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.
AD/PP/VT – I got RFE today. I work for Big 4 consulting firms. I was so happy that I got through lottery, but getting this RFE has really ruined it. I have not yet heard from my lawyers regarding the reason for RFE. Does any one has any experience on why could be possible reasons?
Same here. I am AD/PP. I received an RFE today.
Do you know the reason for it? My lawyers have not yet responded to my email.
Not yet. Will they email it to the lawyer or they’ll have to wait for the physical copy?
It seems that my lawyers have already received the copy – might be email or fax. This H1B is never ending circus.
If your employer is legit, if there is immediate project available, if your education is fine – there is nothing to worry about, just relax and wait.
USCIS is delivering RFEs in truck loads to PP apps selected
Tough times….
God help all of us !!
I thought I was only one! I don’t know why they want so much more paper work. I have filed my degree, transcripts, every government paper i have is filed! Don’t know why so much issue 🙁
RFE has become a common thing. As USCIS has received a high number of PP applications, they may not have enough manpower to turn them all around in 2 weeks. Just to buy themselves more time, they may be issuing RFEs.
Sorry – Don’t agree, in past 24 hours huge number of RFE’s are issued, cannot be just to buy time.. only possible if all are issued with a common reason, otherwise the amount of time needed to create reasons will be sufficient to process the case
An RFE can set the case back by several months , if at all it can be resolved.. which itself is difficult
God save us!!
I have been a lurker here for quite awhile. Thanks to the info and comments. I decide to make a comment coz I’ve seen quite a lot of comments that I think you should use your own common sense before asking again and again.
Congrats to those who know they’re selected, let’s wait till mid aug to get a response.
For those that fall into these categories:
– Cheque/(check for those not using British spelling) encashed
– SEVIS updated
– Informed by your employer/attorney that they have received i-797C/response from USCIS that your application is selected
Congrats, you have been selected and I know for sure you know you’re selected. You don’t need anyone to comfort you again that you’re selected, that’s absurd. If you tell me you don’t understand english, you should reconsider whether you should go to US.
If you just want to share the details of your case to motivate others, you’re appreciated but repeating the same question (what does it mean? Am I selected?) is quite funny though.
For those who haven’t received any news:
– We all know the chance is pretty slim, but it’s not 0%. However it’s entirely up to you to hold to that chance or move on with your own life/plan, whatever you think you should. No one can convince you otherwise if you believe you should keep your hope or you should move on. Everyone here should know that chance would be come 0% when the package is returned. Other than that, anything can happen (I still believe likely it’s over)
– So if you’re lucky and got picked, feel free to share. My congratulations for your case.
– If you’re not picked, please stop whining. You know lottery to decide your faith was done in early April right? Now it’s just communication, your faith was decided way back so if God wants to help you, he did.
Now here are my complaints, feel free to read, if not skipped for better day haha.
I saw some guys saying AD is deserved a better chance. Yes you have it already with that 20k quota. IMHO, you chose to come to US for study and thus they gave you F1 and OPT, etc.. You have no right to ask for more. And if you say you’re way better than all non-AD. Think again. Where did you take your AD Yale/MIT or Princeton, etc..? Are you sure you’re better? I know a handful of people who got a medal from Olympiad Math/Physics and Computing that do not pursuit a higher degree, are you sure you’re better than them – and stop telling me they should go for O-1, I want to iterate the fact that there are better people who don’t choose to pursuit higher education although they are good? Or are you sure your AD is way better than some dropout who are being brought into US by all means from big names such as Google/FB? I do agree with you that those who applied through consultancies by paying from their own pockets are not ethical, but that is their choices. We have USCIS and other agencies to take care of it, whether they could do a good job is not our problem to start with. If they want to reform, they will reform, but you should know this is not a very high priority problem in the current state.
