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.
Any one from Capgemini on this forum ?
Hello,
I am from Capgemini.
My Receipt number is EAC1614455***. What’s yours? My case status is “Case Transferred To Another Office”.
Regards,
Nero.
Hi,
I m also from Capgemini.
My Receipt number is EAC1614251*** and status is “Case Transferred To Another Office”.
Yes, i m from CG
am from capgemini, My visa status is approved now.received it by today early morning.
Congrats to those who got selected and got their approval, my case was not picked up in the lottery this year but Capgemini has not updated the portal with the reject package details, anyone got the intimation about their rejected package from Capgemini immigration ?
Your Case Number is Normal or Transferred Case and Receipt Number starts with??
Any updates for Infy final 30% rejection notices ?
It is going to happen tomorrow. GICS Team head has confirmed that on Yammer Group.
Hi All,
This is just to update that my visa case got approved last Thursday. I am NonAD/RP from Vermont centre. My Receipt number is EAC16144*****. Thanks a lot for all the update in this site a it helped all of us a lot.
Thanks
Is the status in uscis site as well? or you only got mail from GI from your employer?
yours was transferred case or case received?
Received
iam also waiting for EAC1614152***
I am also waiting for same series eac161445xxxx
I am waiting as well EAC161465****
Hi CTS_Vi,
Where we can check and confirm that our case has been approved or we will get mail from the mobility team ????… please advise
That is great, mine is in RFE and it sucks, at least I know they are working on it right??? haha they updated the case status last Thursday 21st and mine is VT Non-AD/RP case is EAC1614654*** good luck everyone else and good luck to me too haha
Hi please advice ,
Just like to clarify seems my status are not changing from “Case Was Received”
Do I should get move to RFE before approve or it can be direct approved status…..seems is already July end …..my status are not changing since April 11?
It will not change unless you work on you vocab..Uscia monitors this forum maybe they checked that you suck at english that why they didnt approve.Join Dubey Jis englisss tution and then see thw difference
Hey you TheyWontApprove,
First you better go for how to behaviour in a public forum class before advising others
Bhai sahi bol raha hai woh…English learning classes join karlo jabtak H1B approve nahn hota….Visa interview main wapis bhaga denge.
Same here, almost three months now. Hoping to get approve by end of Aug. There is no definite pattern followed here. The case numbers before and after mine are already approved.
Hi Sanjana,
I feel with in the next 10 days most of the case petitions will move to the next stage (RFE/Approval).
Thanks,
Sun
These are just early times. H1B processing could take any where between 7-9months. So just relax.
Hi Admin,
I am living in USA with h4 and my h1b petition got picked in lottery. If it get approved, can i attend visa interview in usa or should i visit india?)
if your application was filed as change of status, then you can start working from Oct 1st as you would get new I-94, you will have to go for visa interview in your country whenever you travel next. you can continue to work till the date available on the new I94,
if your application was filed as consular processing then you will have to go to your country for visa interview.
in any case, visa interview happens outside the US.
Thank you…
Go through below link: You have to attend visa interview only when you leave US and coming back
http://redbus2us.com/change-of-status-cos-f1-h1b-l1-h4-l2-f2-faqs-all-you-need-to-know/
Guys,
I am waiting for my H1b Regular case status after since May 1st week.
I can see few cases number just before mine has been approved and few more after mine has got approved. But mine is still in “Case Was Received”
Can anyone tell on what basis do they pick up the case to validate ??? I know its not in sequence but still don’t understand the procedure. Please let me know your views.
My Case number: WAC161475****
Thanks,
Sun
Hi,
No one knows on what basis/sequence they processes cases.., we have to keep waiting.
Thanks for your reply Sharu. Lets wait and keep hoping for the best.
Thanks,
Sundar
Hi Sun,
Mine is also the same Case with receipt No WAC161475***.
Case Status is still showing as ‘Case Was Received’. I think this series has not been picked yet for processing.
Best Regards,
Joy
Hi Joy,
Good to know that we are in same series. This series has already been picked up quite sometime before as few cases before and after mine are already approved. Only my case was untouched. So I wonder on what basis they pick up the case to validate. Let’s keep hoping for the best. Let me know if you get any updates.
Thanks,
Sun
Hi All,
My petition got approved today.
AD/RP/CA.
WAC16141xxxx is the receipt number.
