in the process of getting H1B , the client has closed the position. Now another client is ready to offer a position. My employer is checking whether the present LCA is valid for the new client. What if the existing LCA is not applicable for the new client ? Your suggestions please
Hi Experts ,
Please advice regarding the visa interview.
we plan to go to us , me as H1 , wife and kids as H4. We are expecting a new baby on February/end or march of 2017. I am confused about how to choose the interview date.
1. Is it possible for her to attend the interview later with the kids?
2 . if we attend earlier, what is the process to enlist the new baby for H4?
Hello Pranab,
I was in the same situation. I have scheduled for me and my wife now. Later your kid (new born baby) will be eligible for Drop box facility.
so to answer your questions:-
1. Yes your wife and kids can attend interview later, but i suggest do not send them alone as they may ask questions for Primary applicant. so I suggest go with your wife. No new born baby
2. Later your new born baby will be eligible for DROP box facility.
Thank you
Will there be trump impact for RFEs that are processed after Jan20 ( Trump will take charge)?
Any predictions ?
My predictions:
1) Illegal immigration will receive most of his attention .
2) On legal immigration , especially H1B, he may increase the Visa fee, decrease the cap numbers and set a high minimum wage for H1B applicants .
3) There will also be stricter checks on companies who hire H1B holders on their number of employees and such
Hi,
I received RFE for H1B visa application and due date for the response was 22nd Dec 2016. My employer responded to the RFE on time and the USCIS website reflecting the acknowledgement of RFE documents received.
But now my employer is saying that there are some additional documents that need to be submitted.
Is it possible to submit additional documents after the RFE due date?
Please help to reply asap.
Thank you
Hi Saurabh,
Hope you are doing good. I have a query regd filing DS 160 where in there is a qn asking if there was a previous refusal. I have had 2 cases in the past for my l1 blanket visa. It was denied once with 221(g) in 2008 during stamping. Re-applied in 2009 for l1 blanket again and traveled to U.S. After 3 years in 2012, applied for extension which had a rfe and then denial.
Please let me know if I need to mention the above 2 cases of denial in my ds 160 for h1 stamping. Denial was with previous employer and also for different visa l1 blanket.
Thanks.
You need to mention the fist denial when appearing for the interview. You need not mention the extension denial as it is a denial of the petition.
Thanks for the reply. Even the first denial – It was 221 (g) with the option ” your blanket l1 visa is not clearly approvable under section 8″ . But the very next year I re-applied with same petition number and supporting docs- It was approved then. So it would still need to be mentioned as denial. Pls advise. Thanks.
Hi Saurabh,
This is the first time I am writing,
Here is my situation,
April 27 2016 – picked in lottery
Aug 23 2016 – status changed to RFE
Nov 18 2016 – status changed to Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received
My reciept number starts with WAC16XXXXXXXX
can you please tell me how much time do I need to wait?
Thanks in advance…
Hi Satish ,
MNC or consultancy ??
Does MNC or Consultancy makes any difference ?
there is no sla .
Max 3 months, no Min time, No SLA!
Hi Saurabh,
In my wife’s passport, address is mentioned without pin code. Is it okay to go for stamping with this passport ? Can these lead to issue in my stamping as well as we are going together for stamping?
Thanks
How long it takes to receive approval notice to reach employer after online status changes to “my case was approved” ?
Hello Kumar,
Wising you and your family a merry Xmas n a Happy New Year!
I have one query: Employer A filed H1 visa this year for me and that petition was approved. I have received Receipt Notice (that had my WAC #) and Notice of Approval (I797B) from the employer. The petition has been approved for 3 years. If I do not go for stamping and hence do not travel to US under employer A, then my employer may revoke my H1b approved petition. Then in that case, when another employer files H1 for me, is that petition cap exempt n can that be filed under premium processing?
Thanks in advance!
-A
Hi A.
Technically you are cap counted. but may have trouble in getting employer’s B petition approved.
if you never been to status(means h1b status – travel and runs payroll), in that case revocation may(50-50) cause you denial. Good idea would be travel with , move to B in USA. Any revocation after h1b status will not cause any harm to your h1b in future.
I would like Raghu or Saurabh to share their opinion.
