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H1B Visa 2019 – Lottery Predictions ? Fee, Quota, News & FAQs

We will look at the some of the common FAQs that are tied to H1B work visa for fiscal year 2019.  This article will be updated with latest info as we get more info.

  • H1B 2019 Season Start Date ?
  • H1B Visa 2019 Quota ?
  • Will there be lottery for H1B 2019 ?
  • H1B 2019 Lottery date ?
  • How to find H1B 2019 Sponsors ?
  • H1B visa 2019 fees ?
  • H1B 2019 Latest News

Update  : H1B 2019, 2020 Seasons are over, H1B 2021 Season is the upcoming season. Read all details at H1B Visa 2021 – Start Date, Fee, Lottery, Registration – FAQs 

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What is the H1B Visa 2019 season start date ?
Update : USCIS will start accepting H1B Petitions starting from April 2nd, 2018 as per their official update on their website. In general, USCIS starts accepting applications for the next fiscal year exactly 6 months before the start of the next fiscal year. USCIS fiscal year for 2019 starts from 1st October 2018, which means they should accept applications for FY 2019 from April 1st, 2018. As April 1st is a Sunday, USCIS should accept applications for H1B 2019 season from April 2nd, 2019.

What is H1B visa 2019 Quota for Regular and Masters filings ?
As of the date of writing of article, the H1B quota is as below. This is also called the H1B Visa Cap. You can read more at What is H1B Cap ? Regular vs Masters quota ?

  • H1B Regular Quota : 65,000 visas
  • H1B Master’s Quota : 20,000 visas. ( only US Masters eligible)

Also, of the overall 85,000 visa cap, every year 6,800 visas are set aside for the citizens of Singapore and Chile as part of the Free Trade Agreement with them. There were few bills part of Comprehensive Immigration Reform that are not active in Senate that were proposed from Obama administration days to change the cap count to 110,000 and Masters to 25,000, including potential to make H1B cap extend up to 180,000. But nothing has moved and all are dormant. Nothing new has been proposed by the new Trump Administration regarding changing cap count. To get a glimpse of historical cap count changes, you may check H1B visa cap count history from 1990 to 2017

Will there be Lottery for H1B 2019 season ? Lottery Predictions ? Filing Numbers ?
Update : USCIS had lottery for FY 2019 quota and received 190,098 petitions.
Looking at the historical trend of H1B filings, cap reach dates, it is quite possible that we would have lottery for FY 2019 quota.  We have written a detail article looking at historical data, Trump administration new policies like ‘Buy American, Hire American’, students on OPT, H4 EAD removal rule, etc. factors. To know the prediction numbers and details, read the article:  H1B Visa 2019 Lottery Predictions – Analysis, Graphs .

When is H1B Visa 2019 Lottery Date ? 
Update : USCIS Conducted Lottery for FY 2019 on April 11, 2018.
There are two things, one is when the H1B petitions are accepted for the lottery and second is when the actual lottery is done. H1B visa petitions for next fiscal year would be accepted by USCIS from April 2nd, 2018 for 5 working days until April 6th, 2018 to be part of the lottery. Now, the actual lottery date depends on various factors depending the volume of petitions and USCIS load. It can be anywhere in second week of April. For FY 2018, the actual H1B Lottery was done on April 11th, 2017 . We can expect anywhere around the same date like April 11th or April 13th.

How to find H1B visa 2019 Sponsors ? 
It can be very hard to find a good employer and convince them to sponsor H1B to work in US with major unknown like H1B Visa lottery. Anyways, you would be in one of the three scenarios, if you are seeking a H1B Sponsor. 

  • F1 Student in US : You can find an internship or co-op at an employer who can sponsor H1B visa and ask them to sponsor your H1B. You can continue to work on OPT once you graduate as well. You find the list of H1B Sponsoring companies using the tool
  • International Professionals  : If you are outside of US, it can be tricky with all the latest rules by Trump administration. Your best bet is to find an multi-national company ( MNC) and work through them to sponsor H1B visa. You may have hurdles inside the company with all the internal process, many waiting, etc. But, it is up to you to negotiate and ask them to take a chance. Many try the IT body shop route, where they ask them to file H1B. Rules have changed in the last few years and it is very risky move and can jeopardize your US hopes. Read comments on this H1B Companies Reviews article  to get an idea and  beware of such consulting companies to avoid fraud.
  • Important Note : We, as RedBu2US, DO NOT Provide any H1B sponsorship or guide anyone using professional services or fee. If anyone approaches you by saying our name, it is pure FRAUD…beware !