-kramer
when did you get the confirmation? Mine is also WAC1614****.. i am still waiting
Thanks,
Got approved on July 19
HI SUN,
My case Number is also of pattern WAC161475**** & there is no change since May2016.IU think they have not picked this series yet for processing.Is there any cutoff date to process regular cases?
Thanks ,
Joy
Hi Joy,
There is no proper cut off date. They can take anytime from 3 to 6 months.
All we can do is to wait patiently, but most of the cases get an result in 3 months. I can see that yesterday also there were some approvals made in WAC161475**** series.
Thanks,
Sun
Hi Kumar,
Just like to clarify seems my status are not changing from “Case Was Received”
What was your status before Approved? “Case Was Received” or RFE?
It is called ‘random’
Admin should be responsible for removing irrelevant chat. Why do u ignore
Do you think, he doesn’t have any other work…
I believe he is not earning extra penny for this… so stop posting these shits…
Hi Guys,
Any update on the status anyone?
For me it is still pending.
I am also still waiting… mine is WAC161475***** no updates since May 8th after i got my reciept
Hi admin,
I still have received neither the rejection package nor the receipt letter. I am sure that my employer has filed my petition. Is there any possibility of it getting wait listed? Please advice. Thanks in advance.
Manoj,
If the employer really applied for H-1, then they should have received a letter from USCIS by now – receipt notice, rejection letter or wait list letter (if there is one).
What if none of the same has happened?
Hanuman,
Then the assumption made “If the employer really applied for H-1” …. is probably incorrect.
Hi,
Could some one please reply to my query. I received strange query asking my previous experience letters with different format (with company letter head, start, end date, job roles and responsibilities from previous manager). I already submitted my all previous experience letters. My current situation is my manager left the company and company acquired by some other company. H1B sponsor employer is not specifying any information. I have some questions.
1. What is the time limit to submit this letters?
2. Could I get that letter from previous employer HR or only from manager?
3. These experience letters required from all previous employer and from current employer also?
4. What are the roles and responsibilities they are expecting?
Final question in the email the sponsor said if the employer is not ready to give letter then please get it from your colleague and then go for notarized sign.
Could you please some one first confirm, whether any one faced this type of query? If yes how to resolve?
Thanks,
Ram
Ram,
Is this RFE asked by USCIS then the time line is 12 weeks to submit the required letters …
if it is experience letter, it’s better to get from HR .. and if it is about roles and responsibilities better to confirm from manager …
Its better to send all previous companies experience letters..
Roles and responsibilities should be match with your designation ..
Hi,
Thank you very much sir. Based on your comment I understand I can get the letter from HR. Thank you very much. I will try to get as soon as possible.
Thanks,
Ram
My friend also got same rfe last year . He said that he was told if he is not able to get this letter from his previous company then he can get it signed from any of his colleague from that company. Since 2 of his previous companies were acquired so he got it signed from colleague and he got his visa approved later.
Hi,
Even my case is exactly the same. Are you sure if we get notarized, that will be fine ?
But my sponsor said that if its not feasible to get the exp cerificates with roles and responsibilities, he told me to send what I have.
Thanks,
Bza
Ram,
1. The RFE letter would contain the date by which it need to be responded.
2. HR would also work
3. You will have to look at the exact text of RFE. If they don’t limit it to just one employer, then probably all employers.
4. Looks like USCIS wants to ascertain that you really have the experience required for the offered H-1 position. That is why they want previous designation(s) and job responsibilities.
If you cannot get from manager or HR, then best option is to get from ex-colleagues on personal stationary, get it notarized and attach a copy of their linked-in profile to show that they really worked at that firm during the time you were there.
Hi saurabh,
if we don’t present them the responsibilities in experience certificates , is there any chance to get rejected .?
Thanks
Viji
Hi Saurabh,
My H1 transfer went to RFE and my attorney responded.Now its is in NOID.MY Employer would be responding now but I am not sure whether it would be approved
Am I eligible to apply H1 transfer through new employer now?I dont want my H1 to be denied
Please answer
Vatsala,
You are not eligible for cap-exempt petition as the original petition was never approved. Reinstating the denied petition is your only hope for this year’s cap.
