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.
TCSers anyone any updates on VTS or got any mail ?????????
No updates.
one guy got selected from my floor and they are telling us to wait..
Is there any chance or game over?
Team,
This guy from pharma. I got receipt # frm my employer. I have one doubt, in my 8yrs of 3 pharma comp exp. I dont have 1st company exp or relieve letter, so this reason will consider for RFE?
You might. As there will be some missing gap of experience. Check with your Attorney on what to do. Meanwhile, if you can try to get the experience letter. It is needed for different other reasons like background verification, another job switch etc.
Thank you so much…!!! I will try to get.
Anyone got result from 8K Miles.I didn’t hear anything from them as of now.
No response from 8K Miles yet. Still waiting for their reply.
I have applied h1b petition during 2016. I have client letter for only 7 months and client not willling to give more than that as it’s already May this month. As my employer asked the USCIS already for 3 years in the petition, will now my petition be approved for 7 months ? And I hope it would take more than 2 months for approval and I hardly I would left with 3 to 4 months for extension. As my petition already denied is this now the right move to go with MTR ?
BTW , I already had 2RFEs and got denied for the third time. I hope may be my employer didn’t give any satisfactory answers. Can I trust him and go ahead with the MTR now ? And that too with 7 month client letter . And also he has to prove that mine is a speciality occupation also .
Can anyone advise as I don’t have much time to go for MTR
You got to decide it. If you feel you should not leave any stones unturned you can go ahead and file MTR. If you need more clarification regarding your case, better to talk to some immigration specialist/Attorney and get expertise opinion.
Saurabh/Ram,
Can we file MTR even if the 30 day period has crossed from the date I got the denial notice ?
As far as I know, we need to file MTR within max of 33 days of unfavorable decision.
I am currently in US on H4.My employer has filed H1b and my application got picked up in lottery. I have a family function to attend in July. Will I be able to travel to india in July and travel back in August on H4. What are the complications involved. Please advise.
Thanks.
You can travel on H4 but your i94 would change. If so, then your COS from H4 to H1B would get cancelled. It means your H1B will get approved as normal consular processing. It means you cant start working on H1B from the approval date .T work, you have to either go to India get H1B stamping or apply COS again here and get it approved. So better talk to your Employer/Attorney and take a decision.
I am sailing in the same boat. Can the visa stamping be done from Canada instead of coming to India?
Is there is any difference in the approval probability between India and Canada?
Usually the first stamping is recommended to be taken in your home country. Please consult with your Attorney for this.
Interesting read for you
https://redbus2us.com/change-of-status-or-first-time-h1b-visa-stamping-canada-or-mexico-h4-to-h1b-f1-to-h1b-etc-go-to-home-country-for-visa-stamping/
Check this
https://redbus2us.com/change-of-status-or-first-time-h1b-visa-stamping-canada-or-mexico-h4-to-h1b-f1-to-h1b-etc-go-to-home-country-for-visa-stamping/
Thanks Ram for the reply…
I have one more doubt…what if my COS also gets approved before July…in such a case can I travel in H4 and be back in H4 status and avoid stamping during this trip….please advise….
Depends on your H1B start date. If it’s going to be later than the date of return, you can come back in H4.
I got thru in lottery and waiting for approval. There is 100% requirement in my project. If I’m successful with stamping I should be ready to travel. But my pregnancy is just confirmed. Will I not be eligible to travel on h1b ?
There is absolutely nothing like that.. you can travel on your visa. Of course You cant travel if you are beyond 30 weeks of pregnancy on medical grounds. You just need to make a choice of when and how to travel. You need to talk to your doctor and take a decision. Later, once your visa is approved, discuss with your Employer regarding your travel plans.
Thanks for ur response 🙂
i have seenn cases like 6 month pragenant and travelling. count. if you are above month I wouldnt..not only I.. any USA doctor.. wouldnt recoment you to travel ( taling with experience of two pregnancy in USA) .. so good luck
Can anyone guide on how the following two case status are different?
a) Your case has been transferred to new office
b) Your case has been transferred and new office has jurisdiction
First refers to simply a transfer of case from one service center to another for workload.
the second refers to case which has jurisdiction issues and now has been transferred to appropriate center.
