This page is constantly updated with latest news, info, FAQs on current H1B 2018 season. Below are some topics, FAQs covered on this page.
- Start of H1B Visa 2018 season ?
- H1B Quota for FY 2018 ?
- H1B visa 2018 Lottery Predictions ?
- Plan for H1B FY 2018 Application ?
- Find Visa Sponsors for H1B 2018 ?
- H1B Visa 2018 Fee ?
- H1B 2018 Lottery Results
- H1B 2018 Petitions Tracker – Crowdsourced
- New President Trump Administration Impact on H1B Visa 2018 Quota?
- Latest News updates of H1B FY 2018
H1B 2018, 2019 Season is over, H1B 2020 Season Starts on April 1st, 2019. Check out H1B Visa 2020 – Start Date, Fee, Lottery – FAQs
If this is your first year of H1B visa filing, you must read What is H1B Visa, Requirements, Process . Not to scare you, Last year, there was lottery for H1B season and for FY 2017 USCIS received 236,000 applications .
When does H1B Visa 2018 Season Start ?
Update : USCIS accepted H1B Petitions for FY 2018 starting from April 3rd, 2017 until April 7th. They updated that H1B Cap was reached on April 7th, 2017.
Typically, USCIS accepts H1B petitions for next fiscal year starting from April 1st. So, for FY 2018, the start date for accepting applications would be April 1st, 2017. But, for FY 2018 season, April 1st falls on a Saturday, so USCIS will accept applications starting from Monday, April 3rd, 2017. If you were wondering why called 2018, when in 2017, it is the fiscal year dates that dictate that. USCIS fiscal year is from October 1st to March 30th. So, technically the fiscal year for 2018 starts from October 1st and they accept petitions for the same 6 months before the start date and it would be April 1st, 2017. You may read USCIS Press release for H1B 2017 Start Date
What is H1B 2018 Quota ? Regular Cap vs Master’s Cap Quota ?
Update : USCIS confirmed the below quota cap numbers in latest press release for FY 2018.
To get some background, read H1B Quota – Regular vs Masters . There have been many speculations on increasing the H1B Cap due to extremely high demand and bills proposed for the same in the past, nothing made it through. As of writing of this article, below is the H1B cap quota. We will keep this article updated as new changes come in. The total H1B Quota as of today is 85,000 and it is split like below.
| Regular H1B Quota | 65,000 |
| Master’s H1B Quota ( Only US Masters Degree Eligible) | 20,000 |
Out of the above 85,000 quota, 6,800 are set aside for Singapore and Chile citizens as part of the free trade agreement between them. Also, check out the article with history of maximum H1B Cap from 1990 to 2017
H1B 2018 Lottery Predictions ?
It used to be a speculation whether we would have lottery in previous years, but in the past 4 years, lottery has become common. It is very likely that we would have lottery aka random selection for H1B 2018 season. We have been writing predictions over the years and all of them have been accurate so far. Check out our H1B Visa 2018 Lottery Predictions – Data Analysis to get an idea on how many H1B petitions you can expect for this fiscal year.
Update : USCIS Received 199,000 H1B petitions for fiscal year 2018. H1B Lottery was conducted on April 11th, 2017.
Are you planning for next fiscal year, Read H1B Visa 2019 – Lottery Date, News, FAQs
When to plan for H1B 2018 Application – What should be your strategy ?
It is never too late to start planning…Depending on your situation, you may fall in one of the below categories and the suggestions are described below.
- 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.
- Working Professional from outside USA : If you are a working professional outside US, planning to work in US, especially on H1B visa, your best bet is to find Multinational companies ( MNCs) 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. There may be many people already in-line for these visas, you need to plan carefully so that you are given a slot in the company’s filing for your next season application.
- Other H4, L1 Visas : If you are on these visas living in USA, 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.
For FY 2017, we have put together a Step by Step Plan on How to apply for H1B 2017 Quota, it gives a guideline on the planning and what steps exists.
How to find H1B Visa Sponsor for FY 2018 quota ?
