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

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

When will the H1B visa 2017 season start ? Date ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H1B Fee ComponentFee 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 FeeVaries from $500 to $3000

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

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

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

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

H1B Visa 2017 Premium Processing Time :

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is the next H1B Season ?

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

Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017 ?

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

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

   

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23,619 Comments

  1. Hello guys,

    First of all I want to thanks to this Forum.I was regularly following it and reading the comments.It really helped a lot.

    Here is my history .

    April 11, 2016 – Selected in lottery
    September 19, 2016 – RFE
    Dec 12, 2016 – RFE reply received
    Dec 22, 2016 – Approved.
    Scheduled Visa interview in New Delhi – 9th Feb

    While I was standing in queue for an hour,I saw there were lot of rejections and most of the questions I heared were related to the job description and client related.

    Below are the questions they asked me.

    1)Can I have your passports? handed over the passports
    2)In which company you are currently working? x company
    3)Designation? I answered my designation in current company as well and new company
    4)Oh Is it a new opportunity- yes. I explained a bit about new company.
    5)How did you come to know about this? Answered
    6)How much did you pay them? Answered nothing
    7)For which client you will be working? Answered
    8)How much salary they offered? Answered.
    9)Explain your roles and responsibilities. Explained him.

    He didn’t asked any question to my wife and kept all the passports and said.Your visa is approved sir, you will recieve the sms shortly and he kept the passports.

    The best guys. Just be confident

    Thanks!!!

    Reply
  2. Hello guys,

    Just to let all my dear friends on this forum know that my Visa has been approved.

    Here is my history .

    April 11, 2016 – Selected in lottery
    September 29, 2016 – RFE
    Dec 22, 2016 – RFE reply received
    Feb 13, 2017 – Approved.

    I am yet to get the hard copy of approval.

    For all my friends who await decision on their cases, all the very best. My journey to to file an H1B started more than a year back.
    Its a game of patience. In the end, you will be okay.

    Reply
  3. Hi Saurabh/Kumar,

    I have an approved I797A, my employer a small engineering firm is asking me to wait for stamping because the project is held up. In the meanwhile I have an offer from an MNC IT firm in Texas. Should I go for visa stamping through the new firm. Is it okay to do that ? Please advice

    Thank you

    Reply
  4. Hi Sourab /Kumar/Experts, I am in India right now with approved h1 petition and yet be stamped. On the other hand, my fiance is working in h1b n planning to get married this month. possible to travel in H4 as my wife’s H1 dependent and later do COS n start working in US for my employer ??

    Pls help me..

    Reply
  5. How are the things with the newly stamped H1B guys. Could you get able to calls easily as it was before ? Or is there any trump effect from the companies ?

    Reply
    • Can you help me understand what you meant by “Could you get able to calls easily as it was before ? “??????

      Reply
      • Who the hell are you dude and what are you doing in this group! There are people worried about their future and discussing their issues and here you are correcting their grammar – get a life man!

        Admin – Request you to block this guy from his IP – he is clearly in the wrong place

        Reply
      • Hey HOD, Department of English Grammar, Oxford University, Everyone knows its a typo and its typed in a hurry. We all are worrying about our Visa chances due to trump . But its great that you worry about the english of each and every person. I dont understand why these useless people like you intrude into this. I beg you please join as an English teacher or a cricket commentator. Atleast do some useful stuff for being a human rather than pointing out someone.

        Reply
      • Though the people bashing HOD have a point , the question itself reeks (to me) of some monkey business. Why the hell will someone with stamped H1B “want to be able to get calls” , even if the sponsor expresses inability to temporarily take the person onboard? Body shops and low ethic consultancies are the reason US is trying to tighten the noose.

        Reply
  6. Really worried, it’s been 2 months now and still the status is “response received” after RFE. All my colleagues who got RFE got approval also it’s only me who’s status is still received… Please suggest

    Reply
      • My receipt number starts with EAC, but when i check status online with USCIS,

        “On December 19, 2016, we received your response to our Request for Evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16148XXXXX. Our California Service Center office will begin working on your case again.”

        I’m really confused is it Vermont Center or California center.

        RFE: Specility occupation & education qualification

        Reply
        • Sailing on the same boat, waiting .. waiting and waiting :-(.

          EAC1614450XX

          Received April 6
          Ref received Oct 19
          Ref replied Jan 6th
          Approved/Rejected – Don’t know when

          Reply
        • EAC stands for Vermont service center. They do transfer some cases to California service center to share work load. So i think yours is one of the transferred cases. Good luck!

