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.
Finally after long wait my petition got approved yesterday
Sep 1 – RFE
Nov 21 – Employer send RFE response
Nov 23 – Status changed to RFE response received
Mar 7 – Case Approved
California center, Regular processing
Don’t lose hope. My RFE processing took more than 100 days.
Here i am sharing my visa stamping experience at Hyderabad consulate on 6th March 2017.
VO is a lady.
Questions to me:
1. Petetioner’s name ?
2. Work at client location or petetioner’s location ?
3. Salary?
4. Highest qualification?
5. Which state r u going ?
Questions to my wife:
1. How long u have been married?
2. Highest qualification?
3. Do u have kids ?
9 ‘o clock is our time slot and counter number 13.
Thats it. Finally good news… VO said ur visa is issued, have a nice day. We also said thank u and have a nice day. No documents were asked but took all we can.
VO is very positive that I was come out tensions once i saw her face while waiting for our turn.
It all went for around 5 mins.
We practised for the past 2 and half weeks.
I am a full time emplyee of a small product based company working in hyderabad office. Going to work at our head quarters in US on customer implementation projects.
I have around 9 yrs of experience.
Confidence and luck matters i believe.
How much validity you got for your petition after urs got stamped
Same end date as per I-797
3 years ? Because for most of the cases they are giving 6 months or one year
Can we go with premium now as the USCIS is stopping premium from April 3, we may get some result if we apply now as It takes max 15 days . And if we miss this time we may have to wait for a long long time with regular processing.
Yes you can file in premium processing now
Hi,
My petition was approved last year and the petition validity is till 30th September 2017 ( Haven’t traveled to US yet ). Because of some personal reasons I will not be able to travel before the petition expires.
Can someone suggest what is the best option I should go for ?
1. Should i amend the petition ( Is it possible and If yes are the chances of denial higher) ?
2. Just wait and apply for Cap exemption once it expires ( Unsure of how new immigration laws will unfold and what status will the expired petitions hold) ?
Any suggestions or inputs are welcomed.
Thanks
Hi AMit,
I am also in same situation.How to tackle this do you know any idea?
Thanks
h1Guy
Hi,
My petition also expires sept30.
Before how many months of petition expiry,one must travel.
Visa extension can be done from here itself or we need to travel and apply for extension from US
Same scenario.
Can someone please help
As far as knowledge from murthy forum . Cap Exempt is possible same/other employer. extension not possible from india.
Any other ideas please help me too
Thanks
H1Guy
Hi All,
I am about to file H1B amendment from India in premium mode.Is the premium mode of amendment is also stopped as per the news?
Premium processing for all H1B applications( includes extension and amendment) would be stopped from April 3,2017. So before that u can apply in premium.
can someone tell if I can select counslate after paying visa fees? I want to go to delhi but when i select state of residence as India_karnataka then post of interview is shown as Chennai. whoever has done their stamping, please reply.
I am from company X and my H1B visa is already stamped for client A located in Texas.
I am getting another opportunity from same company X for different client B located in Nashville. The role/designation is same for both client.
I am still in India waiting for the client confirmation.
For the client/location changes, amendments are required which can be done in 15 days via premium processing but if you go through normal process may take 6-8 months.
I am bit worried now as USCIS is planning for holding the premium processing from 4th April 2017 for next 6 months.
Any suggestions.
I am also in the same boat. Can you please share me your email contact details we will discuss more on this.
I am also in similar situation. Can we travel after filing an amendment but without waiting for it’s approval? I mean can we travel with old approved valid petition and newly filed amendment receipt notice?
You can travel with just your amendment filed. By just obtaining the receipt number for amendment petition, you can legally start working. The premium processing has been temporarily stopped only from April 3,2017. In the coming two-three weeks, u still have the option of filing in premium processing if required.
If you are in US, you can work for the new client with the receipt of Amendment. Where as if you are in India, Amendment should get approved before you travel to the new client location.