This is probably the most asked question by everyone. It can be a tricky decision, you need be very careful to avoid fraud.
- 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.
- If you are professional planning to arrive in US from outside America, it can be really 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
We have an article that we wrote for previous season, you may read article How to find H1B 2017 Sponsors to find out various options.
What is H1B Visa 2018 Fee ? How much does it cost for the company ?
The H1B fee varies by the size of the company..As of FY 2017 season, it can range anywhere from $1,600 USD to $7,400 USD + Attorney Fee. On December 23, 2016 , USCIS increased the H1B fee component of base filing fees, which was $325. The below table is updated with the latest fee updates from USCIS. 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 from FY 2017 quota. If any changes, we will update this accordingly.
| H1B Fee Component | Fee in USD |
| Base filing fee | $460 |
| 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 |
H1B 2018 Lottery Results – Checks Cashed, Receipts :
One of the most asked questions is when will I get to know the lottery result for my petition. Well, this depends on many factors and there is no set SLA or date. To put things in perspective, last year, USCIS did a news alert indicating that they have returned all the rejected H1B petitions on July 8th, 2017. So, you can expect the last date for receiving final lottery decision around mid July 2017. …As we had about same number of petitions filed for FY 2018, it may be slightly earlier or even later in July or even early August 2017… Few of the ways you would know, if you are selected in lottery is that, if the check that was filed with your H1B petition was cashed, or your employer gets the actual physical receipt notice in mail to them. If you filed under US masters quota, SEVIS update is another indication that you were selected in H1B lottery for FY 2018. Ideally, your receipt numbers should arrive within 1 to 2 months…but, you never know, until you get a reject notice to be sure !
H1B 2018 Case Tracker :
Did you apply for FY 2018 ? With premium processing suspended, it is quite hard for applicants to know the general status of everyone to understand their situation. 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 2018 Case Tracker” href=”https://redbus2us.com/trackers/h1b-visa-tracker/”]
New President Trump Administration Impact on H1B Visa 2018 Quota?
We do not know, if this news release is directed by Trump administration or not…but, on April 3rd, 2017 the start date of H1B season, there were set of new announcements made by USCIS to report and prevent abuse of H1B program. Check out USCIS New measures to report, prevent H1B Fraud . Besides this, as of the today ( article updated date), nothing has been officially ordered or specifically implemented by New President Trump Administration. There are many speculations on how H1B program will become tougher with higher wages, quota limits, etc… but, nothing has been officially signed. We will update the article as new updates come in.
Various H1B Bills in US House and Senate – Will they be passed for FY 2018 ?
There are few bills that are introduced in 2017 and at various stages in both house and senate. There are many confusions regarding the same bills like the minimum wage will go up to $130,000 USD, etc. Fact is that nothing has passed and there are very slim chances for them to get passed before start of FY 2018 season. You can check H1B Bills Tracker to get more details on current status. We will keep the article updated as new things are passed.
Latest News about H1B 2018 Season
High Level Latest News for FY 2018 is listed below. But, all the Latest News are tracked on our H1B 2018 News and Updates Tracker Page. Check out below.
- April 17th, 2017 ( Official ) : USCIS released a press note indicating that they received 199,000 petitions for FY 2018 quota. Check article : Summary of FY 2018 H1B Cap Lottery 199k Petitions
- April 13th, 2017 ( Unofficial ) : ImmigrationGirl, an attorney’s blog, confirms that one of their H1B petitions Masters’s cap checks were cashed yesterday. It is weird that USCIS is processing the petitions, without announcement. It means that Lottery was done to some extent at least Masters quota, but announcement is yet to come. Check http://immigrationgirl.com/h-1b-lottery-progress-begins/.
- March 15, 2017 : USCIS Accepts H1B 2018 Petitions from April 3, 2017
- March 3, 2017 : USCIS Suspends H1B Premium Processing for FY 2018, All for 6 Months
[prompt type=”left” title=”H1B 2018 – 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 2018 Season.” button_text=”Latest H1B 2018 News” href=”https://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-2018-cap-count-updates-tracker-latest-news-info/”]
Are you planning for FY 2018 quota ? What are your questions ? Add your thoughts.
