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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

  1. Just got email from attorney that my case was picked. Non-AD/RP.

    Tried 2nd time single petition both times.

    All the best to all others who are waiting.

    Reply

  3. Got my receipt today about half an hour back. I am AD/RP/VT. Do not have any other details. I could see on my employer’s website. All the best to everyone

    Reply

  4. Hello people,

    Heard from attorney today that AD/PP/CA was selected. No mention about when the receipt was generated but most probably today since people in my company have been receiving updates since 14th April. So please do not spread rumours and demotivate other by saying no more PP getting done. If it’s meant to be, it will be. No point worrying guys!

    Reply

  6. NON AD/RP, from Indian company
    just came to know my check got enchased/cleared.
    2nd attempt
    my employer location is Michigan.
    had one doubt when will be visa interview in India in embassy?

    Reply

  7. Congratulations for all those who got selected 🙂

    Good luck for all those who are waiting (including Myself).

    Have faith. Have Hope and Believe Your-self. We will definitely win

    Neither lottery nor this H1B can destroy our power. We will fight again and again and again until we achieve our goal because we are strong.

    Reply

    • Yes. I work for VeryBadTechSoft Inc. My cheque cashed out long back, got the receipt, H1B stamped and flying to US tomorrow.

      Reply

  10. Hello all,

    I have emailed the DSO of my University and got the reply. Please guide me….

    “Your status is active Cap Gap OPT, SEVIS ID NXXXXXXXX8. I do see that you have a change of status pending.

    If you are seeking your H-1B status and have a receipt number, please contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at 1 800-375-5283. If you do not have your receipt number, you should contact the employer that filed the original petition.

    For information about cap gap please visit our website here: http://www.xxxxxxx.edu/content/cis/xxxx/employment-authorization/h1b-and-cap-gap.html. You are eligible to apply for a cap gap extension now.”

    Reply

    • Imran,

      It means you have been selected in the lottery. Your employer should receive receipt number soon. Once you have that, send a copy to your DSO. Once you have receipt number, you can track it online on USCIS site.

      Reply

  12. I am not in indian society but am writing down as this website was really helpful on process.
    I just heard from a lawyer that the check was cashed out today.
    non AD/ RP/ VT & my 3rd attempt
    Thanks Lord!
    I will pray for everyone who needs to get approved this year! Good Luck!

    Reply

  13. Hi,

    My husband applied from his company.I don’t have knowledge about this h1 b..By reading this article I got some info.why can’t USCIS people send emails immediately to persons whether they are selected or not.There is no hope for us but just simply we want to know yes or no.that’s it..I think my husband’s is RP so we have to wait until may 15th right.?. Congratulations guys who got picked in the lottery…

    Thanks..

    Reply

    • Vkk,

      I agree that the process could be better and they seem to be making “baby step” improvements every year.

      Also, there is no May 15 deadline for RPs. Going by past few years, RPs continued to trickle down throughout May-June.

      Reply

  14. what my consultancy told was they are getting 3-4 mails a day and they dont get bulk mails.And we can wait upto May 15 to rule out our possibilities.10% they got so far, mostly masters.

    Reply

  15. AD/RP/VT Checked with DSO today and they said there is status change pending request on my SEVIS, no receipt number. Didn’t heard anything from lawyer and employer. Does it mean I’m selected or not? Thanks!

    Reply

  16. too tensed about the lottery result.
    Non-AD/RP
    Hope that most of the genuine applicants, including me get selected .
    Best of luck to all of you as well

    Reply

    • No updates from fragomen for our company as well for regular processing. And they filed close to 400 H1Bs from our company

      Reply

      • I got the update from Fragomen. They have the IHP portal where they updates the receipt number. No communication will be sent except to your employer.

        Reply

          • Contact your HR to reach out to Fragomen. I saw a comment on redbus that they generally update the IHP between 4 to 6 that is 9 PM EST or so. Mine is updated same time at 9.20 PM EST last Friday.

