Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » H1B Visa 2018 – News, Quota, Cap, Lottery Results, FAQs

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.

   

Other Articles

12,891 Comments

  1. Hi,

    I am an IT professional with 10 years of experience ( I worked in UK and now in Europe), and I was hoping to try for USA visa for next year as I missed this year.
    I work for a firm who can sponsor me a visa(i was eyeing a H1B) but the recent happenings suggest that it is not so likely scenario.
    My wife has H1B visa visa and I could get a dependent.
    1. Will I be able to work in USA with a dependent visa in USA ?
    2. Based on current scenario, What type of visa I could apply for ( I have 10 years experience in IT and 10+2+3 years of
    education)
    3. How much getting a visa(Dependent and Own) will cost me(in terms of time and money INR)..?
    4. What is the best case scenario I have..?

    Reply
    • @Srikanth,

      (1) No. H1B dependent are not allowed to work. However, if your wife is applied for Green Card and i-140 approved then you may eligible for work in dependent visa. The process of obtaining the EAD will take 6 months from application to approval if there is no RFE involved.

      (2) H1B in next year. But you have to get through in lottery. L1A/B is possible but you have to work in the same company. Means, what ever company you are currently working should sponsor for this visa. And you should have worked for that company for atleast 1 year before applying the L1A/B visa.

      (3) No cost. Only premium processing fee of $1500 is you wish to opt for that. That is the only fee the company required to collect from you.

      (4) If you want to work: H1B next year. Or, H1B dependent with EAD if your Spouse has started her GC. L1A/B if your company willing to sponsor.

      If you dont want to work: H1B dependent. Approval is straight forward. Will Take 6 months in current regular processing. After October, once Premium processing is allowed, then you may get this one within a month.

      All the best.

      Reply
      • Just adding one point, if you are applying dependent visa alone then you can not apply it in premium(Even if premium processing is reinstated). It has to be in regular processing.

        Reply
  2. Hello,

    I was wondering if you can give me some advice?
    I have been working in a MNC for about 4 years now under a TN visa (I am Mexican) I have a bachelor degree in EE from a US university and my current role in the company is in a development position BUT my duties are more administrative than technical, I do have some technical certifications and some bit of technical professional experience but not a lot..
    NOW.. I am in a position in which I have to decide if I want to be moved to a more technical project as a developer a not a lot of growth or to be moved to an even more administrative project with huge growth potential…

    What do you think could be my chances to be approved for a H1B visa if I decide to be moved to the more administrative project versus me choosing the technical project?

    I already got the approval from my company to start the process for next year.. I want to think things through and decide wisely on what to do..

    Thank you very much in advance!
    Sofia

    Reply
    • Sofia, I would always suggest you to choose the one want to do. You might definitely like a stream, follow it. I am sure you will excel in that.
      No matter which stream you choose to qualify for H1B, you must hold a bachelor’s or higher degree (or an equivalent degree) in the specific specialty for which you seek employment. USCIS will determine whether your employment constitutes a specialty occupation and whether you are qualified to perform the services
      Good luck!

      Reply
  3. Hi Ram,

    My friend got RFE stating that the beneficiary has a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication. As such, beneficiary does not meet the educational requirement of software developers, as stated in OOH. He had done Engineering in Electronics and Communications. And has experience of 4+ years in IT Industry in the field of Linux.

    So, combination of work experience and degree can help in getting an approval right ?

    Reply
    • Jai, I have seen many who have education in different background getting H1B for a computer related job and work in US. As you said, with combination of work experience and detailed educational evaluation, you would be able to prove that the profile suits the specialized job requirement.

      Reply
  4. Guys, I have a problem. My H1B petition was picked, approved and stamped last year. I came to US in last week of March but since I didn’t have Social Security Number, I started working actually on April 15th. Essentially for first 20 days or so I wasn’t working. Is there a problem with this?

    Reply
    • Better to have it. They may or may not ask for it. Just be prepared for all kind of situations.
      No you cant change client name. If you want to, you will have to file h1b amendment.

