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 Guys,
Any one directly called USCIS Cust Care and asked on status on “Case Was Received”?
When I called they say only either Petitioner or Employer can get status details, So I couldn’t get any details.
If anyone got chance to talk to Cust Care, Could you share the details?
Thanks in advance
But, It also says even Applicant can also call on USCIS status! Why Applicant can’t call directly?
Nupur we are a beneficiary of the Visa. Applicant refers to your company. As, only your company applies for your H1B Visa.
Only petitioner or Employer is the one who can raise the query. We are a beneficiary of the Visa, so we cant contact them directly. Ask your company or attorney to raise service request or call customer care.
Hi Ram, Thanks,
They says they already raised SR, but no response yet, Is there any link to track SR. Thanks
I dont think you can track SR online anywhere.
There could some good news !
1) Mr. President is hosting a meting with Giant MNCs today
2) A team of Congressmen (more than 25) are planning to visit India soon this month end
Lets wait and see, outcome !
I am always against consultancies, but this time things are going to be so touch for those go through consultancies. no mater how good you feel about it you are gonna waste your hard earned money by going through consultancies.
They are going to make whether you’re not picked up or not approved. USCIS is going to scrutinize everything.
Its just bad time for you all. at least save money.
We can also guess that USCIS might be looking at way to downsize Number of Approved people count, Like Approving H4 (dependents of H1B), Pre-Approved L1B holders etc. So that you can reduce number of people have VISA whereas Approval counts still counts on, Just a guess !
This is very clear that USCIS is deliberately Denying so many cases off late for these last few weeks,
Earlier success rate was Almost 80% wheras now it is just 20%.
So those whose cases got handled earlier were lucky, Expecting people have to go through this very suffocating path forward !
What you say?
Is it totally in the VO’s hand to accept or reject?
I think there must be some input to them based on which they must be deciding to accept or reject in advance.
Right !
As the question asked by them do not make any sense to either accept or reject an application. Its just TP. The decision is already made.
During last days even a small mistake can cause your case to be denied. so if anyone is that situation please prepare yourself for next round. there is nothing else you can do
Experience moved to here
Congrats … Where did you attend ?
Mumbai
Hi Congrats Man, Where did you give your interview?
Ok, Thanks..
Hi
Can you please suggest me for the following question.
1) I have valid L1 b upto 2018 and my h1b is approved from other company recently.
Can you please tell me what i need to tell if VO asks for the L1B?.
What answer i need to tell if VO asks why you are moving to H1b as you already have L1b?
Your comments are appreciated.
Hi Kumar /Sourabh,
I am with an approved H1B petition in India. But for now I don’t want to go for Stamping and would like to travel as H4 depended and do COS later in the US.
How about this scenario and will there be questions during H4 Stamping, reg my approved H1B petition??
Thanks in advance!
Hi All,
I am working in US and I transfer my H1B from X Organization to ‘Y’ Organization on 10-Oct-2016 with Premium Processing (Vermont Processing center) . On 12-Oct USCIS received my case and on 13-Oct they sent me a receipt.
On 26-Oct-2016 I received RFE for client letter and education evaluation. For this Y Organization attorney responded with all the evidences and supporting document in Jan 1st week (04-Jan-2016).
But still my case is showing same message on USCIS website “Request for Additional Evidence Was Mailed” with below message:
On October 26, 2016, we mailed a request for additional evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1700XXXXXX. The request for evidence explains what we need from you. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires. Please follow the instructions in the request for evidence. If you do not receive your request for additional evidence by November 25, 2016, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
So can you please help if any one is with same condition???
Hi Saurabh,
My H1B is approved(only for 1 year) and it is filed by one of the Huge IT companies in INDIA. I have not yet appeared for stamping.
As you know, most of these big IT companies have freezed their onsites and they want to reduce the dependency of H1B.
Meanwhile, Can i get this approved Petition transferred to some other employer? Do you see any risk at this point of time.
I attended Visa interview at Chennai consulate yesterday.
Questions:
VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning
VO: Give me your PP.
Me: Given
VO: Who is your petitioner?
Me: xxxx
VO: Which place you are going to work?
Me: xxx, xxx
VO: Do you have a client letter?
Me: I am going to work on the internal project of xxx for their client yyyy, I have a purchase order from the client yyy
VO: Took the seal envelop. Please be seated, we will call you.
VO: Sorry for making you wait.
Me: No Probs
VO: Your application is complete. It still needs the administrative processing for a day. Called the next person.
Me: Thanks. Waited for him to say whether the VISA is approved or not. But no response. Then I left.