    • even myself waiting for an update from fragomen
      AD/RP

      Think they send the results to all at once.

      any idea how to setup accout in IHP Portal. I dont have any instructions from them to setup an acocunt there.

      thank yo

      Reply

      • The instructions come when the employer initiated H1b and you have been asked fill the questionnaire.
        If there is a separate department for your employer doing all these.. you will not have access. Few of my friends in NTT has done the same as I did. Fragomen contacts me directly through mails and I submit the docs by IHP. Sorry if you do not have access to IHP.

        Reply

  22. @Cognizant H1B,

    But whats ur opinion on the rumour ???

    GM is very busy,all ways am getting ” Ur call is important to us, but all our analyst r busy attending the calls”

    Wondering busy even now ??????

    Reply

  27. To all cts,

    Guys, i checked with many of them and nothing is happening from GM

    Am not sure why these ass holes spread rumour and why not if they really bother to show the exact email or what ever notification that they got from Global mobility

    If not lets wait till the real ones post the real data

    Good luck fake cts retards

    Reply

    • Wait for a couple more days.. I know its hard to focus on work and talk normally to frens and family.. You need to cope with all these things.. Wish you all the best..

      Reply

    • Dear CTS Folks,

      Me and one of my colleague received the Receipt Number from Global Mobility today evening.

      Best of Luck for the Aspirants.

      Reply

  28. Our company applied total 22…..yesterday got confirmation of 5 (non ad-RP-VT).

    I am still waiting for mine. But looks like game is over.

    Reply

  30. my lawyer is not telling me the check status and nor is my school telling me about my SEVIS. Any other way to know? 🙁

    Reply

    • Don’t worry about it. Be calm, if you are lucky you will get an email or a call from employer. Don’t read all the comments and get more frustrated. You have time till end of next month, Keep smiling.

      Cheers!

      Reply

  32. Any updates from GICS Infosys ?
    Anybody received receipt numbers from Infosys?

    Non AD RP 1st time

    Guys please say either Yes or No so that we will know how many infoscions are active in this forum

    My current status is AcknowledgeFromUSCIS.

    Reply

  33. Learned logarithm and probability in the school. But finally found a way to use logarithm for my life through H1b.

    If we assume same trend for H1b for coming years (NON – AD with 33% chance), then 90% chance would need: log (base .67) .10 = 5.74 = 6 tries = 6 years with a single application!!!

    Reply

  34. Any updates from GICS Infosys ?
    Any body received receipt numbers from Infosys?

    Non AD RP 1st time

    Guys please say either Yes or No so that we will know how many infoscions are active in this forum

    My current status is AcknowledgeFromUSCIS.

    Reply

  35. Second attempt-AD/RP/CA. I don’t see receipt on insZOOM website for fragomen. Checked with my DSO to see if there is any update on my SEVIS account. It has change of status pending with receipt number WAC*** but my DSO warned me not to believe this as lottery result and wait for physical receipt update. Am confused with DSO’s comment? Did i get selected this time?

    Reply

    • 2ndAttempt/AD/RP/CA

      There is no need to get confused . Your OPT status will be updated to CAP-Gap status , if your OPT is about to expire sometime before Oct 1st and only if your H1 got selected in Lottery .

      Even my SEVIS got updated yesterday and am still waiting for Receipt number to come . My employer said they will get in regular mail and we should receive it by this week .

      btw, mine is also AD/RP/CA .

      Don’t get panic. Relax . Congrats on your selection . Just confirm with your DSO , about the status again .

      My DSO refused to give receipt info and she just said, my status got changed to “Cap-Gap” and asked me to submit a form for Cap-Gap I20 as my OPT is ending soon.

      Thanks

      Reply

      • I am non AD/RP/VT checked with my DSO April 20th and there was no change on my SEVIS, does that mean I wasn’t selected? I would really like to know to see what I have to do next, or should I keep waiting, I am a really inpatient person and can’t even with this wait :/

        Reply

      • @Prasad B: Thanks and congrats to you too. My OPT extension expires Nov 2nd. I think that’s why my DSO didn’t mention anything about CAP-Gap.

        Reply

  36. I got selected last year from Tcs. From my exp NON AD / RP guys should get mails in the next 3-4 days.. 90% shud get it b4 april 30..
    Rest 10% by may 10th..
    Wish you luck..