      Reply
  5. If premium processing was allowed, can someone file for premium processing after getting an RFE if the initial H1b petition was under regular processing?

    Reply
  6. Hi Ram
    My employer had filed H1 B visa for me in this cycle. But I did not get any update from them about whether it is selected or not. Could you please let me know by when Consulate would be able to declare all the results whether selected or not. What are the chances of getting a positive result by now ?
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Frankly speaking chances for getting positive result are very slim now, unless your employer is holding your result for any reason

      Reply
    • nik04, last year by this time all the unselected petitions were returned to the employers. But this year, it is being sent slowly. I agree with the other person, getting positive result after all this time is pretty remote.

      Reply
    • Just received updated from USCIS as follows –
      USCIS announced on July 19, that it has returned all fiscal year 2018 H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected in our computer-generated random selection process. USCIS previously announced on May 3, that it completed data entry of all selected cap-subject petitions.
      If you submitted an H-1B cap-subject petition between April 3 and April 7, 2017 and have not received a receipt notice or a returned petition by July 31, you may contact USCIS for assistance.

      Reply
  7. My LCA is for Computer Programmer, but my petition is for Computer Analyst. Will there be any issue because of this? Also, am I likely to get an RFE for this?

    Reply
    • Mostly the LCA position and your petition position wont match. The LCA position is chosen from a pre- approved list. It is just to know what is the nature of job and whether the minimum prescribed salary is provided to the beneficiary.

      Reply
  8. Hi Ram,

    My case got updated to RFE. My employer send me the notice with subject as *Student* Request for Evidence. In the body, it is mentioned that “The evidence you submitted is insufficient. the offer of employment letter and agreement provide the wage and benefit of the position but it odes not address the qualification of the position as a specialty occupation. The job duties you submitted are vague and do not establish that the position is that of specialty occupation.”

    This seems to be related to job duties. I am just curious to know What should be my attorney’s response to this ?

    Also, as I am on F1 visa now, midway through my masters, will this scenario hamper my chances to get approved ? Did such cases in past got approved ?

    Please respond.

    Reply
    • You will have to prove that a specialized skill is required to perform the listed job duties and that you possess the specialized skill. You will need to provide your experience letters, certifications on your area of expertise.
      You can also show your training history. You can also submit roles and responsibilities certificate from previous companies.
      Letters from other employers in the industry stating that they normally require a bachelor’s degree in a specific field for the occupation in question;
      Job advertisements/postings for the proposed position stating that the employer requires specialized skills.
      Job advertisements/postings for similar positions by other employers in the industry
      Proof, if any, that this job was previously handled by someone with a related degree;
      Online bios or background information for individuals employed in a similar capacity for other employers, including information regarding educational background;
      A summary of why the duties to be performed require at least a bachelor’s degree (this would support the argument that the specific duties are so specialized and complex that college-level coursework in a related field would be required);
      An expert opinion by a qualified source (e.g. professor in the field of endeavor) articulating why the proposed job position is one that requires the incumbent to possess at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field (because of an industry standard and/or because of the complexity of the job duties)
      Organizational chart showing the employer’s hierarchy and staffing levels, and how the offered position fits within the department’s structure (to illustrate the complex nature of the job);
      Sample complex projects or work assignments that the employee will work on in the proposed position; and
      Program brochures, website printouts, marketing materials, news articles, and other materials to show the employer’s size and the complexity of the projects that the employee will be in charge of.
      A detailed educational evaluation of your educational degree.

      Reply
    • There are many more ways other than ones mentioned above. Please work closely with your Attorney to choose the best way for your case and prepare the best response. Good luck! Do post regarding your result.

      Reply
      • Hi Ram,

        Thanks for your prompt reply. Please respond to following query.

        Aa I am on F1 visa now, midway through my masters, will this scenario (CPT to H1b without OPT) hamper my chances to get approved ? Did such cases in past got approved ?

        Please respond.

        Reply
        • Personally, I am not too sure about it. But I have a query, Have you filed your H1B in COS or CP? Since you have not completed your course, I hope you have not filed it in Masters quota.