Total docs taken by the VO: Passport + Sealed envelop given by the employer about the project purchase orders.
CEAC link shows the status as “Administrative processing”.
No SMS recieved yet.
Track passport link shows, PP is still with US Embassy/Consulate.
Any Clue…. Please throw some light if anyone has experienced something similar….
Even I had the similar experience in Dec when I went for stamping. My project was also internal, after the similar questions they told me to wait,and had to wait for 3 hours and finally told she is approving the visa. Don’t worry they might be doing one more layer of scrutiny. U will get it approved!!
@Zero cool,
I have two doubts:
1. When was your interview?
2. After how many days you saw the status as “issued” on CEAC website. Or after how many days you recieved an sms or email notification?
Thanks
Hello Everyone,
Today I see my status on CEA website is changed to:
U.S. Department of State
NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION
Issued
Application ID or Case Number: XXXXXXXXXX
Case Created: XXXXX
Case Last Updated: XXXXXX
Your visa is in final processing. If you have not received it in more than 10 working days, please see the webpage for contact information of the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.
For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General Chennai.
What does that means?
What do you think it means? Issued means issued and you will get it in a while.
HI everyone, do we have any SLA in receiving petition approval i797 letter? Also where can we check available visa slots?
Assuming you are from India, here you can check earliest date of appointment after logging in and filling some details.
http://ustraveldocs.com/in/
You can check the visa slots only when you have completed DS-160 and paid the fees.
Oh okay. Thank you?
My Visa Got stamped in Hyderabad location with one of the big MNC.
My organization is not having any openings in Onsite.
Can I look for the opportunity in other organization and travel on the same.
If so can some one please provide the H1B Transfer process .
You will have to go for stamping again after the transfer is done (in other words you cannot use this visa for other employer)
http://redbus2us.com/how-to-go-about-h1-transfer/
I am not denying completely what you are saying about stamping. But one of my colleague travelled to usa with out second time stamping after Transfer. His stamping was done using first petetion, Later he got it transferred.
My Visa Got stamped in Hyderabad location with one of the big MNC.
My organization is not having any openings in Onsite.
Can I look for the opportunity in other organization and travel on the same.
If so can some one please provide the H1B Transfer process .
I have a question. Say i went for visa stamping and got 221g which may take longer time to clear. Can i ask some other company to transfer my h1 petition and go for stamping again?
One of my friends did the same from last years 221g and now he got stamped in premium and left to US
thats great.
Hi,
You can transfer to a good employer if you were issued a long 221G.
When we will know the verdict for the h1b bill which is on table ? When will the trump warnings and threats to companies will end up for selecting h1bs rather locals ? How long he will be as president ?
Even i want to know when this will end. My application is Approved but my company is not stamping my application as because they fear something bad from trump in coming days. what to do.. anyone on same Boat ?
A bill has to be passed in Congress and senate to become law. So it will take some time.
As for presidential tenure, Trump is elected for four years. And he can run for re-election.
If more locals are hired due to H1B, obviously American public may give him another term..
“A Bill” is not a case filed in the Court of Law for it to have a verdict.
“Case Was Received”: No issues
Guys, Believe many are in same “Case Was Received” we are kind of waiting almost years together and we badly wanted at least result Yes or No.
Personally, we want to stop for this wait, Many colleagues have got RFE and their progressing like RFE received, RFE responded, Approved etc etc. and they are all progressing ; wheres ‘Received’ State people are in the same state as it was at day one.
Looks those candidates are fed up with this infinite wait … No noise from others.
I have been getting travel option for others countries and even I will be having good time in India too, Hence I am setting my mind even if it gets Approved, I will not travel this year. Got lots of personal stuff commitment which are priority.
Anyways ALL the best for others !
Well said.
considering so many pending cased in 2017, how USCIS find time for 2018 processing…
Totally with you brother. I am happily focused on what better I can do at my current job and location rather than dream about being in the US this year. I am through with the “being worried” phase. Now I shall just let it happen when it needs to happen. The wait is for eternity.
even from my company (big consultancies) many applications are in received or response received status..
Agree, even mine is big MNC and heard that there are many people case in received, Lets see.
Nice day !
Hi,
Can you please suggest me for the following question.
1) I have valid L1 b upto 2018 and my h1b is approved from other company recently.
Can you please tell me what i need to tell if VO asks for the L1B?.
What answer i need to tell if VO asks why you are moving to H1b as you already have L1b?
Your comments are appreciated.
Hi friends
How many days it took for you to get the decision after RFE response is received by Vermont service centre in Regular processing?
Your responses will help me understand the average wait time !!