I stay at bangalore but want to take appointment in delhi . So If I select state of residence as India-Karnataka then post of interview is automatically given as Chennai. How do I change it to delhi?
Has someone from bangalore scheduled visa interview in other location than chennai?
DS -160 form which center you selected?
you should select same center for your interview, don’t worry if it shows to Post to Chennai at the end after paying fee you will be able to select any of the consulate in India.
Thanks Sri. Understood now.
Planning for Visa Interview at right time: My consultancy had sent the Approval document to me and waiting to fill the DS-160 form sometime when there is a positive vibes on the Visa interview rejections will happen with a low %.
As of now thinking to schedule after April-7th thinking there may be some clarity on how they are planning the 2018 Visa process (Waiting to see how many applications will come this year and what will be their response on the number of H1B applications).
Can some one give your thoughts when is the best time schedule for Visa Interview. Still have some hopes may be all his rules would not pass 10 0 %.
Hi,
My wife does not understand english much, so what should I do? Can I ask VO to translate question if she does not understand?
You can schedule for visa interview in her mother tongue, that is an option available.
Correct but we both are going together for an interview. I will be for H1B and she will be for H1
She will be for H1 or H4? If for H1, and she cannot manage in English, how is she going to manage working in the US?
Is there anyone who dropped their USA travel plans after the recent attacks on indians?
I did right after trumps victory i predicted something bad would happen.
People should take responsibility instead of placing blame on others.
Hi,
Response of rfe received on dec 12th and it is a premium processing but till now there is no result.so think before apply for premium.May be my employer didnt apply for premium saying he applied.Just be careful.
USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Premium Processing for All H-1B Petitions
Starting April 3, 2017, USCIS will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions. This suspension may last up to 6 months. While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker which requests the H-1B nonimmigrant classification. We will notify the public before resuming premium processing for H-1B petitions.
Why We Are Temporarily Suspending Premium Processing for H-1B Petitions
This temporary suspension will help us to reduce overall H-1B processing times. By temporarily suspending premium processing, we will be able to:
Process long-pending petitions, which we have currently been unable to process due to the high volume of incoming petitions and the significant surge in premium processing requests over the past few years; and
Prioritize adjudication of H-1B extension of status cases that are nearing the 240 day mark.
So can we expect a faster processing now for regular h1b cases ?
Basically they are discouraging H1Bs in different ways. This move will make sure transfers will become more difficult as companies cannot wait for extended periods to fill a position with cap exempt H1Bs. They would rather hire local US resources (which is scarce). Trump administrations first blow to H1B !
You are correct Raj. Basically they want to reduce the no of H1b’s and they are not interested in Indians to go there. All these minor and major movements will impact Visa approvals.
Hi all,
Can anybody tell me any company to file h4 to h1b visa this year? It seems no consultant big or small is ready to file . Even if they have good clients. My one year will go waste. Please help. And my experience will go for a waste. H4 ead is still not an option for me currently.
Thanks
Hi Rose .
Can you please wait for ur EAD .. don’t apply H1B.. you have a bread earner.. my husband s applying for d 4th time .. and going to complete his 2nd MS.. ther r many students and bread earners. Pls give way for them if u hav heart..
Thanks
Everyone has the right to work. Bread earner my foot. who are you to tell me to be dependent on anyone in this world ?? h4 ead is going to end according to new bill. so h1 is the only option.
Anyone applied through Kellton Tech, if so please share ur experiance/suggestions whether to go eith it this year or not
Does any one have idea on how long it takes to process 221 (g) white slip. I have submitted all the required docs through given mail in white slip on 18-Jan-2017, no response as of now and not even acknowledgement mail.
hi mahesh
yours s a small company / inhouse project? they asked for petitioner docs?
thnx
h1guy
They asked project related docs
Mahesh, may I know in which Consulate office you appeared for visa interview? I m in a same situation.
Mahesh,
Unfortunately, 221g doesn’t have a fixed processing time. It varies from case to case. Some are resolved within days, others take weeks and some may even take months. There is uncertainty.