I also saw people saying US is not being fair to Indian. And Indian should deserve the VISA. Alright, not all Indians are having high skills, I believe some are good and those still couldn’t go through the lottery due to bad luck. But you shouldn’t say that Indian is good in general, to be honest, I rejected quite a number of Indian interviewees because their technical skills are way too low. 5 years of experience candidates are even worse than a computing student from a good university who interned for our company, this is the truth. Not to mention China is rising and they also have a need of going to US as well, but they don’t whine. Indian has a higher advantage over China thanks to your English, but that is not an issue in the next 5 years. So being humble is what you need, not just here.
TL;DR; AD or Non-AD, in US or not in US, Indian or non-Indian, stop whining if you’re not picked. Don’t blame on others. Every action will have its own consequences. If you’re picked, congrats and wait patiently until mid Aug.
Very well said!!!
Majority of comments out here are very funny. Not sure what these guys will do in the US with such sick thought process. It is pathetic to see people need some stranger to confirm that they were selected in the lottery.
For sure, most of those whining here, don’t have a project that they will immediately get deployed to.
Very Well said….
Very well said… You missed to mentione about all these nirmal baba and samosa nonsense!!
Words from a scholar! I sincerely agree to your words
Thanks for your post. You just did what I was contemplating to do and maybe more. All the complaining here was slightly getting on my nerves. But it looked like most people are so ill informed about the whole H1B process. Even if so, they should have researched well into it, if they are so hell bent on getting their H1B’s! 🙂
Good luck with the processing to those who have been picked. And for those who are yet to hear, don’t lose heart. Work out other options….or simply try again next year if you are still keen on it. And please stay ethical!
Well said!! And you missed the word ‘genuine’ which is used by people who are applying single petition…:D
Don’t know what makes them feel so genuine after using all the other loop holes such as converting OPT to H1B etc.
All other loopholes such as converting OPT to H1B? Can you please elaborate?
IBM..2nd time..Non AD/RP…I almost lost hope however got the receipt today. Thank God !
Congratulations!!!! You are From which location?
Man, How does that even matter? I don’t understand why people keep asking ‘which location, which BU, which vertical, which account, which team, what is the first letter of first name, last name’ etc. All these big firms have a common immigration team sitting in one place. They send the communication out to the employees in the order the receipts are received.
At this stage, the senior management or leadership is not at all involved. They get involved during the nomination stage to limit the number of petitions filed, but definitely not after the application filing.
Stop asking stupid questions and behave professionally!
@question – I dont think so. They dont send the receipts on daily basis. They have some process to follow. All Big firms have some process to follow and sends receipts in the order they have defined. I hope you got it. And
@IBMer_H1B_2ndAttempt_SingleApplication – there is nothing unprofessional in asking the location.
CA or VT ?
Got update from my employer today that my cheque has been encashed…..i am NON-AD/RP/CA ….it was my 3rd attempt …yet to receive receipt number
Guys hang on there….
Congratulations dude! Whenever I loose hope message like you keeps me motivated. Me too Non AD/RP/CA . Waiting for results.
hoping for the best,,,
Congratulations dude! … Enjoyeee.. I have processed my 4th time through 4 different companies.. But no luck.
Just hold on… I wish you will get one best out of those 4 companies, so that you will get your money back from the other 3 and those would have been used by others…;)
This is way out of the topic but I think ppl in this forum are the best ones to answer my query. So this was my 3rd time H1B application with no luck.
Thinking of shifting company now. I have been working in a MNC since 10 years in SAP Abap and I manage a team of about 12 members. What package can I expect if I switch company. My current package is just 10lakhs. Any info will help. I just want to know the current market rate.
When you know that this is way out of topic, why do you even ask? Do you think people here who are hoping and praying for a random spot in a lottery are the ones who can tell you what package you should be looking at before switching companies? Come on! Working for 10 years, managing 12 people, still can’t figure out what to post on a particular blog?
I already mentioned the reason why I asked even though it is way out of topic. If you do not want to answer, be it. Getting offended itself shows your desperation and anger towards not being selected. Sick of reading comments from despos like you, whining about spots in lottery. Get a life!
