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.
Does any one having any clue about U.S travel freeze in CTS ?
Whats this all about ?
Saurabh , i am done with H1 stamping in dec 2016 ,still waiting for project .
Is there any conditions like we have to travel at least once with in 6 months or 1 year span of time to make sure case is valid till expiry date?
Can you please provide your inputs. Thankyou.
soumya,
You can travel to US on H-1B anytime during the petition/visa validity period. If it is about to expire or has already expired, a cap-exempt petition (same or different employer) needs to be applied to get an extended petition.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks a lot for your quick response.
Can you please also provide any inputs or already written URL to understand Procedure to shift the company here in offshore it self by transferring my currently valid H1 visa .
You just have to find an employer who can file cap exempt H1B/Transfer for you. Initiate the transfer and once its approved, u can travel with the same stamping,if its not expired at the time travel. Note that premium processing for H1B has been suspended currently, hence transfer might take 6-8 months
Hi Ram,
Thanks a lot for your inputs…
Here is the scenario: I work for Company A and serving notice period. I have filled H1B through Company B and will be travelling to USA. If I join company C, do they need 2 or 3 Pay stubs from company B for h1 transfer. What if I join a different employer and do a h1 transfer with out travelling to USA. Please clarify.
Thanks in advance.
Hello,I have applied last year still in the pending stage and project end date for the Submitted RFE is already over .So is there any chance to get approval or will they ask additional RFE . Thanks
I am not too sure, but they might ask you to submit the new /renewed SOW or client letter as the end date is over already.
Is there any priority on FY-2017 applications over FY-2018 candidates.
Ideally they should clear pending FY-2017 and pickup new FY-2018 applications, other wise it is no justice making people wait indefinitely.
Was it a practice in the past or still they can pickup randomly? There are around 500 cases still in ‘Case Was Received’ state.
What is your view on this? Thanks
Someone said with name Avi as “Yes i know one case where VO asked one algorithm question which candidate couldn’t reply. His visa was denied. Chennai consulate. Person was from service company.”
Its 100% true. My manager told me as that person was supposed to join my company as a contractor in CA.
Hi Saurabh,
My RFE response was sent out on 01/12/2017. Is it true that USCIS is putting more H1Bs under security review?
We’ve crossed 100 days and I believe very few H1B cases from 2016 must be pending. Now that there are no Premium Processing cases what is the reason for this incredible delay?
Does it matter that my processing center is VT and my case is AD/Regular processing?
Really concerned!
Chris,
Yes, only few from 2016 might be pending. What was the RFE about? Ask your employer/attorney to follow-up on this. There was someone who recently got approval for his 2016 petition. So there is still some hope.
Hi Saurabh,
There are still around 500 Received state and around 1800 RFE state candidates from FY-2016.
Hi RFE_RECEIVED,
Could you please let me know where you found this information?
Thanks!
See the statistics at www.worktheme.com
Thanks Ram !!
Hi Saurabh,
Thank you for the response!
I was never given the EAC# so I don’t know what the RFE was about, was only told that it is a standard RFE. I have sent my employer an e-mail asking for details on RFE and waiting for his response. I had also requested my petition to be premium processed(prior to 03/31) and was advised that doing so would result in 2nd RFE and possibly an H1B denial.
What is really bothering me is that RFE responded in Jan 2017 can take such a long time.
Thanks!
Chris,
Yes, RFE responses can take a long time as well. As the employer has shared very limited information, you will have to just wait it out. BTW, stating that 2nd RFE is a given if petition is upgraded to PP is an urban legend.
Thanks Saurabh 🙂
Hi Saurabh,
Thank you for the response!
I was never given the EAC# so I don’t know what the RFE was about, was only told that it is a standard RFE. I have sent my employer an e-mail asking for details on RFE and waiting for his response. I had also requested my petition to be premium processed(prior to 03/31) and was advised that doing so would result in 2nd RFE and possibly an H1B denial.