Generally both denotes to transfer. finer differences, i am not too sure.
Mostly first status would come if its transferred between WAC and EAC
Second would come of its transferred to Texas or Nebraska service centers.
Thank you for your response 🙂
Anyone from TCS got lottery result??
next week pakka
Who told next week pakka. Tcs is sleeping deeply. Who knows when results
Nope.
Should be out very soon though
I am serving notice period with last day on 9th June.Any chances before that.
CapG, last slot of update done 30 min back.
Few Got receipt in both fs n ts.
I am also waiting
Do we have any hope left? I didn’t any receipts or check getting cashed from past 2 weeks. Looks like it’s all over for this year. Not trying to be negative but just losing hopes. No update on SEVIS employer & attorney confirmed they received nothing so far. So not sure whats next my OPT will be ending soon 🙁
Same here dear. I just simply didn’t make it in my last attempt. Take it easy and that is not our fault. Life shouldn’t be decided by a lottery. I am making my to-do list for returning my motherland. I have spent 7 years in U.S., finish my PhD, find a job, this and that blah blah blah…. It seems that this country doesn’t need me any more lol. I wish you all the best.
Why not academia though? Go do your research, spend a few years, get your green card and then go back to private practice.
Why not try applying Greencard in EB1? As a PhD holder, you are eligible for it right?
Not necessarily. It depends on the number of research papers, citations, type of job like academia or industry.
Do PhDs also have to go through lottery process ? There should be other visa options for them. Is H1B the only option ?
My case just got transferred. Why are they tranferring now? Are these the difficult cases that might need additional documents that they are tranferring or the process is just random and USCIS hv still not touched my file?
They have been transferring couple of cases for the past of two weeks to share the work load among its service centers.
I am not sure whether its random but I feel the cases are being transferred to a office present closer to the employer location so that more extensive checks and analysis can be done. Again, this is purely my assumption based on a handful of examples.
Please do share whether your case has been transferred to a location closer to your company’s HQ. You will know the location either from case status page or you check with your Attorney/Immigration team.
Its just May, so getting result might take time. Hold on till October. We will have to worry only if it goes beyond it.
I have nt recieved the notice yet. Its just referred as “Another office” on USCIS website. My series is EAC and my employer location is NJ
At least you have the receipt number to check that your case is transfer. I haven’t receive any thing, and my employer fee check hasn’t been encashed until now. Don’t panic on it.
Then probably once you receive the transfer notice, you can check and get it from your Attorney. Nothing to worry..
Ram,
Is there still any hope to get a receipt number or it’s all over for this year?
unless u feel your employer has withheld the result, there is a minimal chance of getting now:(
My H1b got approved.
But my client has changed since the submission, is the amendment to be applied before the stamping or after? How much time will this process take?
Either way can be done. Better to check with your Employer/Attorney on which is best for your case. Amendment of H1B currently will take minimum of 6 months.
Thanks Ram..
6 months.. That’s a long time..
Is it better to apply now or wait a couple of months for pp to start and then apply?
It depends. You need to discuss with your Employer?Attorney. You can apply one now and once PP is reinstated, you always upgrade your petition to premium processing.
results aren’t out for tcs previous comment is fake
I see some of the comments in our internal Knome Communities as well. Results are with ISU RMG and also with Accounts. Not sure if some of the managers shares or not.
strange that one or two got to know the results
Has anyone got response from TRC Engineers?
Tcsers results are out.. Check with your GL… Correct news!!!
VTS down.. my manager told they will get inputs by July or August.. Not sure how far this is true..
Yes VTS is down.. Will be back online at 2.. Fingers crossed.. See you guys at evening to hear updates…
It’s up. But no updates I see. 🙁
Complete results are out ??
no fake news
VTS is up online.. But no updates..status still the same.. Let me know if the status updated for anyone.
There is no update in VTS for me. Anyone got updates?
i can see update of my friend from HYD – Selected
Selected…hurrray
no updated in VTS, it means not selected?
Update was in VTS?
i see nothing in vts
No update in VTS
Just got mail to manager – shared to associate , no update in VTS
@TCSHYD are you a manager?
Can you please confirm VISA results are out.As I am serving notice period with 7th June as last date.