I believe he is cap exempt as we are already in the month of December and there should not be any problem if B files an amendment after the case is revoked by current employer(A)
Here is my case WAC16147XXXXX
RFE received : 08/19/2016
RFE docs submitted : 21/10/2016
Stll i am waiting for approval anybody in same boat?
please replay me .
Can some one please clarify the following questions I have.
1. How many days before I can cancel/schedule my visa appointment
2. If there is some days gap between OFC and consular appointment dates
after attending OFC can we cancel my consular appointment
3. If there is some days gap between OFC and consular appointment dates
after attending OFC can we reschedule my consular appointment
Please help this is urgent for me.
If the “case is Approved”, will it indirectly mean tht H1B visa will be stamped without issues
Not really,
you have to have clean stamping and PoE(this should nit be any issue)
Hi Friends,
I am working for a well-known organization and they are filing L1A for me. I am about to complete one year in this organization by Jan 20th, 2017. My Attorney asked me to book Visa interview for Jan 30th, 2017. I have few queries and looking for somebody who can help.
1. Is it fine if I attend Visa interview just after 1year 10 days for l1A?
2. Can I choose Hyderabad as consulate given that I am working in Bangalore?
Shraddha
H1/L1 Helper
Dear Shraddha,
Can you please share the Company name if you do not mind? Now days most of the Big companies have their internal policy that they can file L1A only for Employee who has completed 3 years (Except very very very special case). L1A is for Very Skilled employee who is expert in processes and tools of Company who is filling visa.
If you say You are expert in XYZ technology, your Visa will get rejected and if you say You are expert of a tool or process developed by Company ABC in technology XYZ then only your Visa will get approved.
Yo be expert USCIS thinks that he/she should have spent enough time in the company to understand and become expert in that Process/Tool.
Also L1A is filed for top management person only in Big companies. For which you would need total 10+ years of experience.
You can choose any consulate depend on the dates availability. Some people have thinking like more cases are getting rejected at Hyd due to strict VO officers. But that is not the case. They are giving more rejections as Fraud cases ratio is more from ppl around Hyd. It fully depends on your case. If you are genuine then you case will get approved.
Admin/Saurabh/Kumar…
We are waiting for your post on Trump & H1b impact on (existing, current, future holders). Thanks.
I second that. Its important to know the views – where are we heading and what views do the people hold who are there and know the policies.
Hi All,
Anyone applied through small consultancy hyd-Usa based and got in lot ,approved and stamped this year .??
Thanks
OneH1Guy
i did and rejected
At what stage it got rejected?
after RFE. they did not even submit until last day
Glad that USCIS is doing a fine job this year in denying petitions from such bodyshop consultancies who have no real clients.
More glad that people taking such routes are losing lakhs of their easily-earned money!!!
After RFE my consultancy is saying they will not be answer those details.
See below the NEW TRAP from these FRAUD companies. How they send email to people to trap them with a way that they are not legally asking for money for H1B but they are asking money for job searching.
R3 OVERSEAS CAREERS
Dear Aspirant ,
Greetings!!!!!
This mail is regarding Job search program for candidates looking to work in USA and avail Free USA H1B Visa Sponsorship***. ( FREE SPONSORSHIP IS SUBJECT TO USA EMPLOYER REQUIREMENT AND INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE OF THE CANDIDATE. R3 SOFTWARE DOES NOT GIVE ASSURANCE OF VISA SPONSORSHIP. WE ONLY OFFER 100 % GENUINE JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE)
We are currently doing job search for candidates by presenting resume of the candidates to multiple employers across USA .
Charges for USA Job Search package is for Rs.60,000/-(including all taxes)
initially 30,000. when we going to initiate your process.
remaining 30,000 your h1b petetion is picked in the lotury only.
( PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EMAIL BEFORE ENROLLING IN OUR PROCESS )
Process :
1. Firstly , We will collect all educational and work experience related documents and get your educational evaluation done by US recognized institutions.Cost of this service is included in our service.
2. After receiving the educational evaluation document , We help you in resume preparation to highlight desired / relevant skills to increase the chances of getting the resume selected by employers.
3. We present candidate’s profile to multiple employers and assist the employer in scheduling interviews before filing the H1B Visa through Skype or Phone.
