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.
How is IQ tech pros in Houston, Texas? Are they trustworthy enough to be paid fees for sponsoring H1B visa?
If you are requested to send money to an employer directly, it’s highly likely to be fraud.
Hi!
What’s the requested fee?
They are charging $ 2500 which is not refundable. If selected in lottery, they will charge additional $2500, which will payed back when employment starts.
Austincool,
What stops them from taking initial 2500, not filing the H-1 petition and then claiming that you didn’t make through the lottery. Easy 2500 for them.
Saurabh,
Why dont you just say its illegal to pay fees for filing H1B
Why,
Trust me, time and again I have told people about its illegality. However, people are still willing to go that route and ask questions about this.
Do you think the person will not give money to potential employer if I tell him that it is illegal? However, they may not give money if I tell the downsides of giving money and that’s what I did here.
One of my friend got selected without paying any money to the desi consultant but now he got a job and he is paying back 5$/hr from his pay check for the H1 fees. This is the smart way they collect. I was about to apply through them this year now I backed off and found another one. They did not ask for money yet. But not sure if they demand later I ll have no choice other than paying for it 🙁
Hi Surabhi
Please let me know the name of the consultant…. I also want to apply for H1
Surabi,
By law they cannot ask for H-1B fees through any means or measures. If they use such tricks, you can complain to DOL within 1 year of such a violation.
But complaining about the employer will affect the h1b status right?
Surabi,
Employer cannot retaliate against the employee for making a valid complaint to DOL. Your friend can discuss his legal options with an attorney.
Where do you need to send money?
1. Bank account of the company in US?
2. Private bank account in US?
3. Private bank account in India?
Hi,
Anybody can answer my questions?
With 5+ years JAVA development experience I have an offer from an Indian company, I made all interview with them from January 2016. It was 4 round HR+technical.
Now they ask me, to send them 5000$ to send my documents to USCIS for an H1B.
Is this a normal way to work in US??
I thought the H1B process cost is issued to the employer and not allowed to charge the employee.
So:
1. Should I send them 5000$ for a H1B?
2. Is this a normal way? (i know it’s not legal, but is this a habit nowdays?)
No . Your getting conned. The company that employed you is supposed to pay for your filing fees.
Hi KURFUR,
Dont pay them any company. No employer will ask their employee money to initiate/process their H1B. Obviously they are criminals trying to deceive you.
Be careful about such fraudsters in the future.
I think the same.
Thank you your answer!
Do I have any chance in this year to find another and correct company?
Hi KURFUR,
Dont pay them any company. No employer will ask their employee money to initiate/process their H1B. Obviously they are criminals trying to deceive you.
Be careful about such fraudsters in the future.
Hi,
It’s common for consultancy to charge for H1B. They take it as a security amount so that after petition gets approved you can’t escape and have to serve for them for at least one year.
To check if they are fraud or genuine you can verify from DOL website if they have filed any LCA in the past.
I can accept the charge if I should send the money to the bank account of company.
But they asked me to send money to a private bank account in India! 🙂
Hi,
Anybody knows about INFOBIZ TECHNOLOGIES INC consultancy ? They offered to file my H1B and asking me $1500 before filing my H1b saying that this is to cover attorney fees and H1B application fee.
I m currently in US on OPT and last year my H1B (Filed by good company not consultancy) did not pick up in lottery so this time I really want to get H1B picked since this is my last chance.
Can you guys pleas give you your advice ? Should I pay for it ?
No guarantee whether they file or not file .
Don’t file H1b petition through Sunray ,Atlanda GA, its totally waste of money . No assurance whether they file or not file .
Any update for Tcs? has h1b initiated for anyone in TCS? plz share .in.my project still no update
No updates in my project as well(TCS Siruseri)… Considering only 10 more days are left is it possible to initiate and verify the documents with in this short time?
Whoever was nominated might have already submitted their documents. I don’t think there is chance for them the initiate the process now .
Any update for Tcs? has h1b initiated for anyone in TCS? plz share
Hi , I would like to know ,
I completed Bsc IT in 2014 and now pursuing MCA final semester through Distance Education , And Since July 2013 I’m working as Business Analyst.
There is Gap between my study I completed 12th in 2008 and started B.Sc IT in 2011.
Am I eligible for H1B ?
You are if your employer is ready to file your H1B.
