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H1B Visa 2017 News Updates, Fees , Lottery Predictions, LCA - Processing Times, FAQs.

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

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

When will the H1B visa 2017 season start ? Date ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H1B Fee 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 

H1B Visa 2017 Premium Processing Time :

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is the next H1B Season ?

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

Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017 ?

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

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

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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23,619 Comments

  5. After 8 years of numerous changes (change of major, job, etc) in US, Non-AD/PP/CSC single and genuine application got picked. It can happen! Don’t lose hope guys.

    Receipt notice received on April 15th at 7 am from lawyer. Check was encashed in the morning around 6:30am. Notice says application was received on April 14th. So I’m assuming it took one day for the bank to withdraw funds.

    Reply

  8. Guys, I can really understand the sleep less nights and checking this forum for every 5 mints.,checking your emails…
    Because I am on the same boat.
    Desperately looking for my petition to be picked as others think!!
    Wishing more luck for guys who are waiting still…

    Wish me as well!! :(:(

    Reply

  11. Guys don’t believe Ardent technologies inc, this consultancy is doing H1B petitions, dont believe this consultancy, these are cheated consultancy

    Reply

  14. Is there any updates on SEVIS for AD/PP ?

    I’m still waiting for AD/PP/CSC and also there is no update on my SEVIS yet.

    This is my 2nd attempt and only one application.

    Much needed this time as this is my last attempt ?

    Reply

  15. Hi…
    Need help on query.
    My self applied for h1b through consultant.
    I am currently working in company A.
    Still lottery results are not out.
    In this case is it good to change to company B. Will it affect in h1b process if I get selected in lottery.

    Reply

    • NeedAnswer,

      I assume H-1 was filed by an employer other than A and B. In that case, you can change employer w/o any impact on your pending H-1.

      Reply

  16. 1st attempt/ Big 4 consultant/ AD PP selected in VSC

    Don’t give up hope guys – there’s still time. I wish all those with genuine and only 1 petition (it doesn’t matter if you had 2 genuine companies apply – it’s still wrong and unfair to the rest that you get two slots) to get their H1Bs picked this year.

    My positive vibes and prayers are with you guys 🙂

    Reply

    • Is there any updates on SEVIS for AD/PP ?

      I’m still waiting for AD/PP/CSC and also there is no update on my SEVIS yet.

      This is my 2nd attempt and only one application.

      Much needed this time as this is my last attempt 🙁

      Reply

    • @Carlos, Out of 236000 if you rule out 60k (which is a big number by the way ) as multi-applications. you still have 170k for 85k. There is not enough room for all the one time so called “Genuine Guys” ( which i am and why i feel sorry for) .

      AD/PP from Top 10 universities and this is my last chance. Hope to get it or i will have to go to college or go to india.

      I am not blaming the persons who are opting for multiple applications. I have to blame the SYSTEM which allows the loop hole.

      Only people getting something out of it is Lawyers and Consultancies. Why is the Government not taking any action?

      Example: If i apply through EmpA, EmpB and if i get any of those => I got it
      If i apply through EmpA , and Later i can switch to EmpB with out any problem => i got it

      Then why allow 2 applications for one candidate in the first place. After going through this tension and sleepless nights, I wish i would rather apply for multiple if i get chance. you can give interviews in Jan and make sure you get few offers and ask them to apply before joining .

      Regards,
      G

      Reply

        • i am not a MBA guy who wants to talk to clients. I need to talk to computer and i am good at it 😀 . Who cares if my english is bad :D.

          Reply

          • Have to agree on that. Most Asians cant speak up properly but are good at coding . My VP cannot talk 2 sentences without stammering and he earns 240k / annum . I know many asians who got into Google/ Facebook who can’t speak fluently

          • To qualify for one of the top 10 schools requires your GRE score to be exceptional, which in turn requires the verbal score to really high. Makes me question the veracity in your statement Mr. GG?

    • My attorney received the notice on 4/12 at 5:35 PM. However, he just forwarded it to me this morning around 10:30 AM.

      @GG– just because the system has a loophole of filing more than 1 petition through multiple employers doesn’t mean that the people are justified in exploiting it to their advantage. I will continue to hope that only single petitions make it, and anyone else who tries to willfully exploit such loopholes does not get selected.

      Reply

  25. Non-AD/PP accepted on Friday. Just found out from my employer. Best of luck to all who are waiting for a response. Last year had a friend that heard mid May and she was PP. So keep your hopes up!!

    Reply

  33. I have one doubt:

    I am currently working for Employer A, Employer B has sponsored me my H1B visa in 2016 CAP which got picked in lottery and RFE issued in Aug 2015 later employer B responded to RFE in Jan 2016 and finally got approved on April 15th 2016.

    In the mean while Employer A as sponsored my visa for 2017 CAP. Now what will be next scenarios:

    1) What will happen if the 2017 CAP visa filed by Employer A gets picked in lottery??
    2) What will happen after that to 2017 CAP Employer A petition??
    3) Can I abandon Emp B 2016 CAP petition for which I haven’t appeared for stamping??