What is really bothering me is that RFE responded in Jan 2017 can take such a long time.
Thanks!
Hi all,
I have my appointment in May 1st week.
Has anyone taken-up H1B Visa Interview in last 2weeks.
Just would like to know the experience if anything has changed after President’s recent EO.
Thanks in advance
Yes i know one case where VO asked one algorithm question which candidate couldn’t reply. His visa was denied. Chennai consulate. Person was from service company.
Is it true ? How come this be ?
Hi Saurabh,
on 16th-Dec-2017 My visa got stamped from a big company and from beginning they told me that there is some opportunity so they will send me by Feb-2017 but now I got to know from management that client is not interested to take any more resources.So from last 5months simple waiting .My visa getting expired by 2019-June.So here wht I want to know…If I will switch to some other company can I fly from there ,if yes then wht would be the process.
Please let me know.
Wait For US,
Find another employer and ask them file a cap-exempt petition for you. Once approved, go for stamping (if current stamp has expired) and then travel to work for the new employer.
Please help
HI Saurabh/Kumar,
I need your help urgently. My employer(Big Name) has done my stamping and i got a stamp till 30th september. Now they are not having any opportunity and delaying my travel. Now internal systems in my company are giving me and my manager messenger pop ups that my visa is due for expiry. They have some logic that my extension should be filed 90 days before end date.
SO now visa expiry date 30th september
90 days before that is 30th june.
I told them that by that rate i should be in US by 15th zone so as to file extension.
Please tell me what will happen if i end up staying in india till 30 june. Will my extension get smoothly processed.
What is the ideal time to be in USA so as to file extension.
They told me that extension cannot be filed from india.
Please guide me as to what needs to be done in this scenario.
How many days before end date it is safe to be in US to start extension process.
Need your inputs on these.
Please please help.
Top_MNC,
If you are inside US, then extension needs to be filed before the expiration date. As it takes time to start paperwork etc., it should ideally start 2-3 months prior to expiration date. However, if you are outside US, then cap-exempt petition can be filed even after current petition has expired.
Hi Saurabh,
I attended Visa interview on 21st April(Friday) at Hyderabad consulate. Visa officer told that your Visa was approved and took my passport. He didn’t give any yellow or white slip regarding administrative processing but when I check the status online, it is showing as administrative processing. Whether my visa was approved or it will take some time to approve ?. Please help me.
Thanks,
Ram.
Ram,
At times it goes into AP w/o needing any input from you. Possible reasons could be that they need additional information from USCIS regarding your petition, PIMS etc. So don’t be disappointed. If they said that the visa is approved, then it should all end-up fine. Wait until end of next week and it may start showing as approved.
Thanks Saurabh for your quick reply.
Thanks,
Ram.
Finally got approval on my petition from last year. Waited for exactly 1 year and 23 days for this. Got selected in lottery in May last year. Petition got rejected in August. Filed Motion to Reopen in September. Finally got approval on 24th April this year after multiple followups.
I also applied for MTR and no updates till now, Have you got new Receipt number ?
No. I did not get a new receipt number. The old receipt number showed status as “case was reopened” and then “case was approved”
How many days it’s in re-opened status ?
Hi Finally approved,
Is your petition under premium category ?
Yes. My employer had upgraded to premium processing when an RFE was raised last year. But premium processing has absolutely no impact on MTR cases. USCIS is under no obligation to process MTR cases in a limited time even if it is premium processing.
Hi,
What was the reason to Reject first?Could you please give some details so that it will help me as my case rejected yesterday and yet to hear the reason.
Thanks
Hi Saurabh,
USCIS received my RFE response on Jan 6th but till now my case status is not changed.
I can still keep any hopes on my h1b case?
Pavan,
I would say there is still hope. Ask your employer/attorney to follow-up w/ USCIS on this.
Hi Saurabh,
My RFE response was sent out on 01/12/2017. Is it true that USCIS is putting more H1Bs under security review?