LOL! I can understand your frustration and desperation! Keep on whining. I never did, and I never will. Before leading a team of people, first learn the environment. This is a H1B post and a blog about people who want to learn the process or details about it. You should try using a famous search engine called Google to search for other blogs which give you insights onto what factors you should consider when switching companies. God bless the team under you! Being led by a person who goes to a grocery store looking for a medical practitioner to get an opinion on his sickness. He needs to go to the Hospital for it. LOOK FOR THE RIGHT BLOG!
FYI – I didn’t get through the lottery last year. This year I did. Looks like I got a life while you still are looking for one! Good luck with that!
🙂 I will leave it to the readers to decide who is more frustrated and getting offended for no reason at all. Chill! My post was just a decent question. Calm down. Don’t take it to your heart :)) I hope all is well with you. And ok, I believe you , that you got selected in lottery so don’t worry and shout your heart out. I wish you good.
Exactly! The readers know how decent your question is. I can see how many of them responded with how much you should be getting paid because you have an experience of 10 years! Lol! I believe it that you really manage a group of 12 imaginary people too! Hope it helps you when you come to reality! Good luck!
Really? If you got slected, thank the GOD and shutup. u have no right to cmment on other’s situation that you got a life and othrs who r waiting, has no life.
@H1BNonAD/RP/1st Timer :: If you can read, scroll up and see who asked whom to get a life. The so called Project Manager just assumed that I was getting frustrated because I did not get selected and that I need to get a life. That is when I told him that I got selected. I am not the boasting kind. Before you ask people to shut up, I think you should shut up and learn to read the entire conversation before jumping in. Peace out!
@Really? :)) Deaf ear to your nonsense now. I got my replies and you got a lesson. And if you cannot see the replies, wear glasses n see below. I was checking back this area as I wanted to see if there are any replies to my post. But even after getting picked, you seem to have a lot of interest and time to scroll through all the pages. Weird, isn’t it? No further comments from me now. Good luck with your wandering.
Replies? LOL! Yes, I knew you were blind but good to know that you are deaf as well! Guess you left your glasses aside when reading the “replies” -actually there is only one – and so it is “reply”! Plural vs singular. Not very surprising that your grammar is as pathetic as your imaginary team leading abilities! And get your glasses to read the time stamp and you should be able to know if my comment about no replies was posted first or if the replies – oh my bad, singular – reply – was! And haha, I can feel the burn. Since I do not have to go get a life, or think about how much I should be getting paid because, I have enough time to come back around and look at unfit team leaders and have a gag! Better you don’t come back to check this, but if you do, there’s this comment ready to show how unfit you are! :))
Expected CTC should be a figure in range. If you have Niche’ skill in ABAP like Workflow etc, you can go for something like 16 – 20 L/A . Look out for the breakup before expecting any offer, it may have a hidden bonus which is included in the CTC which you might get only at the end of the year on some conditions.
This could be a soothing PlanB if not got picked in this years lottery. Many are considering the same. Hope this helps.
Thanks PlanB. It helps.
Thanks PlanB. It helps
As a thumb rule, Try for (No-of-Exp-years * 2 ) lakhs per Annum. Good negotiation usually pulls it up. And yes, knowing your market value helps as well.
Hey thanks for the response MeantToBe. The other moron here, has the ability to react, but not respond. Just the perfect recipe of taking him a long way down the drain. And yea, don’t mind his repercussion. I know he cannot resist the urge.
Sorry to hear that Hatrick, Unlucky AD Guy and PNR, its ridiculous to wait patiently and see things didn’t work out past three years.
Why cant USCIS allow just one per head, if there were multiple filers, let them allow the candidate to switch, this way there wont be multiple allowed!
Tired of being an F1 Student from last 7 years..