Thanks
jan 16 – employer sent rfe response
jan 23 – status showed as rfe response received
feb 17 – case approved
Mine is still in RFE Response from Dec 13th.
Mine is in “Response to the request for RFE…” this status from Nov 9th onwards..no change:(
Dec 12th Rfe Response Received and employee says he applied as premium but no result yet.
Hello Guys,
Is there any update on the prediction of number of applications for this fiscal year?
Thanks
Expected to be 400k
hahaha
smart people wont be one of those.
Everyone thinks this year gonna be the last chance that they can try, on top of that BREXIT.
This year NRIs’ spouses 80k
Unlucky people from last year 230-80= 150k
Picked up but Rejected from last time 10k
BREXIT shit 50k (im just guessing this no, it might be more)
Fresh as usual 100-150k
PS: imagine how many petitions infosys , tcs and co are gonna file this year
Don’t trust AVIGHNA GLOBAL hyderabad – new Jersey based consultancy. …they take money and file visa with fraud client documents….
you fool what do you think most of the consultancies are filing, do you think they have genuine projects and genuine end clients.
Hi everyone, Available slots for visa stamping in March in hyderabad consulate.someone provide the details.
Guys, Did anyone attend interview in Chennai recently or planning to attend?
Please update the experience.. hearing Chennai issues more 221g slip.
Hi Bro,
Even i had 221g in 2015, still its pending. its all depends on what it was issued. eventually luck.
I feel mine docs were good but they have hold the same for long time. i hear if they are not willing to give, they will hold long till petition expires.
good luck
Hi saurabh /kumar
My petition is valid for just six months, my passport is stamped and i am flying next week.
My employer will be filing extension once i reach there, will i have to get out of US and renter to get my passport stamped again or is there any other way out
You can continue with the extension approved copy, when you comeback to india then go for stamping.
Hi FlyingNextWeek,
Congrats!! Which consulate did you go? Even mine is approved for 6 months but not stamped yet. Can you say what the VO asked you regarding only 6 months approval.
Thanks
OneH1Guy
Mumbai no questions regarding validity just normal questions as you can find on these forums. Just be confident be yourself don’t look nervous and don’t panic on any adverse question and start speaking some xyz. Best of luck for your stamping u will get through cheers 🙂
Hi Saurabh
Is there any update or foresight about new H1B rules. Is anything expected soon or by March end when new lottery season starts
Thanks
No such rules pay more to get it done quick or wait as long as it takes.
Check premium processing if you have not heard before.
Since this is a lucky game, suck it up and wait or pay money
Just wanted to know what are the chances of salary increase.
Thanks
So you want 130k, as per Trump’s promise?
Hi Saurabh,
Hope you are doing well.
My case was approved on Dec 9th’2016. However I have not received approval notice from my employer yet. When asked for same, I was told that they need some more time as they are in process to take care of all required documentation in order to ensure smooth process at stamping and port of entry due to new president administration. I am not sure what’s going on, I feel it’s too late as it’s been 3 months since I received approval. Could you please answer my questions below:
1. What exactly I should ask my employer at this point of time to proceed further?
2. In what cases, amendment is applicable?
3. Do I need to face any difficulties if my employer doesn’t send me I-797 before 01st Apr’2017 (or) if the visa interview is not scheduled before 01st Apr’2017?
4. Till what time, petition approval is valid. Since I received approval in Dec’2016, until what time I could attend visa interview?
5. I am afraid as my employer is not responding properly and the time for h1b 2017 filing is approaching. What would be possible difficulties I need to face if my employer continues to delay the process?
Thank you very much in advance!
Regards,
Rashmi
I am also facing the same situation. My case was approved on 25th November 2016 . My employer has given no information on stamping process. They are waiting for any final verdict on the rumors as they don’t want to mess up with the stamping. (I donno how wise is it for them to think like this, but its the reality)
I think if your case is approved then you can go for stamping anytime before the expiration date . It is not linked with April or new application process.
I think there is nothing you can do except wait as you are dependent on your employer .
Hi
mine also same position. Case approved on 24th Oct and i received my I797 on 6th Feb. and waiting for stamping need to fill DS160 my employer said wait until confirm.
Do u have soft copy of approval notice?
1. What exactly I should ask my employer at this point of time to proceed further? – just say i wanna go
2. In what cases, amendment is applicable? – for change in client/location/promotion in different stream
3. Do I need to face any difficulties if my employer doesn’t send me I-797 before 01st Apr’2017 (or) if the visa interview is not scheduled before 01st Apr’2017? – no you can go to stamping any day before your petition expires
4. Till what time, petition approval is valid. Since I received approval in Dec’2016, until what time I could attend visa interview? – valid end date will be mentioned in 797
5. I am afraid as my employer is not responding properly and the time for h1b 2017 filing is approaching. What would be possible difficulties I need to face if my employer continues to delay the process? – is your employer MNC or consultancy?