I think there has been rumors all around, saying Indian IT companies are sending less petitions, either this is wrong and people want to give false hope to H1b applicants in USA, or IT Companies are waiting for USA election results. An extra $2000 would not stop an Indian IT companies from stopping to file the H1B petition.
Yes , an extra 4000 or 4500 wont make any difference for Indian companies. Instead they will take that fee from their client.
And client will always prefer to pay extra 4000 for hiring engineers on 70-80k salary instead of american for 100-120k.
Both of your are mistaken.. Indian IT companies have filed very less number of visa petition this year… Unlike last year, where every body was getting petition filing, this year they are only filing for the most critical resources.. Its around 30 -40 percent w.r.t. last year..But the petition number this year too will be around at same count.. There are thousands of small consultancies which have sprung up and they are away from this new fee hike rule..people will file more visa through consultancies since they(mostly us students)are scared of Trump coming to power.. So this time, its Golden age for consultancies to reap benefits of mass…
As for me, I really hope that the big companies file less for whatever reasons.
They have already hired so many people! It’s time to slow down! I just wish..
Hi Saurabh,
Is it eligible to apply H1B from two different employer, who are not related to each other ?
Recently, they have been trying to scrutinize this loophole, so ask ur companies to be ready for RFEs
Ramesh,
Yes, it is legal to file through two different unrelated employers.
CTS has reduced number of applications by 70% due to budget issues, i.e., if for last season 100 nominations were sent, this time only 30 got nominated………….
Hi CTS_novisa,
Is it authentic news……
yes….100 % authentic…..
Are you comparing the number of Visa H1 Nominations released in November 2015 for H1B2017 TO Nominated people in December 2014 for H1B2016.
Or
Do you mean people nominated few months back were now removed from Nomination H1B list due to budget issues??
Can you explain
you r right….its based on
comparison of the number of Visa H1 Nominations released in November 2015 for H1B2017 TO Nominated people in December 2014 for H1B2016
comparing the number of Visa H1 Nominations released in November 2015 for H1B2017 TO Nominated people in December 2014 for H1B2016.
CTS has reduced number of applications by 70% due to budget issues, i.e., if for last season 100 nominations were sent, this time only 30 got nominated………….
How is scene this time in TCS, Infosys, Wipro and CTS? Are you guys observing similar demand as previous years?
Are they delaying the processing this year and will do it at the last minute?
Anyone from here filling petition through G3info tech? please let me know how reliable they are.
Hi
Do you know anything about them?
Hi Friends,
My previous H1b visa is expired in 2010. Currently i am india.
I would like to apply again H1B..Do i need to apply as fresh application or renewal with same employer or new employer.
Please suggest me and thanks in advance.
imran,
Did you ever travel to US on H-1? If yes, then what date did you return from US on H-1?
Anyone here filling petition through G3 info tech? how reliable are they?
Hi
Do you know anything about them?
Is Saurabh on OFF?
221,
You guessed it right. In last few days, I traveled to India, appeared for dropbox, and fought my jet lag. Finally, catching up with the forum now 🙂
TCS Guys,
FDFU started collecting documents and VISA initiation started in Ultimatix.
In which project the process has been started in TCS?
Chennai FDFU
May I know which proj they started. I had a chat with manager they are still waiting for corporate
Hi please let me know is there any update in TCS? Which project started the process ?
In kolkata any project initiated? Only 10 days left. is it possible to file now?
Does INFY started Visa initiation? not heard anything from my team 🙁
yes sir its done….. mine @ final stage from GI team
Please don’t file your petition through infisystems LLC,synergy global waste your money.
Folks,
H1 B notification for accepting FY 17 petitions is out and everything is same as last year.
All the best to all…!!
1. Do I need to wait till I hear from USCIS that H-1B petition is received or can travel anytime from now to October 1st? (Applying H-1B with Consular Notification, Currently on F1 OPT with end date Jan 3rd 2017)
2. How many days/months I can work from India/abroad while on F-1 OPT
Thanks
suresh,
1. You can travel anytime as your petition will be filed w/ consular processing and not COS
2. No limit
Thanks for the update.
Hi Guys,
Any updates in TCS?, so far no one initiates VISA in our project.
How about CTS, INFY or WIPRO? VISA initiation started?
Is this happening only for TCS or other companies as well
Capgemini: 75% Visas dropped due to budget issue. (Meaning 100 members nominated in Jan – 2016 but now only 25 out of 100 are actually moving to main Lottery)
CTS: Nominated so many people in November 2015 for H1B 2017, ideally all of them will go thru for lottery. No inside info available
Wipro and Infy: Rumors here and there that number of Visas this year is very less.
