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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. On April 27, 2016, we received your request for premium-processing of your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC1614855400, and mailed you a receipt notice. Your premium-processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you move, contact the premium-processing unit directly to update your address.

    Reply
  2. Chronology of H-1B Cap related updates from USCIS (2015 vs 2016)

    22APR2016 – Fiscal Year 2017 H-1B Cap Premium Processing to Begin May 12
    12APR2016 – USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for FY 2017
    07APR2016 – USCIS Reaches FY 2017 H-1B Cap
    16MAR2016 – USCIS Will Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2017 Beginning April 1, 2016

    14JUL2015 – USCIS Returns Unselected Fiscal Year 2016 H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions
    04MAY2015 – USCIS Completes Data Entry of Fiscal Year 2016 H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions
    14APR2015 – H-1B Cap Premium Processing to Begin April 27
    13APR2015 – USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for FY 2016
    06APR2015 – Delivery Service Error Guidance for FY16 H-1B Cap Filings
    07APR2015 – USCIS Reaches FY 2016 H-1B Cap
    12MAR2015 – USCIS Will Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2016 Beginning April 1, 2015

    Reply
  3. PLEASE ANSWER THIS!

    START DATE PER MY LCA IS AUG 31, 2016, MY OPT STEM EXTENSION EXPIRES ON JUNE 30, 2016. IF WE DO NOT GET AUTOMATIC CAP GAP EXTENSION IN MY CASE BECAUSE THE START DATE IS BEFORE OCT 1, 2016. AM I IN A PROBLEMATIC SITUATION BECAUSE I JUST HAVE 60 DAYS FROM OPT STEM EXPIRY DATE TO LEAVE THIS COUNTRY WHICH IS AUG 29, 2016?

    Reply
    • Prav,

      May I suggest giving CAPS key some rest and not typing in BOLD.

      Yes, you are correct. You have only 60 days post OPT completion to move to another status or leave US, in case you are not selected in lottery and get cap-gap.

      Reply
  4. Still waiting..NonAd/RP/VT…..Balglobal.
    They released few day before yesterday but i havent anyone received any reciept yesterday..

    Any update would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • No man. No one month. Just one week mostly 99% will complete.99% of the receipt should receive before May 6th. After that very very less. Hope for the best. let c.

      Reply
  5. I have emailed the Fragomen team if they received any Regular processing receipts. But they did not reply me till now.

    Earlier i asked them if my case was Regular or Premium, i got an immediate reply saying mine was a Regular processing case

    I think they do not want to share generic information about count of petitions and how many receipts were received etc.

    Reply
    • Still Waiting. Got email saying that they have started receiving receipts and updating all those who are selected.

      Reply
    • I have recived a mail saying –
      Our attorney’s receiving receipts of H1-B petitions selected in lottery one by one. Even though lottery is completed by USCIS but
      the processing of receiving receipts takes time and it will go up to May 15th.

      Meanwhile, we are updating individuals with receipt numbers as and when we get it from USCIS.

      There will be no update for the candidates not yet selected in the lottery. So please wait till May 15th patiently.
      We’ll be tracking closely on receipts and inform you by email.

      Reply
  6. Guys,

    My application is Non-AD/RP/CA. No news of cheque being en-cashed till date and did not get receipt notice. How long should I practically wait because I am thinking about switching jobs and need to take a decision fast.

    Reply
    • Per my lawyer, if you don’t receive any information by the end of May (or around 3 weeks after the data entry is completed), then you can assume you were not selected.

      Reply
      • But I believe they would complete encashing the cheques for all those selected much earlier for RP applications. Isnt it?

        Reply
    • Buddy. Wait for upto May 12 then execute your decision. I am also same situation now. Like you. let c. Hope for the best.

      Reply
  7. Hurreeeyyyyyyyy…… Just 5 min ago got the confirmation from Visa Team…I have been picked …..Thanks to all of you for praying me…it was nonAD/RP/CA
    All the best for all…

    Reply
  8. Guys,
    I raised AHD req today and they replied…..

    “Still we did not received any receipt. As soon as we received, we will send u a mail. Please wait.”

    Do you think they are telling truth. bcz CTS and some others already got their receipt…. Still infy didn’t received anything???? 🙁

    Reply
  9. End of May …means End of h1b this year….

    Be realistic do not drag hope till that long, maximum people getting receipts
    till max 1st week May.