Do not worry , you can go for interview any time, it does n’t matter after 2017. Please follow up on l-129 & I-797 B with your org. If you have soft copy of both letters , you can take print out & go for interview.
Hi Saurabh / Everyone,
My petition is being sent for amendment & today i received by new LCA. No I am required to travel for the same project & location for which my H1B was filed.
I have 2 queries:
1. Does the existing LCA (raised last year) become invalid?
2. Can I use last year’s LCA for travel now that i have the new LCA as well?
Can you pl let me know how much time to taken of new LCA. My case was also sent for new LCA and waiting for the same.
For me it took 7 working days to get new LCA
7 days.
You can travel with old lca and approved copy
Ya..but salary was mentioned very less.So that I discussed with my manager before the booking of visa interview slot & he suggested to file new LCA with increased salary.
Hi All,
Could any one please help me on how to pay the fees while booking visa appointment for H1b..
I heard that we need to do NEFT transaction but not very sure to which account number and IFSC code we need to transfer the fees..
Could any one please help me on this request..
When you submitting an online application it gives you details.
Do u mean while submitting the Ds160 form ?
Once you submit the DS-160, you need to create profile in ustraveldocs for visa slot booking and fill the required information. At the time of visa payment it will show you the options, select NEFT then it will display the unique account number with IFSC code and all the details. You need to pay the exact amount as displayed. Once the payment is done it will take some time to reflect the receipt number (approximately 4-5 hours, you will get the email as well), when you see the receipt number then you can book the visa appointment slot.
Many thanks Nandu.. For this we don’t need to go bank right we can do NEFT transaction through online…
Yes, no need to go to any bank. Do NEFT and wait till you see the receipt number.
Visa payment should be done over the counter to Axis banks and other listed banks.
@Krishna for this do we need to go to Axis bank ?
Hi Saurabh & H1B Experts,
Currently I am on H4 in US and has my H1B approved. My Employer said once we find job, we can go for COS. Also, he shared my approval notice I797C.
My question is
1. Only after COS, i will be receiving I797B? what is the I797A, I797B and I797C? Please throw some light.
2. Only after COS, do i need to apply for SSN?
3. How long i can stay in H4 with H1B approved?
Please reply!!! Thanks in advance!!!
Any idea about Available Visa slots at hyderbad consulate
Experience moved to here
Hi Flint, congrats for your visa stamping . I am also in KSA and planning to go stamping in 1-2 weeks. I need some info. Could you please give message to pkr.v19@gmail.com
Thank you …
Hi Flint, please give message on pkr.v19@gmail.com
Hi Flint, I will be attending visa interview in KSA soon. I need some info.
could you please ping me on rkp.v19@gmail.com
Thanks &Regards
rkp
My application was approved on 31st Jan, 2017 in premium processing but my employer is saying that still they didn’t receive the approval hard copy. My application number is EAC16148XXXXXX. Could you please let me know how long USCIS takes to send approval hard copy to the employer.
it takes max 30 days sometimes even more,no one knows why the delay is.
i got mine after 35 days,and my friends still waiting, waiting is the only option we have.
Mine 25 days approx.
OMG, For the last couple weeks , the Success rate 20% only & Denial 44%, 2-3 months back Success rate was almost 80%.
Scary trend for waiting aspirants, Already processed are Lucky ones.
Success rate for approvals or stamping???
Petition Approval
Dude everyone knows its a lucky game here nothing else works.
This is not fair as now a days more rejections are happening? Earlier processed had 85% Success rate,
Now it is 30% Success rate …
Where are we going ?
Guys guys, if your employer has given all the necessary documents and if the response is properly submitted to RFE then no need to worry. I think these rejections are because of poor documentations or missing documents more than anything else.
Hi Sourabh/Kumar,
Please help in this situation.
Employer A had initiated H1B visa and it got stamped in October 2016. Now, I heard Employer A has put restriction on certain job level and not allowing people to travel.
So In this situation, Can we switch the employer and travel to US ? Is it necessary to travel with the same employer for the first time ?
Thanks
this time application count is going touch 400k if no there are no changes in law.
received 2nd rfe… is there any one on same boat?
Here I’m,
2RFE is related what ?
Dont know the reason yet… and yours?
Related to project documents, client agreement etc.
Hi Sourab / Kumar, can you please tell me how long does it take to do COS from H4 to H1 under premium processing, if my petition is already approved ??