Hello Saurabh,
I have been following your blog since last year and this is my second attempt fir H1B.I recd my reciept number from my employer Non Ad/RP.I will have to do amendment since i changed US client that i was working foe.When will the amendment window be available?
GotLuckyThisTimr,
Once the current petition is approved, you can apply for H-1 amendment.
2014- : Non-AD/REG/VT -Not picked
2015 : Non-AD/REG/VT – Not picked
2016 : Non-AD/PP/VT – no information yet..
This is my 4th attempt. This time filled from 4 different organizations. But No luck. Until last year I have processed only one application. Few of my friend suggested me to process more than one…. But still I have not selected. Then I will be the unluckiest person in the world. Please suggest is there any hope for hopes……………………
My employer got update from attorney today that my cheque has been encashed …but yet to receive the receipt….finally …it was my 3rd attempt
So keep hopes ….Best of Luck !!!
CA or VT ?
I applied through 5 different consultancies and still not selected..so you are number 2 unlucky guy
Yes Boss.. But why only we two are suffering. I see many people are got selected those are processed in first time itself. I am very disappointed… Not sure we have any more hope… This is my 4th attempt.
Because of lottery word called luck coming into picture. There is nothing USCIS can do about it as they treat all applications same. I applied 3rd time and still waiting for it. Very hard to wait and thinking all the time why I am not getting. In my opinion they should send rejection letters whoever is not selected as it is just return
start believing in the philosophy – whatever happens, happens for the best. maybe we will realize it later
Love it when ethical karma takes its toll! 4 and 5 different organizations? They definitely can’t be proper job offers! Though not a crime, paying organizations to get H1B file is illegal and an ethical violation – (not to be confused with multiple applications using genuine job offers and without paying the organization – that’s perfectly legal). You people got what you deserved. Ethical Karma is a B as well! 🙂
Any one from TCS Mumbai got an update?
Haha. 🙂 Don’t loos hope guys. There is always a next time
–Admin
My current case status is “Document was mailed”
We mailed your document for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WACXXXXXXXXXX. If you do not receive your document by June XX, 2016, please go to ‘http://www.uscis.gov/e-request to request that we resend the document to you. If you move, go to ‘http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
I got the receipt notice on May 9th.
So, the document which they have mentioned is the receipt notice I received. Right?
Do the status change from “Document was mailed” to “Case was received” soon?
Hi Admin,
Can I convert my H1B petition from Regular to Premium? I already got selected in the lottery.
Yes you can, please approach your petitioner and discuss this.
[Admin update: Inappropriate comment. Admin/Saurabh’s comment will be highlighted in different background and will be marked as Admin]
Why it so?
We updated our petition in the end of April, after getting news about selecting. But the status on the website remains the same 🙁
Thanks Saurabh,
When can I travel if I convert my petition from RP to PP?
Usually for RP it’s Oct1st and for PP it’s May12th which already got started.What will be in my case??
You can travel right now! Pack your bags with your Receipt notice!!!!
Man – Don’t you know that both are October 1? If you dont know such basic thing, I hate to say – you don’t deserve the visa at all. All kiddos out here whining BS.
Director,
Sir thanks for the information. I saw in one of the Saurabh’s post that one can go for stamping 90days prior to RP actual start date.
Please dont mind asking such questions.
You can go for stamping earlier but CANNOT TRAVEL until October 1st.
H1B,
Irrespective of whether it is PP or RP, employment cannot start prior to Oct 1.
Earliest date for stamping: 90 days prior to H-1 start date. So for Oct 1 start date, this would be July 1 or so
Earliest date for travel to US: 10 days prior to H-1 start date. So for Oct 1 start date, this would be Sep 20
Earliest date to start working on H-1: H-1 start date i.e. Oct 1
PS: My comments and updates will be highlighted in different background and marked as Administrator. Any other comment posted using my name is a non-admin comment.
@Saurabh,
Thank you so much for the Info. Can you please let me know where can I find the information which you shared in USCIS website/any US Gov blog, so that I can share the info to my employer.