          Reply
      • I went to India for family emergency in the first 12 months of OPT. I had a job offer at that time and company had allowed me to go to India.
        I got my stem opt approved through the same company. But, I then switched jobs and worked in a non e verified company. However, I did not inform my school for obvious reasons and my I-20 had the old company mentioned on it while applying for H1.

        I got an RFE, still have not received the notice.
        Any thoughts?

        Reply
        • I am sorry to hear that you are getting RFE. I just hope that it is not related to the status violation. If it is, then that is depends on the officer’s discretion.

          The rule says the 17months/24 months OPT only applicable for E-Verified company. So, it is a violation. However, lets say if you have worked in non e-verified company less than 120 days/150 days (17 month/24 month extension) then your attorney may have some defense to convince the officer. But, overall lets hope that the REF is for other reason.

          Work with your attorney to address the REF in best possible way and hope for the best. This is my personal opinion not a legal advice. Good luck and all the very best for the final approval after RFE. Also, I suggest to update your case outcome later if possible so that future students may benefit from this.

          Reply
  9. Hi Ram,

    i got a chance to work in a federal project in USA.
    is it easy to get H1B Approval if u file H1b for federal Projects ?
    Please advise.

    Reply
    • Once you are through in lottery then i guess it will be easy to get approval. The hard part is Lottery which doesn’t give any preference. However, if the federal agency is applying directly as non-profit then there should be no lottery and the approval might be easy.

      Reply
  10. Hi Ram,
    Mine is a regular case for 2018. Status shows as ‘my case was received’ last updated on 20th April. As I see many approvals coming, just want to know, today are we on the initial stage of getting approvals or towards end? The picture is not clear as what % of the race we have crossed as of today?

    Reply
    • I would say the processing of FY2018 H1B cases has started and its on going. This year its bit slower as all cases are filed in normal processing.
      Please wait for your case to be picked. As there is no order in which cases are processed, all we can do is to wait and keep tracking our case.

      If you wanna know more statistics/trend, then just have a look at
      www.worktheme.com
      https://h1bstat.ru/all-stats/
      Note: This year it appears much more slower as most of the petitions are being issued RFE . This shows that USCIS are strictly scrutinizing all the petitions but would take much longer time to get result.

      Reply
  11. My H1B petition got selected in lottery and I have not received any updates after that.Most of my colleagues got RFE.Is there any processing timelines or order ?

    Reply
  12. Hi,
    I just got a REF notice from USCIS today. They are asking for evidence explains what they need from me. I applied the H1b visa as an US licensed occupational therapist. What should I explain for that REF? Is it asking for my job description ? Will this be a big issue to get approval later? Thank you!

    Reply
      • Hi Ram,
        My h1b application is asked for a RFE. The notice from USCIS is “On July 17, 2017, we mailed a request for additional evidence for your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC171405###. The request for evidence explains what we need from you. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires. ”
        I am wondering what kind of evidence the USCIS is asking for? Is it my job description ? Also, is this RFE a difficult work to be approved later? Thank you!

        Reply
        • Got you! We cant be sure unless you receive the RFE document. We need to wait for the document to be received by your Attorney. It can be anything ranging from your job description to your specialized skills.
          Approval depends on how you respond to the RFE. If you provide the required response correctly, I am sure you will get your approval! All the best! Work closely with your Attorney to prepare the best response.

          Reply
  13. Dear Ram,

    My case since day 1 is still in same status
    How long should I wait

    Case Was Received
    On April 11, 2017, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC17136….., and sent you the receipt notice that describes how we will process your case. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your receipt notice by May 11, 2017, please call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283.

    Reply
    • Rohan, case processing is completely random. We cant be sure when we will get an update. All we can do is wait for our case to be picked by officer and get some update. We don’t have clear deadlines too(as its normal processing). Please be calm and keep tracking your case! Hope all the petitions would get some update soon.

