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H1B Visa 2017 – News, Quota, Cap, Predictions, Lottery, FAQs

If you were one of the unlucky ones not picked in whopping 233,000 H1B 2016 Lottery Applications , you might be already wondering when is the next H1B season going to start.  Also, some of you may be studying in US and some working abroad and planning to work in US next year. This page will be constantly updated with the latest details and commonly asked questions around the next upcoming H1B Visa fiscal year of 2017 season news and updates.
[alert type=”warning” close=”false” heading=”H1B Visa Cap reached for FY 2017, Lottery Done “]  On April 7th, H1B Cap for FY 2017 was reached. Lottery was done on April 9th. Read News Summary – Over 236,000 Petitions for FY2017 [/alert]

When will the H1B visa 2017 season start ? Date ?

Short answer April 1st 2016. Typically, USCIS will start to accept petitions for the next fiscal year starting from April 1st of the previous fiscal year. USCIS fiscal year is from October 1st to September 30th. So, for H1B quota of fiscal year 2017, which starts from October 1st, 2017, USCIS would typically accept applications from April 1st, 2016.  The H1B Visa 2016 season started on April 1st of 2015.  Also, in the H1B Rejected Notices of 2016, USCIS mentioned that, the non-selected candidates can file H1B petitions for FY 2017 on or after April 1st, 2016.

USCIS announced on March 16th, 2016 that they will accept FY 2017 petitions from April 1st, 2016. Read Summary of USCIS press release FY 2017 .
Also, we have written an article summarizing on What to expect in H1B FY 2017 Season 

What is H1B 2017 Cap ? What are the H1B 2017 Quota numbers ? Regular vs Masters ?
If you new to H1B, I suggest you read All about H1B Visa Cap- Regular vs Masters. In simple terms H1B cap is a congressional mandated maximum number of petitions that USCIS can accept in a year.  As of now, below are the H1B cap number for fiscal year 2017.  The below numbers are confirmed in press release by USCIS on Mar 16, 2016.

  • Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
  • H1B Master’s Degree Quota ( only US Master Degrees) : 20,000
  • Out of the above, a total of 6,800 is usually set aside for Singapore and Chile citizens as part of the free trade agreement between them.

There have been many discussions around change in H1B cap numbers by Obama administration since 2013. The planned proposal was to increase the regular quota cap to 110,000 and Masters quota to 25,000.  No changes for FY 2017, the above numbers of 65,000 and 20,000 are officially confirmed by USCIS in their press release.

What is H1B Visa 2017 Prediction? Will there be Lottery again for FY 2017

Update :  USCIS Updated on April 12th, 2016 that they have received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota and the lottery was completed on April 9th.

Looking at the past trend of H1B season in the past three years, we could very likely have lottery for FY 2017. Last year for FY 2016 quota, there were 233,000 applications. We have done a detail analysis with the H4 Visa EAD rule in place considering the economy, students graduating, OPT news, etc.  You should read  article H1B Visa 2017 Lottery Prediction News, results, Date .

If H1B lottery, will there be any preference in lottery for Large companies ? Premium Processing 
Well, no preference for anyone, all are treated equally, including premium processing. There are many such misconceptions about lottery process, we have compiled a list of such myths and criteria, you should read Myths of H1B Lottery, Criteria

When to plan for H1B visa 2017 Application ? How soon ? What should be the strategy ?
It is never too late to start planning for your H1B 2017 season. If you plan to work in US on H1B visa in the next coming fiscal year, below are some suggestions based on your situation.

  • F1 Student in USA : If you are studying on F1 visa and about to graduate in next one year, you should seriously look at finding an internship or co-op at companies that can sponsor your H1B visa. You can search for H1B Sponsors in a particular area using our H1B Sponsors Search Tool and try to get an internship to work there on CPT or OPT after you graduate. This is a strategic move and will require sometime, so plan well.
  • Professional from outside USA : If you are a working professional outside US, planning to work in US on H1B, your best bet is to find Multinational companies that have major US presence and secure a job there, so that you can position internally for applying to H1B visa, when the season starts. This is a very strategic decision, you need to carefully assess your options, speak to the company if such options exist and then only choose it.
  • Other H4, L1 Visas : If you are on these visas, your best bet is to find companies just like I mentioned for F1 students that sponsor H1B visas and start interviewing and keeping the conversation going so that you can ask them to file H1B when the season starts.