We’ve crossed 100 days and I believe very few H1B cases from 2016 must be pending. Now that there are no Premium Processing cases what is the reason for this incredible delay?
Does it matter that my processing center is VT and my case is AD/Regular processing?
Really concerned!
Thank you Saurabh.
Guys,
Please help me : What should I mention in surname column (DS-160 form) ?There is no surname in my passport.
Hello,
If you don’t put surname in your DS160, your Visa will be issue with either FNU/ LNU (First/last name unknown). It will create lot of issue in US if your surname is not last name is unknown as your I94 will also reflect the same. mainly you will not able to apply driving license. I have gone through the big mess due to this & finally i have reapplied my passport with split change & added my dad name in surname field. So my suggestion is better to get the new passport with split name & then only apply for visa with new passport.
Thank you Ganu,
But now I’ve already booked slot .
Can I update it after the Interview decision?
I have query regarding visa fees payment. I did NEFT transfer to BOA account which was mentioned while filing up details. I want to know ill I get receipt number through mail and will have to use that to proceed further or Receipt number field will be filled up by them when they confirm payment receipt.
Thanks
You will get an Email saying “Receipt number xx has been activated and you can now schedule an appointment at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in”.
Then ~30 minutes,the same will be reflected in your traveldocs account.
This whole process takes ~3-4hours
Hi ,
Once it is activated , the receipt number is automatically populated .
Thanks,
Ram
Saurabh, Will Non AD 2017 applications be spped up now as only few applications left ? As we have been waiting for more than a year will we be given preference over 2018 applications ? What could be the deadline atleast and feel its been very very late as comapred to last years .
Will 2017 be preferred over 2018 ?,
If your petition was selected last year and still pending, it should still be processed prior to current petitions. This would hold true in most scenarios, unless petition is stuck in security review.
Did your attorney follow-up on this? What’s the current status shown online?
USCIS received my RFE response on April 10. And not sure how long this would drag.
my status,
If the response was received on April 10, 2017; then it may take some more weeks/months to process. After few weeks, your attorney may follow-up w/ USCIS.
Hi ,
I have PA appointment scheduled Apr 27 and 28 – 2017. But just realised that I put wrong duration for my previous employer in ds160. Can I edit DS 160 now ?
H1b_Stamping_SV,
When you appear for biometrics, you can request them to update the DS-160 form for you.
I had been selected in the Lottery for H1 B in 2016, I had cleared the VISA interview, what are the new changes to the H1B policy that comes into effect for 2016, or I would like to know if the proposed changes to the H1 B Policy is retrospective.
Nayaz,
First define “proposed changes to the H-1B policy”, so that I know what you are referring to.
Hi
Is it difficult to crack visa Stamping interview for unmarried employee.I am 26 year old & unmarried
Please help on above query??
Thanks in Advance
Dont think u r single or unmarried, it all depends on how ur documentation is.
Hi
Is it difficult to crack visa Stamping interview for unmarried employee.I am 26 year old & unmarried.
Please help on above query??
Thanks in Advance
Hi,
Have a query
My petition was approved with xxx, yyy zzz and stamped few years ago. But I could not travel at that time. My passport later was updated as XXX YYY, ZZZ where YYY is middle name which is moved to surname in current passport. Now my NSC petition is approved with xxx, yyy zzz as per old petition though my latest I-129 was filled with current passport name.
Will that be an issue during stamping. Little confused what to do next. Please suggest, if any one has gone thru this and which is the best way to get thru.
HI Saurabh/Kumar,
I need your help urgently. My employer(Big Name) has done my stamping and i got a stamp till 30th september. Now they are not having any opportunity and delaying my travel. Now internal systems in my company are giving me and my manager messenger pop ups that my visa is due for expiry. They have some logic that my extension should be filed 90 days before end date.
SO now visa expiry date 30th september
90 days before that is 30th june.
I told them that by that rate i should be in US by 15th zone so as to file extension.
Please tell me what will happen if i end up staying in india till 30 june. Will my extension get smoothly processed.