Thanks anil, its a useful link.
i keep watching my status every 30 mins, no change in status from past 2 months.
my series eac161445XXXX
Same here
I’m also checking the same from past tow months there is no status update. EAC16142*****, any idea? I have seen some of them approved. mine is RP
Same here
I am Ad Rp Vt
Eac161425XXXX
My cap gap expires on Sept 30th
Can’t afford a RFE now. They should have atleast reviewed AD cases first and given a decision by now so that there is no gap in employment for AD.
Kind of losing patience now and feeling very frustrated.
This whole H1B process is very harassing.
Exactly same situation. Praying for self and others to get through asap now.
Vermont is at full now. Though i do not see a change in my case, but i see the nearest numbers are either RFE’d or Approved. On 21st July totally 282 cases has been processed. Hope the remaining EAC’s should get an update at the earliest. Good luck!!!
me 2
but i came to know through my attorneys that Aug-Sep is the moving period for non ad/rp people every year,then usually embassy appointment will be in November or December, so stepping to US will be in january.
This is why most of the h1’s go the US mostly in january month.
Just watch it once in two or three days. Else, frustration will only increase.
Hi Friends,
Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction
On May 20, 2016, we transferred your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC16149*****, to another USCIS office. That office now has jurisdiction over
your case. We sent you a notice that explains why we moved your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your notice by June 19, 2016, please go to
www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Still not yet received any updates or status not yet changed. What does it mean?
Please any one clarify me. And any one this series got approved? please update.
Thanks for the update from every one.
I hope will get every one approved after july. I am also eagerly waiting for that one.
Hi Friends,
I seen some of the members are already updated and got approved. Congrats.
If any one got approval email, please update the series.
Hi Saurabh,
First of all, I appreciate your initiative of running this blog which is helping so many individuals to overcome the confusions behind H1B process. I need your suggestion on my current situation:
My Petition is picked up in the lottery and I am waiting for the status change. But, meanwhile my client has changed as my employer is no longer associated with the old client. My employer is ready to file the amendment with the new papers for the new client. But, I am worried if they should wait till October or would it be fine to file an amendment at this moment.
Basically, I don’t want to lose my Cap Exempt case in any worst case scenario.
Please throw some light if I should proceed to cooperate my employer in filing amended petition or try to push the filing till October?
Awaiting your response.
Hi Experts
Mine is selected in the lottery and current status shows “case received” however I have changed the employer & now would my case will be considered for Cap Exempt if I apply H1B from my new employer ?
Regards
Raghu
Your new employer cannot file H1 until next year. Your old employer can cancel the petition.
Eagerly Waiting,
I don’t think they can change client while the petition is pending especially if the client is at a different location. Change of location requires new LCA, which requires H-1 amendment and this cannot be done until the petition has been approved.
Did you discuss this w/ your attorney?
Thanks for replying Saurabh!
To answer your question, Yes the new client is for a different location. I haven’t talked to attorney but my manager on the new client is asking for some details to file an amendment and don’t want to jeopardize my current petition.
Also, if we go with the thought that an amendment can’t be filed till the current petition is approved. If it turns out to be RFE, then would it be fine to reply with an amendment with the papers from new client?
I would really appreciate your thoughts on this matter.
Eagerly Waiting,
The amendment requires a new LCA to be applied. If you respond to potential RFE using new LCA and amendment document, it could result in denial as USCIS officer would conclude that the basis of original petition (original LCA) is no longer applicable.
If RFE is issued related to client/project details and you are unable to get that from old client, then I would suggest submitting a letter from a senior executive vouching for your petition.
Go for amendment once the current petition has been approved.
Thank you Saurabh!
I would hope for the best. Would keep you posted on updates if I need further suggestion.
Thanks again..
Hey hi,
I had the same situation last year and here is what I did in my case – I waited until the case get approved and filed an H1B Amendment later.
Hope this helps !
Thanks for replying Saurabh!
Yes the new client is for a different location. I haven’t talked to attorney but my manager on the new client is asking for some details to file an amendment and don’t want to jeopardize my current petition.
Also, if we go with the thought that an amendment can’t be filed till the current petition is approved. If it turns out to be RFE, then would it be fine to reply with an amendment with the papers from new client?
I would really appreciate your thoughts on this matter.
Its not in my hand to wait till the approval. Also, lets say if I get a RFE asking for some papers from old client, I would not be able to furnish them as it would be difficult to do so.
I have asked Saurabh for his opinion but please feel free to add your thoughts on the best approach which I should follow here.
I just don’t want to lose the chance of being “Cap Exempt”, coz you don’t get luck every year:). This was my second attempt.