    Reply

  38. My petition is AD/RP/VT. The filing checks were en-cashed on Thursday, 21 April and the receipt number printed at the back of the checks was EAC1614253XXX. I guess the receipt was generated on Wednesday, 20 April.

    I am assuming that my application was picked up in the lottery but haven’t received any receipt notice yet. Just wanted to know if anyone is in a similar situation?

    Reply

  39. Hi everyone! I called my SEVIS coordinator and she checked my SEVIS record. She saw something like that

    Change of Status PENDING EAC161XXXXXXX

    “F-1 status and employment authorization for this student have been automatically extended to September 30, 2016. The student is authorized to remain in the United States and continue employment with an expired employment authorization document. This is pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(iv) and 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv), as updated April 8, 2008 in a rule published in the Federal Register (73 FR 18944). Additional information about the automatic extension can be found on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program Website at http://www.ice.gov/sevis.”

    When I check the status of this petititon

    On April 11, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC161XXXXXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 11, 2016, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

    Does it mean I`ve been picked by lotter? I`m Non AD- Regular Processing- Vermont

    I`ve called USCIS and they don`t give any info to me. So I`ve called my attorney and they will call and confirm it.

    Reply

  40. Rocky Balboa’s Inspirational Speech To His Son :

    Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!

    Reply

  42. Guys so much tensed after reading all comments…..eagerly waiting to be selected just like all those waiting….cogratz to people who selected so far….Hope genuine people who have worked their ass…. get the H1B

    Reply

  43. H1B Lottery breakdown

    Does any one know these numbers below or know any link where I can find them ? (past years data)

    How many applicants went in to lottery ?
    How many were :
    – Advanced degree / Regular
    – Premium processing / Regular processing
    – Accepted (Advanced degree / Regular)

    Reply

  45. Today, did anyone receive mail or receipt number from their employer/attorney for AD/RP ?

    Thanks and good luck to all 🙂

    Reply

    • Dont give up guys…. I have seen many people who couldn’t get through in to lottery last time,
      are well settled to Canada,Australia, UK, Europe by different ways
      like Australia PR, Canada PR, Tier2 Visa UK and some got sponsorship by other companies.
      I dont believe in hope, faith is the things which leads to success, and you should have faith in your guts…. dont sit on luck….if luck works fine…otherwise lets move forward and show some guts ,get in to another country .

      Reply

  46. Dont give up guys…. I have seen many people who couldn’t get through in to lottery last time,
    are well settled to Canada,Australia, UK, Europe by different ways
    like Australia PR, Canada PR, Tier2 Visa UK and some got sponsorship by other companies.
    I dont believe in hope, faith is the things which leads to success, and you should have faith in your guts…. dont sit on luck….if luck works fine…otherwise lets move forward and show some guts ,get in to another country .

    Reply

  47. Are startups or small businesses with less than 50-100 employees exempt from H1B cap?
    Other than jobs at government and non-profit organizations what are cap exempt opportunities to look for?

    Reply

  48. NON AD/RP – Just received Receipt EACXXXXXXXXX from my consultant, many thanks to redbus for voluntarily updating seasons’s progress to help anxious people like me!

    The status says “On April 11, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACXXXXXXXXX, and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice.

    Good Luck to all of you folks!!

    Reply

  49. AD/PP/CA Still waiting for my lottery.

    It is so frustrating to wait. Even with advanced degree and so much work experience, I might need to go back.

    When should I think I need to pack my bag and prepare for departure?

    Reply

  50. Hi,
    Information here is quite good and really helping me and other people who are waiting for result.
    My company has filled my H1 visa (regular) and I am not sure till what time I have to wait to check if my petition is selected or rejected. Last year, I was notified on September end.
    By reading comments, I presume, that premium processing is completed which means that lottery is already conducted for all applicants (i.e. premium + regular) and till now all premium applicants are notified. By which date they will start releasing notification (i.e. accepting check) for regular visa applicant?

    I got a mail from my company saying that they will notify us within next 8 weeks from the day lottery is conducted (which means that 3 weeks are almost completed). Is it correct?

    Reply

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