          Reply
    • In same situation received rfe response on dec 12th csc center and my employer says we applied for premium but its been two months no change in status.

      Reply
    • You should only mention your correct details. If some details are wrong in any of the documents, I suggest you get them corrected. Do not put in different details because it is wrong on some document, it can get you into trouble.

      Reply
  7. Hi all,
    when filling my DS160 I placed 3 years in intended stay in US but my approved notice is only for 1 year but my company said they are going to extend it. What will I say to the VO officer can I tell him that it will be extended that is why I placed 3 years?

    Thank you,

    Reply
  8. I am currently working on L1B Visa stammped with employer A , L1B visa and I-94 has validity till Feb 2018.Recently I got my H1B approved through Employer B with CoS.
    As per the online information on USICS website H1B got approved on Jan 30th 2017. (On January 30, 2017, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
    My new employer informed me about the approval on Friday(10th Feb 2017).He DID NOT receive physical copy of he approval and CoS effective date yet.
    Am I out of status now ?
    Can I continue for few days (2 weeks notice period with employer A)?
    Is there any way for me to continue working on Employer A
    What should be my next step in moving to Employer B with lawful status?

    Reply
    • Its unlawful to continue working with employer A the moment you get notice about your approval. If you talk to your employer A immigration team they would also recommend to NOT work with them post approval.

      Generally it is observed the people quit the day of approval. (it may not be an issue immediately but might come under scrutiny once you start gc processing)

      You are already with employer B as per USCIS record.

      Reply
  9. Guys, Is anyone planning to take up their stamping in Chennai consulate in the coming days?

    please update the status… thanks..

    Reply
  10. How long trump threat would be there ? Are the new h1b could able to get a jobnow as how they were before ? How long this would continue ? At least till we know the result of the h1 billl they introduced. Even if the bill pass or not there seems to be the threat in the minds of the companies to recruit new h1b

    Reply
  11. Hi Admin/Saurabh/Raj,

    Looking for urgent help!!!!!

    Currently i am working with X company. My H1 Visa sponsor is Y company which i have not joined till now. While filling the DS160 form i found that i need to fill the details of Present company/employer. so in current employer what details do i need to fill. Looking for your help…

    Please advice?

    Thanks

    Reply
  12. USCIS must finish FY-2017 before getting Application for FY-2018:

    It is really frustrating waiting for YEARS together without any DEADLINE. USCIS is taking reasonable fees and processing the VISA requests, hence they must have appropriate plan and human resource to handle the same also have a deadline, No point waiting forever !
    If they have shortage of human resource to process, they should not get another set of fresh application for Fy-2018, it is not justice. If same issue happens for USA people, they would surely raise this as an critical issue, but we are not able to do except mute spectators. Concerned please look into this matter. Thanks.

    Reply
    • I need help from this forum…I am filling my ds-160 and I am confused what duration I have to give in my intended length of stay field in travel page…my lca shows 3 years till 2019 but my I797b is valid till oct 2017..pls help me which one I should consider and how many months I need to mention..appreciate your help..

      Reply
        • @h1b helper: I’ve given as 3 years in intended length of stay In ds-160 and submitted already. Wat should I do? My biometrics z on March 2nd and consulate appointment is on March 3rd…please let me know…

          Reply
          • Best of luck. May be tell VO that you missed and explain him you will stay until the 797 expires. May be you can tell your stay might get extended if your employer files for extension. But that might make the VO think you have a plan to settle here… even though it is legally a dual-intent visa, it is not recommended to tell this to VO.

    • Funny. As a alien, we don’t have any such rights. USCIS is not obligated to finish 2017 application processing before 2018. If you are concerned, move to PP. Already it is a soup because of Mr.T. People are worried what Executive action is waiting… Also with both house and Senate controlled by Mr.T team, almost all bills might become law, hope you know about $130000 bill for H1b depent employers… most of the small and large consultants are…

      Reply
  13. Hi,

    My h1b got picked up in lottery. My employer give me receipt number last month. But the receipt is EAC15XXX. I found that this year the EAC number starts with 16 but mine is 15 (EAC15XXX).

    1. Does it occur or whether he is cheating me?
    2. Now my status shows Department of State Sent Case to USCIS For Review, does it belong to me or he is cheating?

    Please reply!!!