Sorry to Share this.
After a long waiting since September. Today my H1B Visa Status got changed to as mentioned below
On March 2, 2017, we denied your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1614XXXXX. We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice.
Can some one please share any thoughts on is there any other chance or hopes still or it is the end of Game for this year H1B.
Thanks,
Just make a mind, whatever happened is good for us, now a days, even if you come to US and have a plan to search for a job here, its pretty difficult now, job market is very bad for H1B. Getting rejected at first step itself, as now employers here are preferring citizens and green card holders. Even though they cannot get skilled persons within those, they are still waiting or considering them only
If you are already in job in India, much good to continue with that instead of coming to US and then search for job indefinitely
Please do not discourage him even if your u don’t encourage. US job market is pretty good for H1b’s and many of my friends landed in job last month.
Technically, You have to wait till you get your decision notice. In it, you will be explained with options (if any) about challenging this decision. But that would be a long process for you.
hi buddy
dont get discouraged ..u will get. if u r in IT. try to enhance skill into any likehadoop, Salesforce, Hybris, mulesoft. There r lack of resources in these fields..
thnx
H1Guy
Unlucky,
Once the denial notice is received, your employer/attorney can go through it and see if they have valid grounds for challenging and reversing the decision. A better option would be to try again in next cap and fix the issues which caused this current denial.
Thanks Saurabh.
Thanks Saurabh
Seeing Approved petitions revoked lately. Wonder what that means.
Are those rejected at the consulate during the interviews or USCIS is doing some kind of double checks ? See below example
Revocation Notice Was Sent
On March 1, 2017, we revoked the approval of your case, Receipt Number EAC1614755781, and mailed you a revocation notice. It explains the reasons for our action. Please follow the instructions in the notice and submit any requested materials. If you do not receive your revocation notice by March 15, 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.
Ridiculous
Whats happening?
Found this information on USCIS as to why an approved petition could be revoked.
https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/AFM/HTML/AFM/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-12693/0-0-0-13508.html
I think the petition can be revoked only if the LCA is invalidated, or if the petitioner or beneficiary dies or if the petitioner goes out of business. Even in this revocation process, first the intention to revoke notice would be sent, then some time would be given to submit evidence in opposition to the revocation. After this, would be revoke status.
Raj,
There could be various reasons for this. The employer could have initiated the revocation as they have fired the person and no longer want him/her on H-1. The more serious reason is when USCIS revoke themselves on discovery of new material after the petition has been approved.
Guys ,
Need your help . My h1 approved for 6 months . When I went to stamping I got 221g blue for employer tax returns . I guess the wait time will be more . What if in worst case 6 month is expired ? Any secondary solution ? Thanks
Either your employer must be able to prove they are legit and apply for extension.
Or else, find another employer to do a H1 transfer and start fresh. Atleast you dont need lottery.
Well, unfortunately, there is no secondary solution other than waiting…
@kumar can you predict the application numbers this year ?
Plan to write an article soon, stay tuned 🙂
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, do i need to apply for SSN?
2. How long i can stay in H4 with H1B approved?
Please reply!!! Thanks in advance!!!
I think you can apply SSN only after COS as your i94 will be there only for H4 now. I m not too sure how long u can be in H4, but if you can it’s better to start working in H1B asap.
So you applied for H1 even without a job offer! Do you understand that you snatched the chance of someone else who would have made it to the US if they got the lottery in their favor? I wish USCIS found that you have no job offer and denied your petition.
Do you think all the visa applied (85K) had positions open and waiting to start on Oct 1? If only people applied for H1 when there is a need there wouldn’t be mad rush on April 1.
So flat answer is….in big companies there are many visa holders sitting and waiting for their turn to travel (and some wait till the petition expires and never get to travel. Sad but true…
Such cases are very negligible. I work in a leadership role for a major company and more than 95% of those who got H1B approved are in the US already. Those who are still in India are due to their own personal reasons. You just don’t know how hard it is to find a travel ready offshore resource with a valid visa.