This process will help the candidate in understanding the employer requirement and also avail sponsorship free of cost if selected by the employer.
4. We provide an email ID to the aspirant so that they are update to date on the status of the resume submissions , interview schedules etc .
5.We provide an opportunity to the candidate to interact with employer directly and discuss salary packages , relocation assistance (Free Flight Tickets) , health and medical services like insurances , other benefits as per the policy of the respective hiring company.
Note : We are starting the recruitment process early so that we have enough time to link the candidate to multiple employers before April 2017.
You as an employee will have an edge to avail the best offer from your prospective employers before April 2017 and avail free H1B sponsorship.
Hurry up !!! and initiate the process at the earliest .
if you want any reviews about our company just type like this ORANGE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS H1B VISA in the GOOGLE
Even I got a email and call from them its astonishing to see the person with whom I spoke when I inquired why they are taking money from the candidate and its illegal they could not tell the reason that why they are asking for Rs 30000 at first. However after discussing with others the guy told me that they are taking for some degree evaluation. They are literally trying to play with the emotions of people and trying to make quick money
Are these guys fake as many others ?
Did you get any reply? Please help
Hello Friends,
I also received the same email, The person name was Sumeet Gir, When i told him that his company is fake, He replied back some information, telling me that their main company is staff orange and R3 Software is is their India branch, When I checked data for StaffOrange seems genuine, but not sure whether R3 Software is really a branch of Staff Orange, try to call StaffOrange as well, but no one is picking up, If anyone have applied through R3 Software, Lets help each other.
Hi I paid 30K waiting for their reply .Still not sure they are genuine or not could you please comment on it .
Did you get any reply? Please help
Hi there, I also got similar email from R3 Overseas Career. Not sure what should I do. Should I go with them or not? Please advise!!
I also got the same mail. Please advise if I should make the payment of Rs:30,000 and proceed. Thanks.
Did you get any reply? Please help
Hi,
They say that they get job interviews done very soon as soon as you send them money. Is it not so for you?
Hi,
I had applied for H1B and got RFE on 31st Oct’17. However, did not receive the document(reason for RFE) from USCIS. Hence, I asked my employer to request the document again and he requested the same on 30th November. But it is almost end of December again and I did not get the document yet. May I know how long does it usually take to get the RFE document and what can be the possible reasons behind this delay? Mine is regular processing only. Please respond.
Regards,
Hello Vaishnavi,
Useually it takes 9 business days and if not you’re employer needs to get in touch with USCIS.
Thanks Reddy for the response. I got my documents on 29th Dec. It was pretty late. They asked for client letter. However my consultant is suggesting us to withdraw as one of the applicant’s VISA got rejected. I am not sure what shall i do now. My consultancy’s name is vtek solutions.
Fiscal year 2017 starts on Oct.1 2016. Answer to first question has a typo. It wrongly states that Oct.1 2017 is start of FY2017
Is any one collected passport from Hyderabad OFC center recently? what I see from online, it looks we should collect only on 3rd wed of the month, looks crazy…Any pointers? Can we go and collect on any working day?
i think, 3rd wed is after returning to US Embassy/Consulate?? planning to go tomorrow to collect it from OFC center,HYD, do they return passport on Sunday?
its my overlook, got the details, plz ignore
Hyderabad
Mon-Fri 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Sun:1:00p.m.-5:00p.m.
1-A-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P.Road
Begumpet Secunderabad
Hyderabad – 500003
Dear Saurabh / Team,
I went for consular interview yesterday for H1B and was issued 221(g) white slip requesting for the below details. However they kept the passport with themselves and asked me to email the below informations.
Invite Letter – I already have this letter.
Research
Funding
Itinerary
I had completed M.Tech Biotech back in 2009 and joined one of the top Indian MNC in Information Technology and has been working since.
My Queries are:
Research – I am not involved much in research in my current job in IT company.. do i mention Not applicable or do i mention few of my projects on Biotech back in 2007 and 2009?
Funding – I am on my Company’s Payroll and will be paid as per my certified LCA.. do i attach the LCA and say my trip will be funded by my company and will be paid as per LCA or should I show my bank balance statements here in India too?
