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.
“http://www.petition2congress.com/7637/abolish-h1b-visa-program/view/”
Sad to see few of the comments here.
Well we can’t deny that it is not true.
Good News for—- RP/Non-Ad and AD STILL A Hope……
immigrationgirl.com/updated-h-1b-lottery-receipt-results-as-of-april-27th-for-fy-2017/
Don’t Loose Hope……..
We have 3 of H1 applicants from our company and only 1 applicant’s checks have been cleared.
Is there any chance they might get picked for lottery later?
What I am asking is 3 people from same company can get into different batch system?
I mean remaining 2 applicants can picked later?
Yes it is always the case, you will get notified separately for each, if at all they got picked in lottery.
What are the chances for
AD / PP
Non-AD / PP
Congrats to all those who got selected.
I’m Non AD/RP candidate, I checked with my employer and my check hasn’t cashed yet. It seems luck didn’t favor me this year as well
@ Admin
This forum is really very helpful. All information you provided in this forum keeps us updated. Thank you so much for maintaining this forum.
Cheers !
First of all, i wanted appreciate this forum. It provides clear information on h1b and majority of the comments are both informative and supportive.
Are there any Hopes that we will hear about Non-AD/RP/CA after today. Especially form MNCs. As i see some of them released today. Will they they all at once are in batches ?
I can see very bad progress for NonAD-RP-CA….Even the count for received petitions are very less.Not sure what they are doing??
Today the CA center processed 4500 receipts so far where as Vermont has not even created half of them…
Wait and have patience for couple of weeks
As everyone say, I believe the last days is May 2 plus a week for getting the receipts through mail plus time to get informed
May 2 (Last date may be ) + 5 (Reciepts to come through mail ) + 2 (days to get informed) = May 9
Again May 9 only for US employees and staffing companies.
Wipro, CTS,TCS, TechM, IBM might even take more time to inform which could be on a later date
Source??
Hi, I applied through a consultancy. My consultant told my application is selected in lottery last Friday. When I ask for receipt number he told it will take few days. My doubt is without receipt number how can he say it is selected. Can any one clarify me.
Either your consultancy is not ready to share reciept number at this point or they might have found that your cheque is cashed.These are the only possibilities as fas as i know.Whatever it is you should be happy for the news..congrats..
What is the consultancy name which you applied thru?
Any Hopes for NON-AD/RP/VT………….
or alert(“Game Over for This year”).
Does Any one from IBM Got receipt number?
Yes my IBM teammate got receipt number non-Ad/RP/VT.
AD RP – OPT expiring Sep 30
Quick question to those who are in same boat..
Does the selected H1 petitions with Cap Gap get processed on or before Sep 30 ?
Or Should they upgrade for Premium processing?
Is there any relation with RFE to premium processing?? (So many rumors on it!!)
All the best for those who got selected and Good luck for those who are waiting…
My OPT expires on Oct 4. So, I cant even apply for 7 months extension, falling short of it by 2 days. I know this is not the forum to discuss STEM extension over here, but if my H1-B doesn’t get picked this year, I don’t think I stand a chance for this 7 months extension too.
Am i right ?
Yep.. got some near answer here.. but looking for more and detailed info.
Please guide. Lots of experts and experienced in the threads.. that’s y I like to post here
immigrationgirl.com/automatic-cap-gap-or-stem-opt-extension-which-should-you-choose/
Got it! Thanks!
Guys I believe CTS,TCS and Wipro will get atleast 3000 applications selected each in this year 2017
For regular do USCIS send an email or mail the receipt no. to the employer/attorney.
Mail
Congratulations for all those who got selected. Good luck guys
anyone recieve reciept number or check encashed today for non-AD/RP/CA
California- last application processed is till April 11
Vermont -last application processed till April 23
Source ?
Last year (2015) on the first Monday of May (May4th 2015), USCIS announced this. Do we expect something like this, this year as well. And what does it mean.
Moderator/ Admin / Experienced applicants – can you share what you know.
“USCIS Completes Data Entry of Fiscal Year 2016 H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions
USCIS announced May 4, 2015, that it has completed data entry of all fiscal year 2016 H-1B cap-subject petitions selected in our computer-generated random process. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected. Due to the high volume of filings, the time frame for returning these petitions is uncertain. USCIS asks petitioners to not inquire about the status of submitted cap-subject petitions until they receive a receipt notice or an unselected petition is returned. USCIS will issue an announcement once all the petitions have been returned.
