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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. Hi folks,
    Anyone got receipt for RP/Vermont Center or ACI InfoTech.
    Looks like it’s over for me ,as I received nothing so far.

    Reply

  4. Hey guys,

    I just got my receipt number and when I enter into USCIS case status it says “case was received” on 11th April. I am AD/RP/CA. I just want to confirm that this means I got picked up in the lottery and now have to wait for approval.. Correct?

    Any guidance will be helpful. 🙂

    Reply

  5. AD/RP/CA
    Single application. First time. Real job-real company.
    Got the receipt today.
    Good luck honest guys who deserve it!

    Reply

  6. ADRPVT folks,

    My receipt was generated on 20 April. Check cashed on 21 April. Got the receipt notice today 🙂

    Just hang in there.

    Reply

  7. I just got news from my employer that I got picked up in lottery that is really very exciting for me.What will be next step ?Is this will direct interview in Indian Embassy or still have some filter at USIC ?

    Reply

  8. Messages slowly decreasing does this mean people who are picked in lottery are increasing …

    AD/PP completed (as per updates are all major forums )
    Non-AD/RP guys have some chances till this Friday .

    Reply

  11. Dear Friends,

    My check is not enchased . California Non-AD / RP ..Do you guys think we still have hopes ..My assumptions game is over ?
    Atleast by now check should be encashed kada.

    Thanks,
    Trump

    Reply

  12. Since lottery is done, so all the selected receipts belonging to one particular employer should be sent all together. Why will USCIS send the receipts in batches to the same address.
    My employer has got some receipts in which i am not there, i have lost hope and i really dislike this process, so many have stopped living there normal life just to wait.

    Reply

  13. Guys.. my cheque is still not encashed.. non Ad/RP… spoke with the consultancy thy got 10 receipts n my name is not present…
    Is it worth waiting …
    Consultancy ppl not replying.. atleast some1 reply me here..

    Reply

    • No even i am waiting for the update from Accenz LLC, Non AD/RP
      yesterday i did send an email they said that they are receiving the receipts not sure
      but they has no update on my case

      Reply

    • Hi,
      Even I’m waiting to hear from Accenz LLC. They said they have received more than 40 so far.. Waiting to hear good news… All their packages went to CA Center… Let’s keep our hope for one more week…

      -Camilla

      Reply

  20. God! Thank you so much!! I got the receipt number around 11.30 PM. I am working in IBM. Non AD/RP. All the very best guys!! Dont lose your hope!!

    Reply

  21. My employer tell me my check was cashed last week. But he do not share the receipt number with me . He only said will let me know when it’s start to processing . Do you know why they do not tell me the receipt number ??

    Reply

  23. HR informed me last Friday when I asked if checks had been en-cashed, that money for the filing fees for my petition has indeed come out of their account. But they also said that this does not tell them whether my petition got picked or not. I have still not received a receipt. What do you guys think?
    Non ad/RP/VT

    Reply

  25. All my dear friends, just wanted to let you all know that I received the receipt yesterday. My employer came to know on 04/19 that the check en-cashed and gave me this good news. AD/RP/VT. It was my last of the last chance. Just have faith in God. Right things come on right time.

    Reply

  26. I checked with GI Team yesterday and got to know that they have received few notice receipts and they were updating the GICS as and when they got updated.

    I am still waiting… Non-AD / RP – 3rd Attempt

    Reply

  27. I have a heavy doubt.
    How ppl in india are getting notified in morning.
    And ppl in USA also from morning to evening
    ??

    Reply

  29. Congratulation to all those who got selected

    I’m waiting for mine NON AD/RP/CA. Dono whether I’m still waiting or already lost hope …I’m following this forum right from the beginning . People here motivate each other and gives us hope. But for the past 2 days I wanted to get away from this forum … But couldn’t say good bye as something pulling me to check this forum for every 10 mins. I cann’t stop myself doing this. No check enchased yet and no update from my employer. Hope already fades . Thank you all for the motivation and prayers.

    God has got some other plan for me and my journey continues as per his wish .

    I wish you good luck for all those who are waiting.

    Reply

    • Saranya,
      I am with you no need to worry, you must check this forum for regular updates. As we are having some good hearted people who is providing wise comments. As far i know results for RP is not yet rolled out. Have your hopes alive, wishing you all the very best..
      With Love,
      Dharma

      Reply

  30. Infosys folks please let me know if you received any update .. Still I didnt receive any mail 🙁

    Also please add me me if there is any whatsapp group for h1b 2017 groups..
    Else let me know I will create one group for getting updates from everyone .

    Mobile : 8883321615

    Reply

  31. Thank You redbus2us, I learned a lot from here.
    My only one petition got picked up. Non-Ad/RP CA. My sponsor emailed me today.
    First timer 🙂

    Hope all will get picked soon.

    God Bless

    Reply

  32. Thank You redbus2us, I learned a lot from here.
    My only one petition got picked up. Non-Ad/RP CA.
    First timer 🙂

    Hope all will get picked soon.

    God Bless

    Reply

  33. Just received an email from Fragomen that I got picked in the lottery. AD/RP/CA. I would like to thank this forum for all the updates over the years!

    4th attempt! Had to return to India last year… finally the wait is over. USA here I come! Good luck everyone. Hope you receive good news soon!

    Reply

  34. Please dont loose hope last year i have seen people getting receipts until may ending and some got it in june .Iam talking about AD so NON -AD will also have more time too early too say not selected we dont know how they are doing the things .

    Reply

  35. Dear All, My Consultant has replied that they got 9 receipts so far for non-AD/RP (They filed for 30 Candidates it seems).

    I am eagerly waiting for my Receipt. Only Hope in God. Wish you all the Best!!

    Reply

  37. I’m AD/RP/CA. Haven’t heard anything yet.

    So while I’m doing all this waiting, like many others, I couldn’t help myself and play around with the uscis case status page.

    A receipt number is usually in the form WAC-16-140-5-#### I know WAC is the code for the CA center and 16 is the year 2016. 140 is the # of working days from Oct 1st to the date that the receipt was generated. 5 is a constant and #### is unique to each case.

    So as of yesterday night I could only see status updates for WAC-16-146. WAC-16-147/148 showed an error.

    Today however I can see status updates for WAC-16-147 and WAC-16-148. (I compared to the VT center (EAC) and EAC shows updates for EAC-16-149 too!)

    Majority of them has the info that the application was received on April 11th. I’m assuming that these cases are the ones that came in from the lottery.

    Does this mean that data entry is still going on? And that receipts are being generated and sent out even today?

    Any corrections or theories to add to this guys?

    Reply

  43. 3rd Non-AD/RP/CA eagerly waiting for my receipt.

    I got below response from my employer

    Hi Everybody,

    The lottery is over and we have gotten 15 selected out of 93 cases so far.
    We expect to keep getting receipt numbers for the next 7 days.
    The next time you hear from me you will either get a receipt number or a message that your file has come back. Last year they took a total of almost 2 months to send the file back. My guess is that if you do not receive a receipt number from me in the next 7 days then you will likely not selected. But we only refund the fee after your file has come back.
    If your file comes back we will start refunds from June 1st. I will send a separate email with the full details for that process of refunding the fees.

    Thank you.

    Reply

  47. These consultancies are so selfish.
    When they want info from us, they are so good to us.
    Once we are dependent on them, they turn otherwise.
    Anyways they will reach their target.
    They do not bother if we get selected or not.
    Want to make big money out of us.
    What say guys?

    Reply

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