Itinerary – my company has provided itinerary of services which clearly mentions my company’s address in US and the client address and the work duration.. do I also need to have a confirmed flight tickets and hotel accommodation and send it across as my reply to consulate
If any one else had this kind of queries replied to consulate, please leave your contact details on gurgaontechie9@gmail.com , It will be of immense help. Also please advise me on the processing timelines as I was supposed to join my client in US by mid of Jan ’17, thanks
I think the best person to advise on this, is your attorney!
Which Consulate..???
Finally my case was approved
RFE on July 28th
RFE Responded on Oct 21st
Case was approved on Dec 23rd
All the best for Everyone who are all waiting.. Hope for the the best.BTW my case no is EAC1614654*
Hi Bhaskar
You applied through MNC or consultancy ?
Thanks
OneH1Guy
Hi I got my H1B Approval .Its valid from Dec 13 2016 to Dec 12 2019.
My question is can I start my employment anytime during this period?
I am planning to join sometime Summer 2017..
Please let me know if anyone did this OR know about this..!
I have been a silent reader for a long time but today finally the words changed to something good “Case Was Approved”.
I am currently on L1B working in US. I applied for the first time and following is the time line
04/11/2016 : Case was Received
05/18/2016: Case was transferred to California Office
09/21/2016: RFE
12/13/2016: Response to RFE received
12/13/2016: Request for Premium Processing received.
12/14/2016: Status changed to ” Case was received and Receipt emailed
12/22/2016: Case was Approved
It has been a long wait for the approval and i hope everyone waiting would get the good news.
Happy Holidays!!!
Hello,
Anybody applied for MTR after denial,and got any updates so far , Kindly let know.
Here is my case WAC16148XXXXX
RFE received : July 1st week
RFE docs submitted : 9th Sep
Stll i am waiting for approval… any hopes left ? anybody in same stage ?
🙂 🙂 Finally…
11th Apr –> 17th May –> 14 Sep (RFE) –> 1 Dec (Rcvd) –> 22 Dec Approved
RP/Non-ad EAC….
Congrats ! Mr IBMer
I have applied for Amendment got the receipt as well .
My stamping date is on 31 jan 2017 . Now my organization is saying there is a change in uscis saying until the amendment approval comes we cannot attend for PAI.
kindly please let me know is this change applicable after the PAI date is confirmed
Hi Pawan,
You must have to get updated amendment approval first before you goto stamping.
Better get the stamping done, go USA and then applied for amendment there. is your amendment applied and its in processing as of today ?. Or else expedite the amendment processing by upgrading it to premium processing.
If you go stamping with H1B amendment still in progress, I am sure it would be a problem/denied. if at all they stamp it then POE will surely reject your claim and may deport you at the USA entry.
This is my suggestion, please consider all details and take your own decision.
Your suggestion is going to give him more troubles. Amendment is being done as his location changes. Are you asking him to go to City Y, when his original approval is for City X? As per the H1B law, you need to have the amendment in place before you begin working in a new location, 50+ miles away from the original location.
He still has more than a month’s time for the amendment to be approved. He can wait till the end of Jan 1st week and upgrade the amendment to Premium.
Pavan, after your amendment is approved – you will need to submit a new DS-160 with the Receipt# of the amendment notice. You can then inform the Biometrics center that you have a new DS-160. They would update the associated DS-160 for your PAI. Nothing to worry and you can still proceed with your stamping on Jan 31 2017. Good luck!
Its been 76 days, My consultancy has not responded to RFE. What can i do now?
Do you really have a client that needs you? or you tried abusing the H1B system and are now in a stage where the bribe you gave to the consultancy has gone waste????
All the abusers who go to bodyshop consultancies MUST be prepared for such situation.
Hi Kumar/Saurabh/Anyone,
I would be very thankful if you can help me with one information based on your experience. I and my wife went for Interview on 1st December for H1B and H4 respectively. My visa was approved and my wife who is doing a PHD in Bio Sensors was asked to send an additional word document detailing her research. We submitted the document on 2nd December. If you can let me know how much time does it take in general to get this process done as she is just going as a dependent and it has almost been 20 days. I have my travel planned on 31st December and I have raised her tickets as well so getting a bit tensed now. Thanks in advance.