TCS: Its on hold in almost all projects, by now last year there was lot of hungama for Documents from associates, this year no movement till date.
One of my friend’s brother from CTS H1 visa initiated. But i haven’t heard from TCS anything yet.
CTS Initiated Visas in 2015 November 2nd week itself, the process begins for them in November.
In November itself all those who have got nominated submitted documents, They all will go thru to Lottery for H1B 2017
I just wants to know if premium processing will also get lottery result early?
No. Lottery is common for all.
Yes,
Though lottery process is same, PP will get the result early by e-mail.
RP get the results by normal mail
Yes PP will get result by April 20th Max considering lottery will be conducted on April 12th or April 13th.
H1B Prediction,
Actually USCIS keeps a buffer time before announcing PP cut-off dates. They get so many PP applications that they would start PP timeline from April 20th and not April 12th in your example. That’s what happened in last few years.
I have given money to a consultancy to file h1b..How do i know whether he has has filed my h1b..what should i ask him for before april 1st week? Any leads ? Thank You
Hi Tony,
There is no way to track until your application is picked in lottery. Its illegal for am employee to pay for H1B.
Thanks
Hi thanks for your advice . FYI I have paid only the attorney fee . I have heard from few people that uscis provides a 13 digit receipt no once the h1b package s received at the service centre . Will it help to track
Hi Tony,
You are not supposed to pay anything. Anyways people still do this. From whoever you heard this, the information is wrong. You get that number only when your application is picked in lottery. There is no way to track before that. Your attorney only have a fedex number through which your application is sent. But that fedex package is a bundle of applications filed by attorney so you cant make sure that your application was filed.
Thanks
Go and check manually if he has filed your LCA on DOL US site, Until you got selected in Lottery you wont receive any Receipt number.
You will get a Rejection notice stating your name and Employer name if not selected in Lottery – Ask him to show that if not selected.
Finally only one thing – You should have trust on him, else no point in giving money and getting it filed. Check myvisajobs site to find more info on the employer
I have same issue,i have a client letter, can i file my h1 from two employers, i am from india, client is ready to provide me two letters with two different companies but i want to know whether its possible or not to file 2 h1’s
It’s illeagal to file 2 h1b for same job
Yes it will be illegal and your fees for both applications will be forfeited.
Can any one tell, I had H1B stamped in 2012 and expired in 2013 without landed to US, Now can I go for Renewal, will it be CAP Exempted.
Its not cap exempted
Its cap excepted, you can go for renewal
Yes, it is CAP Exempted.
Govind,
Yes, it is cap-exempted.
Anil,
Two different employers can file separate petitions for you. It is legal. It is illegal only if the employers are related to each other.
I have a cleint(C), a middle vendor (M) and then my employer (E). I planning on applying for H1B in aprial 2014. My question is can I file two H1, one with my employer and the other with another employer (E2). My clien will be provoding me with client letter. My payroll is running on my employer (E). Any thought or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
It’s illegal
This is illegal and fees will be forfeited. they do all the background verification before interviews.
two h1s,
It is legal for 2 different unrelated employers to file H-1 petitions for you. Are you saying that you would use C’s letter w/ E2’s petition? That would be wrong as C is contracted to M and E and not E2.
Will there really be a lottery this year? Even ACN in PH has decreased H1B Applicants tremendously.
M,
Yes, very likely. We have updated the above article with predictions article, check it out.
Yes. So your chances this year are very thin. Take a blanket and sleep well.
What is the status of initiation of H1B for TSC this year? Has anybody initiated H1B. in TCS?? Any update?
what is the status of TCS h1b filing this year??
TCS will raise h1b this year?? any update
Generally they will do at the last minute. doubling the fees is not a matter for their profit if they send them in h1b.
Thanks for sharing.Goodwill are you from TCS?
Its 11th march already. What might be the reason for such delay?
They usually file at the last minute. Increased in the visa price will not impact them if they send those in h1b.
TCS is not applying for H1b this year? Any body has any update?
No H1b has been raise from my project in tcs kolkata..
any update???
In HYD also same situation…
I think They are making us feel “Exprience dilemma”
Not in Chennai also Boss. I am also awaiting response fro my manager. Please share if you get any information from your end.