If you are looking for more details, check out Guide on How to Find H1B Visa Sponsors 2019

What is H1B 2019 Filing Fee ? 
H1B visa petition filing involves USCIS fee towards certain things and attorney fees, which varies by company size, and attorney involved for the case.  As of FY 2018 season, it can range anywhere from $1,600 USD to $7,400 USD + Attorney Fee.  In year 2016, for FY 2018, the H1B base filing fees, increased from  $325 to $460. Below table is a high level summary from FY 2018 quota as of writing, it maybe subject to change as we approach towards the filing date.  If any changes, we will update this accordingly.    Also, you can Read Summary of H1B Filing Fee – Who pays for What ? .

H1B Fee – Paid TowardsAmount 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 2019 Case Tracker  :
Did you work with attorney and sent all documents to apply for FY 2019 ?  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 !

What’s the latest news on H1B Visa 2019 ?
Below are some of the major news updates on H1B 2019 season. You can check H1B Visa 2019 Cap Count Tracker – Latest News Updates for full details

You can bookmark this page and check this page for updates on H1B FY 2019 season.
Do you have any questions on next H1B 2019 season ?

   

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8,787 Comments

  1. Hello
    You can apply anytime, there is no restriction. If your employer is willing to start the process now, they can do that. No, you will not get anything like that. Depends on your situation, you can be classified as EB1, EB2 or EB3…so, Talk to your attorney and company who files your Green Card

    Reply
  2. Just now i got my h1b approved. Change of status from EAD.
    Just one question.. How many years i have to work on h1b to apply for GC processing /Perm.

    Will I get rejection if I apply early?
    What are the requirements to qualify for perm?

    Reply
    • You can apply anytime, there is no restriction. If your employer is willing to start the process now, they can do that. No, you will not get anything like that. Depends on your situation, you can be classified as EB1, EB2 or EB3…so, Talk to your attorney and company who files your Green Card…

      Reply
    • Hi Kumar,

      I got my H1B 2019 August through consulting company. My current client offered me to join as regular employee. Since it is 6 months now, will it be good to apply for h1b transfer. Also my client company does not handle h1b but they want me to take care through any attorney. My question is will it be possible to get this transfer smoothly. Do you see any problem?

      Reply
      • 3rd Time h1b,
        Yes, you can do that. Discuss with an attorney on this. Your employer need to support you with the documents asked and everything…So, talk to attorney and get the details…It may or may not be smooth, it all depends on how well your employer supports you with the process as they have no idea…

        Reply
  3. Hi,

    I got I 797 approved only till Dec 2019. My employer is not sending me for stamping. What other option I have? Should I have to go for extension ? Or Amendment and extension both? Thank you in advance.

    Reply
  4. I got h1b sponsor from a LLC company and it was stamped on Jun 2019 but unfortunately they are not willing to call hence I am looking for h1b transfer from india

    1) is it possible to transfer h1b without travelling to usa from India to other employer?

    2) can I travel to usa and stay in my friend’s room to search job without knowing sponsor company in my own cost if 1st question is not possible

    3) will they ask invitation later or any docs in Port of entry if I travel in my own cost

    Reply
    • 1. yes. You are having high chances of getting approved since your visa was already stamped.

      2. it’s illegal. Not advisable.

      3. Again, it’s very risky and not a good idea. at port of entry the officers could ask any kind of document including offer letter, pay slip, SOW if it’s third party placement and even your phone to see your email communication and whats app messages. I strongly suggest not to try Q2 and Q3.

      –You are much better position than many people, meaning, your visa has been approved and also stamped. That give you a chance to travel to US any time (without going through lottery again) in next 6 years with any other company if they want’t to transfer. And, good thing is many company’s will be interested in transfer since you have visa and also if any one trying transfer your LL company in no way know that. So, try transfer and try to enter US with all the legit documents. Good luck and all the best.