We have put together a Step by Step Plan on How to apply for H1B 2017 Quota

How do I find a H1B Visa Sponsor – The most asked million dollar question ?
If you are student in the US, it is very straight forward, you find the list of H1B Sponsoring companies using the tool in an area as I mentioned above and get an internship in one of them so that they can sponsor your H1B visa.   Unlike, if you are coming from outside US, it can be tricky.  If you work for an Multinational company ( MNC), then they will have some internal process to pick the candidates and then process H1B visa for them…The other option that has been used and abused is the consulting companies route…Many a times, the H1B aspirants approach a body shop IT consulting company to file H1B for them and they apply for the same. It gets nasty with the body shop consulting companies.  The comments on this H1B Companies Reviews article are quite eye opening. I advise, you beware of the consulting companies and avoid fraud.  Also, WE as RedBus2US do NOT provide any guidance or assistance or sponsor anything. If someone claims that, it is pure fraud and they are trying to trick you, we are not responsible for that. Please be careful. Anyways, for various other options , You may read article How to find H1B 2017 Sponsors

What is the H1B visa 2017 filing fee ? Is it same or any changes ?
It changed slightly this year with the Omnibus Bill passed in December 2015, that will increase the H1B filing fee by $4000 for FY 2017, until 2025 for certain companies that have over 50 employees and have more than 50% of their employees as H1B or L1 visa holders in USA.  Check USCIS Guidelines on H1B Fee increase. Depending on the size of the company, the H1B filing fee can vary anywhere from $1,600 USD to $7,400 USD + Attorney Fee. There are various fees components that make up this number range, for more details Read Summary of H1B Filing Fee 2017 – Who pays for What ? . Below is a high level summary. Also, one key change is that,  there was $2000 USD additional filing fee as per Public Law 111-230, this law expired on Sep 30, 2015 and that is not included anymore.

H1B Fee Component Fee in USD
 Base filing fee $325
AICWA Fee $750  or $1,500
Fraud prevent & detection fee $500
Fee based on Public Law 114-113 ( if applicable) $4000
Premium processing fee (Optional) $1,225
Immigration Attorney Fee Varies from $500 to $3000

What about Comprehensive Immigration Reform(CIR) and Obama Executive Actions for H1B 2017 Quota Increase ? 
There has been many articles and discussions since 2013 around immigration reform by President Obama and changes around and some like below have been discussed in the last couple of years, nothing moved significantly.

  • H1B Cap to be increased from 65,000 to 110,000 per year.  Also have provisions to have it up to 180,000 in case of extreme demand.
  • Advanced degree from US cap quota to increase from 20,000 to 25,000
  • The Filing fee for H1B could go up to 10,000 USD  ( Part of this came up as the fee increase in Omnibus Bill )
  • Additional H1B rules to avoid H1B Visa fraud by employers
  • Mandatory LCA posting for 30 days before it is certified.

The current status on all of the above are basically “No updates”,  there are no set deadlines for any of them and none of these are happening for FY 2017. You may read Summary of CIR Changes to H1B . Officially as per press release on March 16, 2016, the H1B cap is confirmed to be 65,000 for regular and 20,000 for masters…hence, no changes.

What is LCA for H1B Visa ? Processing times ?
LCA is a form that has to be filed with US Dept of Labor and get it certified before filing H1B petition with USCIS. It has to be sent along with H1B Package to USCIS.  It has all the relevant information about the job position like wage, location, title, etc. It takes about 7 working days for processing of the LCA by US Dept of Labor (DOL). You can read complete details at Why is LCA Needed for H1B – Processing Time, Salary 

H1B Visa 2017 Premium Processing Time :

USCIS Updated in their original press release on March 16, 2016 that the premium processing will begin no later than May 16, 2016.  But, on April 22nd, they updated that the premium processing for FY 2017 will begin on May 12th, 2016. What it means is that the official 15 calendar day SLA for premium processing petitions will be starting from 12th.  USCIS may process the petitions early as well, but officially their clock starts on that day.

