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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. My H1 consultant gave me the Application Receipt Number. How we can make sure this Receipt Number is belongs to me?

    I suspect they file a fake application and sent this number to hundreds of people they dealing with.

    So please help me how to figure it out this number is mine or not.??

    Thanks,

    Raghu

    Reply

    • Raghu,

      Ask for copy of 797C, which is the receipt notice sent by USCIS to your employer. That would have receipt number and your name.

      Reply

      • Saurabh,

        I got the copy from my firm, but i feel they are changing the Beneficiary name on 797C form and sending the scan copy to everyone with same Receipt Number. How can i verify that receipt number is mine?

        Reply

        • Raghu,

          That is the way to verify. If you can’t trust the employer, then it may be better to look elsewhere.

          If you have doubts about the scanned 797C, then ask for original copy of 797C.

          Reply

        • Raghu,
          There is no way to find out if the notice is genuine or not. You can however sue your employer if you have substantial evidence to prove your claim

          Reply

    • At the backside of each cheque they mention the applicant name which is reflected when the cheque is encashed in their bank..
      Secondly, what’s the use of sending the same cheque details to everyone??
      How they will gain through this??

      Reply

  2. Don’t worry, Be happy !!
    H1B is not the end of the world…sabka number aayega ek din…!!
    Receipts just started pouring in and will continue till end of this month…!!
    Sab Milke bolege Nirmal Baba rockxx

    Reply

    • Dear Nirmalam baboo bhakt eating rotten eggs, left over samosa from hotel plates, scum masala peanuts from roads, left over bread from bakeries. You will get constipation not Visa by Niramala babu prey r eating scum samosa

      Reply

  3. Hi @ kaleswara..

    Please note..my employer still waiting to hear ..they are not at all made single call to USCIS.. then why this mail..its my question..

    Thanks for ur reply..

    Reply

  7. Hi all.

    Anyone please clarify me.My employer got an email from USCIS which states that please do not call to our office regarding to know lottery result.We have completed lottery process.We would send you a mail/receipt if you are picked in lottery unless until you will receive a mail from us, please do not make call us for enquiries.

    It means that I am out of lottery or it is common mail that USCIS send every one.

    Please clarify me.Mine-Non-AD/RP/VT

    2nd timer.

    Reply

    • That means your Employer is Disturbing a lot to USCIS.

      It’s not a common mail to everybody, It’s a serious mail from USCIS.

      If they disturb much you wont get Visa Buddy.

      Reply

      • Hi @ kaleswara..

        Please note..my employer still waiting to hear ..they are not at all made single call to USCIS.. then why this mail..its my question..

        Thanks for ur reply.

        Reply

    • NAN….The email itself is self-explaining…. And if you don’t understand the meaning of such emails….what will you do in USA even after you get selected for H1B???

      I don’t understand..How guys like you get chance to even fill the petition ..?

      Reply

      • Hi.

        I didn’t receive any email from my employer..they just communicated me. actually I dont know what USCIS sent ..

        So every one here to raise their doubts and get clarified from experienced person like you.

        Moreover , for your information, my employer didnt make single call USCIS for lottery result.

        Thanks

        So bless me to get visa.. Please dont say like what will do in USA .

        Reply

    • NAN – That’s a common mail from USCIS for all the people that have subscribed to the news alerts. Look at that notice on this link –
      uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-completes-data-entry-fiscal-year-2017-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions

      Reply

    • All applications from Hyderabad have been rejected as these are mainly used as applications for 1 crore bribe. Next time AP/TG will get a quota of 100 visas for all you guys to fight it out.. this will give chances to genuine guys with no fake experience.

      Reply

  9. Hi Guys, Any one from CTS here in tis forum is stil having hopes fr receiving receipt notice? Totally confused as hw GM team is sending mails. Everyday hardly 4 to 5 member gets to the extent i kno..

    Reply

  10. HI All,

    is there any possibility for checks cashing after data entry is done? any one if u know the information please reply

    Reply

    • No buddy! Some cheques were in transit. If ur cheque got encashed.by today.mostly I will get visa.if not no more hope by tmrw. This is genuine information. Tmrw is the last day for Regular processing

      Reply

      • SO today is the last day for check cashing…? is there any possibility that we get receipts directly without cheque cashing?

        Reply

      • Bro.
        How can you say this?? Are you having any instance supporting your statement??
        Please don’t spread rumors..everyone here is going through a rough patch..it’s not over until and unless you get your application packet back from USCIS..till than keep praying and keep your hopes ALIVE!!

        Reply

      • Cheques were in Transit !! What does it mean ? If his Cheque got encashed, How can you get the Visa ??? Hve USCIS called and told today & tommorow is the last day for Cheque Encashment. Please don’t spread Rumours

        Reply

    • Yeah Possible, If your application is selected in Lottery. Before Sending the Receipt via Snail Mail, USCIS will encash the Check.