    If you dont get it, move forward, work on something else.

    Relentlessly waiting under tree for too long is stupidity.

    Reply
  10. Any updates on Non-AD/RP/CA. Please update if any info. I think its very slow this week only few got receipts/Cash enchased. May be it will be huge next week.

    Reply
    • Common Guys….wake up

      50 % of IT crowd from india working in countries other then USA like Europe,Canada,UK,Asian countries Singapore, Japan.

      Then why few poeple are making this lottery luck as a life and death decision, seems strange.

      If your planA doesnt work in USA, then you should work on PlanB for other countries, If you dont have PlanB , it means God can
      understand well you also doesnt deserve for planA.

      Those 50 % Indian in other countries are not smarter or hard worker, all those people have different plans with them, and they
      truly deserve it, they are not sitting on their lap with 100 % dependency on Luck..

      I am also waiting for result but not with so much desperation.

      Reply
    • non-AD/RP/CA is not moving anywhere since april 11, where as non-AD/RP/VT the last receipt processed is on April 23’rd, not sure what the logic is.

      WAC1614451476 — April 11 is the last receipt generated

      EAC1614455549 –April 23’rd is the last receipt generated

      Reply
  11. I called both consultancies I applied through and they said they’ve only received Advanced Degree petitions so far..They asked me to wait till end of May before giving up..don’t lose hope guys..stay strong!!

    Reply
    • Hi Raman,

      What is your plan if both the petitions got selected. Are you planning to withdraw one immediately or will you wait till you go for stamping.
      Suppose if you are not selected in stamping, is it possible to use the second one.
      Asking just for curiosity.

      Reply
      • I heard from my friends that a few of their friends received the good news, but I think they all were PP.

        Reply
        • I am wondering whether Fragomen provides any information about cheque state (cashed or not). As I understood it is fast way to figure out result.

          Reply
          • I have filed through Fragomen and mailed them yesterday asking about the status. Following is the reply:

            “Your case was filed under regular processing, so it could still be a few weeks until we hear anything. Our office will update you once we receive notification either way.
            We are not pulling the check copies at this time. “

          • Mine is non-ad/pp but still not receive any news from employer. Fragomen is also the lawyer of the company. Can we still have any hope?

  12. from what we got to know from CTS GM team is they received 1st batch of receipts (only 20-30 receipts totally) are received so far. They are expecting minimum 3K receipts this year and the process will continue till may 3’rd week

    Reply
  13. @CTS,

    Am from infy, as i am not getting any updates , can u pls update me in ur whatsapp group atleast ??

    By the way how many membera ao far 🙂

    Reply
    • Dear All,

      Do we still have chances for Non-AD PP. I checked with my employer they have told me to wait and wait……

      Please share your thoughts and ideas.

      Reply
  14. Hello ,

    Am Non-Ad/RP/CA. My Employer shares info genuinely with me. He said he didn’t get any receipts till date applied by him and wen asked informed that even cheques didn’t get en-cashed for any one from his end.
    Is there any chance of cheques not getting encashed till date even its selected in lottery process..

    Thanks in Advance…

    Reply
  15. Finally got it. This is my third attempt. Received my receipt today from my Employer. Non-AD/RP.
    Good luck to all those waiting. God bless you.

    Reply
      • Which planet do you come from ?
        San Jose is City in California
        And again you are asking such dumb questions, hmmmm

        Anyways it is “California Service Center”

        Reply
      • @sudhakar california service center

        pls refer this https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=SC

        Thanks,

        Reply
  16. Raised AHD with GICS and INFY GI team is still saying that they have not received single confirmation on Lottery selection/cheque encashment from USCIS.

    GI team is just making employee fool ..Dont understand the reason behind this laziness of INFOSYS

    This really kills me…waiting period is so bad in INFOSYS.

    Reply
  17. Anyone from CTS Healthcare vertical got the receipt number? Also Please mention their vertical/horizontal who are reporting here on receipt emails. Just to figure out whether they’re sending out by verticals/BU.

    Reply
  18. IBMers have started getting the mail. THIS IS NOT A FAKE NEWS.

    My friend, who sits just just next to me got it, Second timer for H1 B, just like me.
    Her initials receipt code: WAC1614******.

    So rest all IBMers, Good Luck. Have faith in God. The Judgement is already made, BUt be patient for the result. I am trying to do the same. 🙂

    Reply

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