Even if your petition picked manager may not respond. This happens here.. Why did u resigned so early before ur H1B result?
TCS, which account releasing results to associate, TCS chennai did not get any update from GL/VTS/FDFU ..Please clarify
looks like only hyderabadis got updates..
If i didnt hear anything from my GL yet, does it mean i am not picked in lottery?
We didn’t hear anythin from GL/Managers , is the complete results out ?? How many got selected ??
Fragomen site updated “Receipt notice received from USCIS”… Does that means my name is picked in lottery?
Yes congragulations!
Thanks for reply … wish all aspirant all the best.
what was your previous status there?
Hi Guys, Any body got RN from Upstream..??
Hi All,
Any update from Collabera ?
Collabera guy called me and told he will update the news by Monday.
Collabera_H1B,
Me too waiting for update from Collabera. May i know to whom you spoke with ?
HR named Parth called me told me he will update by Monday.
I am also waiting, It is my second attempt. I have heard most of the people in other companies have got the news. chances are decreasing from now on…
Hi Collabera_H1B
Don’t worry Collabera not yet revealed results to any one. Hope will hear positive from them by Monday.
Same here, filed with Collabera. Still have not heard any word from them. Still waiting?
any news from trinity envision?
Any updates from Rayex Inc?
Hi,
Have you got response from Rayex Inc? Could you please share their contact number as well…thanks
Guys, I have 10 years of experience and my initial assignment is just for 6 months which is on contract basis, will my case go to rfe? And request for any documents apart from exp letter from my first employer??
Since you have stated your employment is on contract basis, you might get RFE on employer-employee relationship. This is purely my assumption, you might even go through without any issues if this has already been submitted along with your application. Its good to talk to your Employer/Attorney regarding this.
Thnx,
But that is my first employer and now I am with my 3 Rd employer, they would still send Rfe??
You mean to say petitioner is not your current employer? That’s pretty fine, They apply Visa for a future project /Assignment and so if you have documents to prove that you have employment agreement for project and all those stuffs, it wont be a problem.
CG FS guys check Assignment Pro.
Details are updated for everyone last night including fedx and filling number.
I am from CG FS BU and I don’t see any update in assignment pro. So, its not updated for all.
Your case might nit be filed.Ask them atleast reject notice by june end yo ensure that case was filed.
Neverever trust blindly on any employer
Case was filed. All these updates depend on the case manager. I have got a lazy one. Anyway these updates shouldn’t matter now since is over now.
Its not on manager but Case reviewer.
Yes it matters because you cannot lose hope without participation in game.
Mr CG.. Case was filed for everyone who got an email.. And no one in my account have got these filing details updated.. Only one guy got selected in lottery.. So keep your logic with you.. Also, who ever got their receipts have been informed and no more receipts are expected.. This is from the mobility head.. So, don’t act like you know everything about FS .. There are multiple accounts within FS and all the updates are subjective to which account you are in..
My spouse employer applied for H4 visa on april 4th. And my employer filed for H1b visa. My H1b is picked in lottery. Is there any problem for me in approval stage?
No problem in approval. But if you are planning to travel on H4, then you may need to come back get stamping for H1. After that you will be able to work on H1. It is also better to consult with your Attorney before traveling on H4 when H1B is in progress.
Anyone with any update when premium processing is going to start or by when all the petitions of this year will be approved/denied ??by Oct or Dec. Or it can go beyond that
PP is suspended for 6 months starting from April. So may be it will be reinstated in September but there is no official confirmation regarding it.
Approvals for cap subject petition can take its own time. No definite deadlines.
Hi,
My initial LCA was filed with 9months assignment period. I got approval for 1yr in my petition. Now due to location and assignment change I am going for amendment with 3yrs assignment in new LCA. Is there a chance of my approval period change from 1yr to 3yrs by USCIS?
R u talking about current year??
Yes. For this year cap I got approval with 1yr
As far as I know Amendment won’t change your approval period. It’s done only for location, designation and salary changes. You need to file an extension on visa expiry.
You can check with your Employer/Attorney once regarding this.