Finally status changed butto RFE.
Case: WAC1614751XXX
what does RFE say? heard that many TechM got direct approval.
My status also changed to REF.
Case: WAC1614551XXX
Hi Admin,
I received RFE on July8th. While filing the response, the client name is the same, but the work location is changing to a different state.
What precautions should the filing team should take to ensure an approval?
The employer has LCA filed for the new address as well.
Will there be any problem while changing the LCA and client address on filing RFE?
admin. kindly respond.
That question should be answered by experienced attorney.
CTS_RFE,
Like someone else suggested, your attorney should be taking the lead here. Usually it is pretty difficult to change LCA when the petition is still pending.
Thanks admin. I shall follow up with my employer
today no approvals or rfe updates for any non/ad/rp EAC?
means again Vermont office went in sleep mode ?
also is there any one with transferred case who got approved or rfe?
Current Waittime https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html/
Chennai:
Visitor Visas 25 Calendar Days*
Student/Exchange Visitor Visas 25 Calendar Days*
All Other Nonimmigrant Visas‡ 73 Calendar Days*
Mumbai:
Visitor Visas 31 Calendar Days*
Student/Exchange Visitor Visas 29 Calendar Days*
All Other Nonimmigrant Visas‡ 63 Calendar Days*
Kolkata:
Visitor Visas 22 Calendar Days*
Student/Exchange Visitor Visas 21 Calendar Days*
All Other Nonimmigrant Visas‡ 104 Calendar Days*
Delhi:
Visitor Visas 17 Calendar Days*
Student/Exchange Visitor Visas 17 Calendar Days*
All Other Nonimmigrant Visas‡ 124 Calendar Days
Hyderbad:
Visitor Visas 14 Calendar Days*
Student/Exchange Visitor Visas 14 Calendar Days*
All Other Nonimmigrant Visas‡ 113 Calendar Days*
Better plan next year 🙂 till then enjoy Desi food, frend, relatives, festivals
All B1s and F1s can go to Hyderabad. H1s to Mumbai and Chennai.
First available Appointment is Monday October 3 2016 as of today i.e 22-july-2016.
I don’t know if this keeps changing.
People can easily check themselves just by registering using email,FN,LN in the following link
http://portal.ustraveldocs.com/SiteRegister?country=India&language=en_US
PS :
The above is with respect to Chennai consulate.
There are stupid people below, how could saurabh knows which consulate has dates,does USCIS directly working with him,if anyone wants to know dates go and check your nearest consulate dates in their portal, even saurabh has to do the same, some idiot asking below whether he can travel before november without stamping, even your petition get approved in US Indian consulate has 100% right to stop you in india itself by showing some security reason, not even a bigger MNC’s cant do anything
Hi Saurabh/All,
I have enrolled myself for email updates at USCIS site providing my receipt number. My case still shows ” Case Recieved”. Can guys who have already got their approval and got notification thru this USCIS mail alert or Saurabh answer me the following questions.
1. If your petition is approved, do you get an email alert from USCIS that your ” We have approved your petition” or just ” Your document was mailed”. And then you have to wait for your employer to let you know from the doc that they recieve from USCIS which states that the petition is approved or not.
2. If you subscribe for email alert, then once there is a status change do you surely know from the email whether its an approval/denial or RFE.
3. If there are no available dates across consulates for stamping till Nov 2016, then although we are eligible to travel from Oct 1,2016 we still have to wait beyond Nov 2016 to get stamping done and then plan for travel right? Can this scenario change in next 2-3 mnths drastically? Is this the situation same every year at this time? Please share your experiences.The answer to this will help in planning for lot of guys.
Any other info that you may provide in this regard from other guys/Saurabh would be really helpful for all.
Yes, I agree, the clarifications for above would help many people atleast to plan. Please help
I dont think registering on uscis would sent any notification, as for my earlier visa request , i never got any communication. others please share your view. thanks
I got the below email alert from Uscis
*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***
There has been a recent processing action taken on your case.
Receipt Number: EAC161465XXXX
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity
On July 18, 2016, we approved your Form I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER, Receipt Number EAC161465XXXX . We will mail your approval notice. Please follow the instructions in the notice.
This mean you are through. BTW, how did you got this notification? Did you subscribe on USCIS site? Please let us know .. so that other s can benefit.