This year TCS will not file any H1b ,it seems.
Hi Saurabh .
Had a question… I was on L1 B for 2 ….L1 renewal got rejected last year and was lucky enough to get through H1 lottery… Went to India and came back after stamping….in the mont of october.. H1 was done on Consular processing…. So the H1 now would it count for 6 years or woudl it be 6-2
Depends on when did leave leave US (L1B). If you had completed 1 year out of country by the time your H1B was filed (1st April), then its 6 years else 6-2
Mah,
You have to provide more dates here. When did you leave US on L-1, and when was H-1 applied and what date did you reenter US on H-1?
hi,
Can anyone give me feedback on invotex consulting company
guys someone help me with some companies you know who file h1, i am in indian and has 3 years IT experience, please mention company names.
Chaeck H1B sponsors link above.
RPS
I think you have 30 years experience.
Any idea on count prediction? Will there be a decline this year?
Thanks
RPS
Any idea on number filed application prediction. Will there be any decline this time?
Thanks
RPS
Hi Saurabh,
I have done B.Sc (3 years), MCA (3 Years) and 8 years of IT experience.
Please tell me if I am eligible for applying H1B.
Shravan,
You look qualified. However, it is strongly recommended to get your education evaluation done to know for sure. Also, you should get detailed experience letters to show that you are qualified for the offered H-1 position.
Hi,
does any from tcs applies for h1b this year
What about infy and wipro
what is the status of h1 b in infy and wipro
Can I have 2 or 3 different employers file for my H1b ?
Is it legal ?
Tans,
It is legal for multiple employers to apply H-1 for you, as long as those employers are not related to each other.
Hi Team,
Any help would be appreciated in clarifying the following questions. I really got confused after discussing with the immigration team of my company:
Visa Status: Active, Currently on F1 (OPT)
My OPT expiry date: 03 Jan 2017,
Applying H1: Apr1st 2016
Following are the few questions I have.
1)Are we allowed to travel outside USA once H1 is filed on April 1st
a) Sill in processing
b) is approved
(leaving the country with F1 visa and re-entering with F1)
2) If I applied for H1 and Change of Status together under the premium processing, as per my research I found that if there is no RFE everything will be done by mid of May.
As Change of Status start date is Oct 1st 2016, am I allowed to travel outside of USA after Change of Status is approved in mid of May and re-enter before Oct 1st?
(i.e., leaving the country with F1 visa and re-entering with F1 visa but have the approved H1.)
3) what is the difference in the question2 answer if I applied under Consular processing category?
4)Which one is the better option? Change of Status(COS) or Consular Processing (CP). It seems in either of the two cases I have to attend the visa interview in the home country
Thanks in advance.
Suresh,
1. If you leave US before H-1 is approved, then COS from F-1 to H-1 is abandoned. Even after H-1 gets approved, your status will remain F-1 until you enter US on stamped H-1 visa or file a separate COS from F-1 to H-1. If you leave US after H-1 is approved but return prior to Oct 1 (typical H-1 start date), then you are fine. You can continue to work on OPT until Oct 1 and will be on H-1 from Oct 1. All this assume that H-1 is filed and approved w/ COS
2. Yes, see (1) for more details
3. If it is applied w/ consular processing, then you can leave anytime and return anytime on your F-1. Like mentioned in (1), you will not move to H-1 status until separate COS is filed, or you enter on stamped H-1 visa.
4. COS is preferred option as you can start working on H-1 from Oct 1 and don’t need to get it stamped.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for reply. It was a great explanation
In COS: After COS from H1 to F1 is approved, can I leave and re-enter with H1 stamped? (leaving before Oct1st and entering after Oct1st with H1 stamped) is it possible?
CP: In this process the person has to attend the VISA INTERVIEW before starting his job on H1. So if the person goes to the Visa Interview in the home country are there any chances for rejection? (unlike COS stamping)
Suresh,
COS: I assume you meant COS from F-1 to H-1 is approved. Yes, you can leave and return on stamped H-1 visa. The earliest you can return on stamped H-1 visa is Sep 20 (10 days prior to H-1 start date)
CP: COS stamping and CP are the same. They both carry chances of rejection based upon submitted documents and information.
Hi,
What is the cut off date for FY 2017 applications?
Regards
Jay
Jay,
Any petitions received b/w April 1 and April 7 will make the cut-off and will be part of lottery.