I got, I got, unbelieveable, first time, AD, thanks for luck.
Do we still have chances for AD/VT, or AD/VT is over?
Its my third and last attempt and no news from the attorney , DSO is not ready to provide sevis update details…..
it is over. Lawyer confirmed.
How did lawyer confirm? did reject notice start to arrive ?
It’s not over. Receipt notices from VT for AD are still coming in. immigrationgirl.com was also reporting new AD/VT receipt notices.
Just got an email from attorney that my petition was selected in the lottery. Non AD/CA. First Attempt.
All the best to everyone waiting for theirs. I hope and pray that you get positive response.
Congrats !
Thank you 🙂
Dear readers,
Need your help to identify a use case. In case of cashed checks, the receipt number is usually mentioned on the back side of the check. Can anyone deny or confirm if the processed ACH has anything similar in the processing instructions.
For checks, employer can easily know which check was attached to which receipt. However, for ACH there is no such way. So I expect USCIS to add some sort of note to identify why the money was deducted, but not sure what it would be.
@Everyone
Guys please don’t relate IG’s % to actual % of applicants. Her % is for the number of applicants she filed the petition for. So for ex. if she filed 100 applications for Non-AD, that means 38 of them got selected. Which is nowhere close to the actual probability of getting picked.
I did the same mistake last year and found out later on what her % meant. So please don’t get confused and don’t confuse others as well.
It’s not over until it’s over!
Update from IG:
We have received I-797 receipt notices in 54% of our cases filed as AD/VT (Advanced Degree-masters / Vermont Service Center)
We have received I-797 receipt notices in 45% of our cases filed as AD/CA (Advanced Degree-masters / California Service Center)
We have received I-797 receipt notices in 26% of our cases filed as non-AD/VT (Regular-bachelors / Vermont Service Center)
We have received I-797 receipt notices in 38% of our cases filed as non-AD/CA (Regular-bachelors / California Service Center
chances are getting very slim going forward
First time, AD/VT
is there any chance for me by today? Checks are not cashed and Sevis has no updated by today.
Give it one more week. It’s still not over.
I guess Non AD is over for California. Better luck next year guys.
Why do you think so?
Immigration Girl just updated that they have received receipts in 38% of Non AD cases which suggests that Non Ad is almost over. Maybe there is a tiny sliver of hope but chances are less now.
Hey, don’t lose hope!
My SEVIS was updated but still haven’t received my official receipt. So wouldn’t loose hope yet.
AD category, check not cashed yet.. do I still have hope ?
I don’t think so…
Give it one more week. There are still reports of new checks being cashed and new receipt notices arriving.
I can’t believe I’m writing this! I got it. The attorney emailed me and the employer that the check had been cashed today.
I’m grateful to this site, as i think I’ve visited it more often than any other site within the last couple of weeks. Thank you!
I wanted to write something useful to other users. Unfortunately I don’t know the number. What I can say is that I’m non-AD, this is my first attempt and the petition was filed by the attorney on the 3d of April in Vermont.
What else is that the attorney sent me and the employer an email saying that the lottery had been conducted. And then she told me tge result would be clear in the first two weeks of may but not earlier. She was perfectly right. I want to say this to the others that there’s still a lot of time left! I wish everyone the best. Don’t lose hope!
Thank you. 🙂
I got picked in the lottery.
AD/CA – Mechanical – in USA – Single Application. This was my 4th Attempt. Bc… Receive Date: April 11th. Notice Date : April 24th. Received : April 29th.
I was tensed like all of you. Almost lost hope. Considering it is already May.
I did not check with my University nor my Sevis, or my attorney. Those who are waiting might want to do it now. (Maybe I should have)
From what I found out from my attorney, there is one more batch of receipts coming.
Congratulations!