Great.This means they clearly tell u whether your petition is approved or not in the email notification.Thanks this really helps….I got clarifications on point # 1 and 2. The reason i asked is bcos i saw in this forum that somebody only got intimation saying ” Your doc has been mailed”
@CTSH1B when did u get this notification ? Did CTS notify anything to you till now or you have just known from subscribing to the alert? When did you get to know ur receipt number from cts?I belong to EAC16148xxxxxx
Also Can someone answer to point# 3 below? You are also welcome if u better answers to 1 and 2 as well.
Believe me this will help lot of ppl.
ctsh1b3rd,
1. The email you would receive would contain exactly what’s there on the site. So if the site says “Case was approved”, that’s what the email would so etc.
2. You get an email alert every time there is an update on the status. As simple as that.
3. It looks like they are relocating more resources to F-1 visas as their classes start in September and students would lose out on a semester if delayed. Probably after August when most of the F-1s have gone through stamping, they would dedicate more resources to H-1. That’s my logic and I can’t say for sure if they would do that.
Is this true that there are no appointment dates available in US consulates across India for stamping,before November? Saurabh Answer this valid question?
yes thats true buddy. I asked Saurabh the same question and ge agreed.As of now, no dates available in US consulates in India before Nov
You can check wait time here,
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/wait-times.html/
Hi Saurabh,
I received RFE notification yesterday. Not sure on the nature of the RFE. How long does it take to reach the mail to attorney. I would assume three days, usual for USPS/Fedex. For some reason, my attorney said, it would take two weeks to reach the RFE notice to her.
Appreciate your help, as usual.
Thanks.
Rajesh
What help do you need here. You have to wait until rfe notice reaches to your attorney. It takes time.
Rajesh,
SLA is 30 days to reach attorney, but in reality it is usually received within 1-2 weeks (or earlier). Probably the attorney gave you timeline w/ some buffer so that you don’t follow-up too quickly 🙂
We can discuss this fiscal year issues/updates here. FB group may help us to be in touch also as here I can’t find tag option
https://www.facebook.com/groups/751002188370248/?fref=nf
What the heck is Telugu community? I’m a Telugu but I hate to see that word. happy if you rename it to H1BIndians community. Shame.
Most Telugus running fake companies and bringing bad name to Indians. Shame on us!
There was some other group (non functional) so I kept the word “Telugu” so as to create the group to differ in name
Anyways now changed the name you can have a look at it
Hey, Whats this? Where Telugu comes here? We are already getting enough comments from Americans, but still we would like to expose ourselves 🙂 Please avoid such regional based communities in a forum where the entire world writes!
@bunny:It could be NOID(notice of intent to deny). this is similar to RFE but urgent RFE. you need to respond sooner else it will be rejected
I am still waiting for my rejection update.. Lot of people already got their rejection update and it is almost two weeks since USCIS stated that they returned all petitions. I am not sure why i have not got my update yet. If any one has any info pls let people know.
Hey, please don’t ask the same questions again and again here. I already told you there are many people with you in the same boat. I am completely understanding your feelings. Someone has also replied on your comment previously that GICS is done with status update for 70% remaining cases with Rejection status. Now still 30% remaining cases are still in progress status. If you want to know the answer for this question then you should have to post this in Infosys Yammer group “GICS User Experience” by keeping GICS members/head in cc. You will get your answer. I think now we are very near to our result. We might get to know by tomorrow or else on coming Monday for sure.
Hi Infosys Update,
It was not me who asked the same question again. some lazy goose has copy pasted my question probably because they are also in same boat as us and wanted to know recent update. Look at the name in the posts. both are different ( I am Infosys_H1_waiting). So pls dont get irritated. 🙂 :).
BTW its already monday (for sure USCIS is done returning all petitions) and even today i dont see any update on GICS page.i spoke to GI team. Each person is giving different update. They are blatantly saying that they dint get update from USCIS yet.. I really dont understand why Infosys is sitting on the rest pending applications.
you’re probably the lucky. 0001% who gets it after its all over…. just have patience… its difficult but doable 🙂
hello friends,
anyone from Diaspark got any updates on approval after being selected in lottery?
best wishes!
Hi
Are you applied through diaspark, me too on same employer ?
You get any updated status ?
thanks
ds18584,
Good to know someone from employer. No updates except selected in lottery .
What about you?