H1B 2017 Case Tracker  :
Did you apply for FY 2017 ?  We have put together a tracker along with good graphs for analysis. It is completely anonymous as we do not capture your case number or any personal information. It is community contributed data, the more you add, the better for everyone, including  You !

[prompt type=”left” title=”Track your H1B Case” message=” Anonymously Track your H1B Case – Share and Get updated from Community.” button_text=”H1B 2017 Case Tracker” href=”https://redbus2us.com/trackers/h1b-visa-tracker/”]

Most Recent News of FY 2017 H1B
Below is the most recent news regarding H1B 2017 season. You can check the updates page as indicated below for the full history and details.

  • July 8th, 2016 ( Official ) : USCIS released a press note today indicating that they have completed returning all the petitions that were not selected in the H1B lottery for FY 2017. Read More details here 
  • May 2nd, 2016 ( Official Update ) : USCIS updated that data entry is complete for selected petitions in lottery. if you were selected, you should receive receipt notices in 2 to three weeks. If not, the chances are very slim to get selected. You should look at your plan B.  Read H1B Data Entry Complete Article for full details
  • April 22nd, 2016 : (Official Update) USCIS Updated that they will start premium processing from May 12th, instead of May 16th.
  • April 12th, 2016 – 6:30 PM EST : Official Update :  USCIS released a press note that H1B lottery was completed on April 9th and they received over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota. Read Press Release Summary  
  • April 12th, 2016 – 11:50 AM CST ( Unofficial Update ) : It is reported on blog by attorney ( immigrationgirl ) that they have received about 40 email receipts of Premium Processing. What it means is that USCIS has already conducted lottery. We will keep you posted with updates. If I am not wrong, they are just drafting the press release now.

[prompt type=”left” title=”H1B 2017 – Latest News Updates” message=” Most recent and complete history of all latest breaking news updates from Official sources like USCIS and Unofficial sources for FY 2017 Season.” button_text=”Latest H1B 2017 News” href=”https://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-2017-cap-count-updates-tracker-news/”]

When is the next H1B Season ?

The next H1B season starts on April 1st, 2017.  Wondering about your next chance for H1B and various details about the next H1B season, check out H1B Visa 2018 FAQs

Sample H1B Reject Notices for FY 2017 ?

USCIS has started to mail out the reject notices for FY 2017 petitions that were not picked in lottery. It says that the start date for next year H1B season is April 1, 2017. You can check out the Sample Reject Notice for FY 2017, Details

We have many more FAQs around H1B Visa 2017. We will continue to keep updating the page with latest news and updates regarding FY 2017. Bookmark this page and keep checking for updates.

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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23,619 Comments

  1. What does this mean???
    Fees Were Waived

    On April 19, 2016, we received your case and waived the filing fee for your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , Receipt Number EAC16148*****. We mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case.

    Reply
  2. Any update from TechM. so far no list is shared. Mailed to Visa cell but no response. anybody received the receipt pls let me know where to check.

    Reply
  3. Hi,

    Got following reply for my AHD request “We haven’t received the lottery result for you. We have got only 1st batch.Once we get that the receipt copy will be updated in the system.Kindly wait.”

    Still we have a chance…

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • thank you @Infy for your info… i wish in next result we all get our file number with case received status…

      Reply
  4. My File number has NA on it.. Does it mean that I’m not through the lottery? My status is still in AcknowledgefromUSCIS.. IS there any batch results are coming in? Or Game over?

    Reply
  5. Finally got my file number after reading 12076 comments for 2 consecutive years on red bus… Thank you Saurabh n team and other contributors to this page for constant updates. All the best to fellow infoscions and all other genuine applicants

    Reply
    • Can ppl from Infy who have got file number updated in GICS, pls confirm what were the DM comments while initiating the Visa? e.g. 2 ppl who got selected have ‘h1 p1’ as comments, whereas in my case, it was ‘Visa Initiation Process'(I have not got file number updated). Just trying to understand if there is any funda behind this? GICS –> My Visa Details –> Visa Ref No –> Actions–>Lastpage

      Reply
        • Hi,

          Can u please help me with the place where to crosscheck the file number which is being discussed,
          When we click on visa ref number , in the page which gets opened,Is it the grey area where Emp. Name, Emp id etc is mentioned.
          Did you get any mail from GI Connect regarding the same.
          I can also see some file number starting from “EAC” …does it means that my name is selected?