Thanks for the uplift
Hello everyone,
I was just going through all the cases in the comments section. I know exactly what people go through, when they apply for an H-1B visa and then leave everything to luck. Went through the same ordeal four times, including this time. Advanced degree/Non-IT/5 years of US working experience. I usually do not bother either our company’s attorney or the HR to know if there is any change in the application. But I could not hold off this time. Luckily, I sent an email this morning to my HR and she responded back with a copy of Form I-797C. That made my day! I am not really sure if it would get approved but there is no reason for it to not (AD/non-IT(chemical)/ Genuine US working experience).
I don’t know anything about how long can people still wait, but I would request everyone to not lose hope until you receive your packets back. Please don’t take any kind of hasty decisions before considering all the options that we have got, if our application is not picked.
You can pursue an MBA or MS-MIT degree from good business schools such as University of the Cumberlands etc. They offer CPT from day 1. That is an option.
You can apply for a PhD. degree, which you always wanted to get into. This may be your chance and remember, everything happens for a reason.
You can say that grass is greener on the other side. But believe me, I have gone through all that. 9 years in the US, multiple masters’ to maintain the status and 4 years of applying, so I have crossed that boat already.
Please do not reply asking for the reason for me (not that I care) to be so resilient. Responsibilities and comments!
Alright folks, as I have said before, please do not lose hope. We have already come long ways and have given up on all the people/things we love, to come here and accomplish our goals/interests. Everything happens for a reason and better, we have numerous options if it were not this time. Keep rocking champs! It is a beautiful world out there! Don’t get really stressed and keep doing what you do best! Cheers!
Tu UC me hai abhi? main bhi hai
Thanks for your comment, really like it.
Hey guys!
I’m a Non-AD first Attempt (no STEM OPT) check has not been cashed…. My AD colleague got picked the 17th of April.
Is there still a chance? I know Immigration girl said to wait until mid May but I’m losing hope …
IBMERS any news on receipt notices?
Noooo ….
Hi everyone, I am currently under OPT, and have a quick question about the receipt number. If my petition was selected in the lottery, and my SEVIS status has been updated, is the receipt number going to show on my latest I-20? I just want to decide if I want to request a new I-20 to check on my petition status. Thank you so much for any information.
NO but receipt number will be in your SEVIS status. Your school DSO will know it.
Second attempt and received the news today from my employer. 3 checks encashed and Receipt received. EACXXX
Now, my employer filed the application only for my case, and no dependent applications were submitted, for wife and kids. Assuming, everything sails through, can their H4 visas be filed later?
P
I just got the news from the attorney that my application was picked in the lottery. 3rd attempt, CA, AD and genuine application.
USCIS sent me notice on 26th April.
WAC17145*****
it’s not over guys. Good luck for your application.
Same. I am also ME. Got the receipt few minutes back.
Congrats !!
Michigan me hai kya??
yes sir
Got the mentioned message from the Employer:
Checks have been cashed through ACH withdrawal by USCIS, and it does not show any check number, and we are still waiting for the receipt copy .
We have not received any receipt copy till now
So now we cannot tell if your petition has been picked up in lottery.
How long I have to wait for the Receipt?
Was your Cheque cashed today?
Ur employer reply looks familiar. to mine. Please post if u hear anything
Any updates in Infy??
Too less filed anyways.. but sti to hear from anyone!
Hi I got an update in Gics tool…now it is petition status…All the best..
Can you provide more information? Like Which location? What BU? Job level?
Jl6 CIS..Illinois. .
Liar. I never seen infy update their GICS portal with any AHD request which employee put out of desperation. And its too early to see update. So stop spreading rumors.
Go and get your head cleared… Why i need to spread rumor… I got the stage movement and receipt number updated in GICS…WAC17138*****
Thanks for the genuine update. Think Infy guys can except stage movement any time for now on.
My employer confirmed on 20th april that check was cashed my uscis, but till date no receipt received. Mine is AD/VSC/OPT. Little tensed as my opt status gets over end of this month. Last attempt
Congrats! you got nothing to worry. Here is what you need to do:
Contact your DSO to confirm about your H1-B. If your H1-B did get pick, the SEVIS status would be updated accordingly (from “F1” to “H1B Pending”). Once your DSO confirms that, you can then ask for new I20 and then that would extend your current work permit till Sept 30, unless your H1-B gets denied.