Becarefull come to USA only legally…dont involve in any fraud methods.
http://abc7ny.com/news/hundreds-of-illegal-immigrants-rounded-up-in-at-least-7-states/1751685/
Beware guys..dont waste your money on fraud consultancies
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-origin-woman-pleads-guilty-in-h1b-visa-fraud-scheme/
Hi all,
Please dont trust pvk corporation(http://www.pvkc.com/), its a fraud consultancy ,filing h1bs with fake projects and documents and collecting lot of money from h1b aspirants. you dont get H1B from this .
This consultancy should be blocked.
I think the link is about criminals and illegal immigrants mainly Mexicans…
Don’t discourage H1B aspirants
This is applicable to Mexicans, none of the Indians or others have chance to enter US illegally. So, nothing to worry.
Good news
http://profit.ndtv.com/news/tech-media-telecom/article-dont-expect-changes-in-h-1b-visa-rules-says-powerful-us-lawmaker-1659573?pfrom=home-business
These articles mainly only in indian based news channels…president did not say anything yet. I am already in US bit nervous to travel to india. This is the h1b guys situation in US now. 🙁
Hi Ram, can you please tell me how long does it take to do COS from H4 to H1 under premium processing, if my petition is already approved ??
Are there any candidate still in “Case Was received” , I could see around 600 as Received but not seeing anyone exchanging their thoughts? Also whey there are so many cases in still in Received state? Do they want to keep them in WAITING LIST with no DEADLINE?
Same pool buddy. No idea why though. Friends who applied along with me got approvals and stamping is also over and here I am still waiting on Case Was Received.
Thanks Rahul, I belong to big MNC , Wipro; What about you?
My compamy says they raised Service Requests almost a month back but no update yet, Is there any luck, trace these SRs? Thanks
I need strong Devops / System Engineers , full stack developers ,.net developers, UI with adobe and strong coding ability. If interested please share your resume.. Ravi_kiran50000@yahoo.com
helpful
Anyone from Wipro traveled after Jan 15 or got H1B Stamped ?
Hello Wipro_ABC
My brother traveled from USA to India and done with stamping on 13th feb at mumbai .
Hi Saurabh & H1B Experts,
Currently I am on H4 and has my H1B approved. My Employer said once we find job, we can go for COS. Also, he shared my approval notice I797C.
My question is
1. Only after COS, i will be receiving I797B? what is the I797A, I797B and I797C? Please throw some light.
2. Only after COS, do i need to apply for SSN?
3. How long i can stay in H4 with H1B approved?
Please reply!!! Thanks in advance!!!
Hi Sai, Is it advisable to appear for H4 stamping in india while my H1 is already in approved and yet to be stamped.
http://immigrationreform.com/2017/01/27/protecting-american-jobs-and-workers-by-strengthening-the-integrity-of-foreign-worker-visa-programs-draft-executive-order-summary/
I have applied for H1b Visa on 2016, I have paid 4000 $ H1b Visa fees behalf of Employer.
Unfortunately i am not selected into Lottery System, i got rejection letter in June.
But i still didn’t get my H1b Visa Fees, Can anyone tell me generally how many time it should take to refund fees of H1B Visa.
Legally, you should not pay the employer for H1B filing. USCIS returns the checks to employer along with rejection package.
Thanks a lot Sir, I got Rejection letter so it means my check also should come?
Generally rejection letter came with rejection package?
Yes.
Since 15th Sept my case status is ‘REF Response Received’ It is WAC16146xxxx series. I don’t know what to expect. Its regular processing. Any one in same situation?
@pyp, i’m also in the same boat. “RFE response received” since Dec 12th. Same WAC16146xxxxx series.
Lets keep our fingers crossed. Wish you all the best 🙂
@pyp mine too in same boat, “response received” on Dec 19th. Same status till now… Awaiting….
Same for me, mine is “Response of RFE Received” since 17th Nov.
Mine also same status(Response to USCIS received) from NOV 18 EAC1614XXXXXX.
Mine is in “RFE Response Received ” since Oct 21..I had applied through Divensi. My series is WAC16142
How about you guys…from which company you had applied.
Mine is in same status from Oct-21. WAC16142XXXXX series
Calm down Guys. Waiting Since September 12th RFE Received.
I am also in same situation, My ‘RFE response received’ on Dec 14 and still no update.
Thanks for sharing your experience.. what is your answer for the 6th question??? Less than or greater than 1lakh $
Read the question again 🙂
6)How much did you pay them? Answered nothing
@Kishore- I answered ” NOTHING.” He was just trying to puzzle me.
Thanks