    Can someone answer these questions??
    (Please note, these are just questions — I have neither got picked in 2016 nor applied in 2017.. I am asking for future plans only)

    Reply

    • -> If your interested to go to US through Emp A. Once it is picked in lottery go to the stamping with Emp A petition. No need to worry about Emp B Petition.

      -> if Emp A petetion is not picked and your not interested to go through Emp B then find another employer and apply H1 under CAP exemption.

      Reply

  34. Guys, I wish all genuine PP-lers (AD & Non-AD) good luck today, as I fear today and maybe tomorrow is our LAST realistic chance. I am not saying that it cant happen but then it would be a miracle…

    Reply

  37. Hi,
    Please let me if its PP processing will we also know if we are rejected earlier or will be know only selections? For rejections do we have to wait till June-July or will we know by may mid?

    Reply

    • I think they will let you know earlier. That the whole point of filing under Premium.

      Quoted from USCIS website.
      “Department of Homeland Security guarantees a 15 calendar day processing time or they will refund the $1,225 Premium Processing Service fee.
      The 15 calendar day period will begin when USCIS receives the petition.”

      https://www.uscis.gov/forms/how-do-i-use-premium-processing-service

      Reply

      • Sorry earlier quote is not from USCIS.

        This one is
        “Premium Processing Service provides expedited processing for certain employment-based petitions and applications. Specifically, USCIS guarantees 15 calendar day processing to those petitioners or applicants who choose to use this service or USCIS will refund the Premium Processing Service fee. If the fee is refunded, the relating case will continue to receive expedited processing.”

        Source: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/how-do-i-use-premium-processing-service

        Reply

    • PPQuery1,

      I don’t think they would know earlier. In case you are not selected in lottery, your PP checks are not cashed. So USCIS has no financial incentive of letting you know earlier. If you are selected in lottery, then PP checks are cashed and USCIS has financial responsibility to let you know earlier than others.

      Reply

  38. Does Infy share any application/acknowledge number with employees before the actual receipt communication from USCIS? Any way to track it ourselves?

    Reply

    • There is now way to track our petitions until we get receipt after getting selected in the lottery or get the rejection notice.

      Reply

    • There is no way to track our petitions until we get receipt after getting selected in the lottery or get the rejection notice.

      Reply

    • No .. I don’t think so… waiting for lottery results. . Non AD / RP/ First time.
      Any idea to know CA or VT ? I couldn’t find this info in GICS .
      When will Non AD RP start receiving receipt numbers ?

      Reply

  39. Hi,
    Please let me if its PP processing will we also know if we are rejected earlier or will be know only selections? For rejections do we have to wait till June-July?

    Reply

  46. Does anyone know if the USA vs Texas case tomorrow is only concerned with Obama’s illegal immigration policy or it concerned with Obamas executive actions in general? Where did Obama’s executive action policies go? regarding legal immigration

    Reply

    • Marc,

      If the ruling indicates that Obama cannot pass executive orders regarding immigration, then all executive orders are impacted. If it is limited to just the couple of orders being challenged, the others will stand but would be open for future litigation.

      Reply

  47. Hello,

    I have a quick question regarding H1B lottery. Our company is outsourcing this law firm (Ogle tree Deakins) to deal with all the H1B. I have been tracking the H1B status from the link they sent to me(visatrax.com). Last night, I saw some updates on visatrax.com, but no receipt number yet. So now I am more curious and anxious to know what does this mean. Below are the few things I noticed, please let me know if this means anything.

    Case Name (Case ID): Prepare H-1B Change of Status Petition ( xxxxxxxxx )

    Last Step Completed: Forward Public Access File (PAF) to client for storage

    Next Step: Log Receipt and inform client

    Case Name (Case ID): Prepare H-1B Change of Status Petition

    Step Name Step Status Completed Date
    Log Receipt and inform client: Not Started
    Receive H-1B Approval: Not Started

    Thank you all in advance.

    Reply

    • I am going to pretend I didn’t notice your user name.

      To answer your question – they are still waiting for the physical receipt to reach them before they can enter it into the system. Is the cases filed in PP? If yes, have you received the receipt email?

      Ogle Tree Deakins is used by my new employer, and even though we have received the email receipt, they said they only log it into the system once they have the physical receipt.

      Reply

    • Hi Buddy, Try to come over it. I cant advice you to totally forget it but believe me I feel your pain. Same situation here. My ead expires in june and i have no luck yet 🙁

      But i am looking for alternatives. Go back to india through big company and come on L1.

      All the very best to you and others like me. May God have mercy.

      R

      Reply

  49. i am filing since from 3 years non ad RP,
    for AD PP still you can expect until april end
    people who are new to this blog i just want to inform you can keep hopes until you packet returns to your employer, then its a 100% game over.
    last year our company filed 10 petitions only 2 selected and 7 got returned and the other one we got notified in june that he got selected, i can say he has .1% luck.by the way he is AD RP.
    There is a reason behind this to get notified in june.

    Reply

  50. AD/PP/VT- Still waiting.
    As of today; no receipt or check not cashed yet.

    Hello all, is there any hope for AD/PP?

    Reply

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