      Reply
  14. Hi,
    I’m a full time employee and my employer filed my H1B this year and got receipt notice on April 18th. My case was then moved to a new office and I’m still waiting for my document. Any idea on how long it might take for the document to arrive and any reasons for RFE.

    Thanks in advance,
    Sindhu

    Reply
    • Do you mean the transfer receipt as document ? If yes, you could have got it by now. If not, please follow it up with immigration team.
      Transferring a case never means it will lead to RFE. If you have submitted all the required documents, I don’t think any RFE would be issued.

      Reply
  15. My case is Approved per USCIS (on 6th July), but my lawyer hasn`t received the notice yet.

    Any idea when it will be received? If anybody has already received it please let me know the timeframe it took?

    Reply
    • Congratulations on your approval!
      It takes 2-3 weeks for getting the approval notice. You will have a cut off date stated in your case status, If you didn’t get it by that date then please ask your attorney to follow it up with USCIS. Till the date mentioned, you can wait !

      Reply
      • Thanks for your reply, Ram.

        However, I do not see any cut off date in USCIS site. It mentions – “Case Was Approved. On July 6, 2017, we approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACXXXXXXXXX. We will mail your approval notice. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.”.
        Kindly advise.

        Reply
        • No issues.. Usually it is provided, probably now there are loads of changes happening in the USCIS site and this could be one of it. Kindly wait for two more weeks. If you don’t get it, kindly request your Attorney to follow it up with USCIS.

          Reply
  16. Hi All,

    I have provide the following documents to USCIS this fiscal year. Kindly let me know if I may get an approval or an RFE.

    My employer is Protech Squad and vendor is Experis and client is Verizon.
    I gave a vendor letter and MSA (between client and vendor). I am a US Master in computer science.

    The vendor letter has my project name, duration, client name and location, roles and responsibilities and service agreement. MSA has the general service agreement between vendor and client.

    I was worried that I couldn’t submit the SOW or client letter, because Verizon has a policy that they don’t provide client letter for immigration purpose. SOW my vendor didn’t give it due to their policy. They told vendor letter and MSA would be fine.

    Reply
    • John, pretty much all the required documents has been submitted from your side. But I am seeing few cases which got RFE where USCIS requested for SOW. So anything can happen. Just be prepared in case you get one.
      All the best!

      Reply
  17. Hi all,

    My client is not willing to share the sow or msa but provided the client letter. Usics has issued an rfe for sow or MSA. If I dont submit the sow or msa, will there be probs ?

    Reply
    • Hi Jane, I will answer your question with a question. What happens if your car runs out of gas, requests for gas, and you don’t fill it up? There is no positive outcome when you have an RFE and don’t submit the evidence. Try changing your employer or convince them to submit requested documents. Remember, USCIS is already scrutinizing applications.

      Reply
    • Jane – same issue with my client too.

      Ram/Admin’s – is it mandatory to provide the sow. Client is not sharing it since it is confidential.. please suggest.

      Reply
    • Jane, if they ask for something and you dont submit it then it’s difficult to get Approval. Please talk to your Attorney on how to handle this situation.

      Reply
      • It is not mandatory. But if you are issued a RFE requesting for it then pls work with your Attorney on how to handle it.

        Reply
  18. Hi,
    I need some advice.
    I am on J1 visa which has expired on June 30, 2017. My H1B petition was filed on June 30 2017 under cap exempt and UCIS has received my application on July 3. Right now I am in grace period with H1B receipt.
    Do I need to file B2 Visa before my grace period ends? What if my visa is not accepted? My Husband has also applied for his H1B and we are waiting for the approvals?

    Reply
  19. Hi,
    I need some clarification.
    My husband is working in private company of an Indian-Born US citizen since 2 years with J2 Visa. His employer has filed H1B for this fiscal year and his application was accepted. His educational qualifications is only high school diploma but with more than 16 yrs of experience. Right now he is working as a AutoCad engr. We have submitted all his educational credentials and evaluations and all necessary documents. We are still waiting for his H1b approval. What are the possibilities of his approval due to his educational backgroud?
    Would appreciate if anyone can throw a light on it.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Qualifying for a H1B without a college degree is difficult but it is not something that’s impossible. If you prove that that you are qualified for the job by showing professional experience and your exceptional professional skills, I am sure your husband stands a chance of obtaining Visa. Let’s hope for the best! Good luck!

