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H1B Visa 2018 – News, Quota, Cap, Lottery Results, FAQs

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 ComponentFee 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 FeeVaries 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.

[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.

   

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12,891 Comments

  1. Hi Ram,

    I got a reply from USCIS when enquired about my case. As I have seen in your blog you mentioned that they hold the right to information unless and until the case is reject/approved. I have yet to receive a case #/ rejection package.. Please advice

    As the sponsored beneficiary, you are not permitted access to this case. Title 8 Code of Federal Regulations 103.2(a)(3) and the Privacy Act of 1974 prohibit the release of information to persons other than the petitioner, applicant or legal representative indicated in our records.
    For more information on Title 8 C.F.R. 103.2(a)(3), please visit our website at: 
    www.uscis.gov
    Officer TX 0436
    California Service Center

    Reply
    • Yes, we all are mere beneficiary of the I-129 Petition. USCIS is not obliged to answer to us regarding the petition. The petitioner is your Employer and your Employer is represented by an Attorney. So in case of I-129 petition only Employer or the Attorney can check with the USCIS regarding your case. If you need some update, please ask your employer/Attorney to contact the USCIS.

      Reply
      • True to what you are saying.. But does it mean that my application is selected as they are not letting me know of my Case details. If it was rejected they would have updated me of the same right?

        Reply
        • This never means your case was selected or rejected. We cant come to a conclusion based on this. Your petitioner is your employer and what ever the result may be USCIS will update only to your employer.Please don’t draw any conclusion based on this.

          Reply
  2. Any new updates on TCS lottery selection?

    For those whose status was -‘Awaiting lottery selection’, any luck for them?

    Reply
    • I would suggest to wait till July’17. Though the chances are very slim, but I have seen in past, people getting lottery selection update in Aug.. All the best..

      P.S. – It is TCS internal process

      Reply
  3. How many numbers of cheaters in this forum with Non IT / Non Engineering degrees such as India BAs, Bcoms, So called BScs, MSC, but able file H1 with the help of India / Telugu / Tamil / Mumbai / Kochin / South T.Langana state fake ameerpet LCAs and Fake experience in IT.

    Kudos to all of the cheaters here in redbus to successfully able to cross dumb H1 process with US mad way of visa process.

    other than US, no other country will entertain you guys.

    At the end, kudos for all your less work, less educations, road side idts and cheating skills, yet able to gain lot more than what really any genuinely educated and experienced in IT in the US.

    Reply
    • Checked status this morning EAC17148XXXXX to see it was approved few days back. This is my second attempt. Wanted to convey my gratitude to Ram who has been relentless in responding to all these queries here. Thanks!
      So, now, the next step for me is this -https://redbus2us.com/after-h1b-approval-notice-process-whats-next/
      Looking for ward to that as well.

      Reply
    • Hello,
      I am BCA + MBA with 3 years of SQL database and Microsoft Biztalk experience and 2.8 years of SAS statistical modeling experience and filed H1b. I am NOT an engineer and in NonIT. You still think I cheated USCIS and I am not a specialized worker or like me whoever are there they are not specialized workers??
      Then let me tell you,you most of the engineers are not specialized workers at all. You have abused the whole H1b system and now we are suffering from it.
      You are the least educated person in the forum and that is why you are not able to respect others.
      All the best ,go and ROT

      Reply
      • Entire crowd want to enter IT field even though they don’t know abc of coding. I have seen Mechanical, Electrical , Civil , Chemical engineer colleagues working in IT fields. Because of those kind of resources IT,CS guys have to put more effort to execute project on time.

        People are gathering fake degrees so that they can apply H1B. MBA is all time fake degree in India which anyone can get it easily from so called distance education to open many closed doors(H1B is one of that.)

        Reply
        • Please get a life. Why you think everyone is fake around you. Only fake people can have those assumptions

          Reply
  4. H1B _Case Opened May1st 2017 Still Waiting ?

    I m in very difficult situation please let me know when I may get further action on my Recipt .
    EAC xxxxxxx

    Reply
    • Kiran, There are many people sailing along with you to get an update. All cases are filed in normal processing, so please wait patiently till your case is processed. Good luck! Hope you will get a positive result soon.

      Reply
  5. My RFE arrived, NonAd, Civil Engineer, my first time and first time company.

    Provide evidence that you have specialty work done for the requested H-1B validity period. The following list contains suggested evidence that may have been submitted. This list is not inclusive; You may submit other similar types of evidence that you feel will establish sufficient specialty occupation work.