Thank you Saurabh 🙂
Wish you all the best for those who are panning to file for H1B this year.
I have a Question – If i apply Two H1B Petitions this year & What if both are picked in Lottery. what would be the situation will USCIS will reject both of them or can we withdraw one and go ahead with one selected one.
Please share your thoughts.
GGG,
If both are approved, you can pick one and go for stamping through it. The other one you can just ignore it.
How to start process for failing H1B 2017 ? What will be first step ?
Rushi,
Find an employer – that’s the first step.
small information to fools who think this year h1b petitions will be less because of increase in fees,dont assume that way, this year it will be more than 3L, as per the govt they say if there are 50 h1 w2 then fees for them is 4K extra or something near to that, every law has a loop hole my friends, after this every big company started minimum 3-4 small companies so that they can file more petitions, people find many ways for their purpose, however like last year i will file this year too minimum 4 petitions and see my luck
Oh. Last year you applied through 4 companies. Still it was not picked in lottery? Sad. I think there should be some luck also in your favour.
So, this year also we may expect more than 250000 petitions!.
No one will do so bro….
But yes fees hike will not cause much count drop… What I think is number should be 1.6 to 1.9 L this year.
You will not get through this year too with any number of petitions. My sympathy to u and people who work that way.
Sourabh, Kumar,
Any statistics on number of EAD H4 approved till date is available?
This may be relevent to any H1B2017 prediction as atleast half of them would be applying otherwise.
Trying Luck Again,
No such stats available.
BTW, if I get H-4 EAD approved, I would still try to get my own H-1. This way my status becomes independent of my spouse and we will have more options to stay in US in case H-1 holder loses job. Not sure how many H-4 holders would think this way. Obviously this assumes I am qualified for a H-1 job.
Still Finding genuine sponsor is notfeasy rght? Especially with increase on fees
What to expect for H1B 2017?
More than 300,000 petitions
Even after increase in fee? Hummm!!
what will be the chances of picking in lottery?
Hi Aditya,
I guess this year it is less than 2 lakh
I guess it will be less than 2,00,000 as the fee has been doubled
Hi Saurabh,
If i’m picked in lottery this year & gets rejected at consulate, will my lottery result holds good for the next year. Or do i need to go once again for the lottery
Mahesh,
If your petition is denied, then you have to go through the cap again.
If your petition is approved but visa stamping is denied, then you can still use it for cap-exempt purposes (no lottery). However, if the consulate sends the petition back to USCIS for reconsideration and USCIS revokes it, then it is not good for cap-exempt purposes.
I think it is hard for you to be picked in lottery.
HI Guys,
I am planing to apply my H1b through heightsIT.Any feedback on the above consultancy is Welcome.
Hi Saurabh,
I have a doubt like if the petition is selected in lottery but denied in the Rfe wil able to meet cap exempt criteria?
H1b 2017,
If the petition is denied, then it is not eligible for cap-exempt petition.
Hi There,
My wife working for Indian IT company, her H1B lottery was picked 2014. Till now she didn’t go for stamping, she is still continuing with same company. Is there any expiration date for picked profiles if they are not able to go for stamping in 3 years? She don’t have any documents with her on this regards, everything is with Company only.
How long her H1B file is valid and by what time she should go for stamping?
Please let me know the details.
Thanks in advance.
You know this is the problem, a big loophole by IT companies, I met a friend recently and she came to U.S but got her H1 picked up in 2014. You ruin chances of many who deserve, blaming the system.
Hope luck prevails this time around
Already Indians are takingup american job using H1B guys, U want doubt income through ur wife also…This is too much…why u want so much money in life and get other jobs
Srinivas,
She can appear for stamping anytime during the validity of her current petition. Once it expires, employer needs to file a cap-exempt petition for her which will carry a new validity period. She can then appear for stamping using the new petition during it’s new validity period.
Whenever she appears for stamping, she needs to carry recently dated documents.
Thanks both for your response. Just want to know is it valid for 3 years only (coz I am not sure) ?
Srinivas,
Not sure what document’s 3 year validity you are referring to. The original petition will have its own expiration date and the visa stamp will be issued only until petition expiration date. So if petition was approved for 3 years and you go for stamping after 1 year, then visa stamp will be valid for just 2 years.
When the employer applies for new cap-exempt petition, they would have to request a new term which can be max 3 years. USCIS will approve it for a certain term based on their review. The visa stamp will then follow the end date of this new petition.