Withdrawal Acknowledgement Notice Was Sent
On May 25, 2017, we received your request to withdraw your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC, and completed our review. We mailed you a Withdrawal Acknowledgment Notice. If you do not receive your Withdrawal Acknowledgment Notice by June 24, 2017, please go to http://www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
I got this on my status and when I asked my employer he is saying when RFE show up, it will show like this for some people so its just RFE,
Can I trust him? or he is lying? anyone had same experience ?
No Gouri, withdrawal acknowledgement means the petition has been withdrawn. Once a petition is withdrawn, you can’t use it.
A petitioner or applicant may withdraw a petition or application prior to adjudication. Withdrawal is a voluntary action.
It’s better to check with your employer why it is withdrawn? It never comes as a part of RFE. Unless you request for withdrawal, this status never comes.
No I didn’t moved from employer,
I called him and he said they didn’t requested anything for With drawl and he said its RFE which sometime shows like this and he will provide me copy of RFE when they receive.
If they do with drawl without informing me I am going to sue the company for sure
Unless there is a request from employer side the withdrawal won’t be processed by USCIS.
May be the receipt number is wrong or the case got wrongly updated? But it’s time for you to ask your employer to raise a SR and check with them ASAP.
Is it a legit employer or a desi consultancy? If a case is not 100% legit, an employer may choose to withdraw to avoid problems with USCIS.
Keep in mind that the beneficiary of the H-1B petition is the employer, not the employee. If they decided to withdraw your petition, they are in their right to do so, whatever the reason.
http://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/206604-Form-I-129-Withdrawal-Acknowledgement-Notice-Was-Sent
If your employer says its RFE, get an email or document from them, certifying the same.
In my opinion, your employer/manager/HR, whoever told you that, either doesn’t what this status means, or giving you the wrong information. Its certainly not an RFE. Someone from your HR department definitely would have requested for a withdrawal. You should check with your employer or your attorney about the reason for withdrawal. They cannot do it without keeping you in the loop.
Are you planning or inadvertently mention to someone of a move to a different employer? and your current employer got a sniff of it?
If so, they are within their rights to revoke / withdraw your petition.
May be tell them that you are AD and you are better than others… they may reconsider your petition…
Anyone from EY (Ernst & Young) NON AD has received their approval already?
I’m indian national. Currently, I’m working in Malaysia. I’ve been working here since 2010 (7 years) with employment visa. Will it be any problem during h1b stamping since i’m away from home country for long time. anyone have idea about this?
There will not be any issues.
Absolutely no issues will raise. When you go for stamping, make sure you mention this visa in other visa section of DS160.
Hi Ram,
Mine was picked in lottery this year. I have an existing B1/B2 visa personally applied for tourist but never been used yet to travel. Any advise during stamping or if they ask why still havent use it.
Thank you
Tell them the actual reason. There should not be any problem.
Hi Friends,
We received receipt notice from USCIS. But, there is no update after that.
Can you please help what are the next stages and steps for me to check for?
USCIS takes its own time to take a decision on each case. So we need to patiently wait and keep tracking our case online.
To understand lifecycle of case please verify
https://redbus2us.com/uscis-case-statuses-for-h1b-visa-flow-chart-workflow-screenshots/
I randomly checked a receipt number and below is the status, what does this mean?
On May 19, 2017, we began reviewing your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC1713553558. We mailed you a notice informing you of the action we intend to take on your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice and submit any requested materials. If you do not receive your notice by June 2, 2017, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
To me, it sounds like a Notice of Intent To Deny (NOID).
It is like an rfe, a step before denial. Provide valid requested documents and it will be approved. My cousin got the same last year and it was approved finally. So no worrys.
I have applied h1b petition during 2016. I have client letter for only 7 months and client not willling to give more than that as it’s already May this month. As my employer asked the USCIS already for 3 years in the petition, will now my petition be approved for 7 months ? And I hope it would take more than 2 months for approval and I hardly I would left with 3 to 4 months for extension. As my petition already denied is this now the right move to go with MTR ?
BTW , I already had 2RFEs and got denied for the third time. I hope may be my employer didn’t give any satisfactory answers. Can I trust him and go ahead with the MTR now ? And that too with 7 month client letter . And also he has to prove that mine is a speciality occupation also .
Does anyone know why everyone in CG is getting RFE?
When you received RFE? which service center ? one of my friend got due to client letter format as dates were not clear in assignment duration.