    Reply
      • He is talking about FY 2017 and receipt number indeed stats with EAC/WAC16 if the case filed last year. May it could be a typo from your employer, and ask them to send the scanned copy of receipt.

        Reply
  14. Trump eyes end to H1-B

    http://www.computerworld.com/article/3167586/it-outsourcing/trump-eyes-end-to-an-h-1b-system-that-favors-largest-outsourcers.html

    Reply
    • If this happens it would be good.

      It will stop Indian outsourcing companies from flooding USCIS with lakhs of applications on April 1 every year.

      These companies think it’s their birth right to file lakhs of applications and eating US MNC’s chances.

      Only qualified, wage and merit based H1B should be good instead of lottery.

      Reply
  15. I have followed this Blog while waiting for the lottery results, while waiting for the Approval, while waiting for my amendment (as I could not travel for original client), while waiting for my petition original copy to reach me in India (it took a lot of time) and while waiting for today when I had my stamping appointment. Updates from different people here had given me hopes and helped me stay positive, so I thought I should share this too. I had shared updates about my Lottery case selection and approval too earlier.

    Though I am from Bangalore, I took an appointment in New Delhi as the waiting time was less… against many people telling me that I should not go to New Delhi as its very strict there and reject rate is high including my company’s immigration team ( Trust me it doesn’t matter) – You can go anywhere if you have all your docs and are confident about your specialty occupation and project. To be honest, there were lots of rejections happening at different counters when people were not able to explain their job role or purpose of their visit but I am sure it will be the same in other consulates if you don’t have your basics right. Here is what VO asked me after she and I exchaged smiles and greeted each other.
    1) What will be you designation while working in US?
    2) So, is this an internal project or you have an end client? (She kind of twisted it, she started with saying internal project in a manner that internal project is a better thing and is what she is expecting… the end client thing in the end was in very slow voice)
    My answer: No, I work for Company X and we have an end client Y. I will be working at Y’s location
    3) Oh, what kind of industry this Company Y is in?
    4) After my answer of the above, do they make so and so kind of product?
    5) So you have been working on this project from India and now you will be working on the same project from US?
    5) How much will you be making with them?
    6) Where will you live in US?

    Your Visa is approved. We will inform you when your passport is ready to be picked up 🙂

    Good luck to everyone!!

    Reply
    • Guys, my friend had interview today at Chennai consulate and he was issued 221g and was asked to wait for almost 3 hours in consulate . He was told to check the case status online and kept his case under administrative processing. He said that out of 30 ppl, only 6 ppl got visa approved rest all were kept under administrative processing. I don’t know the reason why it had been done and he was all the proper documents with him.
      I attended my interview at Hyd consulate for the same employer and got the visa approved in Jan.
      Try to get some information about what’s going on at chennai consulate before attending an interview at the same place .

      Reply
  16. Hi Emily,

    I am Indian Citizen living in Canada. I will be acquiring Canadian Citizenship very soon. I have an Approved h1-b valid from Dec 2016 to Sept 2019. I did not go for stamping yet.

    My question is can I enter the USA with the approved h1b-I797B on my Canadian passport?

    Your response will be of great help.

    Reply
  17. Dear Admin,

    My status changed “RFE” to “Decision Notice Mailed”

    On February 7, 2017, we denied your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16143****.
    We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options.
    Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your denial notice by February 22, 2017, please
    go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice.
    If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

    Still I have any chances or Can i transfer to another company, if yes how can I ?

    Bit worried Pl help me on this..

    Reply
    • I am really sorry to hear about the denial. You cant transfer the new H1B visa after denial. But you can file an MTR though if allowed. But its again a long procedure and you will have to ask your company to do so. Until then, you have to wait for your denial notice and check the reason mentioned in it. Of course, you can apply for the next quota of H1B. Good luck!
      Just one quick question, has your status changed from RFE to Denial or is it after sending response for RFE?

      Reply
      • Harry
        after sending response for RFE 🙁 RFE is about detailed project description. and i think he submitted the inhouse project.
        Can I ask my fee back so that i can go with other employer.

        Reply
    • Hi Bro,

      Sorry to hear this,but couple of people who filed from a small firm/consultancy and I too did filed through them,they faced same situation,it directly changed from rfe is mailed to denial notice.
      I am also on same boat and i think same message will come for me too.

      This is happening because our companies didnt submitted the rfe document either or they submitted when the due date was over.