What is the ideal time to be in USA so as to file extension.
They told me that extension cannot be filed from india.
Please guide me as to what needs to be done in this scenario.
How many days before end date it is safe to be in US to start extension process.
Need your inputs on these.
Please please help.
Hello guys,
I need your help:
I work in a indian company but working for US Company who sponsored my h1, Now in DS-160 form what should I mention in “Present Employer/Education/Training” column ?
Although I’ve mentioned my petitioner details .
Riya,
You would be joining the H-1 employer in US and will continue to work for your Indian employer until then, correct? So present employer is your Indian employer and not H-1 petitioner.
Thank you Saurabh,
Dat’s correct that I would be joining the H1 employer in US but here in my present company I’m working for US employer.
I’m confused what should I mention?
Primary Occupation ? Is it for present employer or US petitioner?
Intended length of stay? (my petition is valid till Jan 2018)
Riya,
Until you join the new employer in US on H-1, “present employer” refers to the one who is issuing you the paychecks today – so that would be your Indian/US employer. Same goes for present occupation.
Intended length of stay should be same as petition duration.
I appreciate your response Saurabh.
I’m about to book slot but little worried coz of new executive order.
Will that effect to the existing h1b applications?
Riya,
The new executive order just calls for review. Until then nothing has changed unless your LCA was filed for an entry level computer programmer position.
221 (g) blue slip issued:
I’ve attended the stamping interview and VO has issued me a 221(g) blue slip and he has retained my client letter. But unfortunately, he didn’t retain my passport with him :-(.
He told me to submit Project Requirements document via drop box facility and no need to attend the interview again.
He has provided me a 221(g) case number to track but when I check the status using the case number, it says “invalid case number”.
But when I check the status using my DS-160 form number, it returns the result as “administrative processing” status
Questions:
1. Do I have any chance for getting approval ?
2. Why Visa Officer didn’t retained my passport ?
3. I’m noticing mixed comments about 221(g) blue slip – how long does it go into approval status or all 221(g) goes into approval mode ?
4. While submitting Project Requirement documents via drop box do I need to submit my passport also ?
Please help me with your inputs
Note:
1. Interview Location: Chennai
2. Date: 20-Apr-2017
3. No other documents were asked by VO.
PV,
1. Still possible
2. They need to verify client/project documents before making the decision. This could take time and don’t want to hold on to the passport for an uncertain period.
3. No fixed timing. Each case is different.
4. No
Thanks Saurabh.
Update:
1. My company will not share project requirement documents as it is confidential.
2. When I check the 221g blue slip status in ustraveldocs.com/in, its not having 221g form details – I need to download the 221(g) from here as instructed by VO.
3. But strangely above website shows that my “passport is still with embassy” as the status. But as you know they did not retain my passport.
Totally confused and not sure how to proceed for the next steps 🙁
PV,
1. If you cannot submit the asked documents, then it could be an issue.
2. You should contact US travel docs support team about this.
3. They may be using a generic message, so don’t be too much worried about this.
The next step should be to discuss with employer how to respond to 221g. Are the documents really confidential or they don’t have anything to share?
PV,
Can you please share complete interview questions and what you had given answers… It will help us to understand where you did mistake..
@mKishore,
Only basic questions were asked like
1. Which city you will be travelling
2. Package
3. Client letter
Hello PV,
It completely depends on your luck now, it may happen in two weeks or go beyond two months.
FYI…I too got 221g but white slip, they returned my PP and asked to submit the required docs.
Submitted all the necessary docs and waited for 2 months and then finally they asked me to submit my PP and now it is approved.
Good luck for you….
Best Regards,
Suresh
I have my H1 visa stamped with employer A who is not my current employer and planning to travel on May 7th, 2017.My current employer is trying to initiate h1 transfer for me now. My question is how long will it take for h1 transfer without premium processing? and is it good to have h1 transfer done before I travel to the US?