          Reply
          • Yes…If u see file number updated, you are selected in Lottery. For those who are not selected, it shows NA .

  6. Hi admin,

    I need an important suggestion on this.

    I am on H4 in US now and applied for H1 with COS. My H1 petition has picked up in the lottery and my case type is Regular processing/NonAd. My H4 visa is going to expire on August 30th 2016.

    1) I heard my COS will get denied considering my visa expiration date. Is it true that I should be with valid H4 on September 30th for COS to get approved??

    2)If the above is not true, then, as per Last Action Rule, would I end up with H4 again (provided H1 gets approved and then H4 extension gets approved)??

    3)Do you recommend to withdraw H4 extension and upgrade to premium processing?

    Kindly help!!

    Reply
  7. I need an important suggestion on this.

    I am on H4 in US now and applied for H1 with COS. My H1 petition has picked up in the lottery and my case type is Regular processing/NonAd. My H4 visa is going to expire on August 30th 2016.

    1)As per Last Action Rule, would I end up with H4 again (provided H1 gets approved and then H4 extension gets approved)??

    2)Do you recommend to withdraw H4 extension and upgrade to premium processing?

    Kindly help!!

    Reply
  8. Admin,

    My application is picked in lottery and it’s a case of transfer from h4 to h1. Now I have recieved rfe. I want to travel to India urgently. Will this affect the process? Suggestions please.

    Reply
    • RFE_guy,

      Most likely the petition is filed w/ COS from H-4 to H-1. If the person leaves US before the petition is approved, then COS would be abandoned. The petition itself may get approved but it will be w/ consular processing. So the person will either have to enter on stamped H-1 visa, or enter on H-4 and file separate COS from H-4 to H-1. You should let the attorney know about any travel plans.

      Reply
  9. Cts guys seems no luck… For me any idea on promotion got first
    India rating in last two years but changed account now is it possible to get promotion and when will they take nomination

    As always search for next thing after a disappointment

    Reply
    • 2 back to back 1st rating should make your case strong. Talk to your Manager and they will definitely consider.
      Did you get released and joined a new account due to a ramp down or project ending? It is generally not advisable to opt for a release when expecting a promotion – especially when you were awarded with consistent best rating. Stick to your project where you will have better treatment. Not many understand the fact, and vent out their frustration by demanding a release. More often than not, you will be behind a bunch of people when you go to a new team.

      Reply
      • Project got ramped down and i had ti change vertucalas well let see i asked manager he said will be consider but his voice doesn’t look trustworthy

        Reply
        • How long have you been in your current designation? If it has been 3 or more years, talk again confidently and make him understand your aspirations. Also tell that it will motivate you to deliver even better results in the current project and you are looking forward to take up more responsibilities.

          Reply
  10. Hi guys,

    Any updates from the wall or Winterfell? Did any of the wildlings or Nights watch recieved receipts?

    Reply
  11. Hi Admin/Saurabh/Kumar,

    What is this status meaning “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction”. This looks new to me and most of the H1B petition getting this status. What they actually do in this ?

    My case recently changed from

    Case received (April 11th)>>>> Case was transferred to another office for processing (May 18th) >>>That office now has jurisdiction over your case(May 18th)

    Reply
    • Shan,

      Your case was transferred from one center to another, most likely VT to CA. This is normal as USCIS had previously announced that they would do so to equalize the workload at the 2 centers.

      Reply
    • Which center did you send it to for processing ? They have sent it to another center for processing. Did you get a receipt number yet for getting picked in lottery ? Or is this after getting picked in lottery ?

      What is your case ?
      AD/N-AD ?
      PP/RP ?