      Reply

      • One thing, no where it’s mentioned that today or tomorrow will be the last day for cheque encashment.
        Secondly, it’s not necessary that cheque needs to be encash first, before getting the receipts or It will be encashed on the day of dispatch of receipt..

        Reply

        • Game over guys!!! Wat the hell I guys are waiting for – I damn eagerly awaited for the results. But no luck this year. If any body got reciept or check encashment. Plz let me know. So that I can put hope.

          Reply

  12. My consultancy ppl Are telling like coming Friday is the last date for regular processing. Please give latest updates to me.

    Reply

  14. My employer just told me that they have received my patition back today. This was my 2nd time genuine non ad/pp from MNC.

    Reply

  15. I love all babas and respect all God’s. Here just want one reciept number.

    Please God help me!

    ## eagerly waiting for regular processing ####

    Reply

  21. Is Time is over for Regular Processing??? Plz guys give update, I got the mail from employer – Friday is the last day for cheque encashment.?? I it correct?? Or still can we put any hopes for regular processing.

    Plz guys give update.???

    #### No sleep ##

    Reply

      • Friday 6th May – co
        ING Friday… here I have the genuine information.

        Please give update if you know better?

        Reply

        • When I asked my employer about cheque enchas, he said we can wait till Today i.e. Wednesday. Not sure… I am going to extend my hopes till Friday after seeing your comments.

          Reply

          • Yes buddy! Today or tmrw is the last day for cheque encashment. Probably we can get the info by today or tmrw. If not no hope. I hope we both will get.

            Just praise the God!

  24. Please send my receipt number soon … I still have all hopes that I would get my receipt number this week for sure !!! Om Namah Shivaya..!

    Reply

  28. If your case is selected in lottery, what are the odds that it will not be approved? and by when you will get the approval notice if your case is selected in lottery?

    Reply

  30. Phewwwwww!!!!!Received the receipt notice at 9:41 PM IST from GM team. Wish all the aspiring candidates all the very best! I am from CTS Kol, Insurance vertical.

    Reply

  31. Please do not confuse others,absolutely not possible to start Krupa using aloo vada.. It has to be samosa only
    I double confirmed with one strong follower of nirmal baba
    Sometimes idly has helped but it is not always effective
    Jai nirmal baba

    Reply

    • Dear Nirmalam baboo bhakt eating rotten eggs, left over samosa from hotel plates, scum masala peanuts from roads, left over bread from bakeries. You will get constipation not Visa by Niramala babu prey r eating scum samosa

      Reply

    • Do not forget you also have to donate 10% of your filing fees to Nirmal Baba along with a bottle of Blue Label scotch. And samosa has to be red with green chutney which is the way to have Kripa for H1B. For other kind of visas there are different procedures as suggested by His Holiness Nirmal Baba himself.

      Reply

  32. CTS people, we stil have hope.. My friend got receipt just now.. May 4th 9:30 PM IST.. CHN-Healthcare.. Let’s hope for the best..

    Reply

  33. Any hope….. Pls help me. This is my third attempt, last two times applied only though my employer this time i have applied through 4….:(. But no luck … Please help is any way i can still hope for something…..

    Reply

    • Sure… 4 employers…

      You don’t even have the money to pay for your flight ticket and you think we’ll believe you have money to pay for 4 fake indian consulting firms in the US.

      Reply

    • Keep Faith in You and SAIBABA… Hope one among your 4 Applications will Pick. Don’t loose Confidence, Be patient…you will hear gud news by End of May

      Reply

  34. Got to know from GICS that cheque for my petition has been encashed and would receive my receipt by next week.

    I am from Bangalore DC..Unit CISRUN…

    THANK GOD!!!

    Reply

  39. I got information my attorney that my cheque got encashed , does it mean I got selected in lottery?

    How long it takes to get the receipt number?

    Reply

  42. Hi all.

    Anyone please clarify me.My employer got an email from USCIS which states that please do not call to our office regarding to know lottery result.We have completed lottery process.We would send you a mail/receipt if you are picked in lottery unless until you will receive a mail from us, please do not make call us for enquiries.

    It means that I am out of lottery or it is common mail that USCIS send every one.

    Please clarify me.Mine-Non-AD/RP/VT

    2nd timer.

    Reply

  43. CTS in chennai,

    Did anyone in CTS chennai got the reciept number whose name starting after N,O ,P, Q …..etc ??

    Reply

    • I don’t understand why people are asking for the starting letter of the name…

      Is there any relation between names, centre we apply, etc…

      I was thinking like everything is subjected to lottery…which means everyone stands the same chance…

      Reply

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