      Reply
  20. Hi All,
    My H1b is picked in this fiscal year in STEM quota.

    I would like to know if I will get an approval or RFE based on the documents I submitted. I am a contractor.
    My employer is Protech Squad and vendor is Experis. My client is Verizon. Documents I submitted is (a) Job offer (b) Employee Agreement (c) Vendor letter (d) MSA (between Vendor and client).

    Reply
    • I could see pretty much most of the documents required has been submitted.
      With just the name of the documents we wont be able to predict the outcome accurately. The contents of the document is what matters.
      I hope your educational evaluation and experience letters/Certification has been submitted to demonstrate your specialized skills.
      Stay positive and I am sure you will get positive result soon! Good luck!

      Reply
      • Thank you for your response Ram.

        The vendor letter has my project name, duration, client name and location, roles and responsibilities and service agreement. MSA has the general service agreement between vendor and client.

        I was worried that I couldn’t submit the SOW or client letter, because Verizon has a policy that they don’t provide client letter for immigration purpose. SOW my vendor didn’t give it due to their policy. They told vendor letter and MSA would be fine.

        Reply
        • Sam If USCIS requests for SOW in your case then we will have to provide one. I completely understand your situation, but its better to be prepared.
          There is a chance that you might get a RFE or may not for SOW.

          Reply
    • I got.. almost a month back.. they confirmed approval of my petition and they have sent the documents as well..

      Reply
    • Sravan, Loads of people in this forum has got approval or RFE from WAC center here. Is there something specific that you are looking for?

      Reply
      • Hi ram thanks for your response… I’m waiting for my petition Approval.. Just want to check whether people are getting petition approved or RFE from wac

        Reply
        • It varies from case to case. Many have got approved and few have been issued RFE.
          If you want to see some statistics for all form I-129, just have a look at www.worktheme.com
          https://h1bstat.ru/all-stats/

          Reply
          • Hi Ram,

            I have gone through the work theme website there my status was showing ‘OTHER’ 20APR17 my receipt was received on that day.. What does OTHER stands for?

          • In that site if your case is in some other status other than received, RFE, RFE response, Approval or Denial it would be termed as other. Say suppose your case is in my Name was updated status, then it will be counted as other status in that site. I request you to follow your case status in USCIS page. The site is just for getting a rough idea about trends. Always rely on USCIS site/ your Attorney for your case status.

    • I didn’t receive any update till now.l hope mine didn’t pick in the lottery.INSzoom status is closed-pending adj… immigration team inform ed me they don’t have any update yet.

      Reply
      • In my case, case is still open and this time they have applied through Fragomen. IBM Immigration team told until they have receipt notice or reject notice, they assume case is still pending with USCIS for lottery result…. don’t know what’s happening….. Even USCIS didn’t publish any news about completion of sending the unselected ones… last year they published on Jul 8th that they completed sending the unselected ones… this year till date no news about that at all

        Reply
      • I have the same Status , i talked to the immigration Manager ,per them they yet to receive status ,but mentioned the chances of get in lottery are very slim ,but they don’t confirm the same until they receive rejection notice.

        Reply
        • Did your status changed now? USCIS has announced it has returned all petitions by Jul 19th. Have you tried to reach the immigration team?

          Reply
  21. Hello Ram, i got H1 this year and my opt ended on July 4. Right now I am on cap-gap . I am hoping that it will get approved before Oct1, but can i continue working after Oct 1 even if my h1 result is not known by the time..?

    Reply
      • @Nagarjun and @Ram, I am like in your situation. But, I was told that if the there is no approval and the decision is pending beyond Oct 1st, then we need to stop working. However we are authorized to stay till we know the decision. Good luck & all the best to get approval before Oct 1st.