Why did u name it H1BVisaTeluguCommunity..You might be from hyderabad like many others who are in US.But if your community is free to join should not name it based on a caste or language..when will you people from AP Change?
United States of Andhrapradesh
We got changed 🙂
And the answer for your other questions please look below
Accepted your point brother !!
Hi Sourabh,
My petition was approved in May (premium case), I want to know that when I can go for visa stamping? Can I go for before October? Is there any chance of rejection?
you can enter the US 10 days prior to h1b start date that is 1st oct. and about visa, you can get appointment 90 days before the start date.
@AV0808,
You can appear for stamping anytime now depending upon availability of dates. There is always a chance of rejection.
Hi Saurabh,
Is this true that there are no appointment dates available in US consulates across India for stamping,before November? This is the buzz inside CTS at least. Whereas, as per the norms of H1B you are eligible to travel from Oct 1. Suppose somebody has got thru the lottery and he has not filed for permium processing then he/she has to wait till Nov-Dec to travel? What if the project requirment is also urgent?
This is too much.They take 6K dollars as charge and now they delay dates also.Not to mention the fact that most of us have not recieved the approval of the petition even though more than 3 months have passed. I cannot believe these guys are so inefficient or are they doing it knowingly only to harrass the Indians. Strange…Really Strange.
I am really amazed to find out from lottery till approval; and finally travel for non premium processing takes around 6 months if not more.
Cheap Labor stay in India, destroying the US Economy.
You fool how saurabh knows what dates available in india,go and check india consulate sites there you can see dates, but yes i saw the all US consulates dates yesterday they only available from november.
No one is inviting you to US you yourself wantedly going to US, you are steeping into their land so you have to bare watever they make u to do even you have to eat their shit if needed.if not interested then stay in India and serve your country why you spoiling their land people.
Anitha..you sound like you have completed your masters from US and you have a rage against people from India who slog hard in IT companies and get H1B from here..Let me quote what you said “you are steeping into their land so you have to bare watever they make u to do even you have to eat their shit if needed” So please tell us..are you in the US eating their shit…how does it taste good/bad? Please when you are talking in a public forum mind your words..Dumb!!!
Your comments potrays your frustration and ignorance.Carry on we are feeling entertained here.
FrustratedSoul hum kya munni aur sheela hai tere entertainment ke liye..saale bahut maarunga mc gndu
“They take 6K dollars as charge”
Becareful & mind your words bro, else you may need to forget the 6k 😛
Abbe main to dar gaya
ctsh1b3rd,
Yes, the dates are pretty backlogged in India right now. There are just too many people applying for different visas in India these days. I read an article sometime ago about plans to open another consulate in India (not sure about location, but may be Bangalore).
If you are worried about this delay in processing, wait until you are introduced to green card wait queue. A sloth moves faster than this queue. If someone applies GC in EB-2 India today, s/he may get it in may be 10 years.
As for EB-3 India – they have quicker chance of getting this if their children apply for it after they turn 18. And I am talking about children who are not even born yet.
Good News ppl with Vermont processing center
I can see sudden pickup in speed by Vermont center..yesterday they processed 369 applications lot more that what california center processed..pple with series EAC16141 only 1400 appications are pending to be processed you can expect status change soon..
IBMer_pune
Boosting news …… eagerly waiting.
Thanks for sharing.But how come u came to know about this news.
Please provide the link which you were referring please.
Below is the link to know the processed applications
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pMsGtKC6sGS2uj4JL3JX5IYytzU5jJO_qJ-UJKXiCr4/htmlview?pli=1#
That’s some good news..
Though there is no such rule, but I have noticed almost everyone in IBM has reciept no starting from EAC (vermont).
So we can expect status change in next few days.
From where you are getting this info, I dont think this info is shared publicly anywhere, Does it?
Hi Saurabh,
My petition has got picked in lottery in NonAD/Regular processing.
Is anybody received approval or RFE notice under NonAD/Regular processing ?
Thanks.
Lakshmi,
There are several who have received approval or RFE and have shared the same on the forum.
Hi Saurabh
There is one more query. My case has been picked up in lottery and waiting for approval. So if it get approved then should I get my spouse passport renewed as it is getting expired next year April 2017 to avoid any kind of confusion or challenges? Also it would be nice if u let me know how to apply for H4 for dependents when we are going to H1B stamping ie. pre -documentation, etc ?