      Dont try for h1b i will suggest,better try for australia pr and its far easier process and more chances to get visa are there

      Reply
  18. Can we transfer our H1B from one company to another company without any payroll started. As i am on H4 i don’t have any payrolls ran on my name yet for the H1B. and will it be possible to transfer the H1B from my firm to another before visa stamping done .?

    Reply
    • The transfer can be done without stamping. Your approval notice is more than enough to initiate transfer. It can also be done without any pay stubs but have heard that chances of getting denied is bit high in transfer without pay stubs. But if the second company/Attorney is confident enough or if its a big MNC, you can give it a try without pay stub.

      Reply
  19. My Case is approved and I live in Chennai. The wait time to attend the interview is 23 days in Chennai. Shall I schedule the interview in Hyderabad? In HYD the wait time is just 2 days. Is there an issue with attending it in HYD rather than CHN location??

    Reply
  20. Hi Saurabh/Kumar,

    I have an approved I797A, my employer a small engineering firm is asking me to wait for stamping because the project is held up. In the meanwhile I have an offer from an MNC IT firm in Texas. Should I go for visa stamping through the new firm. Is it okay to do that ? Please advice

    Thank you

    Reply
  21. My case was finally approved on 08 Feb. This was under regular processing in the California Centre. I received a RFE around role in the US on 24th Oct and the response was submitted on 29th Dec.

    Will be looking forward to the next steps!

    Reply
  22. Hi Saurabh/Kumar/Admin/Other friends,

    My case is still in “Case Was Received” state only. I believe there around 607 people on the same boat.
    Kindly provide your frank thoughts of current FY2017 application when compared to FY2016.

    1) Was There any spillover of FY2015 application to FY2016 (Not only RFE but also Received cases) ?
    2) Approximately how many were approved by October-2015 and how much was success rate?
    3) Is there any rationale behind keeping cases as received, and issues 221g for stamping candidates?
    4) This 130K wage amendement would make getting job tougher?

    Please reply, share your thoughts

    Reply
    • Manhy companies are holding up VISA process like stamping, tracking and allocation usa projects … Till we get stable policy in place … Let uswait for some time

      Reply
  23. My status is “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received ” fron Nov 10 onwards.
    No change…
    How long it will take for next update?
    anyone in same boat?
    Please update if anyone had long wait like this.

    Reply
  24. Looks there something fishy on as they kept around 650 peoples case as “Case Was Received”…
    As there is no any progress for the last 11 months (Since April 2016 … it is not a joke though)

    Anyone has any thought, opinion on this ?

    Reply
  25. Can we transfer our H1B from one company to another company without any payroll started. As i am on H4 i don’t have any payrolls ran on my name yet for the H1B. and will it be possible to transfer the H1B from my firm to another before visa stamping done .?

    Reply
      • @ RFE Response…

        Hi,

        I got RFE on Oct 7th and my employer said the attorney replied some time in Jan (before 15th) I guess but the status is still showing as RFE mailed only…

        Any time line for the status to change after we reply to the RFE??

        Thanks,

        Reply
  26. I have approved petition for H1B. Received I797 original recently. Now am planning to go for stamping. I have couple of doubts.
    1. New Delhi is mentioned as consulate in the I797. Is it ok if i visit Mumbai consulate for stamping.
    2. Do you need separate petition for dependent Visa H4.

    Reply
    • @ I797_Received : Congrats.
      Please share after how many days after approval your employer received the hard copy of original approval?

      Reply
  27. Here is my long H1B journey:

    Apr 2008 : Not picked in Lottery
    Apr 2013 : Not picked in Lottery
    Apr 2014 : Not picked in Lottery
    Apr 2015 : Not picked in Lottery
    Apr 2016 : Picked in Lottery (Finally)

    July 2016, H1B lottery selection receipt did not deliver to the petitioner address, but the Petitioner provided me with the Receipt number which is behind the encashed fee cheque.

    Aug 4th, 2016, Form I-129 was approved against the given Receipt Number, I was So happy.

    Sep 1st, 2016, I have travelled to USA and Mexico on Business Trip and was thinking to attend to Visa stamping in Mexico and been waiting for the approval notice from Petitioner.

    Meanwhile, I was offered a Long term project assignment in Mexico from the current Employer (Big MNC), but I rejected it since I was under impression that My USA dream will come true very soon.

    Upon Multiple Follow-ups, finally, Petitioner bombed me with a deadly bad news saying that the given receipt number was incorrect…one digit was wrong…

    So, the game resumed again…and this time he has given me the correct number.