Regards,
Manudeep.
H1B,
Refer to Q.10 here.
US Travel Docs is the official site that handles all US visa stampings.
guys can any one share plan B to enter US on work visa apart form B1/L1
plan B: wait till next year and try again!!
No plan dude!!
There’s no plan B to enter US!!
For US, there is no plan B.
Plan B in the sense choosing other country for work!
Plan B:
Marry my American fiancé and get a green card, then American citizenship in the future and never worry about H1-B again!
you are selling ?
Plan B: Marriage with US person.
Find employers who can file cap exempt petition.
Thats not possible , coz Cap exempt petetion are only for those applicants who got selected in lottery in the past but didnt make use of it .
Admin, pls lemme know if i am correct
Nope.. Any one can get that visa if it has been processed by an non profit organization/company,. No lottery No time frame. Any time throughout the year can process H1B and 100 % they will get the visa.
CTSAnalyst,
You are correct. You won’t be counted again towards the cap if you already went through the process before
–Admin
CTS Analyst,
As others mentioned, there are certain organizations like non-profits, schools, hospitals etc which are exempted from cap and can apply H-1 anytime for even a person who has never made through the cap.
Then there is other category of previously selected applicants, like you mentioned.
move to Mavni Program and you get your US citizenship
Plan B – Contact Kallathoni Gaja! Neat and safe!
Plan C – Go to Mexico and cross border! You may have to take some bullets while in Mexico. But US will welcome you and make sure an immigrant once you cross the border.
2014 AD/RP/CA not picked
2015 AD/RP/CA not picked
2016 AD/RP/CA not picked
Same story at my end.
2014 AD/PP/CA – Picked!! – RFE – Denied 🙁 ( QA with MBA – Degree didn’t match role..)
2015 AD/PP/ VT- Not picked
2016 AD/RP/CA – Not picked..
2015 AD/PP/VT – RFE – Denied
2016 AD/PP/VT – Not picked
@Kelton,
Any one got updates from kelton ?
No
Any hope (kelton)?
If you got any updates pls post it here.
Guys what about TOURIST VISA ??
You wanna go for tourism or work??
Shilpa,
Suppose i hav a ready job offer in US and i start working using TOURIST visa and apply H1B every till i succeed , would that be a problem if i try to come back home ??
Its very funny brother. How are you getting these kind of ideas like working in tourist visa!!!!
Does the word Analyst mean something else in CTS in this particular case? Don’t you analize things? If you don’t, then you should! You should learn what the different type of VISAs are for and what you can and cannot do without them. What you are asking (Guys what about tourist visa) is analogous to the following scenario.
Person A – someone who has some tech skills but is currently looking out for a job.
Person B – you, A’s friend who is an analyst at CTS.
A is feeling bored, and wants to come meet B who arranges for a 24 hour guest pass at CTS, for A to enter the campus and spend time in the cafeteria and other places and spend time with B.
Since A is already inside CTS campus, he goes to a cube and starts working and developing magical stuff for CTS. And he keeps attending interviews all day since he was there anyway.
Now, we take the questions.
Will it be a problem if he leaves the campus for that day?
Can he come back the next day with the previous day’s pass and do the same?
Can he get paid?
If someone notices and complains about him, will he be given a guest pass again?
If he is there illegally doing work without the permission, (mind you he has been building magical stuff and taking the company to the next level), will he be allowed inside again in any capacity?
So , Tourist Visa will work …Is that what u r saying ????????
Of course a Tourist VISA works! Every VISA works the way it is supposed to. So for a tourist, yes – it works!
Did anyone hear back from the BAL global attorneys? Are they updating results on their portal or are they hording back the receipt notices?
yes. they are updating their portal.
A friend of mine got her receipt from BAL on May 5th. So looks like they update as soon as they get receipt.
Is it GAME OVER for CSC or do we still have a chance ??
I have heard that USCIS will pick more than 85k petitions and upon rejection they will take from waiting list, is that true?