    – Copy of relevant portions of work, work orders, service agreements, and letters between you and the authorized officials of the ultimate end-client companies to whom the end product or services worked on by the beneficiary will be delivered;

    – Copy of a position description or Any other documentation that describes the skills required to perform the job offered, the tools needed to perform the job, the product to be developed or the service to be provided, the method of payment, whether the work to be performed is part of your regular Business, the provision of employee benefits, and the tax treatment of the beneficiary by you;

    – Signed copies of your two ot three most recently Federal income tax returns to include all required schedules and statements; And / or

    – Copies of company brochures, pamphlets, Internet websites, or any other printed work published by you which outlines, in detail, the products or services provided by your company

    US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must determine if you have the right to Control the employee through evidence that describes (with no one being decisive or exhaustive factor)

    Reply
    • Phew! Specialized occupation, About company, Employer-Employee relationship.. Pretty much all required points for H1B.
      Hope you have started working with your Employer/Attorney for preparing the response. Good luck dude!

      Reply
    • Not that you are Btech CE / BE CE / H1 RFE bla bla..how cleverly you were able to cheat USCIS / US by filing H1 with the help of fckg India IT.

      Keep up cheating with fake client letters, fake offers and fake SOWs.

      Reply
  6. the deadline for challenging my denial notice has already crossed. Can I include an sensible reason for the delay and challenge my petion with the necessary documentation ?

    Reply
  7. The “extra” ones that are selected (after 65k+20k), are they given a receipt notice right away or once there are open slots; once withdraws/denials start happening?

    Reply
    • If a new H1B petition is withdrawn or rejected, those picked petition slot is just wasted. There are no extra new H1B Visa provided. They follow the congress mandated number.

      Reply
    • Hi, No predictions No statistics No probabilities work in this case. It is purely case to case and also I believe depends on the officer too who is going through your case.

      Reply
  8. Hi,

    I got approval today from EAC center.
    I will pray for remaining people those who all are waiting for approval . All the gest guys.

    Reply
  9. I got approved on May 9th apparently although my attorney just notified me couple of days ago. USCIS status still says Received.

    Reply
      • Why is the system so weird this year… So many cases of non matches between reality and the update on portal.. what’s this about?

        Also, why the hell is EAc acting so slowly.. seems all of them are on a holiday… Rest of us might have to wait till October 2019 it seems

        Reply
        • No idea at all. The online status seems to be highly inconsistent this year. I feel its appear much slower as the online system doesn’t have the right data. The decision is being sent over mail to Attorney and its communicated to us much later. This has become clearly a test of our patience.

          Reply
        • They are not slow. Going by the number of RFEs, they are definitely working hard.
          I guess they are more focused on actual processing than updating the status database.

          I suggest you dont check it more than once a week.

          Reply
          • MK, I am happy that they concentrate on actual processing of case. But it would be more helpful if the online system reflects the right data, as those are supposed to give you fast and instant updates rather than the ones we get over mail.Many of us get to know the updates from our Employer pretty late and this wait is what causes us the unwanted tension.

  10. For TCS another set of lottery results are out. System shows “Selected in lottery” updated after 7th July after 7 PM. ..no further communication till now..keeping fingure crossed..Wish me luck..Wish all good luck for those who are still waiting..

    Reply
    • Please let us know the further update – RFE mail or approval mail. When you get the same. Mine also the same case

      @Ram – Do you have any idea for TCS RFE clearance chances. Based on your past exp?

      Reply
      • Approval after RFE completely depends on the how well we have responded for the RFE. It varies on a case by case basis.

        Reply
  11. Hi All,

    My status says “Case was Received” since day 1. I am EAC, AD COS application.

    Any estimate in the approval/RFE etc. timeline? It could be normal, but I just feel strange as there has been no movement on my status on the USCIS website!

    Thanks!

    -AJ

    Reply
    • Its become too normal for us to wait for an update:( EAC is working is pretty slow these days. Please be patient and keep tracking the case! There was many thousands waiting along with you. Hope all of us get an update soon. Good luck!

      Reply
  12. I am in USA with H4 Visa, and have applied for H1B visa under Change of status for the year 2018. Now my husband H1B pettition is getting expired next month, so he is applying for H1B extension and his employer is not ready to apply for my H4 extension as I am already waiting for my approval? How should I proceed further ? and what if I didnt get my H1B approval before H4 is expired ? Do I have to go back to India and wait from there for my H1B approval? or is there a way I can still wait from here for my H1B approval after my H4 expiry date ? or is there a way I can apply for my H4 extension while waiting for H1B approval ?