H1 transfer will take from 6-8 months as Premium processing is suspended by USCIS. If you get lucky it might be approved in couple of months but all depends. So It’s better to travel to US with your current H1 stamping and then do Transfer from USA.
H1 transfer question,
H-1 transfer could take few months, say 6-8. As for H-1 transfer timing, do you plan to work for H-1 employer, or current employer who will file the transfer?
PV,
Can you please share complete interview questions and what you had given answers… It will help us to understand where you did mistake..
Hi Saurabh,Kindly suggest on my query…
My H1 visa stamped this year and valid till this October only and in my current company there are no positions to travel.If my current company will not go for extension can I change my current company to other company and use my H1 Visa with out going for cap lottery system again.
I have my receipt number and original petition approval copy.
Suggest please?
Yes you can do that. Since you got your visa stamped, its very much safe to transfer now.
Since the visa is valid till this October, what will be option if h1 transfer date exceeds visa validity?
I don’t think it matters. H1 transfer will anyway give you extension. Once approved and if date of previous visa is crossed, you will have to go for re-stamping.
Hi,
Have a query
My petition was approved with xxx, yyy zzz and stamped few years ago. But I could travel at that time. My passport later was updated as XXX YYY, ZZZ where YYY is middle name which is moved to surname in current passport. Now my NSC petition is approved with xxx, yyy zzz as per old petition though my latest I-129 was filled with current passport name.
Will that be an issue during stamping. Little confused what to do next. Please suggest, if any one has gone thru this and which is the best way to get thru.
Thanks in advance
Any one raised Service Request (SR) for long pending cases and progressed/Approved?
My company raised couple of them and not able to track and same Received status persists.
Please share if any of you or your friends got response for SR, thanks in advance?
Any Non-Premium case was progressed/Approved recently for FY-2017 batch?
Please share it, thanks in advance. This should help other waiting on Regular cases for more than a Year.
Hi,
Picked up in random selection FY2017 and Regular Processing AD. RFE responded on Jan 14’17.
Waiting for a response!
I’m sure very few cases from FY2017 are pending decision post RFE response.
Called USCIS customers care, as my case too pending for long as Received only. Finally got relief.
Thanks to USCIS.
Hello, what response did you receive from them? Were you able to talk directly to a USCIS representative? I have been waiting for a status update since November after submitting the RFE documents.
Recently, I have applied to Germany Job Seeker visa and it got denied sighting not enough preparation and motivation. I didn’t show them any professional references to secure a job there and didn’t yet start learning German.
Now I am having H1B visa interview and there’s a German application received stamp on my passport. If by any chance, if the officer asks about it.
How to explain about it and does it have any impact on H1B application? Please advise?
Hi H1B_Interview,
Ca you please send a test mail to arulwind@gmail.com, i need some information regarding Job Seeker visa.
Hi Saurabh,
1.Currently i am having valid H1B visa stamped and visa going to expired on Nov 2017.
2.I dont have the opening in company and thought of switching to some other organisation .if i switch the company after Nov 2017 can i eligible for non-cap exempt ?
3.I am in confusing state even have the H1B stamped visa .Please help me what i need to do ?
Karthick,
You are eligible for cap-exempt petition even after the current petition has expired.
Disaster coming up
http://dailycaller.com/2017/04/17/donald-trumps-latest-executive-order-aims-to-make-companies-hire-american/
Cap is out guys.
Hi Friends,
My H1 B petition is ready and it’s valid from Oct-2016 to 30th Sep-2017.Now I got USA project and needs amendment .As my H1 B (I-797B) is valid till Sep-2017 only.
can you please tell me how many months will take to get amendment for my petetion? As My Company says it will take 6-8 months to get amendment as premimum processing is not possible.
Now i lost hope.
Can you please help ?
Niraj LKumar,
They can file the amendment and you can travel using the amendment receipt and old petition. Once inside US, they can apply for extension also as your current petition expires soon.