Vivek,
The reason is your spouse research area falls under Technology Alert List and it requires extra clearance. Check TAL List and Detais on TAL . It is hard to predict the time…all you can do is hope you get it soon…
Thanks for the clarification Kumar.
Finally , My H1B visa got approved today at Hyderabad
My Slot is at 10:00 AM, reached consulate around 8:45AM and they let me in . It took around 1 hour to finish of all the security checks/waiting and to reach the Interview Counter.
They don’t let you take any sealed envelope inside ( You have to come all the way out open it and go back). Wasted 15 minutes there.
H1B and H4 for my wife and daughter.
Questions:
1.How many years i worked with this employer
A. New Opportunity
2. How did you get to know about this Job ?
A. Through a friend from USA
3. Do you Have a client ?
A. Yes
4. Client Name? Asked me to spell out
A. XXXXXXX
5. Which location you are going ?
A. XXXXXXX
6. Designation and Salary?
A. XXXXXXX
7. Have you been to US before on H1B?
A. No
8. You traveled on B1 earlier?
A. Yes.
Questions to my Wife:
1. How many years you been married?
A.. XXXXXX
2. What is your daughter’s age?
A. XXXXXX
3. How many children’s you have?
A. XXXXXX
Thank you , Your VISA processed.
We are nervous and tensed till the time we reach the interview counter.
Be confident in answering.
Thank you…Redbus2us and Administrators for this wonderful blog. Keep it up.
None of the documents asked except Passport and I797.
@mindgiri Congrats,
I will contact if needed any help as our case is similar
please contact me on anup05sept@gmail.com.
only Passport and I797 approval notice asked.
Hi All,
Any TCS’r who is waiting for his/her RFE to get appproved, please comment.
I am waiting for the same.
Lets connect , please share your email id.
Cheers !
Hello Saurabh
My petition got approved valid for 1 year only, indicated in my form I-797 does this means I have to comeback to home country after a year or can be extended by my employer up to 6 years?
Thanks
Are you applied through small consulting company in USA?
Today very good news
Mine is Non-AD/RP
Apr 11 2016: picked up in lottery
Oct 4 2016: RFE
Dic 5 2016: RFE Response Received
Dic 19 Case approved
Thank you very much to all partecipatns of this forum
Congrats.. What was the RFE questions?
After waiting so long, saw the bad news today 🙁
Sep-16 – RFE
Nov – RFE response
Dec 21 today – Denied notification
Still any chance/options? Suggestions please
we denied your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16149XXXX. We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options
@VK
Which company you are from
Hi Saurabh/Kumar,
How this one year gap out of USA is calculated? for availing fresh 6 years stay in USA?
I was on L1 VISA earlier for 3 years and moved out of USA on June-2016. My H1B VISA which is in progress (Application received in April 2016). As there is rule/option that if I keep a gap of 1 year stay outside USA , I will get fresh 6 years stay in USA with H1B visa.
1) Is 1 year outside stay is calculated from date of departure from USA and date of re-entry to USA?
2) Is 1 year outside stay is calculated from date of H1B application received to date of re-entry?
Please help me here. Thanks
It is calculated from the date of exit from the US (with L1) and then the date of re-entry on H1B. You are looking at a re-entry in July 2017 on H1B to wipe out your previous stay from the Maxout calculations.
No.. it is not like that. L1 and H1 are considered as work permit visas. in-order to get a fresh 6 years, you need to come out of US , stay for one year and then apply for h1b in next quota. You said you came out of US on june’16, that means your h1b was filed when you are in US. So you are not eligible for 6 years, you are eligible for remaining 3 years regardless how much time you stay outside of US.
1) Is 1 year outside stay is calculated from date of departure from USA and date of re-entry to USA?
no. 1 year outside stay is calculated from date of departure from USA and the new H1 application.
2) Is 1 year outside stay is calculated from date of H1B application received to date of re-entry?
No. It is already answered above.
Hi, Thanks both of you. But the considering H1B application which is still in progress not looks as justice as there is no timeline on when H1B will be approved and stamped.
Also H1B application lottery is purely LUCK … so that shouldn’t be considered ideally !
Anyways .. I should accept it.