Thanks,
NJ
US consulate usually will NOT issue visa for passports expiring within 6 months. So, it is must for renewing the passport before stamping. It is also good to make sure spouse details are correct.
Hope you know, the H1B is issued for employer… you are just a beneficiary. So, these visas are tied to the employer and you cannot change employer.
So, regarding A-B conversion… you will need to wait for approval of H1B petition from B. Then get all the paper works. Then you will need to ask A to apply H1B cap exempt (transfer). Then again wait for its approval. Then if all went good, go for stamping.
You will also mostly face 2 hurdles.
1) The company A which applied your first H1B will not just like that let you go. So, you might need to negotiate with them to get your papers. Most of the time, an action like this will hurt the consultancy or company that files H1B. So, they will go nuts. So, get ready for some nasty drama.
2) You also will need to get ready for answering the visa officer about this quick jump.
Hope that helps. Good luck
Thanks.. It cleared by doubts..
NJ,
Yes, you can renew spouse’s passport now and then carry the renewed passport for H-4 stamping. This way you would get the visa stamp in the new passport and not in the one which has expired or about to expire.
Saurabh, so I believe I need to fill the DS-160 from for all my dependents with fees for H4 before going for stamping. Do I need to fill any other additional forms as well?
NJ,
Each dependent needs to file DS-160 form and submit the fees. No other form is required. When applying for visa, you can convert it into family application, so that entire family can appear together.
Hi Saurabh
I have a query that if I am working with company A and I got a sponsor – company B who filed my H1B and would get approved.
But at the time of resigning from Company A it offers me to move to its onshore center in US by Visa transfer. So should I go for it or not? Is any risks involved? As i have heard that the company who first files ur visa u should travel through that only otherwise there might be a problem in immigration in US? Please clarify.
Thanks,
NJ
Hi Rajesh,
Just received RFE notification. Not sure on the nature of the RFE. How long does it take to reach the mail to attorney. I would assume three days, usual for USPS/Fedex.
Appreciate your help, as usual.
Thanks.
Rajesh
Rajesh,
Wait!!! Are you asking yourself a question 😛
Usually, it is received within 1-2 weeks.
HI Saurabh,
Currently I am in USA on L1b, completing 5 years in Nov 2016.
My I140 was approved last year.
So we have filed H1b till june2019 (beyond 6 years).
I got an RFE stating that:
AC21 benefits is for beneficiary who previously obtained H1B and cannot be granted to beneficiary who had never obtained an H1B visa, as a result beneficiary’s validity period end on Nov2017.
They are asking for documentation to establish eligibility for extension beyond 6years.
So my question is: If I am not able to give documentation for RFE, then they will reject my petition or give H1 till Nov2017?
I don’t want my petition to get rejected 🙁
H1B pickedupin3rdAttempt,
They would provide H-1B until Nov 2017 in that case. But if you have an approved I-140, I don’t see why it would be an issue.
Thank you!
Any one GSS infotech CT inc, got any case approved ?
Me too from GSS, still waiting for approval.
Hi
Me too from GSS. No update yet
Need quick help!
I got RFE this week. My employer didn’t tell me the reason but have sent some questions to answer.The questions are like I need to submit client details and onsite manager details .If I moved to new project after filing H1B I need to submit new client details.My problem is I have moved to new project recently, so now should I submit new client details? If I submit new client details will it cause any issue? Once I submit the answers for these questions onsite manager will share other client related documents. Some one kindly help with your suggestions.
Thanks!
Slaughter21,
If the new client is at a different location, then this could be an issue. LCA is filed for a specific location and new location would warrant another LCA, which cannot be done while the petition is still pending. If that is the case, discuss the same w/ your immigration team. If you work for a renowned employer, then USCIS may take a senior executive’s word for it.
EAC 16 148 XXXXX
Case Was Received.
Same status from last 80 days.
Mujhe lagta hai, the status would be same till august mid.
Vermont center so raha hai kya ?
Itne time me to banda UK, Australia ka onsite laga k wapis bhi aa jata hai, jitna time US visa process hone me lagta hai..
Dude.. You are lucky enough to get your petition picked up in lottery. Keep some patience.
There are non-Indian people here, could you try English, please? Thank you!