      Reply
      • They haven’t changed the Receipt Number.
        Mine is regular processing and the original receipt was from Vermont Service Center (VSC)

        Reply
  12. Hi Saurabh,

    Seeking your comment on peculiar happening with my H-1B petition. I got the receipt number (AD/RP/CA) from my attorney on Apr 29, and today she called me, informing that she has got my petition fee check from some other law firm, which received the check from USCIS. She opined that it might be a rare error, where USCIS has sent my check back, mistaking for some other unsuccessful application of third law-firm. She sounded confident of sorting it out. Please advise what could be the reason, and how to negotiate it.

    Appreciate your response.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Rajesh,

      If the attorney is confident that you made through the lottery and have 797C with your name on it, then it should be fine. Yes, looks like USCIS made a mistake of returning your check when in fact it should been cashed as you have made through the lottery. I assume they would be following-up w/ USCIS about this.

      Reply
      • Thank you so much Saurabh. Appreciate your reply. Yes, she has the hard copy receipt with the number. Hoping that she figures it out with USCIS sooner than later.

        Reply
  13. Case status:

    “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction”

    What does it mean?? Case transferred to balance work load?

    Reply
    • @RP : I got this status changed today for me as well.

      Does it changed directly to “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” ?

      In the morning around 9 AM it was changed to “Case Was Transferred New Office” and later at 2 Pm It was changed to “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction”.

      Reply
      • Wow there is one more update in my case in a single day.

        Around 9.00 AM “Case Was Transferred New Office”
        Around 2.00 PM “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction”
        Around 2:30 PM “Case Was Transferred New Office”

        Reply
  14. I am eager to know, how many of you who visited Chilukur Balaji Temple(Visa God)are selected in Lottery ??

    Reply
  15. Is there any hope or is it done for Infoscions ?

    Guys , please let me know

    In our projects all 5 folks got selected except me.

    Feeling very very down … totally upset.

    Reply
    • Nope I know 3 people so far got notified starts with
      First name P last name V – more than 2 weeks back
      First name A last name K – 2 weeks back
      First name D last name M – 2 weeks back

      Reply
  16. Not sure but this time it seems that people having experience in 4-5 range are getting selected………..
    In my group of 20 people and other projects none got selected having more than 7+ years of experience.

    This should not be coincidence…

    Reply
  17. I think they should have done with updates. Not sure if 2nd list is really there or not.
    As its updated all over DC is single go.

    I think chances are very slim but still don’t loose hopes

    Reply
  18. I am from cts and got some updates in Myvisa on May 18th as below. NON AD/RP/CA.

    GIT-Immigration Specialist has Completed Reviewing and Processing the Petition Completed May 18 2016

    Does that mean they are working on our petitions? Did anyone else see this update in myvisa portal?

    Reply
  19. Hey

    Is there anything like waitlist?
    what happens when applications are denied/withdrawn while they are in processing. Does USCIS holds some application to replace the denied/withdrawn ones?

    Reply
    • AD/pp,

      In one of the previous year’s lottery updates, USCIS mentioned that they waitlist petitions and notify them about it. I didn’t see any information about the process being changed since then. So they should be accepting extra petitions.

      Reply
        • Jeet,

          I don’t know if they are explicitly informed about being waitlisted or are issued receipt numbers just like others as USCIS know eventually some would be denied or withdrawn prematurely. Also, there would be left over numbers from last year which get added to this year’s filing. Not enough clarity from USCIS though.

          Reply
  20. Did some one check with GI team when will they announce the second set of results? I didn’t receive my file number. I raised an AHD. They told me to wait for second set of results? Is there something called as second set?

    Reply
  21. Still waiting for result.hoping for best!!!

    Any one received update from capgemini FS BU ?

    Capgemini Team please reply…

    Reply
      • Same here Dude. Getting frustrated and I’am tired of waiting now. I guess we will have to wait till May end to get any updates from PMSD .

        Lets Hope for the Best!!

        Reply
          • Dude, In case you have initiated last year or before do you know if PMSD team will inform us even if our Application is not picked in Lottery ?

            The Ironic part is even the LCA number is not updated in the Portal.

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