Last Reviewed/Updated: 05/04/2015”
That way first Monday this year is May 2nd 2016.
Last year – dont confuse – this is past year.
USCIS Returns Unselected Fiscal Year 2016 H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions
USCIS announced on July 14, 2015, that it completed processing the return of fiscal year 2016 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected in our computer-generated random selection process.
USCIS previously announced on May 4, 2015, that it completed data entry of all selected cap-subject petitions.
If you submitted an H-1B cap-subject petition between April 1 and April 7, 2015 and have not received a receipt notice or a returned petition by July 20, 2015, you may contact USCIS.
waiting is killing
Any update from Balglobal
Nope.. I am waiting too.. i guess am already dead 🙂
Seems like that..we are already dead. May be day or two..
I heard that they send few yesterday.
Only Difference is I am Non-AD/RP/VT
Bal Global , received mail today
NonAD /PP/CA
kahani abhi baki hai dost !!! stay tuned PP non AD
My attorney is BAL too, no updates.
AD/PP
Even I am waiting my attorney is BAL
Non AD /RP/CA
Any updates from TCS?
Ohh my God..This waiting is killing me…NonAD/RP/CA..Loosing hope
SAME HERE…
h1bslaughteragain
Hi All,
I am working in Cognizant Bangalore MBP today I have received email from One Communicator (Cognizant) at 7:43 pm IST : H-1B New CAP-2016: Receipt Notice Received. I am very happy first time NON-AD/RP/CA. Client Walmart F2 Building.
Congrates buddy… Wish you best luck..
Hope so my no. should also come early….
Shouldn’t it be H 1B cap 2017? Typo or Fake? Lol
Hello CognizantH1B
As It was a manual entry with regards to your email , I believe its a typo .
Congrats!!!
OMG need to wait may to June..my friend’s husband got selected in the lottery he applied through the consultancy…Really this waiting process is terrible…Its looks like almost selected members got news..really loosing hopes…
Thanks for your reply saurab..As you said need to wait till June ,we don’t have other option as we dint receive any reference number atleast..We hope best…Really this is paining first time only we are thinking this much ,I can understand the others pain who are waiting from more than one year..All the best friends…
h1bslaughteragain
Waiting waiting waiting….
Non AD/RP
Your husband’s friend is idiot. Why could not he find a real job? Fake consultancies!
I contacted my employer and they said the Cheque hasn’t been encashed yet. Does it mean my lottery wasn’t picked ? Or do they encashed Cheque only while sending the receipts ?
Yes
USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Sunday, May 1, 2016, from 5:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (Eastern).
During this time, our online tools will be unavailable, including:
Check My Case Status
e-Request
Change of Address Online
Check Processing Times
Civil Surgeon Locator
FOIA Status Check
Office Locator
Forms by Mail
in one of the blogs it is mentioned that USCIS is having a maintanence on may 1’st, after which all the results will be published.
Has anyone from State Street got H1B?
I am AD/PP/VT
Lawyer informed that he has not received receipts for any of the applications filed by them. Worried!
Non AD/ RP/ VT….eagerly waiting….is there still any chance left???
Any one here from Capgemini FS? Any updates?
From Capgemini.. No updates yet.. Did not hear that anyone got an update..
AD / RP / CA
Been informed this morning that my petition got picked in the lottery. Case was received on 04/11/2016, receipt arrived today. 2nd time, single petition.
Cheers and good luck y’all,
Just got the news from attorney .. My case was picked in the lottery.
I work for a global consumer electronics brand. Another classmate working in the same company got it too.
First and last chance for MBAs ..
GOOD LUCK to : Genuine applicants & last chance people.
Congrats buddy – fellow MBA, first and only chance who got it.
Any One From Emandi law firm got any update?
Did anyone who applied for NON – AD/RP through Emandi Law Firm get update?
There’s always a question . Y not me ?
If USCIS completes the data entry in a week of time , then there are slim chances for all Applicants..