      Reply
  5. Hi,
    I am planning to get my dependents (Spouse and kids) VISA and planning to get my In-Laws VISA as well. I am thinking to get their Interview on same day/time as all are travel mysore to Hyderabad , stay in Hyderabad 3 days (OFC, Interview), helps taking care of kids.
    1) Is it OK clubbing all on same slot of interview (adding all in same profile for interview slot)
    2) Or can I keep same day but timeslot different(spouse and kinds one slot and In-laws in other slots), or one day difference.

    Anyone has same situation, PLease share your opinion.
    Thannks in advance

    Reply
  6. My H1b petition got approved but only 3 months validity(From Oct 1st 2019 to 31st Dec 2019), please provide ur suggestion. i’m eligible for visa stamping?

    Reply
      • Hi Tirumala,

        It happens in my case also. My petition got approved but valid upto december 31st, 2019. I am in confusion to go for Visa stamping or not.

        @3rd Timer,
        will this petition expiry date have any impact on stamping process. If stamping done, then visa validity will be upto dec 31st,2019??

        Reply
  7. I have couple of question regarding i-140 approval :

    I am working on H1 with i-140 approved. I am thinking to go on H4-EAD of my husband’s(H1B) visa.

    I wanted to know that if I make the change of status from H1b to H4-EAD. What will happen to my i-140 approval?

    1. Will it become void?
    2. Would I been able to transfer i-140 approval along with H4EAD?
    3. Is I-140 is always associated with H1b?

    Thanks in Advance.

    Reply
    • 1. Will it become void?

      Yes and No.. If the approval is less than 6 months old and you are changing the job (or) changing the visa then the company who initiated the I-140 might withdraw. In that scenario you can’t use that PRIORITY date in future. If it is more than 6 months of approval, then even the company who initiated the process withdraw the petition, you can still use the priority date later.

      2. Would I been able to transfer i-140 approval along with H4EAD?

      Yes and No. refer the above answer. Also the new company needs to go through the PERM and i-140 approval process. Only advantage you get is (assuming the transfer is happening after 6 months or the original i-140 is not withdrawn) you can use the priority date if the second petition is approved.

      3. Is I-140 is always associated with H1b?

      Not necessarily. Example if the company who filed the i-140 is not withdrawn then you may still get approved your GC even though you are no longer working there. That’s rarely happen though. Most cases, yes, it is associated with the H1B. But, as explained above, you still able to get you priority date later with the new company even if the original petition is withdrawn provided it is more than 6 months old.

      Reply
  8. Hi Kumar,

    My H1b transfer mail arrived to our attorney.But USCIS site is not yet updated with the latest it is in the old status.Is it getting updated or is having any SLA/timestamp.

    Regards,
    Shri

    Reply
      • Hi Kumar,
        I was going through Redbus 221g tracker and saw numerous cases pending for more than 2 years.Is it a correct tracker or those cases have not been updated with latest status

        Reply
    • Hi, please create an account and track statu there.. it will be upto date. I am having similar situation, Where my case was approved 1 week back but still case tracker website is still showing Application received till today.

      Reply
  9. Hello Team,
    Need some urgent help :- My H1B extension got approved on May’2019 and my spouse’s H4/i94 got expired on Jun’2019 but honestly I did not know that I had to apply for her H4 extension while applying my H1B extension under regular processing .Now she is staying wit me but her visa already expired.

    Could you please let me know what would be next step so that I can take necessary steps accordingly.

    I have already sent mail to my employer to help on this but wanted to get some input from here as I’m little bit scared .

    Reply
    • You can file for H4 using something called Nunc pro tunc, if it was honest mistake. Talk to your attorney. Also, you can leave the country, get stamping done and re-enter.
      Either case, talk to attorney and take action.

      Reply
  10. I am working for Employer-A in H1B. Employer-A has deployed me to Client-A (through C2C).

    Now I got offer from Employer-B & H1 transfer is in progress. I got RFE and submitted response last week. Hopefully, I am expecting approval around 10th Sep.

    My passport has H1B Visa stamped from Employer-A.

    My question is, if I want to travel to India immediately after Employer-B visa transfer approved (may be around 15th Sep), Can I travel? I want to bring my family who is having H4 stamped which also from Employer-A.