        Reply
  22. My H1B Petition is Approved..Attorney informed me just now and case status is not yet updated on USCIS website. Receipt#: WAC1713454XXX

    Reply
  23. I am in US on L1 got my H1B picked this year. Today i got RFE and USCIS site shows information was sent to my employer.

    How many days will it take for the employer to know RFE ?
    is there any way i can know what RFE with out asking employer ?

    thanks a lot everyone and specially to RAM 🙂

    Reply
    • That’s unfortunate! You will receive it in 2-3 weeks. You will have a cut of date provided in the status, if you(Employer/Attorney) don’t receive it within it, they can request a copy of it. You will have about 90 days to respond to it!
      All the best!! Work closely with your Attorney and answer well.. I am sure you will clear this easily.

      Reply
  24. @Ram

    Thank you in advance. I’m currently working on OPT and my employer applied change of status h1b for me. However, I made an international trip a few days ago and I was told by the lawyers that my h1b case will be changed to consular processing.

    Given this situation, if I want to switch employer, do I need to go home to apply for the visa after Oct 1 and then do the visa transfer or I can ask the new company to transfer my h1b before Oct 1?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • I’m in similar situation, however my OPT is valid until next year (I’m not on Cap-Gap), also My H1 approved prior to my international travel. So, my COS was intact., at CBP no issues faced with existing F1 i94 or i20.

      In your case I’m reading some where here and there that your COS will be abandoned, and later H1 also will be denied. This is as per my attorney s’ precaution email was sent earlier or at the time of H1 filing and do’s and don’t checklists and travel instructions been communicated to the group.

      I may be wrong, but this is what my understanding if you deliberately or unknowingly did a intl travel while COS is pending.

      Reply
    • Yes your H1B will become CP now. Once approved, if you want to use your H1B you need to file change of status again or get H1B stamping and re enter on H1B.
      To transfer you don’t require stamping, you can transfer it to another employer. But to use it, you need to file COS again or fly out of US, get stamping and enter on H1B.
      Generally, I don’t recommend anyone to transfer new H1B before Oct 1.
      If you want to do before Oct 1, then I strongly recommend you to consult an immigration Attorney.

      Reply
      • Some attorneys says when some one abandoning the COS via travel, USCIS also taking action as abandoning the H1 too, just not only COS.

        is this right?

        Reply
        • I have not heard of denial. From my personal experience, when we travel during COS usually the visa is approved as CP.
          It has happened to many of my friends too. But one point is we will have to maintain the previous visa. If we don’t, then there is a high chance of RFE or denial.

          Attorney’s generally suggest it as to avoid unforeseen problems in PoE or to file COS again(Unnecessarily need to wait again for approval)

          Reply
      • Thank you very much Ram! This is very helpful! So my current plan is to file CoS after approval. Do you have any experience how long it will take to approve?

        Reply
  25. Hi ,

    I got approval on July 5th ,the uscis site status has changed to approved as well.
    When can I go for an stamping and my company is asking me to wait for an approval notice from an attorney.

    When I will receive my approval notice and when I can expect to go for stamping.

    Reply
    • You will receive the approval notice after 2-3 weeks of approval. It is required during the Visa interview. Meanwhile you can get to know what other documents you need and prepare for the interview. Once you get the notice, you can fill DS-160 and go for stamping. Good luck and Congrats once again!

      Reply
  26. HI,
    If one is on B1 in USA and if his H1B got approved, can the stamping can be done in USA itself ? or he needs to go to native to do the same. Please clarify ,Thanks!!

    Reply
    • There is no concept of stamping while in US.
      Additionally, it is recommended to go to home country for stamping.
      In some cases, stamping is done in third country as well.
      However, stamping in third country always has a risk of administrative processing, which may also lead to an eventual denial.
      So it is recommended to go to home country for stamping.

      Third country = any country other than your home country.

      Reply
  27. Hello,
    I am still waiting for my H1b application result? Is there any possibility at all that my application could have been picked. Please reply

    Thanks in Advance!!