Bottom line is, you dont need the receipt from USCIS in order to request a new I20 for CAP-GAP extension. Hope this helps.
Has anyone gotten an AD receipt recently? I’m applying AD and just want to know if it’s time to give up…
Anyone got updates from Mudium, Inc?
Reading all accepted applications. Hope mine’s on it’s way too. still no receipts in the mailbox 🙁
very anxious
Finally got receipt today, 3rd attempt.
Non-AD, VSC.
Notice date Apr 20.
Hi Saurabh
I got picked up in H1B lottery 2018. My Employer shared me the receipt number through phone because still now hardcopy haven’t received Non-AD VAC Centre, how could I check my name in USCIS.
you can only check your name on i797c i.e the hard copy of the receipt that your attorney will be getting.
3rd Attempt
Non-AD / VT.
Another day went!!! with NO LUCK!!!!
Same Here 🙁
Is there any possibility that USCIS had picked more than 85k applcations in lottery. I mean close to 125k so that they have buffer in case many receive RFE. I’m thinking all sort of things to remain hopeful 🙂
No. As simple as that. People are still getting receipts and checks cashed. So, there is still hope, but again, chances are very less going forward.
Anyone got update from Chugh law firm?
Nope 🙁
Is it worth to wait anymore? or it’s complete?
Your application is filed through Chugh Law Firm?
I haven’t got any update from them. We can wait till this weekend.
Yes it is filed through Chugh LLP. No news from the attorney so far. Non-AD/CA 3rd attempt.
Hey Guys, my SEVIS was updated about a week ago with the receipt number WAC1713. Still haven’t received any confirmation from my lawyer though so I am a little confused.
I have noticed that a lot of you guys have your number starting with WAC 1714, is that something to be concerned about?
I tracked my receipt number on USCIS web, and it says my case was received, but still no official receipt from my lawyer.
Thanks and good luck!
im a newbie here. a first timer. how do i know stuffs from SEVIs?
Non ad,
Your receipt could be valid as well. 1713X represents a receipt generated in FY-17 on 13x working day. So those sharing 1714x receipts had their receipt generated later on a 14x day.
I applied in regular have not heard anything yet on my case? Should I still keep any hope? The Check is still not being cashed.
Keep hope. But very less hope. Chances are less.
still the same as your situation. im still keeping my hopes high for the next one to two weeks.
Fellow IBMers,
Any updates on the receipts ?
Any rough idea on the number of receipts received so far ?
Your updates would be very helpful !
Yes, Quite a few people have received it now. On Friday couple of team mates got their receipt.
Just got the receipt for the attorney. VT/nonAD/1st time/STEM OPT/nonIT.
Thanks for the info. We still have a hope.
Any one waiting for case receipts from TRC employer or from Seyfarth Shaw LLC law firm?
not for TRC, but another employer that also use Seyfarth Shaw.
I did get the receipt on 21st. My employer send out an email last friday saying more will be coming.
Hey I work for TRC as well. I did not receive any info. What office do u work for ?
Bridgeguy, this is my first time trying out for H1b. If all goes well I will be in the Florida area. my case receipt is for Non AD from Vermont Center.
It’s interesting that Seyfarth says they cannot check whether the checks are encashed or not. Upon insisting they told me if you guys pay additional fee we can check it.
So weird that Seyfarth would want you to pay to find out if checks were cashed. I dont want to ask them because when they filed for me they specified that once they receive case receipts they will notify me and my employer.
Is this your first time Hafeez and is TRC your employer also?
Any checks cashed today?
Has anyone heard from GT law? Non-ad/VT/ first attempt
Hi , Any one heard any news from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP lawyers in AD/VT?
Nope. I am losing hope now.
Nope nothing yet.
Wow, that’s really weird, no one from my firm didn’t hear anything from them yet. Is the attorney on vacation or no luck in the lottery 🙁
dude any news for anyone in your company so far?