Myself got RFE on 20th May for WAC centre.
Waiting for the rfe reason.
How soon your friend came to know about rfe reason?
It’s post 16 days once status changed from received to Rfe.
LOL! syf client letter were too bad. Awaiting for an rfe then.
From whom we get to know about the RFE reason? Will it be updated on assignment pro?
Got RFE Yesterday; Seems client letter may be issue here.
But still need to wait(2 weeks apprx.) until RFE reaches to Case Worker
CG folks, i am also in same boat. Got RFE yesterday.
In LCA it is given 3 years only, but they have given the approval notice for 1 year only unfortunately.
I have a question, if visa is stamped then visa end date would be same i797 approval notice end date? I can get visa only for one year?
What will happen if i go to stamping in March 2018. Will i still get visa till my Approval notice end date (i.e 30 Sep 2018) only?
Its not going to be “only” for that period of time. You can renew your visa before it expires and get to stay for valid H1B period i.e. 6 years only
The Visa is stamped only for the period provided in the approval notice. When you are nearing the visa expiration you can renew your visa by applying for extension. No worries!
My case is picked in lottery this year. Can i travel on H4 now? I am planning to come back somewhere in mid September, get my H1B Visa stamp and travel again.
I was in India when my H1B was filed.
how was your H1B filed initially?? As COS from H4 to H1 or as consular processing? Either way it’s better to travel on checking with your Attorney.
Please let us know if anyone applied from 8KMiles and got response?
NO, Perhaps I’m not fit for their requirement.
Has anyone got response from 8KMiles?
YES
Bharath,
Give me your contact details.Still waiting for result from 8k miles.
You can share your contact details. I will contact, When I get free time.
Still waiting for result from 8K miles.
Hi,
my contact number is +91-8904147651. I am also waiting for result from 8K.
No reply from 8K miles yet.
AD category. Is there still a chance of receiving receipt numbers ?
There is a chance but very slim..sorry to say this..good luck and hope you ll have that slim chance.
Luckily I got picked in Lottery, Now I don’t need to bother anything. Wish me Gud Luck Guys. Lastly I’m not fake ; Very genuine.
I think your a Fake guy, Applied via Body shop.
Genuine doesn’t need to Prove FEKU.
Anyway you should Struck in RFE Madarchoot.
Hi, how much does it take to get notified on approval/ RFE etc status once lottery selection is done?
No definite deadlines. Hopefully all of us would get the result sooner.
Oh Ok Thanks Ram. Also, do no. of years of experience play a big role in approval ? Anyone with 18 Months of experience post Masters (also the first job ) can get through the approval as well ? Has it happened in the past ?
If you prove that you are skilled enough for the job, I am sure you will get it approved.
I think I am getting crazy here. Don’t ask stupid questions
@Ram, It was not funny. Better stop misusing my username
Are there anyone still in “case was received” yet for last-year application? Or is it me only? it is 14 months of looong wait 🙁
Hi Vaibhav, I am really feeling sorry for you man. Did you raise any service request? were you able to check with your employer?
Hey Ram , my company says they raised couple of SR and say they can’t track it .. no idea what is happening. It is really pain .. I couuld see on www.worktheme.com
still around 450 are in same status .. but no one is commenting .. 🙁
yeah true, I saw the statistics too. I am not sure why SRs are not being answered/tracked. What does your Employer/Attorney think about this? Did you talk with them? May be after PP is reinstated, you can consider upgrading to PP.
Vaibhav,
This has been said in the past, the data on that site does not reflect H1Bs only. It is used for H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1 or R-1 nonimmigrant worker. E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B1 or TN…So, do not be misguided by that info.
Thanks Kumar,
But they are checking each case with I-129 form or not, I believe I-129 is concerned with H1B related cases, not sure though.
Thanks but curious to know why no Attorney and Employer raising voice over in-justice on keeping old application pending and working on new application. Any specific reason?
Vaibhav,
Your employer/attorney should reach out to USCIS…I believe, there are some exceptions due to nature of petition, but anything that exceeds a period of time should contact USCIS…
Why don’t you call USCIS?
They say only Petitioner and Employer can talk to cust care, Applicant cant call direclty Cust care.