    Please suggest me and also help me how to proceed further.

    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • I would suggest you go to India. And that’s it. Don’t do anything else. Please also bring your spouse and your kids. And all friends with their families and their friends and etc, etc.

      Reply
    • Hi Anita,

      I would suggest you to file H4 extension at any cost.
      I don know y your husband ‘s firm is not extending your h4 as there is no certainty about your h1b approval.
      Do not go back to your country till you have the h1b approval handy.
      I don’t see any valid point for your husband ‘s firm to not file your h4 extension.
      Please talk to an attorney or consultancy if they can file your h4 extension.

      Reply
    • Hi Anita,

      Your H1b approval has nothing to do with your h4 extension. you filed your h1b while you were on h4 and till the time your h1b approval comes you can always stay in USA on h4 until your husband’s H1b stands valid.

      Reply
      • I second NonAD_NonIT. To add more, Since your H1B is filed as COS(H4 to H1B), it is mandatory for you to maintain your H4 status until you get your H1 Approved. If you don’t maintain your status, your H1B application becomes invalid and I am sure you will get a RFE asking documents to prove your H4 status. You can verify this point with your Attorney.

        Reply
    • Hi Anita,

      1. You can legally stay in America, waiting for the final decision on your pending H1B even after your H4 expires IF you file change of status of H4 to H1B before the expiration date of your H4.
      2. You do not need your husband’s employer to file your H4 extension (too expensive). You can file by yourself, and the process is very easy.
      3. HOWEVER, if USCIS denies your h1B, and your H4 expires at that time, you are out of status on the date when USCIS denies your H1B.
      4. You can file H4 extension anytime before the expiration date while your H1B still pending. BUT, I really do not know the situation if both petitions approved at the same time. Please consult with a lawyer or expert for the situation.

      This is not legal advice just based on my personal experience.

      Best wishes with your and your husband’s visa application.

      Reply
      • Summer, Based on point 1, Don’t you think her H4 has to be valid during COS pending. To stay legally, her pending H1B petition is enough but for COS petition her H4 has to remain valid right?

        Reply
  13. On F1 Now and H1 Approved.

    If I ask my employer to withdraw h1 petition before Oct 1st, will I be qualified for future h1 under cap-except category as I have been counted for this year quota, but not on h1 status as of now due to future start date and still on f1.

    or

    I must be on h1 status formally on Oct1st to qualify for any future cap-exempt petition.

    Any answers?

    Reply
    • Disclaimer: I would highly recommend you to talk to an Immigration Attorney before taking a decision.

      As far as I know, if your application is withdrawn before October 1, you will never be able to use it again. After October 1, if your employer withdraws, another employer can transfer it under cap-exempt category.

      Reply
  14. Hi Ram,
    Lets say I work for Company A in India. Company US has sponsered my H1B visa and stampimg has done. I have resigned butt my A employer offered me L1B visa and three year stay in same A branch in US. PLEASE SUGGEST which one i should prefer? Can i have H1B and L1B both stampings?

    Reply
    • Please find a detailed comparison of both the visa in the following links:
      http://www.immihelp.com/l1-visa/l1-visa-h1b-visa-comparison.html
      https://www.quora.com/Given-a-choice-for-the-employee-which-among-L1-and-H1B-is-a-better-visa

      Depending on your circumstances and aspiration, I would suggest you to choose a favorable path.
      You can have both visa stamped but you will be able to use only one visa at a time.

      Reply
  15. Hi i got RFE for this year H1b CAP asking for Client SOW and Manager letter. When the petition was applied i was in Client A, but now i am working for client B in the same Employer. If i submit Client B’s SOW and Manager letter will it be a problem for my H1b Approval?

    Reply
    • If you submit new client’s letter during RFE phase it is like filing amendment. Generally it is not recommend to change client during RFE stage. This would rise issues in approval of H1B. Try to address only to the questions asked for.

      Reply
  16. I’m getting around 32L per year in India, Banglore. Due to certain reasons I have applied for H1 via 3rd party, my H1 approved.

    Need some of your opinion based on exp, though each persons situation differs.

    Does it makes any-sense to move to H1 / US, want your opinion although each persons needs differ. I’m sure there may be some one moved to US over 3rd party H1 from India while making 32L per year.

    Reply
    • I am in a similar situation. Though in Pune, but in the same salary range.
      Financially, US is not going to be lucrative with a third party H1B employer in short term plus there are lot of other issues we are going to face with them.
      I am looking more from long term perspective.