    I guess Employer-A cannot revoke my visa immediately. If I travel & return back to US after 2-3 weeks, while returning back to US, Can I enter with Employer-A visa stamp?

    Is there any rule, I must also hold I797 from Employer-B to enter back to US?

    Reply
    • Visa cannot be revoked by employer. If your visa is valid from Employer A, you can use that re-enter US, including your spouse using the same H4 visa fromm Employer A. You need to carry the updated new Approval Notice from Employer B to re-enter. CBP officer will use that to give your I-94 end date.

      Reply
      • Thanks Kumar. My Employer-A called me & said his attorney is going to file an amendment to USCIS telling my employment is terminated with Employer-A. Will that cause any problem when I re-enter US?

        Note: I suspect Employer-A is threatening me….

        Reply
  11. Hi Kumar,

    Im travelling to US,may i know h4 EAD takes how many months to get approved.
    First time i staye din US for 8 months.And travelling on the same H1 for the second time.

    Regards,
    Sri

    Reply
  12. Hi,

    My consultancy says that still they have not received any updates on lottery status of my file.Is it possible? It would have come much before before around end July only? can anyone clarify?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • USICS gave guidance that the last date for recipient of rejected petitions is Aug 29th. If nothing by then, then you can reach out to USCIS. So, check with your employer.

      Reply
  13. Hi

    I have a couple of question regarding h1B transfer.

    Background :
    I am working for a company. I have received a job offer from another company 1 and they have applied for H1 B transfer in premium and I have received approval(Online update for the case status ) for it. I have not joined yet and not received a physical copy of it.

    But at the same time, another company 2 offered me a job and ready to do H1B transfer in premium but haven’t started processing yet.

    Questions:
    1. Do I need to inform the company 2 about the approval of company 1?
    Note I have n’t joined company 1 yet.

    2. Company 2 is asking me to provide all approval of the past for processing H1B transfer premium. In this case, I should provide all past approval except company 1 ?

    Reply
    • 1. No need to inform anyone. It is your choice.
      2. Yes, you should provide the company 1 approval notice, so that they mention all of those details as needed, when filing petition with USCIS.

      Reply
      • Hi Kumar,

        Thanks for replying.

        About the second question, I have not received a copy of H1B approval from company1.
        So in this case, I am unable to provide the H1 B copy of approval to company 2 while filing for transfer.

        Company 2 can file H1B transfer based on my current company petition?

        Reply
  14. Hi kumar/senior members,

    I got RFE from California centre and my client also got changed from the one for which I filed earlier.In the RFE responce I have an option to ho via premium or regular so can you all suggest best on the current trends shall I go for premium or continue with regular processing only?

    Reply
    • It is better to go for premium, talk to your attorney and put in those changes that happened with the Premium request and have it adjudicated soon…You would have options, if you know the decision faster.

      Reply
      • Ok but is there a trend where the premium caSes are getting more denied as I am from a most highlighted indian IT MNC and already got my L1A denied once in premium

        Reply
        • Do you have stats that tell out of 90 premium cases, 70 were denied by any credible source ? No, right ? Only people who get denied talk about it, no one with approvals even care to talk about it…So, it is very perception game that everyone are believed into. In general, some MNCs have about 30 percent denial, it does not matter regarding the processing…

          Reply
          • Thanks for your support guys finally it is approved from california service centre but waiting for my visa team to update the validity…is there other way to check by myself to know my H1B validity…btw it was non masters and regular from USA based Indian IT services company 😉

  15. My Question: If my H1B approval is expired and I want to try for H1B in the next year, do I need to go through H1B lottery process again? or Can I extend the expired H1B petition? If I can extend the petition, for how many years I can extend it?

    Reply
    • Well, this is slightly grey area. If you had H1B status by either stamping or working on it for even few days, then you were considered as counted in cap and no need for lottery. Also, in some cases, uses without stamping also were able to get H1B transfer without stamping as well, so it is slightly grey area…

      Reply
  16. I-129 Finally Approved!

    Application Date: April 2018
    Received Date: May 2018
    RFE: November 2018
    Received RFE Response: February 2019
    Approved: July 29, 2019

    This has been on regular processing from start to finish!

    Good luck to all who are still waiting!