I am not sure if anyone had raised and got SR outcome, but no one is mentioning here.
Hi
Anyone working with Polatsek law firm (Fort Lauderdale)??
Did you hear something?
Thanks!
My case is approved. I received the approval notice with start date Oct 1 2017 and End date 30 September 2018. How soon I can go to visa stamping now?. Also is it possible to enter US before October 1. Can any body help me on this Please
Congrats on your approval!
Please check this link for the details
https://redbus2us.com/h1b-approved-%E2%80%93-when-to-apply-for-visa-stamping-when-can-you-enter-usa/
Shouldn’t your employer be guiding you on all those stuff about stamping/travelling. You should really check with your manager ASAP.
And how come you got 1 year instead of 3 years?
How come it’s 1 year , it should be 3 years right ?
It need not be three years always. Depends on the LCA you submit.
It is up to USCIS Discretion to determine the approval period. Loads of factors surround it like LCA, Employment type(Contract or FTE), Client letter and project duration.
Thanks all for your valuable inputs. In LCA it is given 3 years only, but they have given the approval for 1 year only unfortunately.
I have one more question, if visa is stamped then visa end date would be same i797 approval notice end date?
Practically i can get visa only for one year. Correct me if iam wrong
Yes you are right. You get it for an year only.
Usually you get for 3 years but its one year for you, if your employer is genuine and fair, you can get extension easily if not RFEs again.
I know people who’s extension was denied
I agree Gouri, If the application is from a well established organization its given for 3 years.
I don’t understand why only CTS people are mentioning about approval notices. Till now I have come across mostly CTS emps whose petitions are already approved whether other status are still case was received. What is the Reason?? Are these people simply saying that their cases are received
Anybody with WAC17******** got their approval yet?
Looks like some of them approved and some received RFE’s..Check worktheme.com for general idea/trend
Assignment pro is down.. I guess one final time updates are being made….
Can anyone from CG let everyone know if they can access Assignment pro?
May be, US Immigration team will update A pro at this time only.
yes, Assignment Pro is updated. check out all.
All Rejected.
did you check @Capgemini
Still it is down. May be they are updating the latest information.
There is nothing left to update now. All selected candidates have got receipt numbers. Fate.
Ass Pro is up…but there is no update
Any Accenture employees here who received H1B 18 lottery results ?
Accenture started sending comms on 1st June last year.
Hi Admin,
A query on a bit different track.
I was selected in the H1B lottery last year and subsequently my petition was approved as well. My company was CTS. But since then i.e from Aug 2016 they could not send me to US and neither they could do my Stamping. I waited a lot until May 2017 and left CTS and joined another employer.They did not cancel my visa or anything.My question is my H1B still valid and can I use it for my current or future employers. Can you tell me What is the process, chances of denials(if any) and timelines if I wang to use this H1B for another employer? Does this happen and is this possible practically? Kindly answer or redirect me to the correct resource etc.
You can give the H1B approval notice or the receipt number to your current employer or any employer who is willing to sponsor you and initiate a transfer of visa through them. This can currently take 6-8 months of time as premium processing is suspended. Once transfer is approved, you go ahead get the stamping and travel.
Hi Ram,
Thank you so much for the information.
Sometimes this is not straight forward. It depends on USCIS. Since your visa was never stamped hence USCIS may reject transfer. This was told by fragomen. They said sometimes USCIS say that h1b was never activated hence they don’t count it cap exempt.
This is not something unheard of and can be done. If your Attorney/Employer provides the right documentation, it would be approved.
Any Update from IBMers. Are we still getting the receipt numbers or wait is over?
Over for IBM ….
Guys any one checked with ur GLs.. Any updates
They say, they will get inputs in July/August. Don’t know how far this is true.
I think we have hope until Oct1st. Let’s stay positive guys
Lol
Any new update from whoever applied through Fragomen in IBM? Whats the
case status in INSZoom….. India work permit team asked to wait for
update from Fragomen….
Received final approval .. waiting for mail from ibm or fragwmon side.
Hi,
Please stop discussing on selected , Rfe or approved receipts. Kindly update the status of waiting people who yet to receive lottery results….Kindly confirm if someone received approval at this moment… Thanks