      Reply
      • You seem to be right, considering mafia style H1b employers and India HRs and India IT guys nexus silently sucking H1bs hard work with layers of layers money making and building proprieties in the US.

        H1b employers, especially India consulting companies is no different to roadside robbers and pimp brokers, here they are showing-up suits n ties and there in India in normal clothing.

        Reply
  17. Hi Guys…. need your advice.. I’m on H4 currently and applied for H1B this year.. Yet to hear the lottery status from my attorney… I need to travel back to my native country for a personal reason. But my attorney advising me not to travel at this time. In case if my petition was picked in then i may not able enter US using my H4; means my H1B has to be stamped to enter US. Please advice, is it true?

    Reply
    • first of all, getting a receipt number right now is remote. If you are sure that your check has been encashed, you will get a receipt number for sure.

      If you have received your receipt number and its been filed as COS, yes it is recommended not to travel.

      When you are out of country and if your H1B is approved, then your H1B will be approved as CP. If you want to start working, then you will have to apply for COS from H4 to H1b again or go out of country, get H1B stamping and come back.
      If you are returning before Oct 1, you can enter on H4.

      Reply
      • You can enter on H4 but if H1B is approved as CP, it cant be used unless your COS is again approved or you get stamping.

        Reply
          • You cannot convert your petition from CP to COS once filed. If filed in CP, we have to wait for approval then file COS all over again.

          • Yes, I know that. I am asking once CP is approved, what is the fees for converting to COS inside US?

          • As of today its 370$. If you have to take Biometric( Required for certain visa types) its an additional 85$. For more info check https://www.uscis.gov/i-539

          • Ok thanks, by the way i am asking for H1B Change of status from Consular Processing when inside US on some other visa? For that also it’s 370$?

          • I doubt it, as i have inquired with few people they always says only ways are there:
            1. Go out of US and stamp and come back.
            2. Apply a cap exempt petition altogether.

            No body ever mentioned about an amendment to me.

  18. 1. My H1 approved just few days ago and my employer putting money sucking and H1 slavery demands, and not sending any docs by saying first get the job on your own and get the client letter and SOW and MSA bla bla..also he / she wants big pie, such as 48% of my salary to his pocket.

    2. What the hck I’m going to earn after 48% to employer + 25 to 30% income tax + all the other expenses like rents, insurances, car, kids, and paying other misc!

    2. Does this same for all H1s’ here and all employers doing in US or am i only the one under notorious employer hammer as I signed offer with penalty clauses, though H1 employers did not mention anything about actual salary he gets vs actual pays to h1 employee % kind of numbers formally to prove his wrong doings.

    3.Is there any value or legal basis for employment agreement in the US with H1 employer stating H1 employer is entitled to get around $1000 to 2000 per month as penalty and admin costs, if the employee failed deliver 12 billing months.

    Rams, Lakshmans, Allahs, Jesus, expert opinions based on all your past experiences over how you dealt with such nailing situations in the US, tell me the truths, be it bad or good.

    Reply
    • An employer is supposed to pay you the salary that has been stated in LCA which would have been submitted along with your H1B Application. Talk to your employer and say you are getting ready for stamping, get all documents and verfiy it.
      Employer cant pay anything less than the one stated in LCA. If so, it is a serious violation of Law here and can be reported to USCIS immediately.

      Some more insights for you:
      https://redbus2us.com/h1b-minimum-wage-or-lca-prevailing-wage-for-a-position-in-an-area-in-usa/
      https://redbus2us.com/can-you-save-money-in-usa-on-h1b-or-l1-visa-cost-of-living/
      https://www.dol.gov/whd/immigration/h1b.htm

      Hope this helps! Laws are there in US to protect employees interest. So please don’t worry!

      Reply
      • If you are going to look for project, I am sure you will have to file an amendment before working for the project. In this case, you will need a new LCA. When filling the new LCA, ensure the proper salary is being filed for you.

        Reply
        • 3.Is there any value or legal basis for employment agreement in the US with H1 employer stating H1 employer is entitled to get around $1000 to 2000 per month as penalty and admin costs, if the employee failed deliver 12 billing months.

          Reply
          • You mean USCIS imposing some penalty on company?? Not that I know of. I have not heard of any penalty if a person moves before 12 months.

          • NO Ram, I was mentioning about the agreement between H1 employer and employee, as H1 employer making sure that H1 employee will be in booby trap in the form of 12 Month agreement, which says if H1 guy moves out in less than 12 months billing means there will be penalty of $1000 to 2000, a month. Hope this is clear.