    Reply
    • Do you know any info about en cashing of your check? If yes, you will get your receipt number. If not, there is absolutely no possibility of getting any right now:( I am sorry to say that.

      Reply
  28. Hi

    Need some info related to L1 to H1 COS, is approved H1 COS still hold valid incase if l1 extension gets denied after 1st Oct or before 1st Oct.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • If L1 extension is denied before approval of H1, then H1 application is considered invalid and can go to RFE state asking about your L1 status. Once H1(COS) is approved, no worries about your L1.
      You will have to maintain your L1 status for your H1 to be approved as COS.

      Reply
  29. EAC is back on track going full swing… Hoping the next 60 days should be sufficient to at least finish first round of processing… Either approval or RFE

    Reply
  30. Has anyone got their RFE cleared which was on Educational qualification . Eg., Non IT as a graduate but a Computers in PG.

    Reply
  31. @Ram,

    I have a couple of questions.

    1. Is there any impact on H1B if transfer happens within the same company from one business unit to another?

    2. Is there any impact on H1B in case of promotion or salary change within the same company?

    Reply
    • Hi,
      I assume you are on H1B in US. If there is any change in salary, designation or place of work then you need to file an amendment ASAP. Only on receiving the receipt number, you should start working in new location.
      If your H1B is in progress and you are in some other Country, your changes in your country doesn’t affect the petition in any way. Nothing needs to be done.
      If you are on some other Visa in US and your H1B is in progress, if your current visa requires any kind of amendment then please go ahead and do it. The H1B petition can be amended right now or after its approval. Please check with your Attorney to choose the best suitable way for your case.

      Reply
      • Hi Raghu,

        I am on OPT valid till January 2018. I work on contract basis as I couldn’t find a full-time on my OPT. I applied for H1b (my one ffing last chance, my application was not picked for year 2017) when I was working for Client A in location A . Thank God, I got my H1b got picked for year 2018, I was super happy. Yet, I had some bad news, due to some issues I had to change my client to B and location to B. My employer insisted me on applying for amendment before USCIS sends a RFE or contacts my client A. Now I have two receipt numbers. I know its too late to ask but, was this amendment necessary? Is my H1b at risk? I did a lot of google search, may people are in same situation. I didn’t find a definite answer.

        I hope you to shed some light on this.

        Thank you,
        Sneha

        Reply
        • Sneha, Congrats on making through the lottery! I don’t think your H1B is in any risk. Your employer has been pretty straight forward in applying amendment when there was a change in your project. Just imagine a situation like this, what if your amendment was never filed and you got some additional question reg your Client A. In that scenario, it would have become more complex to handle it.
          This way I think it is pretty much within the guidelines. Though it was not necessary(Filing an amendment when H1B is in progress) to do so, this is a safe route. I understand with two receipt numbers, one dependent on the other is pretty confusing for you.

          If you have strong documentation proving all the points required for a H1B, I think you are going to get the approval soon. Good luck! Do keep us posted once you got your approval!

          Reply
          • Thank you so much for you response, Ram. Its been frustrating past couple of weeks. I am glad that I am in hand to hand with the actual process. I guess I can ignore the first receipt number?
            I will definitely update you once I hear something.

            Sneha

          • Is your first receipt number the Cap-subject H1B? If yes, then I would say hold on to it. Keep tracking it. That is more important to us right now rather than amendment approval. Amendment usually doesn’t have much issues and gets approved easily.

          • For some reasonI couldn’t respond to your recent post. Yes I am Cap-subject H1B. Fingers-cross. Lets wait for the approval.

            Thank you for all your responses.
            Sneha

          • No worries, concentrate on preparing response now. By October, PP would be back, you can always upgrade to PP along with RFE response. Good luck! If you need some help, please feel free to reach out to us.

          • Thanks Ram. I hope PP will be back. I think most of the RFE’s are because of Level 1 wages. I am expecting that or maybe because I changed my client after my H1 is picked. I wished this happened a month or so before. 🙁

            Finger cross.
            Sneha

Leave a Comment