It might be the case in your company but couple of years back, while working for major MNC while my Visa was applied, they would not even tell me which project it is for. From what I understood from the HR is, they get a pre approved set of SOWs on which the company applies your H1B visa.
There is no guarantee you travel for that project once you get through lottery.
So to say that some one snatched another persons opportunity applying via consultancy and no job offer is baseless. Just because it is a MNC it is legal and when applying on your own, it is illegal is really not the right way to look at it.
Sai H1B,
1. Yes, you can apply for SSN only after COS has been approved. They want your immigration status to be H-1, which happens after COS approval.
2. As long as your H-4 remains valid. You can even decide to never go on H-1. Just make sure your H-1 was approved w/ consular processing and not COS.
Guys ,
Need your help . My h1 approved for 6 months . When I went to stamping I got 221g blue for employer tax returns . I guess the wait time will be more . What if in worst case 6 month is expired ? Any secondary solution ? Thanks
Hi,
I am currently on H4. and i applied for H1 2016 through some consultant.
I was working in India and i left my job and came to US.
My H1B visa is showing RFE response received from Dec . Any idea how long would it take more. Is it gud to stay in US and search for project or better i should go back to India and start there. I dont wont waste my career and became a housewife.
File in premium
Khushi,
Like other poster mentioned, upgrade to PP so that you can get the decision. There is also a good chance that it would be processed by Mar 31 as USCIS would like to clean their desks before the next H-1 tsunami commences.
Hi,
My case got denied. I am planning to apply again through some other consultancy.
H4 to H1. Can you please tell if I can go India for a vacation in between. As It has been long.
Can we apply for H1B this year? Anybody have an idea about H1B 2018?
I have the same question Can employer apply again for H1B after case is Rejected ” My case got rejected on 27th Feb 2017. Reason ” Initially I would work in house and later would be send to client location” Though client letter was provided. Thus rejected and options” now are there any options left ?”
Sav
That is quite possibly the lamest of responses to a very serious RFE.
To answer your question YES, you can
Thank you Flabbergasted! for responding. what do you thing the options would be ? MTR or go for a new H1B 2018?
Sav
Sav,
It would be better to apply again in next cap. When they employer changed the petition in-between from in-house to client location, they made the underlying LCA invalid (as the location would have changed). That’s a correct reason for denial.
Saurabh
Thank you! Saurabh What does next cap mean? Sorry I don’t have any idea on this.
Sav
Sav,
I am referring FY-18 cap which is about to begin in April 2017.
My employer is paying me 50% of the salary what he promised me. What legal rights i have and what should i do? Please advise.
If you are working for one of the desi consultancy, nothing
No. Im working with manufacturer. Inhouse.
1st option:
Minimum wage is being defined in your LCA. Legally you are eligible to get that minimum amount or more than that but not less than single penny even. When you say he is giving you 50% and if its less than your minimum wage defined in LCA, then you can officially complain in USCIS against your employer.
2nd option:
You can find a new employer secretly. Initiate your H1B transfer process with the help of new employer. Once it gets approved, your current employer will loose all his control over your visa. Kick him happily.
Hope it helps.
Sundri,
By law, they need to pay you at least the amount quoted in LCA. Are they honoring that?
POE cleared.
It went very smooth. Officer just asked where am I coming from, name of the employer and am I carrying any food (I mentioned that I am carrying in the form).
DOJ : 26th Feb
POE : Abu Dhabi
Now the issue is with getting my SSN due to my very long first name. Officer said she can’t do automated system verification as the system is not accepting my name. Does anyone have any inputs here to speed up the process?
Come back India, get your name change, and travel back with new name.
Cool. Can you please add your POE Experience at POE Tracker .
Not much you can do, your application will go to DHS for verification and once approved from DHS, you will get SSN. It make take between 4 weeks to 12 weeks for this process
case_got_approved on 24th feb 2017
Has any one got the below status.
“Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed
We mailed you a notice informing you of the action we intend to take on your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice and submit any requested materials.”
after responding to RFE.
Not sure about this status.My attorney says it might be denial but if it is denial will they ask to submit the documents?
Can some one please provide info.
I don’t think it would be denial. It is a form of severe RFE. They have given you another chance to submit the requested documents. Hence if u submit the right documentation, I think you still have a chance of approval.Good luck!
Thanks ram for the information.
My friend also got the same. if you know anything more pls let me know
LOOSING_HOPE_On_H1B_VISA_ONLY:
Hi Friends,
Is there anyone or any of your friends case whose case moved from ‘Case Was Received’ to next status like RFE, Approval etc. in the last 2-3 months?
This should help us in knowing on these status as ours is pending from 11-April-2016.
If nothing has happened on this Case received, I think better give up seeking progress forever. Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Sounds all pending cases might not see as expected as trend is not healthy, However those who wants to be patient, do be so … but prepared for other result as well.
Al the best!
I doubt if waiting dudes get any status as they expected, lots of lot denials off late, where are we heading. Eternal wait
All the best and be patient.
Forget on Approvals, look for other options.
It is mess on H1B and current situation on USA … God only knows fate of VISA holders and waiters.
Good luck guys
Admin/Experts,
I am caught up in a tricky situation. I started working for US company as a consultant from Nov 2015, then my petitioner filed a H1B for me showing this company as a client. Now, I have mentioned in DS-160 that my current employer is US company who is my client and I am working as a consultant.
If worst case, VO asks me this question, how come you are working with your client currently? What should be my best answer?
Hope know that the client is not employer. Employer is the one who pays salary.
Did you do that by mistake? If so, tell that to VO. Don’t try to play smart.
No, I have not done by mistake. I think you aren’t getting my situation.
I am currently working as a consultant from India for a US based startup X. Now, X wanted me on-site so we found a employer Y who filed petition for me with client as X.
Now, my H1B petitioner is Y, client is X. But I am currently working as a consultant as well.
So, the confusion.
You should have keep this pretty straight forward instead of creating confusions by yourself. When your petitioner is Y and client is X, then who gave you idea to mention X as your employer in DS160. Its a thumb rule that whoever is petitioner is your employer. if i was you, I would change DS160 before stamping and would make it straight forward and simple.
Yash, once again I guess there is some confusion.
My prospective employer is my petitioner. In DS160, they ask you about previous and current employer. Like I said, while applying for the petition, I was working with client X and hence my resume mentions client X as my current employer.
Now if you see, I don’t want to lie and hence my current employer is still X and my prospective employer is Y, making it a new opportunity. This is not a mistake.
Tensed,
So your current employer X would become your client and another company Y would become your employer.
Although it may sound confusing, you can explain the set-up to the VO. You may be asked why they are not hiring you directly, how the interview process was, how you found Y etc.
Hi All,
What will be the answer for this question “Have you made specific travel plans ?” in DS-160 form
couple of questions are like
“Intended date of travel ?”
“Intended length of stay ?” (what we need to fill here got approval for 2years 8 months can i put the same ?)
“Person / Entry paying for your trip?” ( If i bought tickets on my own money then i need to write my details here ?)
Primary occupation ?( Present employer or School name)
Could any one pls clarify above questions and admins pls help on above questions
Many Thanks in advance
“Have you made specific travel plans ?” in DS-160 form : It can be Yes or No.
couple of questions are like
“Intended date of travel ?” : we can put any tentative future date
“Intended length of stay ?” (what we need to fill here got approval for 2years 8 months can i put the same ?) : From now count the number of months till your h1 expires.
“Person / Entry paying for your trip?” ( If i bought tickets on my own money then i need to write my details here ?) : You can write any thing, but in general employer pays.
Primary occupation ?( Present employer or School name) : This if for your current workinng details.