None from my company whom i know… not sure if there is any more hope left.
My first time posting here. I don’t know if this helps to keep the hopes alive for some of you guys but I was informed by my lawyer they received a reciept. I am AD/CA STEM, PhD non-IT. The case was recieved on April 11, 2017. WAC17143
This was my first and last chance. My feeling is some law offices get the reciept but still took time to inform people. so don’t lose hope yet.
I wish you all the best. Believe!
good point my friend. good luck with your work.
I think its over.
I am waiting too but looking back at the timeline as last year it is over.
I think I am not looking forward to getting any receipt now.
Hopefully it works out next year.
In any case, good luck to all who is waiting.
Hope you all get it.
And remember this is not the end.
Keep your focus on your work and everything will be fine.
Good luck and have a good day ahead.
2nd attempt, AD, STEM PhD., Scientist in startup.
Bro i think its over too as there has to be at-least one sign – in my case no sevis update, no receipt and the check did not get cashed. Out of these three if you are selected then something should update but i guess for candidates like me we better start figuring out plan B.
Correct.
It is May already.
It is better to stop worrying about whether you got picked up or not and start planning the alternative. or else one will waste this valuable time.
Good luck.
I am in the same boat: the second attempt/AD/health care major. However, one person just posted on immigration girl that the person just received notice in mail today with no checked cashed and no service updated. So, let’s keep our heads up.
What’s the difference of USCIS service Centre in California and Vermont in terms of getting information regarding your status? I’ve read somewhere here that Vermont Center is more likely (I do understand that no one knows exactly) to be done with informing AD-s? I’m non-Ad, non-IT and my company is in NY. Thank you in advance for your reply.
Bro, its a two phase lottery – first 20000 AD will get picked and then the 65000 which includes Ad’s and Non Ad’s. Those first 20000 Ad’s will get their decision first. Later on for 65000 AD and Non Ad both starts to get the receipt and there is no preference for AD receipt to be sent out first when it comes to 65000 Quota. I hope this helps. And again its USCIS which is a government body so its pretty much unpredictable sometimes.
Any tcs employee receive any news on h1B lottery?
No updates yet. Hopefully this or next week we should get updates
Checks have been cashed through ACH withdrawal by USCIS, But it does not show any check number?
What does it mean? I can think as my petition has been picked in lottery and USICS is in process of generating the receipt?
All the checks are cashed through ACH withdrawal when it comes to a government body or an organization, utilities companies etc etc. This kind of deduction from your account just shows that your account number and routing number for the bank have been used in such cases. This is a standard way and yes you got it. Congrats.
Thank you so much for the information !!!
Request a new i-20 and it will have the receipt number if the wait for receipt in your mail is killin ya 🙂
When my check got cashed, there is a receipt number on the BACK of the check, starts with THREE letters. They are very small though.
Attended H1B interview last week.. now my DS160 application says “issued”… But passport status is saying “still with US embassy”…. Is it approved ? Pls let me know
This isn’t the right forum for your question. We are the people who are waiting for the receipts. I myself don’t know the the process of H1b stamping. SAURABH this is your call mate.
MEng,
Yes, it s a question for a different page. If it happens too often, I would ask the person to use the correct blog post, or maybe post in the Q&A forum of the blog.
Do you have the passport with you or embassy has taken the passport after your h1b interview..honestly saying 99% cases if embassy gives you the passport back that means they would send rfe for more documents to your company or 221g but if they keep it with them that means you will get the passport back from your company in a few days with the stamped H1B
yes its approved – just pending stamping. Relax and wait
There is some issue with the status change on their website. Call directly to their helpline number and check the status.
Recently I got a confirmation from the employer that my H1B is picked up.My OPT is ending on 6th June. So will I get OPT cap -gap extension as well as work on that period?
Which USCIS service Centre did you apply..?
yes, please request you university to provide you with cap – gap i20. you shouldbe able to work in that period.
OPT_H1,
If H-1 was applied w/ COS from F-1 to H-1 w/ a start date of Oct 1, then you should be eligible for cap-gap.
