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

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. Hi IBMers,

    How can I know that my petition has sent to USCIS or not?

    I got one a default mail regarding the submission but
    so many people is saying that if your shipping log in INSZoom is updated then it has been sent but mine is not updated.
    Any one who’s shipping log is not updated in INSZoom and got picked in lottery?

    Please share any information if you have because Immigration team is not providing any help in this.

    My case is Non-AD/RP but no one giving any response.

    Reply
    • I will tell you the way to check whether a LCA (pre-H1b ) is filed and certified by employer. Only Certified LCA are sent to USCIS along with other documents. Many LCAs get denied as well. Make sure you have cleared the first step first.

      https://icert.doleta.gov/
      Filter by employer and work location. You should find your LCA application.

      Reply
    • I will tell you the way to check whether a LCA (pre-H1b ) is filed and certified by employer. Only Certified LCA are sent to USCIS along with other documents. Many LCAs get denied as well. Make sure you have cleared the first step first.

      Go to ICERT portal
      Filter by employer and work location. You should find your LCA application.

      Reply
  2. Check cashed on 20th April, AD/RP. Still waiting for receipt. Anyone in a similar situation as me? How many days does it take to get receipt?

    Reply
    • My 2 friends got selected in Lottery, they have received email yesterday. both are lucky to have selected in first attempt

      Reply
    • Hey KK,

      My checks got encashed on 21 April. There is a receipt number on the back of checks (EAC161425XXXX). I guess the receipt was generated on 21 April.

      My attorney has not received a receipt notice yet. Waiting for the receipt anxiously.
      What are the first 5 digits after EAC on ur receipt number?

      Reply
      • Receipt number will be on the check only if the employer has paid for it. There’s an additional fee for it. Not all cashed checks will have receipt number. My employer does it only in case of emergency. I don’t know my receipt number.

        Reply
        • Thats not entirely true. My employer did not pay any additional money to get the receipt number printed on the back of the check.
          Only additional fee you can pay is for premium processing.

          Nevertheless, lets wait for a couple of days. I thinks our attorneys should get the receipt notice by tomorrow.

          Reply
  3. My friend residing in Oregon State has received E-mail on 25-01-2016 i.e. on Monday. So AD/PP game not over yet. This is 100 % trustworthy news. Be hopeful.

    Reply
  4. Vermont center, 1st attempt, AD/RP, package received by USCIS on April first.
    no news yet…

    A few friends with PP, two haven’t received, but one received notification.

    Reply
  5. i got selected in lottery ,it seems i can only work from october 1
    now my question is what technology i need to learn now to get job in october

    Reply
    • NON AD/RP are getting receipts. Its not fake news and I’ve seen personally. As some mentioned here it is just beginning. So don’t worry. This is my third time.

      Reply
  6. CTS, TCS, Infy, Capgemini/Igate, TechM, Accenture – I don’t think any of these companies have officially started sending the receipt numbers. There are some people who claim to have already got updates from these companies. Either they are lying or they are getting the updates through some other means (thru some contacts etc).

    I don’t think they will send the receipt numbers till mid of may. All these companies work the same. They want to play it safe and avoid any questions from employees. So they wont release the receipt numbers on time.

    Reply
    • How can we know whether employer applied mine.Simply they said applied and got confirmation mail..But they dint give us any number..is there any chance to know by checking email or company name etc.Am thinking that company is playing game..Please reply..Thanks in advance…

      Reply
    • Heights IT is a big fraud, do not resign from your current job. Expect RFE even if it gets selected, then expect 221g and then expect return from POE. If none of this happens, expect misery in a guest house.

      Reply
      • One of my relative is already working with HeightsIT.
        Can you share if you have any personal experience.. ?

        Thanks for your input.

        Reply
  7. If your petition got selected in the lottery, you would have received an email with the receipt number from Post processing application, along with the photo copy of the receipt notice. However we have received only 1st batch and we are expecting this process to run for entire may, we will be able to give you the final confirmation only by June 2 week.

    Reply
  8. I am working with an Indian MNC and they have sponsored H1B. My client is in telecom domain and we have provided the needed docs. If SOW is getting expired, RFE will be issued for client letter,SOW. But unfortunately i got released due to project ramp down and moved to Insurance client within same employer . During RFE, if i submit all documents related to new client will they reject/deny my petition ?

    Reply
    • yeah same here. I checked my SEVIS status and said it is still ACTIVE. I was AD/RP/VT, I think I wasn’t selected in the lottrey, call it quits.