    Reply
      • Thanks Kumar!

        Mind if you could point me to the next step after H1B approval? What are the documents I need to provide? Do we have a checklist to work on? Thanks in advance!

        Reply
      • My H-1B picked up in lottery on May 10, 2018 and then got RFE on Jan,2019. Response to RFE is filed on April, 2019, but still no response from USCIS. Current status : “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received”. What should i do next ? will there a chance of approval still ?

        Reply
        • Yes, there is still chance. You maybe able to raise a service request, ask your attorney to raise one. I suggest you move it to premium processing for faster results.

          Reply
  17. Hi,

    Question for Kumar and anyone who can answer with credibility.

    My application for H-1B was picked in the lottery and is under processing with USCIS. My EAD expiration was changed from Aug 3 to Sep 30 (Cap Gap). I also have the STEM Extension available. I was waiting till now to see if I get the approval on H-1B so that I can save $$$ on my STEM application. Now that, I haven’t heard anything yet, I was planning on applying for STEM extension. The issue is that by the time my university processes the I-20 and I send the packet to USCIS, it will be past the original expiry date of Aug 3. Would that cause an issue? Will USCIS reject my request for STEM extension? Or will USCIS regard Sep 30 as the new expiration date and process my STEM application? Basically, am I safe to apply for STEM extension, given the circumstances?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  18. I was in US on H1b, utilized it for 6 months and then came back to India, now can i transfer it another employer from India as it is revoked status in USCIS site now.Also if the transfer get denied will my original visa be valid.Please help.

    Reply
  19. Hi Kummar,

    Today my employer showed me my H-1B rejection notice, the notice date is Jully 9th. My OPT expired last month. I would like to ask you some questions for you.

    When do I have to stop working? or until when I’ll be able to work?
    Do I have to leave the country in 60 days, right? When should I start to count?

    Actually, I’m not quite sure what kind of questions I can do right now. Do you have any advice or anything that I should do or should know at this point?

    Thank you very much,
    Felipe

    Reply
    • Technically, you needed I20 endorsed to work in cap gap. If your DSO has given that, then you could technically work until the decision date of H1B.
      Yes, you have 60 days to exit the country. You should start the count from the date your OPT and F1 status expired. Discuss with your DSO once, if you are in doubt.

      Reply
  20. Hi kumar,

    I have my H1B VISA stamped still 2021 and my LCA location is Redmond , Washington. Now I am moving to California for different client. I have got new LCA approved.

    My questions:

    1. Can I enter US with new LCA without filing H1B amendment and later file the amendment?

    Reply
  21. Hi,

    Today my H1B status got changed to “Submitted LCA to DOL”. So it means the lottery got picked up or…

    Please let me know.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  22. I thought RFE was taken out and is obsolete from H1b Process. Is that not true. Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  23. Kumar,

    I have valid visa upto Sep 2021 , I am planing to change my employer now. if I tranfer my visa, should I go to stamping again when I visit India.

    Reply
  24. Hi Kumar,

    My RFE was responded in April but there was no response or status change. Now in June the case is upgraded to PP and it’s been 10 days no change in status.
    Is there a chance of 2 times RFE?

    Reply
    • Well, they could ask for more info, something is not clear…Give it few more days, dont worry, it is not in your control.

      Reply
      • Finally my case was approved!!

        H1B application date: April 2nd 2018
        Approved date: June 27th 2019

        Thanks Kumar/Admin for answering my doubts.
        All the best for the ones who are still waiting for the approval. Good luck guys!

        Reply
        • If I may ask, how long is the duration of your H1B? I’m expecting a response by the end of this month, per USCIS’ email (I’m on regular processing, btw). Same as you, I also had my application filed on April 2018.

          Reply
  25. Hi – I came to US through a consultancy on Jan 2019 & got a project through a big company 1. Working for them in C2C mode. Now that big company is applying for transfer of visa (through premium).

    I also got offer from another big company 2 (my preferred one) who is also willing to transfer my visa through premium.

    I cannot say No or delay my documents for big company 1 as I am already working for them. But I do not want to continue this project.

    I want to join big company 2 who is also willing to transfer my visa.