Hello Saurabh!!! Firstly a big thank you for all you do for us. I wanted to share my story of playing the H1B visa lottery 4 times via a blog . This is my last attempt and I dont know the outcome yet, but I follow so many of these H1B visa websites, see so many people worry /hope/struggle with the Visa journey that i finally decided to write a 3 part blog on my own journey. It will take 15-20 mins of your time to read it, but if you deem fit, would highly appreciate you sharing it on your website Redbus or your Facebook or Twitter handle to reach restless souls like mine. Some might share a journey/struggle similar to mine and I would be happy to let them know that they are not alone and maybe inspire or help them in whatever way I can!
This is the URL for my Blog-
http://myh1bstory.blogspot.com/
Please read and share your opinion 🙂 Have a nice day!
Hi H1b Blogger,
I can completely resonate with every word you mentioned in your blog! I have felt equally desperate and that helpless feeling is something which drains your entire soul. Hang in there, this lottery is just a piece of “dumb luck” , and there is nothing really we can do about it 🙁 . If you are working in a big company, I am sure there would be people like you in your company and HR might have figured out what to do for you without loosing your job. For instance, you can work remotely either from your home country or from Canada for a year and them come back on an L1 Visa which will let you stay for 5 years, so 5 more shots at the lottery, and I hope the lottery goes away by then. There are definitely other options, not all are equally pleasant, but life goes on 🙁
H1B Blogger,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the blog. Can you share your email address, so that I can connect and we can decide how to share it on redbus blog. Thanks
Hello Saurabh,
Thanks a lot!!!
My email address is – h1bvisablogger@gmail.com
Blog address-
http://myh1bstory.blogspot.com/
just got receipt number frm my employer. now what next…..
Which Company and where from on earth you are ??
If possible please share the 1sr 5 characters of your receipt number.
Which USCIS service Centre did you apply..?
Very first thing is to stay away from this forum. Congrats.
Hey guys.I havent heard anything from my lawyer and my school DSO is unwilling to share information on SEVIS.When I asked them to issue a new i20 they want to know the reason.I cannot really think of one.Do you have any ideas.
Just keep waiting. 2 weeks from today, still no news, give up.
Tell them you lost yours and you need one as you are planning to travel.
Assuming I don’t get picked in the lottery, how safe is it to go for F1 renewal with 2/3 months left on your 12 month OPT and you’ve already applied for the STEM extension? (I will do so if not picked) Tier 1 school and Tier 1 company
Travel can’t be avoided so I don’t really have a choice :/
Not suggesting that you do this and this a difficult route but one of my friend genuinely lost his passport and when he got he new one he went for f1 stamping and to my surprise it was renewed for 5 years from that day. He lost his passport when he was a senior so he already used 4 years of his f1 visa. In total he got 9 years. BUT THIS IS NOT A LEGAL PATH AND VERY RISKY BUSINESS. YOU MIGHT GET BANNED TOO FOR DOING THIS SHADY BUSINESS.
Oh you have no idea how F1 visas work, do you?
Bro not here to debate with an beginner player sorry. Was just a suggestion and i pretty much gave the warning. I didn’t ask the question and i don’t entertain comments from a beginner. My intention is not to disrespect by no means, just trying to help people in need as people on this forum has helped me in the past.
The 9 years which you are talking about is just for the Visa not status. The only use of Visa is when you travel outside US and want to come back in. Once you are in US, you should maintain appropriate status to be considered legal stay. Dont ever go by the date on the F1 Visa Stamp.
No, this is not illegal.
On OPT, you are still on F1 status and it is completely legal. It’s only a little risky because it’s harder to justify that you are there still for academic purposes and not purely working. So many people I know have gone and successfully received such renewal, just that they were on Stem Extension
this suspense made me crazy as hell!
first attempt,non ad , non it , CA, the only one petition of my employer and probably the only one in my field. hopefull to be selected. it was such a rush ! find the sponsort in middle of feb , get the paperwork early march ,run accros the country to gather all missed documents and government stamp , attorney , LCA ,finish the petition on 30 march to finaly deliver it to uscis the 06 april.