Dude, you are not correct. Being outside the US for 1 year wipes out previous stay regardless of the Visa category. Even if you go on H1B, be in the US for 2 years – come back to India – and return after an year, your 6 year period starts again.
I have done that in the past and know for sure.
Looks “H1bAdvisor ” may be right . but I need to explore further on this … Thanks
My case is also similar except i hv moved out of US on L1 in Jul2015.
Apply for H1B on 1apr2016
Got selected on 24may2016
Got approval on 14oct2016
Visa stamped on 29nov2016
Except to travel in jan or feb2017
Pls reply.
Admin wat is your opinion.
Can i stay for 6yrs on H1B
CASE WAS RECEIVED
I called up USCIS call centrer on “Case Was Received” and relieved now.
A big sigh. Thanks
Mine is still in “Case Was received” !
Jaanu,
What did USCIS said?…did they give any date?.
Please share so that others are also benefited from the information.
Please share the details so that we can also be assured. We are still waiting as the status Case_Recieved.
Recently my passport has been renewed in my new passport my father name updated as First Name – ABCD Last Name – XYZ -> ABCD XYZ, but my old passport have my father name Last Name – XYZ and First Name – ABCD -> XYZ ABCD, when it getting renewed i was asking to officer and he told me this is new format and will be like that.
I’m going for stamping in Jan can you please let me know if there is any issue.
I don’t think it matters.
Also one more thing, when you have two passports (one expired and one new), no one is asking for the expired one. Everyone likes to see the new one only. I am also having two passports and always carrying both of them where passports are needed but believe me, till date no one has asked me for the old passport. But still its better to carry both together.
Good luck.
I’ve got my H1B stamping slot which is for 12-13th Jan 2017 but my Intended Date of Arrival(in US) in DS-160 is 09 JANUARY 2017.
Will this cause any issue as Intended Date of arrival is before the stamping date.
No issues whatsoever. Normally they just ask basic questions so relax and have confidence.
Don’t worry. I got stamped yesterday. I had put my intended day of travel as 20th Dec. But the VO asked me during the interview – when do you intend to fly? So be confident of what you answer.
I work for company X. Company Y has sponsored the H1B and got picked in the lottery. After that, case status changed to RFE.
RFE is for Company Y to submit the client letter. Now due to some legal issues Company Y is not able to provide the client letter and without client letter they say my case will go for denial.
Is there any other way to proceed with H1B process without the client letter.
Please help me !!!
Hi,
Thats a tricky situation. Without client letter its going to be tough.
But how did your employer filed your h1b for client without proper documents from them in first place?. Client project without client letter is problematic unless u have letter from client explaining why can’t they provide it. Might be some legal issue.
This seems your employer was taking a chance with your h1b.
Did u pay your employer for your h1b??..as this seems purely body shopping firm!
I have h4 and h1 visa stamped. I’m planning to resign from the current organization and travel on h4. Is there any problem in traveling on H4. Will it be any problem at POE ?
Hi Raghu/Sourab
How many times we can re schedule the Visa interview Appointment with one MRV FEE receipt number?
Please help me to get the details.
Initially it was 3 times for sure, but now i think its for 15 times we can reschedule. I am quite certain about it but please 2nd opinion is always appreciated 🙂 . Please double check about it.
Hi Saurabh,
Will USCIS have to complete all the pending RFE’s before mar 2017?
or it can go beyond that?
Hi All,
Sharing my experience for others to use it,
1.Petition got selected in lottery on 11th April and email notice 3rd may
2016
2. Petition got approved on 3rd Sept and received the original receipt on
20th Sept 16
3.But my project location changed from New Jersey to Florida so filed H
location amendment petition on 18th Nov 16 and got approved on 1st
dec 16 ,received original notice 6th dec ( premium mode)
4. Scheduled PAI on 8th Dec 16 in London consulate
5. Just 3 questions were asked in PAI interview ,a) working for which
company ..and I answered …XYZ corp ltd. b) what do you do in XYZ corp
ltd in London…and I replied business analyst and IT consultant for a bank.
c) what is your role in US ?…I replied I would be doing same as above….and
Visa officers said : your visa approved sir and welcome to America and
said thank you very much sir and took my pamphlet( know your rights in
USA)
6. Got my passport back on 16th dec ( took almost 5 working days)
7. Travelled to the US on 18th Dec Sunday morning and now in client location.
thanks to all administrators for running this forum which is indeed useful and knowledgeable platform to clear doubts and hypothesis .