HI,
My H1B visa got approved and I have Receipt number with me, now my employer A don’t have any openings right now, so I am looking for H1B transfer(to other employer). Do my current employer have authority to Revoke my Case? What pre steps should I take for not revoking my case
Do I need to inform USCIS that I resigned for employer A and want to go with H1B for employer. Could anyone of you please your inputs. Your inputs would be helpful.
Herewego,
The employer can withdraw their petition at any time w/o the need to inform you first. Still another employer should be able to file a cap-exempt petition for you as long as you know the receipt number or have copy of the petition.
Hi Saurabh,
Appreciate for your inputs , so here is my case
Got RFE on Nov 2016.
Reponded RFE on Jan 2017
Case Approved in March 2017 (last week)
I have not yet been through stamping process.
So currently, I am looking for H1B transfer. What are things I need to be cautious of, while doing so and how should I Initiate the process with the new employer for my transfer.
If I find an employer who is ready to transfer H1B visa without any information to my current employer, I have heard of below two scenarios that may occur:
Scenario 1 :
The new employer would reach out to the current employer and seek my H1B visa transfer in exchange of Visa/Petition raising amount. And if current employer doesn’t agree for the same, will my current employer withdraw the petition.? if so, how will this cap – exempt petition will be of help here.
In addition to the above, to file a cap- exempt petition, will the new employer in market be willing to raise it i,e is cost bearable or very high and does it accumulate any risk with it
Scenario 2 :
The new employer would reach out to the current employer and seek my H1B visa transfer in exchange of Visa raising amount. And if current employer agrees, how is the process followed in terms of my resignation and joining the new employer.
Thanks,
Herewego
Hi HereWe go,
Ca you please send a test mail to arulwind@gmail.com, i am in same situation here…..we can discuss possible ways out.
Herewego,
For H-1 transfer, no blessings are needed from current employer. The new employer can file the cap-exempt petition even w/o informing the current employer. Once new petition has been approved, you can go for stamping through the new employer and then travel to US.
Hi Kumar / Saurabh,
My h1b approved on Jan 2017 after few days it went back to uscis due to employer address change. Again employer e-requested Approved package from USCIS. Employer received the package on Apr 1st week.
Now, employer is delaying to give me original or even scanned copy of my approved i-797A.
I applied the change of status from h4 to h1b.
1) Is there any chances to change another employer without paystub and with only receipt number?
2) Can I go to the my home country and return with h4 visa, As i have a valid stamped h4visa.
3) It’s possible for me to reopen my approved h1b in future.
Please advice on how to proceed further
Thanks in advance!
J,
1. You can move to another employer by filing cap-exempt petition. COS is not required as I assume it has already been approved. Also, given your COS has been approved, you should start working and getting paid.
2. Yes
3. Yes, you can again move to H-1B in future by filing a cap-exempt petition + COS.
does anybody know how to renew H4 visa for dependents that did not travel to US before. Got a 1 year H1b validity only and my employer started renewing my h1b extension already. Plan to renew my wife’s H4 visa but dont have any idea.
Thank you
Sami,
Once your H-1 petition has been renewed, your dependents can apply for extended H-4 visa stamp. They maybe eligible for dropbox if they go for stamping within 1 year of current H-4 expiration date.
Hi,
After a long wait of rfe our status changed to “Notice Explaining USCIS’ Actions Was Mailed”
What does this mean?
Is it denial?
Hi,
Sorry to tell you. Usually this status implies NOID which means USCIS is telling you that they are planning to deny your petition. You will have 30 days to reply to their questions in the letter. Wait for the letter to arrive and contact a good immigration attorney.
is there any chance of approval?
Of course, you still have a chance. It all depends on the documents/Answer you send to USCIS. Good luck!
Hi Saurabh,
I’m awaiting H1B petition decision, picked up in lottery for 2017 and RFE replied on Jan 14’2017.
Question: I have a B1/B2 Visa could I take a trip to USA for two or three weeks on B1 Visa, would this affect my H1B petition in anyway?
Please respond.
Thanks!