This is my opinion.
updated : 27th Feb : WAC has good approval rate 80% vs 20% in EAC
h1bstat.ru/blog
The receipt numbers are not just for H1B, it includes everything that USCIS Processes. So, the data is not fully reliable.
My case got rejected on 27th Feb 2017. Reason ” Initially I would work in house and later would be send to client location” Though client letter was provided. Thus rejected and options” now are there any options left ?
Sav
After long wait of more than 3.5 months, petition got approved yesterday (RFE in Sept->RFE response in Nov).
california centre, regular.
Don’t lose hope, it’s just sheer luck nothing else.
Messages like your’s keeps our hope alive. Thank you and all the very best for the penultimate round.
Has anyone travelled or does anyone know folks who have travelled to US in the last 2 weeks?Heard companies are avoiding sending resources to onsite at the moment and also there are few cases where people have been turned back after arriving even with a valid visa.
Heard, many are avoiding to travel, not sure though !
True very tricky situation
Are we unlucky ? Or he may not last long ?
That is true. A friend of mine got 221G and has been waiting months for approval. Restrictions/ scrutiny/ more regulations in place.
Last year’s 221g for my friend got denied
That is true. Couple of such incidents are coming to light where companies don’t want to risk.
I heard big Indian consultancy companies are not sending people on h1b n asking existing h1b’s to come back.. Not sure..
Nothing in our hands just wait and watch
have you heard any case who are denied at the port of entry
Yes one lady who went on a holiday was denied entry on return she had a h1b
Hey Guys,
I know it is annoying while others are progressing on their cases like approved, went for stamping, RFE responded, even at-least RFE received etc. and disappointing if status on Denial or dead stopped at still Received state ; But never mind, this is not your life changer , this is just a option on exploring USA option.
If USCIS was given instruction for denial of some percentage then we can’t help it irrespective of your profile, skills, company backgrounds, And you should not under estimate your skills/profiles. We just have to accept it.
We gotta do lots more things in this life. Just plan other things parallel while waiting for Approval.
But dont forget to enjoy your present life.
What you say? Enjoy.
Couldn’t agree more bro.
Well put!!
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.
Hi All, My case got denied today. I can see almost 90%cases getting denied from last one month. All the best for others.
Hi Rushi,
Sad to know this,What was the reason for denial?and which service center?
What was ur RFE about. ?
Dont worry buddy, there are lot more things to do in this life ! Just keep going, Cherrish old good moments and enjoy upcoming life ,
Take care.
@Bhuvan: Thanks for your kind words. I have done a mistake of waiting from july, ignoring all other personal works .I only suggest everyone not to wait for this and postpone all your work waiting for this. All the Best for everyone.
Whatever happens, it will be good. Its all panic mode with H1B now in US, not much good things happening if approved and came here, all may not move as expected, just be in a positive mode and move on.
Visa Stamping Experience Moved to article here
thanks for your feedback.
Hi All,
IS there any one who have recently applied from Mumbai for stamping or going to apply?
Hi guys..
Thanks for ur support.
How much days will it take for approval if it’s a 221g blue slip only for employer tax returns ?
Thanks
221g
Hi
I have my visa interview scheduled in 2 weeks time.
I found i797 has a typo in my name……will it create a problem?
How to proceed now?
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?
That means you are an a**hole!!
thanks for an awesome reply. This means you are very deep depression and also jealous about others progress. Please try to stabilize you mindset my dear ABC. i will pray for you….
Hi, did you complete ur Stamping process in Chennai consulate ? Can pls share ur experience while Stamping??? Mine is in March..
For filling the DS-160 form what all documents is required. I have a soft copy of i797 form is that sufficient ? Is I-129 form mandatory?
Even i have also same doubt.. do we need I-129 and LCA also to book visa appointment along with this i have another query
I have query on choosing visa appointment at consulate .. In my Approval notice consulate was mentioned as a Hyderabad..
So i would like to go ahead with Chennai consulate . is it gives any problem because hyderabad was mentioned in I-797 B form ..