          • Unfortunately these are Employment agreement between your employer and yourself. I don’t think we will be able to comment on this.

  19. Hi ram, Presently my case status is “Case was transferred and a new office has Jurisdiction”. What exactly it means? Do we need to do anything for it?

    Reply
    • Nothing needs to be done from our side. Your case has been transferred to a different USCIS center for processing. This is usually done for balancing the work load among the service centers. They will start processing the case and update the status of case soon. Have patience and keep tracking your case. Good luck!

      Reply
  20. Guys, any updates ?
    Last update, i got is, we have started to receive petitions back in India with approval notice.
    Did you hear back anything ?

    Reply
  21. i got RFE for my application . Some questions
    1. in how many days i need to respond ?
    2. can i change the client , i think no as i read it somewhere in the form
    3. after approval can i change the client ?
    4. role is Business Analyst ,but having only technical education , does that matter ?
    5. for H1 Approval is is necessary to have specialized skills ?

    Reply
    • 1.Respond as soon as possible.
      2. No you cannot change the client until your petition is approved. but you can always contact other attorneys.
      3.yes after approval anytime you can change
      4.That does not matter at all; but at the end it is that officer’s call.
      5.yes that’s what H1b is all about. SPECIALIZED SKILLED LABOUR

      Reply
      • Thanks NONAD_NonIT .

        is there cost involved in filing H1b to lottery stage ?

        if i understand it correctly Base filing fee / AICWA / Fraud prevent & detection fee / Fee based on Public Law 114-113 has to be given when going for stamping .

        Reply
      • Thanks,

        Any idea how much it cost from H1B Application to lottery stage $ ?

        Also i think other costs like Base filing fee / AICWA Fee /
        Fraud prevent & detection fee / Fee based on Public Law 114-113 is paid at the time of stamping ?

        Reply
        • No H1B fees would have been paid already. The amount paid would be mentioned in your receipt notice. While stamping, another amount for appointment needs to be paid.

          Reply
  22. Dear All,

    I have a question to ask. I am here in the US on a H1B and I filed for my Extension in March 2017. Today I received a Text Message from the USCIS stating that my case has been updated, When I logged in to see them online it was not updated.

    I saw couple of forums in which many have experienced the same issue.

    Is this something in common ? Has anyone experienced this by receiving a text message and the case not getting updated Online in USCIS ?

    Thank You
    Manny

    Reply
    • Manny, there seems to be loads more issues to this online USCIS site. The issue I have come across is that, the case gets approved but it doesn’t get updated in the portal. Only when we get notification from our employer/Attorney that our approval notice has been received, we get to know the update.

      Reply
      • Dear Ram,

        Thank You very much for responding back. I truly appreciate it. I remember during my initial approval few years back my Attorney /Employer got a notification from USCIS through email.

        Is there a way that the Attorney / Employer would have received the same kind of email notification?

        Have a Blessed Weekend
        Manny

        Reply
        • Usually email notifications are sent for Premium processing cases. If filed in normal, all notifications are sent via mail. So please don’t be surprised if they don’t have an answer immediately but in a week or so give you the approval notice.

          Reply
  23. Vermont needs coffee pouches.I mean are these guys seriously making fun with us. ?Generally US govt do not work in this way ever.i was having so good experience with DMV issues, my all other time visa extensions but this time only “case was received” is the status for me.
    Nobody is able to answer anything. I feel all ? s around me is running damn slow.
    Fully frustrated

    Reply
    • Completely agree with you. Vermont is moving at snail pace. More worried now as this may lead to wait time beyond September!

      Reply
      • US Immigration sucks big time, with the pace on which EAC is moving all its applicants will be in trouble if pace doesn’t increase. We have to think in august whether we are continuing here or need to leave. I hope and wish it picks up speed and start working fast.

        Reply
        • Really I cannot imagine when this wait is going to get over. but I know as they have already mentioned about their resource crunch in the conference, it’s not going to improve much. The only way out is waiting for PP to reopen.

          Reply
  24. Hi..

    I am a naturalized canadian citizen and have a approved h1b. .can I just go to the port of entry with mt passport and the i797 approval?
    I got my approval last Dec ..

    Reply
  25. Hello,

    I received my approval notice – AD, CA, COS.

    I am working full time with an American employer (ie, no consultancy or project based work) and I got my approval only until 06/01/2020 ie, not full 3 years.