Chris,
No impact on your H-1 petition. You can travel on B-1/2 while H-1 is pending.
Hi Saurabh,
I have valid H1B stamped visa in my passport till 2019. I did not travelled to US until now. So I transferred my H1b to another employer and got it approved. Can I travel to US on previous employer valid visa and new I797 H1b approval?
Or do I need to go for stamping again with new employer approval notice?
I haven’t travelled to US on my first h1b visa.
I appreciate your quick response on this.
Regards,
Gautham
Gautham,
You can travel on new petition and old visa stamp, provided both are valid and have not expired.
Thanks
Hi,
I applied for H1B in 2007 and got RFE in October 2016. I replied on 12 th January 2017. My status is still showing as “your response to query was received” even today.
It has been more than 3 month now after i replied to USCIS query.
Can some one pleawe tell me when will my case will get reviewed and a decision will be givem. That is what is the time line to review and reply to our response to USCIS query.
My case number is EAC161425XXXX
Also is it advisable to call and inform USCIS about our case.
Please help me our in this regard. As it has been more than one year and 2018 quota has already started.
Any information is highly appreciated.
Regards
K.Radhakrishna Reddy
Hi,
My status is also same as yours “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received” till date.. But yesterday i got a mail from HR to fill the DS-160 form. I checked with him and he replied that my case was approved and have the petition in hand. Since 2018 CAP has started, USCIS is not updating the 2017 status..
You also can check with your HR / Attorney…
Thanks,
ARV
Hi AV1008,
I am also in same boat.
My HR ask me apply for visa, however online status not updated after REF.
Even in my case I got approval in Feb. USCIS not updating status…
Radhakrishna,
Ask your employer/attorney to open a SR w/ USCIS and ask for an update. You cannot contact them for updates, only employer/attorney can.
Hi Saurab
In this case, is it possible to transfer H1(currently in india, not stamped, not traveled )to another employer if the status is still “RFE response received” in the USCIS site.But according to the employer, case is approved and got the approval notice.employer not shared the approval notice.
Folks ,
I would be traveling to SJ, CA next week but would be staying at my sister’s place (she lives there only ) temporarily to sort my accommodation for days ahead. But in the DS-160, I mentioned a hotel name through the Company I work for. Will this be a problem at the POE?
HMan
Hi Saurabh,
I have a F2 visa and filed for H1 visa this year . I m currently in India . Can i travel to US on F2 visa before I know my result on H1 ?
confused,
Yes, you can travel on F-2 while your H-1 is pending selection/processing.
It is dead silent for FY-2017 aspirants as all are switched to FY-2018, if you post any query , question hardly anyoone responds …
Either God or USCIS should help waiting people for FY-2017 folks
Today my Form I-129 got approved.
Congrats, Is it direct approval or after approval?
Just came from Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, and letting it know to everyone so that if i don’t get Visa this year all of you know that it’s all fake
Hello,
You are vayapara baktha.just keep trust on him.First check it horoscope if u have any doshas in the birth chart.if u don’t have guru balam,it won’t possible.do parihars.lord balaji knows when to bless.
Chennai VAC Address Confusion:
My bio-metric interview is scheduled on the below address at Chennai
But when I Google this address, I’m getting the address as “No 82, Kodambakkam High Rd, Badrikari, Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034”
Please let me know whether both are same address ?
CHENNAI VAC
No 82, Kodambakkam High Road,,
Nungambakkam,,
Chennai,600034
Yes Both are same address
Hello Redbus and followers,
I am following this forum from last year it really helps me to prepare myself for the H1b. Today i would like to share my experience how I made through my first H1b lottery for the year 2016.
Got selected in lottery April 2016, petition got approved in november. I am currently living in new zealand and lot of things going in my mind where to attend for Interview. Took advice from my fmly mbrs and gave my interview in new zealand.
VI scheduled in march 2017. Fingerprints and interview done on same day. I am very nervous and first time going for H1b. Previously 2 times F1 rejected. Most of the people got visas on that day most of them are local people.