Could any one throw some light on this .. is it fine to go ahead with other..
Read Docs for Filling DS-160 . Usually, you will need to carry LCA and I-797 approval notice for visa stamping. I-129 is the application from the employer would have filed with USCIS. It is not really mandatory document as it is employer document. But, if you can get a copy for your reference, it will be great to carry that as well.
HI All,
My visa experience CHennai Consulate Friday 830am
VO was little serious. She didnt wish Good Morning. asked about my current employer , future employer(it was a new opportunity) and it was a inhouse project . Then she asked me to submit all of the docs used to file the h1b visa. i gave i129, LCA, i797B, frm28, passport , project description and market analysis, marksheets , univ degree certificate. i was asked to wait in the lobby for 2 hours . later she called and issued a 221g blue slip and asking the employers federal tax papers ,returned my passport and documents and told don’t want to re-appear again for interview.
Now my doubt is how many days will it take for the processing? 45 or 60 days. If i have the doc ready from my employer , after i submitted .will they ask me to drop my passport for approval? How will be further . Any help ?
Hi, didn’t she ask any questions to you reg employer, desig, project desc?? Does it mean she got all answers than tax papers??
Yes she asked my role , petitioner name .. she didn’t ask the project desc , she asked for document . Not sure that she got all answers ..
Oh.. Okay, better talk to ur employer and send the docs ASAP. Can you please send me an email to discuss further abt it.
rajfeb22017@gmail.com
For Hyderabad and Chennai consulate it is taking 4-6 weeks as per current trend and for consulates it is 2-4 weeks.
Mine was issued 221 (g) white slip and i have submitted relevant docs on Jan 20 but no response yet.
Hi Mahesh,
You attended which consulate. ? Can you say the day u attended. Thanks
OneH1Guy
Hyd consulate
There is no estimated time for 221g, you just need to wait after submitting documents. Check 221g Tracker for others experiences
Hi Kumar ,,
Thanks for the reply . I checked the tracker . I saw some cases still pending for more than 100 days . My doubt is that they have not updated even after visa approved .
Also doubt is whether if all documents are clear except few they asked in the 221g form , still after receiving the necessary documents they send the documents for fraud check or other departments so that processing time goes long .?
Thanks
OneH1Guy
Well, it is always upto to the discretion of the visa officer and there may be longer checks on fraud, etc..hard to say…no defined timeline.
My Visa was approved by USCIS ,then my company created an internal assignment for stamping purpose and reduced the salary then what was mentioned in the earlier LCA, so now new LCA is created.
My question is will this new assignment/amendment will again go through the whole USCIS process and ,are there chances of getting rejected as reading so many comments here that applications are getting rejected off late.
IS there anyone who have applied for visa stamping recently from Mumbai consulate
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?
I have query on choosing visa appointment at consulate .. In my Approval notice consulate was mentioned as a Hyderabad..
So i would like to go ahead with Chennai consulate . is it gives any problem because hyderabad was mentioned in I-797 B form ..
Could any one throw some light on this .. is it fine to go ahead with other..
Admins could you please give any type of suggestion this
Hey.. I am from Chennai and planning to book slot. Can you please email me to discuss –
rajfeb22017@gmail.com
I am also planning to book slot in Hyd but DS160 by default takes Chennai…
My case status changed to “Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed” what does this status means.
May be 2nd RFE
Thanks for the reply. Generally rfe means the status will also be rfe this status looks different.attorney has not received the letter still not sure what it’s going to be some people say it’s one step before denial but I am wondering whether they will require some documents prior to denial.
Hi Kumar\experts
when i am filling DS-160 there was info below need to fill.My Question is under “where Do you intend to Work”? here what info i need to fill is this my pitioner information or client information?please help me ASAP
Application Receipt/Petition Number: EAC16
Name of Person/Company who Filed Petition: TECHNOLOGIES INC
Where Do You Intend to Work?
Name of Employer:
Street Address:
Phone Number:
Monthly Income (in USD):
Your client information