Can someone clarify, I am very new to this.
Hey Guys,
My best buddy got is Approval today, AD/PP/VT.
his*
Thanks for the update.
Congrats to your buddy!
Did they receive an email or checked his status in USCIS?
Status on the website.
Thank you.
Any premium processing approvals so far??
Hello Saurabh,
Please advise do we have any chance of receving receipts for Non-AD/PP. I hope that USCIS alredy completed sending of receipts to PP(befor May11). Kindly clarify.
Thanks!!
Bala,
Frankly speaking, PP has very little chance now. Its better to prepare other options.
@Sai,
Congratulations! Let keep this form alive….:)
[Admin update: Fake update by a fakester]
Really!
What upgrades are those??
Upgrades????
What are those glitches? When it will be resolved? Why there are glitches?
To your site???
LOL. Please don’t post like an admin of this site.. we all know that you are fake!!
Fake!
Hey Guys!
So I’m a little confused and hope you can help me!
From what I know, data entry was completed on May 2nd, and today the Premium Processing is starting.
What does it mean exactly? I’m non-ad/pp/vt and haven’t heard anything from lawyer/employer since the submission of my petition on April 1st.
Was I suppose to hear back already? Or people starting to get notified today since the premium processing starting?
It means you have to wait. Hard to understand why can’t your brain interpret it
guys , did anybody got mail today ? when will USCIS confirm that all RP completed ? last year data entry completed on may 4, this year it is may 2.
Thambi, it is ‘Did anybody get’. Go and take basic English course first and then aim for US. Sick guys you are!!!!
First of all your comment doesn’t make sense.. You didn’t structure your sentence correctly so I’m sorry English is a struggle for you..
Anyways, a lot of people say it is game over, others say keep waiting. A little confusing don’t you think?
Since data entry was complete by May 2nd, an email notice should be sent to ALL applicants’ lawyers at least within a week of May 2nd. If the person resides overseas and the application is Regular, then the receipt notices in the form of snail mails might take longer than 10 days to reach the applicants’ lawyers. Then also, some lawyers don’t inform the applicants immediately. So that’s why you will hear people say to continue to keep hoping.
Even i am in same boat, my employer said it is over. Although they have not received any rejection notice yet. I had the same question about the Premium Process start today. Let see if waiting is worth it.
USCIS completed its data entry of all petitions on May 2nd. That’s the last day it will be mailing/ emailing receipt notices of petitions that were selected. If your attorney has not received a receipt notice via email OR your check was not encashed more than 10 days after data entry, then it is safe to assume that your petition was not picked in lottery.
If your petition was picked in lottery, then between May 12th and May 27th, “USCIS will issue an approval notice, a denial notice, a notice of intent to deny, a request for evidence or open an investigation for fraud or misrepresentation within the 15 calendar day period”.
“If the petition or application requires the submission of additional evidence or a response to a notice of intent to deny, a new 15 calendar day period will begin upon receipt by USCIS of a complete response to the request for evidence or notice of intent to deny.”
waiting to hear from USCIS from past three years.
Any premium processing approvals?
Me too waiting for those updates!!
Any idea when can we expect NON-AD /REGULAR PROCESSING approval notices?.
Thanks
Is anyone still receiving RP receipts? Are there still chances to receive the regular processing receipts?
Chances are very slim, but you might get it.
Just heard a news that HCL ISG has started sending emails but they are not providing status details via call or SSD. Does anyone have an update about HCL on this?
Not sure…where did you get this information…did you know anyone got the mail?
Haven’t heard any such updates … what’s your source ???
source plzzz, no update as of now
Anybody from Capgemini received receipt details ( not Igate) ???
Not yet…waiting for the update.
GICS will be down this weekend as the updates are scheduled to start in the weekend. As informed earlier, the status change for the selected applicants would get updated in GICS based on the receipt received date. This activity will continue till next month.