    I have a question for the experts here:

    If I file an extension then, will the extension be limited to the period between 06/01/2020 and 10/01/2020 (the end of the initial 3 year period), or can said extension go beyond 10/01/2020?

    Thank you in advance!

    Reply
  26. I am currently on L1B VISA (expr. Dec 2016 ) and applied for Extn ( responded to RFE status ) and awaiting on response ;
    My case got picked up in lottery for 2018 CAP but notification says L1 category.
    So in case if my L1 get rejection then is it going to impact my H1 processing too?
    Or just i have to leave country and come back with H1.
    Kindly Suggest!!

    Reply
    • If it is COS, it might not get approved in case of L1 rejection. H1 will be approved as Consular Processing and needs to be stamped at US Consulate outside US.

      Just a thought: Whenever we are not sure about our current status in this case L1, whether it will be maintained successfully till Sept 30th, it’s always better to apply H1 in Consular Processing this way H1 will remain unattached to the L1 application or it’s extension.

      Reply
    • If your L1 is rejected, then it might affect H1B which is applied in COS.
      In case your L1 is rejected and H1 is still in progress, then VO might raise an RFE about your current status in US. So kindly check with your Attorney on how to tackle such situation. Just wanted you to be prepared. You may never even face it if your L1 gets approved. Good luck!

      Reply
      • Thank you very much for your guidance. Had some conversation with Attorney, One of the option they are giving is to leave country prior to L1 Rfe Response Decision and wait till H1 Approval Notice . Which will automatically change COS to consular review. Is this really going to work ? Kindly suggest.

        Reply
  27. Got approval notice from attorney via fedex today… finally a sigh of relief!
    I am in FY2018 Cap, when can I go for stamping? I am already in US on OPT
    AD(PhD)/Non-IT

    Reply
    • Why to stamp if it was applied as COS. If it’s a CP than you have below 2 options:
      1. Stamp as US consulate outside US, not less than 90 days prior to Oct 1.
      2. File a cap exempt petition for CP to COS.

      Reply
  28. Question.. Experts… Please advise. My h1B – CoS through a diff company is in process.. however my current L1 employer is ending my assignment and asking me to leave. I have some health issue so upon submission of med report, L1 employer is asking to get into B2 ( tourist visa). So my R&D through past comments here says, CoS status will be denied and converted to CP. Questions is, while I am on B2 visa, if I get H1 approval, can I cross the border ( say CA) to get myself and family stamped and again to come back on B2 visa and let us say, I am stamped, then can I work on H1 from Oct 1 ( or whatever start date is given through stamping..) Please answer..

    Reply
    • You mean getting stamping for H1B and re entering on H1B? Yes I think it can be done. But I would also recommend you to talk to your other company(whose applying for H1) / Attorney reg your current status. Though I understand that due to medical reasons you want to be here on B2, I am worried about the impact(if any) it might have when you go for stamping. Attorney will guide you in the best possible way.Good luck and take care!

      Reply
      • Thank you Sir for your good words. It is soothing and encouraging at the point when you look for advice. Let me see how it turns out to be.. Thanks a lot. God bless u and evrybody here..

        Reply
    • SM and RAM,

      You both should take a note of one significant thing here. One of my friend had just faced the similar situation. Your new employer has filled your COS from L1 to H1. COS meaning Change Of Status which means your L1 status to H1. So until your H1 gets approved, you shouldn’t apply for any other visa. You HAVE ( consider this HAVE word in bold with underline) to stay on L1 visa only. If you will get converted from L1 to B2, that means your COS from L1 to H1 will be no longer valid because you won’t be on L1 anymore. Your H1 application will get void. My suggestion for you to take the legal and true advice from your attorney because your employer also won’t be aware of this situation. My friend got the same advice from her attorney only.

      Reply
  29. Hi,
    My case got picked in lottery and i received RFE.
    My SOW has short validity till November 2017.
    Generally my client extends SOW during early December/november end.
    When i give this short validity SOW for RFE, how would be the chance of approval?

    Reply
    • Then we may receive approval for a very short time and not the usual 3 years that’s given. I highly recommend you to talk to your employer/Attorney and find out what can be done on this. Probably they will show that the SOW is extendable. They are the best persons to handle this.

      Reply
  30. Finally end of all stresses. Last night I got an email from my DSO – they can see that my H1B was approved recently. USCIS website still in “Case Received” and I have yet to receive the official approval notice.