Vo.. what your company do?
Me. xxxx
Vo.. Which location you are going to work?
Me.. xxxxx
V0. Asked about my present job?
Me..xxxx
To my wife
Vo.. when did u get married?
wife.. xxx
Vo switched to me
Vo.. whats your highest qualification and where did u get it from?
me.xxxxxx
VO said he need some time to review all the documents, issued 221 g blue slip nothing tick in slip just mentioned need to review documents. kept our passports, academics, exp letters and marriage certificate. Came out with sad faces and soon visited sai baba mandir.
checked my status in ceac.. Ap
Case created … 24 march 2017
IV date.. 30 mar 2017
Case date update 3rd april
on 4th april status changed to Ready
on 10th april…. AP again
11th april… Issued.
Received passports on 12th with stamping.
I made H1b just because of baba blessings and little bit luck& guru balam. Thanks you and Gud luck who are waiting.
Congrats Sai ram!!
To—>Sairam..
Buddy, are you a new Zealand citizen??
I’m on skilled migrant visa…
Hi Saurab and all,
Waiting since an year & still goes on …..!!!
WAC center
RFE response received by uscis on December 27th 2016..
Can we still have any hope on this ??
Would like to know anyone on the same boat.
My case has been approved since November . My employer is not asking me to go for stamping as the project is not active now .
I dont have anything other than my File number through which i just can check that my case is approved without even my name mention.
Can i find another employer in this situation.
What Do i need from my existing employer in order to transfer my VISA.
I am in the same boat, the EAC / WAC number is enough to file the cap exempt petition for transfer. But we should be able to find an employer who can do that.
Some Employers may ask for approval document also though it is not required.
@siva
Thanks for your response. Can you help suggesting ways to find out an employer who is willing to take H1B approved candidates.
How long this procedure can take ?
My Application too got Approved in December but since then my comp(A TOP NAME) has decided to put my Application on Hold and now my app remains in Approved state . I have Application Receipt Number but dont know what to do. Saurabh Any suggestions ?
Hemant, you can ask your employer to share your approval notice with you. Though no projects, there is no harm in giving ur approval notice to you.
Hemant,
Agree w/ Ram’s suggestion. Also read my reply to Nidhi’s post.
Nidhi, you have to find another company who is willing to transfer your H1B through the professional job portals or referral. Currently since H1B premium processing has been suspended it may take 6-8 months for transfer.
Nidhi,
Its better to have at least copy of approved 797 when approaching another employer for H-1B transfer. However, they can initiate the transfer using your receipt number and print out of online status showing it as approved. USCIS can determine from their own system the history and details of that receipt number.
The new employer may or may not be convinced to file w/ just the receipt number as he is no way of knowing for sure that the receipt belongs to you (that’s what 797 is preferred).
Last year my application received on same date as today and not yet progressed, What should I do? Is there any hope still ?
Anyone still in the same status?
Appreciate your help.
I am in the same boat buddy … 🙂
Same boat brother. Hope the suspension of premium processing would help with the movement of such cases
I submitted my H1b -extension on July 2016, but it is yet to be approved.
Recently my employed assured me that they have moved my case to Premium just before the deadline of April 3rd,2017.
But my case status does not reflect any change as to whether it was accepted under premium or not.
Does it mean that my premium has not been accepted or there is still any chance of getting any updates for my case.
Along with premium processing request, a cheque/check is sent. If it’s encased, we can be sure that the request has been accepted and probably there is a delay in updating the site. If not, the request may not be accepted still. This is yet another way of verifying your PP request.
Hi All,
I done my stamping with A client and now there are no openings in client A. I have applied amendment for client B on last Friday. Client B is asking me report on May 1st. Some one please let me know how long it will take to get the receipt notice for travel and Its regular process. Here my concern is now its new H1B petition time so it will take long time or normal time to get the receipt notice ?
H1B_Amendment,
The receipt should be received within 1-2 weeks. The employer/attorney can then share it w/ you for travel.