      Reply
      • You guys are not the only ones, I checked with DSO April 20 and no changes, I just need to know because if I wasn’t selected I need to move on and get out of the place where I’m at and keep with my school. I read in a blog that sometimes SEVIS takes some time to update, do you think that is true, and maybe our SEVIS will change later?? I am NonAD/RP/VT I mean is already April the 27th so I would think updates would have been done by now right?? well what to do what to do

        Reply
          • Oh no, I’m not leaving, will keep studying and try next year 🙂 or maybe we don’t need it and we will get selected you never know!!! I don’t give up that easily but it sucks hahaha hope you get your email of selection soon 🙂

  9. Got call from the consultant …. Got through the H1B lottery… Oh god I am so happy … Wish u all luck for others.

    NON-AD/RP/VT first attempt

    Reply
  10. INFOSYS …is damn slow in this process.. They must have got the confirmation for many of the application but keeping with them purposely.

    I am still waiting for news…..

    Reply
    • I don’t think so that infy is keeping the updates with them. Looking the thousands of application that they filed it might be the case that they are receiving result in batches & will do mass update in system . its my 2 nd attempth hoping for best _/\_

      Reply
  11. Infy, CTS, TCS, Wipro,

    We have been hearing that few people got their receipts in the above mentioned companies but no one is sharing the receipt number.

    I have not heard any of my friends getting an receipt. I believe this is fake news. If anyone has really got a receipt, please share the receipt number.

    /Thanks

    Reply
    • You cannot demand others to share their receipt numbers. Why would someone lie to you ? Just wait for your turn to hear news

      Reply
  12. Boss its not a fake news. ONe of my friend in my project got the receipt number in mail. And also receipt PDF is uploaded in post processing app. Non-AD/CA/Regular

    Reply
  13. Infinite Computing solutions inc, are they genuinely filing the visas ??
    Just to make sure, could you pls reply “Looking second time”…

    Reply
  14. I am one of the unluckiest person.. Last year my petition was selected in lottery and after couple of months got an update in uscis tracking site that my f ee is refund.. When contacted they said it was wrongly selected in lottery.. This year i have filed again n waiting for my lottery results.. God pls have mercy on me

    Reply
    • Infinite Computing solutions inc, are they genuinely filing the visas ??
      Just to make sure, could you pls reply “Looking second time”…

      Reply
    • Dude,

      Your post doesn’t have any supporting email text or sample receipt number. GIS hasn’t yet announced any such info. Please stop creating unrest to people’s mind.

      Reply
      • @CTS_emp Can you please share your vnet, I can share the evidences. I have seen it in person those mails.

        Also if you have received the receipt notice then you can track those in a new app called post processing in 1C.

        Reply
  15. Howmuch chances are left for Non-AD/PP ? USCIS states that they will start processing application no later than 12th May 2016. Is there any hope until 12th May ?

    Reply
    • Zero mate. Sorry to break it to you, but PP is done, for both AD and Non-AD. Am Non-AD/ PP myself and accepted my fate already last week.

      Reply
  16. There are 3 friends in Capgemini who have received receipt number from Mobility team. They received it today afternoon IST.

    They are from Bangalore and had to personally visit Mobility team and ask for Updates and as per them after lot of Persuasion they received the Confirmation.

    They all are Non-AD/RP

    Reply
  17. Are you sure TCS started sending out the mails for selected people, If yes let us know if anyone of you guys from TCS got the mail.

    Reply
  18. Hi guys,

    I am a Non AD/ RP first timer applicant, working for a MNC. I have been granted admission for Masters at a German university, which is due to start in August (which was my plan B if the petition does not get picked up). I have a notice period of 3 months. My employer is not ready to give me information about the application.
    What should I do guys

    Reply
  19. As per the information i got from my frnd in mobility team this week will be only for PP and AD if any. RP will get notified only by next week. Keep Calm 🙂

    Reply
  20. Any idea %wise how many left from VT for non-AD/RP/VT. I am eagerly waiting to hear good news for me. Looking at the updates it looks like majority of cases will be done by this friday itself.

    Reply
  21. None of my friends in CTS has been notified. So it seems they haven’t started sending mails.. People should refrain from posting fake news. May be we will have to wait some more time..

    Reply
  22. Just checked the USCIS status page and my case has status “Case was received”. I’ve also got the receipt from the attorney.

    Typically, how long does it take for the case to get approved?

    Cheers,
    ZK

    Reply
  23. Mine is Non-AD/PP. I have not received the receipt number so far. Is there any chance of getting it? Till when i can expect it?

    Reply
  24. Hi tcs, jus spoke with the GICS team, and it looks like the tcs hav notified the 1st batch having count of 259 candidates

    Reply

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