    Thanks all, will miss following this comment thread!
    2nd time, Non-AD/Non-IT/WAC1714053XXX

    Reply
  31. Hi Ram,
    My status shows “my Case was received”. Usually what’s the time/period we see most of the approvals coming? Are we at the beginning stage of getting approvals, or towards end?

    Reply
    • There’s a standard time frame of 90-150 days within which decision comes. You can’t do much , just keep tracking your receipt number.

      And good luck !!

      Reply
    • yes I agree with Techmate. They have started processing the new H1B petitions. We will have to wait for our turn. Since every case is filed in regular processing, there is absolutely no time frame within which there would be an approval. Kindly wait patiently and keep tracking your case. Good luck!

      Reply
  32. Hi Ram,

    My Three friends got approval from my employer but the uscis status still case was received .

    Just now I saw this forum comments like attorney page we can check our status.

    I need some clarification ,how to check my attorney regarding my status and where I can get that information

    Reply
    • USCIS site is the only place where you can find updates regarding your case. But for few cases for the past few weeks, attorneys are getting updates first and online status is not getting updated properly(Have no idea why?)
      Every Attorney works in a different way. Few attorneys, provide an online portal where their clients can find updates regarding case. In few companies, employees are not allowed to talk to attorneys directly reg H1B. I am not sure how your company works. You need to talk to your company’s immigration team or HR or attorney(If you have interacted with them already) to get information from them.
      Not every case applied on same day gets result at the same time. Every case has its own life cycle and might take its own time to get update. Nothing wrong in checking with your Attorney. There ia a chance that they may not have an update

      Reply
  33. Hi Ram,
    I see on my attorney’s status page that they received approval notice on June 7th, although they haven’t notified me of anything. USCIS status still says Received however. I sent them an email asking for clarification.
    My question to you is that is there anything else the attorney would receive on my behalf before I have to go for Visa stamping? Mine is Consular notify petition.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • You need to get your approval notice. Then you can start filling DS-160 and schedule appointment with consulate. While going for interview make sure you have the documents provided in following links. Good luck! Keep us posted reg your interview experience.
      http://www.immihelp.com/visas/h1b/h1-visa-documents.html
      https://redbus2us.com/new-h1b-l1-visa-stamping-documents-checklist-by-us-consulate-general-office/
      Please do check the required documents for your consulate. It may differ from the ones mentioned.

      Reply
  34. I got I797 notice from my employer informing my petition has been approved. Currently I am in India. What to expect next?

    Reply
    • Next steps:

      1. You will receive hard copy of I-797 approval notice and H1b petition from your employer/lawyer
      2. Schedule appointment at the local consulate + pay the fee
      3. Go for interview (make sure all the H1b docs are with you)

      Google about H-1B docs, also check local consulate docs requirements as they differ. Prepare for the interview well.

      Good luck!

      Reply
      • Thank you

        I was in US for last 5 years on L1 and came back at the end of feb 2017. I am planing to start again in US in march 2018 so that I can reset my time spent in US. But my petition is approved only till end of june 2018.

        Any suggestions, should I start in Oct 2017 or wait until Mar 2018.. Also my LCA states that my employment starts from oct 2017..

        Reply
  35. Hi Saurabh,
    I have a approved H1B but during the Visa interview was given 221g asking for end client letter which the consultant is not able to provide. So is it possible for me to transfer H1B to a different company means I could ask my current company to file the petition or get H1B transferred??
    Regards
    Hemanth

    Reply
    • https://redbus2us.com/qa/13477/cap-exempt-for-h1b-petition-when-is-under-221g-admin-process

      This might be useful for you!

      Reply
    • Hi Hemanth,

      You can transfer your H1b. But yes, your current company should not revoke your H1b knowing that you are switching the company. most of the times companies do not do that but still.

      But I think you have to be careful as this 221g would definitely be notified with your passport number even for future, I guess. like for future visa stamping I mean

      Reply
  36. Hi There,

    I am working in USA since last 4.5 years on L1B visa and it is going to expire in Jan, 2018. As per L1B norms, i have to leave USA for at least one year which is called cooling period.

    My question is that can i enroll myself for an US university given the fact that my L1B will go out of status in Jan, 2018?

    Any help is much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Just an extension of my previous question that my employer filed H1B for me last as well as this year. However, it did not come through the lottery both times :(. I am ready to go for either MS or MBA. However, I am not sure whether i can really enroll myself with any University to buy more time to stay in United States.

      I had followed this forum last as well as this year as well and was wondering if Ram or Admin could be of some help in clarifying my situation.