Congrats Praveen, in which city of Florida you are?
Please share email ID if possible.
Hi Ansh, I’m in Tampa ,FL
Praveen, please contact me on anup05sept@gmail.com
Hi All,
Any TCS’r who is waiting for his/her RFE to get appproved, please comment.
I am waiting for the same.
Lets connect , please share your email id.
I’m also waiting to receive any update from Visa team after I responded to them with RFE docs in sept. Haven’t heard from them since then.
Hi h1,
Please share me your email id
Or mail me on mine
Karankalra0402@icloud.com
@TCS H1B
I’ve send you an email on mentioned mail id. Reply me over that email and we can discuss further there.
Cheers !
I got RFE on Sep 29th and my company was responded to it last week I believe. But currently my status is showing as “Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It” instead of “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received”. Any idea what does it mean, is it same as “RFE Response”?
Hi, I got a rfe and attorney responded on 7th Dec as Premium application and my status was rfe documents received on 9th Dec and again on 16th Dec status changed to case received and receipt notice was emailed. How long before I get a final decision.
Looks like they are not satisfied with your first RFE response and would like to get more evidences, hence the second RFE.
It doesn’t mention anything about an rfe, I wanted to know when does the 15 days SLA start 9th Dec or 16th Dec.
It actually starts from the day USCIS received your response. Since 9th was when the status was updated online, they may have received your response on 8th or 9th.
Good luck!
Thanks man
Hi Did you get the final decision, if yes on which date – Thanks
I too recieved the same status.
16th dec- application changed to premium
19th dec- application received and notice emailed.
No need to worry… if u upgrade to PP in middle, it will show received. .
I have not got any response so far, I believe my 10 days window would be 30th Dec and start date of rfe would be 16th.
Hi, yesterday My case status changed to RFE response received . How much time it will take for further update?
Hi ACB,
When your employer sent the RFE response and how much time it has taken for the status change
Hi, it updated in 2 days.
Going by the current trend, the status is getting changed in 4 to 6 weeks for the Regular processing.
Hello,
My current H1b expires in Sep 2017 and my extension is applied. I am planning to go to INdia for stamping in Jan 2017. Are there any chances of rejection as there are only few months left till my current h1b expires, should i wait till i get the extension or is it safe to go now?
Hi,
My h1b was filed without a COS. The petition has got approved recently. Before this petition was approved I had moved to US on L2. My employer hired me for an in house project. What is the best way to get the h1 status ? Going to India and getting the stamping done or trying to apply a COS from here. My employer is a small employer so what are the chances of rejection if there are client details.
Thank you
Correction: No Client Details
Hi,
My h1b was filed without a COS. The petition has got approved recently. Before this petition was approved I had moved to US on L2. My employer hired me for an in house project. What is the best way to get the h1 status ? Going to India and getting the stamping done or trying to apply a COS from here. My employer is a small employer so what are the chances of rejection if there are no client details.
Thank you
Correction: If there are no Client Details.
Its better to go for COS in US only….because than you dont have to go for interview….During interview they might raise objection beacause of no client details….Once COS approves in US your status will automatically change from L1 tto H1.
Thank you
Does USCIS update status as soon as it get the response of RFE? My employer has submitted the documents before two weeks but still the status is same.
It will updated in 2-3 days after response submission
Can somebody helps with Port Of Entry questions, while we go for first time with H1B
It depends on which POE you are passing through. I heard Chicago is the tough one and this time i came to Chicago only. I was bit worried because i came with my family and we all had different visas. I thought officer might get confused with different visas, but he really did a good job. He took our case one by one. And he asked below questions.
First question to me (I am on H1B): is there any change in your client, employer or anything else?
Me: No sir, there is no change.
Then he asked to my wife (She is on L1B): What is your designation ? do you have any team under you?
Her: XXXXXX She replied.
My kids and my mom had dependent and visitor visa and he didn’t ask anything about it.
It was quite easy than expected.
Good Luck.
Thank you Yash
You may read Entering US for First time on H1B – Things to know
Thank you Kumar