Any one got there H1B case status change at USCIS website.
PP or Regular?
Yes. There are many petitions got approved already. Below is the one which i took from this blog comments itself.
EAC1613652745
could have been cap exempt H1b
Yes.
IBMers anyone got receipt today
Nope………………… Should we stop waiting? Is game over for IBM?
We can wait till this weekend…if we are not getting any update by this week then game over….
Anyone from genpact got an update from the immigration team or in the fragomen connect?
No update till now. Checked with immigration team they said it will get updated in the portal only. Post here if you or your colleagues receive any update.
Guys,
H1B premium processing starts from today.. Please post if you have any updates.
Mine is AD/PP/CA.
Thank you.
There are many already got approved.
Are those cap exempt?
Anyone from TechM got any update. last I have LCA notification, further no updates
Did u got mail from prasad??
Still Silence in INFOSYS 🙁
Anyone from MRCC Mumbai in this thread? I applied through them and HR told that their attorney received 40-50 petitions selected in lottery but they have not revealed to any of the candidate. They are expecting few more in next couple of weeks although chances are less now. They want to tell the results to all by end of May or in the first week of June. Is it true?
Has anyone from MRCC selected and notified? if yes then please let me know the HR name as well.
Hi,
I also applied thru MRCC.. They said they have received 25 cases so far. But they will reveal only by first week of next month. Who knows..?
I also applied through MRCC. Same story repeating to everyone. 40-50 candidates are selected and will reveal only by may end. I don’t understand the purpose of hiding selected list…
Guys, believe me you have been trapped… I have very very bad experience with MRCC last yrs. Last year I have been through lottery but got denied after RFE.
First of all they wont give any visibility about your Case status. Whatever they are saying in mail is all fake. Don’t believe in HR mail. They will take almost a year to refund your money after extensive follow up with them. HR wont answer your call most of the time.
Mumbai HR Name : Rashmeet, HR manager name : Priti
For further details get in touch with me…
Good luck guys…
@ MRCC_Sucks
What was the RFE about in ur case??? Can u pls tell me why that was denied??
@Neelima,
MRCC didnt share actual RFE notice to me but have been told that it was related to client letters, Project SOW etc. RFE responded in Oct and case denied on 27th Nov.
I believe MRCC was not having actual client letter & project running(i.e. no SOW) to produce to USCIS.
Hi This is Subba..I also applied through MRCC..and I am applying from past 3 years.
mine is suresh.ch230 gmail.com..i am also getting the same response…….not sure what was happening…Can you please share your email to discuss the further details
@Saurav
I got receipt copy from My employer. It has receipt number , my name etc. But when I check receipt number on uscis , it is saying invalid entry. I got receipt number today only. Do you suggest something ?
AD/NonAD ?
PP/RP ?
VT/CA ?
Non AD/RP CA
USCIS had a system maintenance last evening from 9:00 PM to 12:00 PM. May be it is because of that, wait for noon and retry.
Try again in few days as it may be technical issue on USCIS site. If it still fails and you are sure that you have the correct receipt number, then ask employer to contact USCIS.
Admin/Saurabh,
Need your input on this.
Is there a case wherein fees amount is not available on the receipt notice.
I dont have it on mine.
Was wondering, how that is possible.
Thanks in advance for your response.
There will be two pages in I797C receipt notice, first page will have the fee details and second page will not have fee details.
Which page were you referring to?
First
Anybody from TCS_Hyd got an update?
no
As of now heard only Chennai and Delhi got updates from FDFU. no updates here in hyd
@TCSer2,
Do you know people who have received anything except ‘Waiting for Lottery’ update from FDFU Delhi or Chennai.
All TCSers,
Please update if you’ve heard anything from FDFU yet.
Yeah…in this blog only i read someone from Delhi FDFU for a confirmation mail that he got selected.
Actually I heard that someone from Cigna account got an update. Thats why worried. Thanks for update guys. Please keep posted.