      Reply
      • https://redbus2us.com/5-advantages-of-studying-mba-on-h1b-or-l1-visa-in-usa/
        https://redbus2us.com/qa/10271/possibility-of-changing-from-l1-to-m1-or-f1-and-then-to-h1

        Hope this provides more insight for you!

        Reply
  37. I have stamped my VISA. I went Mumbai for VISA interview and below are the question which wass asked me.

    Q: What is your Qualification.
    Q: It is your new assignment.
    Q. Tell me about your comapny.
    Q. Tell m youor responisbilities.
    Q. Explain your interview selection process.
    Q. In which city you are going to Join.
    Q. How many employes are working in your company.
    Q. What is your marriage date.
    Q. Where you will stay in US and who will arrange

    Thanks
    Sukh

    Reply
          • Ram,

            I got the confirmation to pick my Son and daughter’s passport but still waiting for confirmation of my and my wife’s passport. Any idea why it is like this. As such they should be informed about my passport first. Have you any idea about this. How much time it wil take.

            Regards
            Sukh

          • Yours might be ready in a day or two. Now it has become a practice for the passport to go to administrative processing(Phase where additional verification are being done) and then is available for pickup. Kindly wait patiently and keep tracking. If the status doesn’t change for a week, kindly call them and follow it up. There is no necessary order, in which passports would be ready for pickup.

  38. I got rejected today. waited for 4 months to get the result. Vermont service. good luck to the rest of you! but be prepared!

    Reply
  39. Any further updates folks..got a mail from chennai fdfu saying the status is still “Awaiting lottery system as on 28th june”..Anybody got any further updates after this email??.

    Reply
    • Last I heard was all the phases have come in and they do not expect any other phase, had told me to wait for around 1st week of July.

      Reply
  40. Hi ram,

    I got my receipt number in the month of may.. I am NONIT /NONAD having 9 years experience in the IT field..will get RFE as per speciality occupation.. next thing my employer by acquired by company B recently but there is no change in the location and business too..I need ur valuable suggestion in my case?

    Reply
    • Asha, everything depends on the documentation you have submitted. If the documentation are not enough to prove the specialized skills then you may get one.
      Reg acquisition, please check with your company’s immigration team/Attorney. They will suggest if any changes are required in your petition.

      Reply
  41. Hi Ram,

    This was my 4th attempt (Non AD IT) and got selected in H1B-2018, Case is also approved recently

    The Project from where my nomination started (Project A) is completed and I moved to different project B (different location) . So at this moment I am waiting for stamping. so what I am planning ,is to apply stamping for project A and get it stamped. after stamping raise amendment for project B and travel . please advise if this approach is okay ? do we get any issues with this approach ?

    Reply
    • Yes, I think this can be done and its legal too. If you have to travel,you can travel with receipt number of amendment and work with it. All the best for your stamping! Do share your interview experience with us.

      Reply
    • If your new project location is more than 100 miles from the location you mentioned in the LCA. you might want to file for amendment. Many people here on the platform misguiding you.

      Reply
      • I think we also told him to file an amendment only. I don’t understand what misleading information is given here. Can you please elaborate on that please?

        Reply
    • I agree with Ram. And I faced the same situation so I can assure you cent percent that u can travel with the amendment receipt notice only

      Reply
  42. Hi Guys,

    Just wondering this year , is those rules are applied to get an approval ?
    Rules like , Employer should need to post advertisement of their job vacancy and all ?

    Ram , are you in india ? if so you deserve a warm party from us bcoz of kind of support you are providing us day to day time without missing 🙂

    Reply
  43. As of now i didn’t get any updates from my employer for received receipt/rejection mail,
    is there any slim chance to get the receipt ? or i will expect to get the rejection mail.

    Reply
    • I am also waiting for Result. Still no update from my employer.I lost my hope already. Waiting for rejection. 🙁

      Reply
      • Getting a receipt number is remote. Unless, you know that your check was en cashed, there is a chance.
        Probably the companies are waiting to get all the unselected petitions to update all its applicants.

        Reply
  44. Hello Ram ,
    My case status is received since 90 days. When can we expect updates?
    Also, i am MCA 11 PLUS exp in IT, package as per LCA is 75 k. Are there any chance for RFE?
    Thanks,
    Talented Indian

    Reply
    • Please have patience. Is your petition a cap subject H1B? If yes, all cases applied along with yours have started getting some update, yours will get one too.
      Everything depends on the documentation you have submitted. If everything is proper, yours should be approved soon. All the best!

      Reply

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