    In this situation, if I provide my documents to both the companies & both of them file transfer of my visa through premium, what will happen? Is this legally allowed or I am violating any USICS rules?

    Please guide.

    Reply
    • No, you will not. Applying H1B transfer by multiple companies is allowed, it is up to you to choose, whom to join, if approved.

      Reply
  26. Hi Kumar,

    Is our visa stamping depends on our duration of I797.
    I have valid I797 till 31dec19, does that mean i will get visa till that date only.
    What are my options to extend it.

    Reply
  27. I am on H1B Visa. My fiancee uses only First Name and No Last Name. Please let me know if it is necessary for her to add a Last Name before marriage for a smooth approval of H1B Dependent Visa. Also suggest whether she can continue to use only First Name and if so what are the complexities that may arise in future in respect of H4EAD Visa.
    I am asking this because if she adds a Last Name now then it would be a lot of work to get it amended in different official document. Please suggest what is the best solution.

    Reply
    • I would definitely recommend to add last name because if she only apply Visa with one name it would be more complex here. On her Visa she might get FNU , or , LNU. Here FNU stands for first name unknown and LNU stand for Last Name unknown and now the mess starts. Her VISA will have FNU, , if she goes for her EAD it will be FNU, then comes SSN. At times SSN issue you an SSN number with just one name (system flaw because its mandatory to have 2 names on SSN (Last Name, First Name)) and then u have to make few visits to SSN office to get it fixed. Now you need a DL too which is not possible with 1 name. Ur DL will be with name as FNU, . All official docs will be with this stupid FNU, . On tope of it ppl will ask you how to pronounce ur first name (most funny part ). So get her proper first name and last name. I m telling you from my personal exp. I have faced all these issue here in USA and now regret I should have get it fixed before applying visa.

      Reply
    • I would definitely recommend to add last name because if she only apply Visa with one name it would be more complex here. On her Visa she might get FNU , or , LNU. Here FNU stands for first name unknown and LNU stand for Last Name unknown and now the mess starts. Her VISA will have FNU, , if she goes for her EAD it will be FNU, then comes SSN. At times SSN issue you an SSN number with just one name (system flaw because its mandatory to have 2 names on SSN (Last Name, First Name)) and then u have to make few visits to SSN office to get it fixed. Now you need a DL too which is not possible with 1 name. Ur DL will be with name as FNU, . All official docs will be with this stupid FNU, . On top of it ppl will ask you how to pronounce ur first name (most funny part ). So get her proper first name and last name. I m telling you from my personal exp. I have faced all these issue here in USA and now regret I should have get it fixed before applying visa.

      Reply
  28. Hi Kumar,

    I was on a J1 visa, successfully got a waiver and applied for H1B. I got picked in lottery ( Non -AD/ consular processing). Will this waiver trigger an RFE? Or issues during Visa stamping? Will the Consular Officer be aware of my waiver?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • In general, it should not be an issue. It is hard to guess the RFEs as it all depends on the case. There may be questions, you need to have justification for waiver and documentation to support the same. They maybe aware of it, we do not know how well the systems are connected…

      Reply
  29. Hi ,
    Please help on the below situation.
    I have got 221g blue slip in visa stamping interview on 19-March for administrative processing for expired SOW. Its almost 2.5 months still I didn’t get any updates. Is there any other to get the process complete soon or I need to wait for long time?

    Reply
  30. Hi Kumar,

    Had H1B interview in Chennai and VO gave 214b denail form and returned passport.

    So do I have option to reapply ?

    Also I heard 214b is applicable for B1/B2.. Is that true?

    Interview Questions were normal:
    Petitioner
    Client
    Client Invitation letter (Which I dint had)
    Designation
    Have you traveled any other countries before? – Ans : No

    Reply
    • Usually for H1B you usually get 221g. I am not sure, how you got 214(b)…H1B us a dual intent visa. Yes, 214(b) is given for B1 / B2. Could be a mistake. Read https://www.murthy.com/2012/07/24/murthy-success-story-improper-214b-visa-denial-reversed-h-4/

      Reply
  31. Kumar and all experienced members please provide your suggestion on my current situation.
    My H1B got picked last year in the lottery and got approved but the approval is till mid of 2019 . I haven’t did my H1B stamping from my current employer. I came to US on H4 on long leaves . If I get a job in USA what are the chances that I can get my H1B transferred successfully to the new employer?