I heard someone from USAA also got an confirmation from hyd
Any update from Acceligent ???????
Its over…
We have already notified to all selected Candidates.
@Greeshma
wait for sometime….Still they r getting receipts…
How will you know?
I m also waiting for the result ..
Hi – We have sent the notification to all selected candidates.. Thus for, if you have NOT received any communication from GM, we request you to wait until may 20th to get a final confirmation from the team.
Which means, they are not expecting any receipts.
They are just asking to wait till May 20. Also i see very few selected from CA center.
A lot of receipts came from VT center.
So far i didn;t receive receipt mail. Is it really worth waiting till May 20th. Last year i had waited until July to get to know that i didn’t get. This year also i’m waiting.
Is it true that CTS has released two batch as such.
Still Can i expect?
@ CTS GM Response
Within May 20th are we expecting another set of release for the selected person?. Your confirmation would be very much helpful for all the CTS guys in this forum.
Thanks
Nonad/Rp/Ca
As per employers info, he applied for 22 and 7 got selected.. 4 out of were cashed 2 days back …. Even yesterday 1 check got cashed it seems….
And receipts were also flowing very fast to our lawyer… He is expecting another 2-3 getting thru….
Hope I will make it ….
He’s a very dearest friend to me and his laWyer looks over the legal works for his firm from last 20 years… This news is very much genuine …
I just post this to let people know there’s still hope till the month end …
Stay positive guys….
@Surya thanks for sharing the info.. But is this only about CA ? What are the chances for VT?
Anyone from TechM got any H1B update today?
No updates from visa team…will get to know june first week only..
One of the visa cell guy said weekend, so we have to wait till tomorrow
Is it? are they responding to emails/phone call?
My petition got selected in lottery, and today i realized that i have not submitted my degree certificate to my employer. I just submitted degree mark sheets for all semesters along with my experience letters. What will happen to my petition? Will it lead to rejection?
Don’t worry,
they will send RFE (Request For Evidence) . U can submit the document (asked by USCIS for the missing).
Thanks Manas for ur reply
Is ur check cashed today or u got ur receipts???
Got my receipt number on Apr 28th
@ Here We go,
are u from CTS?
Hello,
Please Advise on below comment.
My Manger is asking me to wait for another week as they didn’t get another list. But I don’t know what exactly the meaning of another list. Was the pickup is based on list.
hey don’t worry re… your manager is asking to just wait for one more week. may be you are from MNC. so you ppl will get list one by one. so the package he received earlier in that your name might be missing. in the next your name may be there … so don’t worry …
Guys USCIS is not giving much visas to Indians, They raised fees to target Indian Mnc’s Economy. USCIS is not playing fair game…. Most guys are still waiting only a few got Till Now…. I doubt they are giving atleast 60,000 Cap Slot Visas for H1b or Even LEssser…. USCIS is not giving the Cap Slot visas… they are giving hardly a visa on each PP..Non AD, AD RP..Non AD, Ad… only a Few Visas.
Come on USCIS team, you can do it… Send my receipt number today, right away…
Guys,
I have got my petition receipt.
Can anyone tell me, if all goes well(no RFE) than by when your application gets approved ??
Hoping best for everyone waiting ..!!
Hi,
When did you get the receipt ?
Chances of rejection are very less
I got my receipt number today WAC-16-***8 but when I check on USCIS website It is saying ” My Case Status does not recognize the receipt number entered. Please check your receipt number and try again”.
Do they take some time in updating database or I need to check with My Employer ?
Thanks –
Boss check wth ur employer .. Wrong receipt no
Dont use any –
It will be a WAC161XXXXXXX
It is a 10digit number with WAC. Employer sent me the complete receipt form received from uscis. It has my name n dob. How can receipt number be wrong ? Aricent is a big MNC. They wont do anything unethical.
1. May be copy paste error… does it has 10 numerical values
2. Website doesn’t accept the hyphen ” – ” you need to remove while checking the status.