    Sep 27th, 2016, RFE issued against my Receipt Number…
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Dec 4th, 2016 I was back to India and kept following up the petitioner to address RFE.
    Dec 22nd, 2016, RFE addressed on the deadline day.
    So the Status changed to Received Response to RFE….
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Feb 7th, 2016, After One and half month waiting, finally heard the below news from USCIS.
    .
    .
    .

    On February 7, 2017, we denied your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16142*****. We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your denial notice by February 22, 2017, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

    Let me tell you the last Punch, February 7th is my B’DAY.
    it’s a B’day gift from USCIS and Petitioner.

    Thanks
    Lukkunnodu

    Reply
    • Totally understand the agony that you must have experienced over the years with multiple attempts and the pain for this year.

      Very similar story here:

      2008,09 – didn’t get through
      gave up on H1 dream and worked in the US on L1 till 2014, after completing the visa tenure again started my H1 dream
      applied in 14 and 15 : with no luck
      Finally got through in 2016,

      Meanwhile worked in couple of cities in Europe (the best places to visit)

      Its important to focus on acquiring diverse experience, learning and moving on.
      I hope and pray that you get through in your next attempt. Till then, explore the world, there are many countries where our technical skills are valued and respected.

      Good Luck!

      Reply
    • Firstly belated Happy Birthday !
      So looong so patiently story teaches others others be patient and hopeful … but dont forgrt to enjoy your current life !

      Denial of USA visa is just one wish of our bundle, it is not end of our life, desire, ambition etc. ….

      Even my case is still in “Case Was Received” .. but I am hopeful and enjoying !
      But keep going smiling anf making others too .. 🙂

      All the best !

      Reply
  28. Saurabh/Kumar

    Please suggest what is the approved I-129 petition document ? Is it I797-C? or Is it different ?

    Please see reply from US traveldocs about mandatory docs requirements.

    Thank you for writing to the U.S. Visa Service Desk.

    We understand that you would like to get information about the documents required for H1-B visa.

    In response to your question, we would like to inform you that the receipt number printed on your approved I-129 petition is a mandatory document required at the time of your visa interview.

    Please be informed that the paper copies of the I-797 are not required at the interview.

    Reply
      • @ Param, LCA & the I-129 Petition which was submitted in April doesn’t have the Receipt number on it, So I don’t think this is what they are asking.
        It may be some kind of documents after the H1B approval.

        @ Saurabh/Kumar please suggest about it.

        @ To all – – – Anyone who has attended the interview please share has they asked any specific documents related to H1B petition like I797C, I797B or any other???

        Reply
        • @Ansh – I have attended interview on Jan 31st and posted my visa exp in redbus aswell.

          They didn’t ask me for any document other than passport and straight fwd questions like client name/ location of client/ highest qualification/ Salary.

          Thanks.

          Reply
  29. H1B visa norm changes: Indian IT professionals look at returning home

    http://www.livemint.com/Industry/vM3kdc1cp5jqjPS3RJxQLN/H1B-visa-norm-changes-Indian-IT-professionals-look-at-retur.html

    Reply
  30. Hi Saurabh/Kumar,

    I have an approved I797A, my employer a small engineering firm is asking me to wait for stamping because the project is held up. In the meanwhile I have an offer from an MNC IT firm in Texas. Should I go for visa stamping through the new firm. Is it okay to do that ? Please advice

    Thank you

    Reply
  31. My petition was approved after RFE in speciality occupation. Are there high chances that consulate office will ask me about my project and related questions in PI as I had received RFE?

    Reply
    • I recently attended the interview at chennai consulate.

      Pfb the questions

      1. Who is your petitioner
      2. Whom do you going to work for
      3. Who is your client
      4. Which location you are going
      5. What will be your salary in US
      6. What will be your designation in US
      7. Your highest qualification?

      To my dependent:
      1. How long you have been married
      2. What is your highest Qualification
      3. what’s your husband DOB?

      Please be confident.

      All the best.

      Reply
  32. Hi ,

    My h1 is approved only for 6 months will there be a problem in stamping ? Can I apply for extension once I reach Usa ?
    Pls any one clarify . Thanks

    Reply
    • As long as your current SOW is valid, there should not be any issue for stamping. You can always apply for an extension later, irrespective of where you are.

      My case is similar where I have received a 6 month visa, my interview is scheduled for next week, though as of today I am not sure if I would make it since I have not yet received my 797. But in all likelihood, I would start my extension in a couple months.

      Reply

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