I already discuss of a plan B with my employer . I meet all EB2 requirements and I can get it in less than a year. there is no waiting where I live. the process is a bit longer than H1B but i think its a better option regarding the new curbs , the low probabilities to pass toward the flood of fraudulent petition and the luck factor of the random lottery.
hopehopehope
I guess you are the only person here who would get my situation as well. I am in the same boat as you. Would like more info. I too qualify for EB2 GC. For my country of birth EB2 is current. BUT … I have 2 years STEM extension pending … starting Sept2017 …
My concerns :
1) PERM –> Hw much time will it take ? Can I travel outside while PERM is going on .. but prior to I140 being filed.
2) I140+485 can be filed concurently … realistically do you feel all this process (assuming no RFE’s etc) can be completed in 2 years ?
3) How to convince my employer (Big global product based corporation . I am a research engineer . MS with publications ), to go this route rather than waste time and resources on h1b again.
let me knw . we can take this offline. really confused.
you can find all the requirement at uscis website . for me the EB2 advanced degree is the best option . you can apply etheir with an US dregree , an foreign equivalent or a baccalaureate degree + 5 year of exp.
for the waiting , the process take less than a year , a month to make the petition with you employer ( wage ,job term , ..) few more on the DOL for the lc , the perm is is about maximum 6 months. and the other formalities with your local embassy add few months too. nothing freaky .chinese or idians take 10 to 15 years cause they are 1.5 billion . but in my case , i’m from a little 11M european kingdom where 20% of resident are born abroad ,and the dont en all is done , grab your green card, take your fly ticket. for me , after all of this , the first thing i do when i land in LA is release the cat , rebuilt my bike , ride to the beach and chill at least a so deserved hour on the sand.
to convince your employer , I don’t think I can help you . cause my employer own a human sized company and my job is very very specific and demand unique hands abilities you can’t find everywhere ( fine arts) .he make everything to facilitate my venue .so my situation is too different of your.
I’m sorry if I’m not so usefull.
take the time to find the good words , let him know that the eb2 is easy and fast for your area.
I think i miss a part and one of my phrase means nothing .
* and the rest don’t go working farther than the capital. so they dont apply for green card or other working visa abroad. so when all is done ………..
Highly appreciate your reply! I too was born in a middle eastern kingdom, from where last year 250 ppl became US residents… in short, they can care less to immigrate here! …. I am a research engineer focussing on some of the latest 3d camera technologies …. in short i have no scope in my area back home … well, i can maybe open a car agency … hehehehe …. but something i never wanted to do ….. moreover I love living in downtown Austin now!
so wait times are non-existent in EB2(3months in EB3 ) for PD to become current … hence I am really really thinking abt the GC route … h1b was, is and always be plagued by fraud … too many stakeholders ….. consulting companies especially …
I will probably make this case for the GC (h1b for the company is a waste of money!) .. any forums you have been following ? I want to go for AoS (Adjustment of Status) most probably …. wht i hv seen on forums is PERM/DOL is 9 months etc … and then I-140 +I485(AoS) – 6months …. worst case I can go bck to get my GC ….. Wht complicates my situation further is F1-OPT (non-immigrant intent). I need to get my extension OPT first and then start. Tht was my initial question too … can PERM be done … and non-immigrant intent still maintained.
Anyways best of luck … really hoping to set aside this h1b ruckus….
Bay area company has applied H-1B for 3 of us in our team(Non_AD, 125K+). Two of my colleagues already got their receipts.
Is there a chance for me to stay positive?
All the best to all the candidates.
Yes. No such thing as a company will receive receipt notices for all its petitions on the same day. Given you’re nonAD you have a decent chance.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for the response. Keeping the hope alive.
So USCIS cashed checks for my petition. Is it guaranteed to be selected?
Yes.
How do you know your cash was cashed in? Were you notified by your agency or their lawyer?
There is a lot of cash in your cash. Hence your cash couldn’t be cashed. Please cleare your cache.
.