Last year it was May 4th that USCIS announced that it completed data entry for all applications…
This question is for “Regarding IBM Shipping Details Updates”. Have a few of the IBMers already started getting the receipt mail from USCIS ? If so, how many of such cases you know of (for regular processing / Non-Adv Degree) and from when has it started. Please post concrete news and not just random ones 🙁
Wipro Guys..
Any Update from GIMS Peoples..
NO Updates Bro…
CTS Folks :- How did you got notified that you are selected ?
Is it via Cognizant email or GM team
Someone as Posted already
APRIL 27, 2016
REPLY CTSH1Bselected
to all CTS ppl,
I got mail at 10:48 AM ET today with the receipt number. The subjects reads “Post Processing Notification for you: Conversion to H-1B: Receipt Notice Received”
Dude..You will notify via email..
Any one from accenz llc get an update
No Bro. I haven’t heard anything as of now
AD/RP/VT, 1st and only attempt, got picked in lottery!!
Received call from employer on 4/25 evening that they have received the receipt. They haven’t forwarded it to me yet but I have been so excited on hearing the news. Best wishes and prayers with all fellow applicants waiting to hear, and Congratulations to those who have already heard back!!
Does USCIS print Receipt number on the back of the check?
On the front( upper right corner)
Any One From Crest Tek LLC got any update
Anybody from Balglobal
Balgobal sent out all the receipts
Thanks for the update..May i know the source
Hi,
According to my consultancy, my cheque is not cashed yet. t is Non-AD/RP/VT.
Do you think there is still a chance or no hope now?
Thanks in advance
If check was not encashed, it means your application was not picked
Hi,
You still have ample time, at least till next Friday.. Keep ur hopes alive. Me too H4 to H1 conversion with 6yrs IT experience. Good luck!!
Yes chances are there
to all CTS ppl,
I got mail at 10:48 AM ET today with the receipt number. The subjects reads “Post Processing Notification for you: Conversion to H-1B: Receipt Notice Received”
Glad to see bro. Congrats and wish you all the best!
@ 10:48 Am CTS,
Which Business unit are you ???
Congrats! Wish we could also receive those golden words!
Looks like nervous moments are started for CTS guyz. B cool guyz..Let it come.. Dont expect too much..
Infy H1B, guys Tasha is online 😀 🙂
Did anyone ping her ?
I did
What did she tell??
Did she give any updates ?
Hello everyone,
Got mail from my employer today evening at 8pm (ist) stating that my application got picked- NON-AD/RP/VT -First time application. Medical field.
Congratulations to all the ones selected for fy 2017 and ALL THE BEST TO THE ONES AWAITING THEIR RESULT.
be positive alws!! 🙂
CTS guys Its official now they are sending mailers for the selected and 1st lot is already done from yest evening till today evening. gud luck for next batch guys… this is killing
Where did you came to know about this news bro? GM team?
Any idea , how many were in first batch ?
Approx 40-50 receipts
Even GM team told me the same thing, they have notified candidates whoever got receipts.. But they have received only few receipts.. Not sure about count..
Opened mailbox 15-20 times today to see whether getting any notification for h1b …
No Luck yet… still waiting..
Nothing to worry as long as your case is closed in INSZOOM. I have verified with some of the IBMer’s whose petition got selected. For them the SHIPPING Details are NOT Updated in INSZOOM.
Are you sure?
I guess the shipment details section has nothing to do with the actual shipment, I have confirmed from last year selected person, for him it was blank and yet he was selected. All above, if the organization is paying fee for h1 and the lawyer which you can see in your H1 petition, why on earth they won’t ship it to USICS.
However, my shipping details were not updated last year and this year its there, but again this is nothing to do with anything.
So lets hope we get the golden ticket 🙂 eagerly waiting 🙂 2nd time,.,.,.,.,.
Finally got it, Non AD/RP, second attempt.
Wishing luck to everyone waiting for the results.
Any news from Nichesoft solutions ?
Hey Nikhi,
Even I am waiting for any update from Niche soft…
I got email reply from niche that they don’t have any updates till date so whenever they get any updates will inform me..
so fingers cross and hope for positive result…
Everyone has some updates except nichesoft. ?
They responded to my mail saying that “soon will update you”
Any updates today? From nichesoft
I am also waiting… Applied from nichesoft solutions.. H4 to h1… scared ?
Me TOO .. Nichesoft comes under VT I suppose