Jojoba,
The person is expressing frustration over the slow movement of his petition, which has been pending for almost 80 days now.
ekdam sahi kaha bhai…i am also in the same grp…ek visa approve karne mein 6 months laga deta hain….isse bara inefficieny ka example aur kya ho sakta hain???upar se bolta hain indians ka aana bandh karega…how funny…ek bhi kam khud ye log thik se kar nahin pata upar se bari bari baat.
Hello All,
My case # is EAC16147XXXXX, I-129 recept date in USCIS is April 11, 2016. I have not yet received any update on this. If anyone has any details, could you please help me.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks
mine is EAC161445, you have more time buddy.
even i didnt received any update, but this series start getting approved from this monday itself, so we might receive update by next friday.
Its just random… some from series 148 got approved already… somebody shared a google doc in the comments, check it to know how many petitions are processed from each series everyday to get an idea
Mine also same series. Still no update.
Hi Guys,
Can you guys please let us know what the below status indicate ? Is it RFE/Approval/Denial or something else, I tried googling around but couldn’t find the correct answer/response(s).
Document Was Mailed
We mailed your document for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC16XXXXXXX. If you do not receive your document by June 12, 2016, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request that we resend the document to you. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Thanks,
bunny
Sorry bunny,
This status meant . Rejected
http://redbus2us.com/uscis-online-h1b-case-status-meaning-detailed-screenshots-changes-flow/#comments
I did not receive any RFE. first it should go under RFE .
I think there is no chance of rejection before RFE right??
Please correct me if i am wrong.
Did you received any RFE before rejection?
I did not receive any RFE. first it should go under RFE .
I think there is no chance of rejection before RFE right??
Please correct me if i am wrong.
Bunny,
The status changed on Jun 12. Your employer should have received the paper notice by now. What does it say?
Any update on the case?
No Kharan. the status is still the same.
Hi Saurabh and friends I need some help.
I am working with my employer from last 2 years. My H1 B petition got picked and approved this year. My OPT extension is valid till December which means my H1B will be active from October 1. I cannot apply for new extension as i dont have 150 days left on my OPT.
My Employer has put me on furlough and I may get layoff on August 25th. I have Approved H1B, Will I be able to transfer my H1B to other employer before October 1st? My Employer will inform USCIS on 25th Aug that I am not working with them. Has anyone here done that before?
Worried Guy!!,
You should try to find another employer ASAP. The join them on OPT for now and ask them to file a cap-exempt petition for you in parallel. This should help you in maintaining legal status. Discuss the case w/ new employer’s attorney who can guide on timelines.
Any one got picked from KelltonTech?
Did they return the money for the non picked applications, I am still awaiting
@Saurabh or any others
Can you guys please let us know what the below status indicate ? Is it RFE/Approval/Denial or something else, I tried googling around but couldn’t find the correct answer/response(s)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/13668956_10201925670821336_5355663504459527646_n.jpg?oh=34273f4881c34c006d8eb04bbc22263b&oe=5827C0BB&__gda__=1478783666_103bef5583f59a33d6d6c7d8fb1d6faa
Ganesh,
It could be either. They have started using this general message for both approvals and denials. If no RFE was issued previously, then this could either be approval or RFE. If RFE was issued previously and responded, then this could be approval or denial.
Hi Saurabh,
Could any please help clarify if the below can cause as issue and needs to be called out. If so what needs to be done. I have got an RFE where I need to resubmit the educational transcripts.
I did MBA from Deemed University, the branch of my MBA is “Information System and Security” which is mentioned in degree certificate as well.
Whereas in the petition document submitted to USCIS, it is mentioned as MBA in “BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION” and not “Information System and Security” wherever educational qualification is mentioned. Is it an issue?
Thank you!
Not at all i believe, BA in MBA itself means Business Administration. Your employer has mentioned your education as a Masters in Business Administration which you are. USCIS need to see your specialization which is “Information System and Security”
You don’t need to worry:)
UsaUsa
Thank you for your reply 🙂
@Saurabh
What do you think about this case?
Thanks
RFE_H1,
Your attorney should explain the discrepancy to help USCIS officer understand the differences. It ***may*** be ok, but I don’t remember any similar experience to give a more concrete answer.
Hi,
Any one got approval for transferred case. My case number Starts with EAC161425****.
I am AD RP VT
Case still at Received status in EAC. Kind of losing patience now.
Are you also AD?
Mine is also same series and status is transferred.
Non AD/RP/VT
Same series EAC16142xxxx here. transferred NAD/PP/EAC still waiting.