    Reply
    • If you get a good role that fits your profile, and from a good company, it is pretty straightforward process and should not be very difficult.

      Reply
  32. Hi Kumar/All,

    Will USCIS verify both the Resume and Manager Letter for Specialty Occupation?

    Note : RFE submitted for Specialty Occupation

    Reply
    • Well, there are some system glitches at times, where some users mentioned so…but, very low though…Usually it says not found or name updated kind of errors.

      Reply
  33. Hi ,
    Please help on the below situation.
    I have got 221g blue slip in visa stamping interview on 19-March for administrative processing for expired SOW. Still I didn’t get any updates.
    1. Shall I change the company and use the same petition for different client?
    2. If my 221g decision is denied , shall I re-apply the same petition with proper document?

    Reply
    • You can apply for New H1B petition, if anything changes.
      Well, if it the same petition, probably not. You may not apply using the same petition because it was denied based on that petition.

      Reply
  34. Hi,

    I have a visa appointment at Chennai for Sept 3rd, 2019. I have filled my DS-160 form for Chennai. But I am getting a much earlier appointment in Delhi consulate, can I take US embassy appointment in Delhi instead of Chennai ?

    Regards,
    Piyush

    Reply
    • You can take it at any consulate, there is no restriction as such…Just in case, if the visa officer asks, just be prepared to have a reason for the same.

      Reply
  35. Kumar,

    I came to US in March 2019 on H1b. Recently I got new offer from a Big company. So now I am planning to change my employer which requires H1b transfer. Could you please tell me is there any chances to get RFE/Rejection. Thanks In Advance.

    Reply
    • It is hard to guess the RFE/rejection rate. The success of a transfer depends on the job offer, your fitment to the role that they are applying for H1B, and the company you are applying with…

      Reply
  36. Hi,

    My H1 got picked in the lottery. I applied for Premium processing.
    My issue is, my current client is going through a merger and they are end dating my contract in July.
    Is there a chance my H1 will be approved by then? My employer said that i will be able to switch jobs only after my H1 is approved.

    Could you please suggest.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Yes, if it is premium, you should be able to get it by then. Assuming you are on Cap gap, first extend your cap gap to Sept 30 with the receipt, if not done…

      Reply
  37. Hi Kumar,

    I am working on a contract position at a client company. Now the client has offered me a full time regular position. My H1B is still in RFE. Hoping that it gets approved(fingers crossed) can I immediately look for H1B transfer and join the client company? Will the transfer go through a long process ? and is there any chance of denial during transfer ?

    Reply
    • Everything depends on the position, how your role and profile matches to the position. If all is done right, there should be any issues. If it is your first time H1B, it is recommended to work on H1B for few days and get H1B status, before you transfer…

      Reply
  38. Hi Infosyian,

    My file no : WACXXXXXXX 13 digit number was updated in the portal but I did not get any notification/email and status still pending acknowledgmentUSCIS in portal.. So I’m not sure my petition got selected..?? and Is that receipt number.

    Please any one help me on this..??

    Reply
  39. Hi Kumar,
    My h1-b application got picked in lottery. Plz tell me approximately how much time will it take for approval ?

    Reply
  40. My RFE response was received on May 9th .My initial application was in premium processing . it’s almost 12 days and no response till now. is it normal ? In Dhs site status got updated to premium processing clock started but no change after that

    Reply
  41. Hi Kumar,
    After long waiting, now I have received my H1B approvals with around 10 months of validity. Unfortunately, my current project was closed( for which Project my H1B was applied), now I need to get new project, so I don’t think so I can travel with in this 10 months period.

    My Question: If my H1B approval is expired and I want to try for H1B in the next year, do I need to go through H1B lottery process again? or Can I extend the expired H1B petition? If I can extend the petition, for how many years I can extend it?

    Thanks in advance for your response and efforts.

    Reply
    • Well, you can extend, if you are with the same employer…But, for transfers, if you have never traveled to US on H1B, it is slightly grey area…In the past, it was fine and you used to considered as cap exempt….but in recent times, USCIS is questioning, if you had H1B status at least once for transfers. So, for new employer, you may have to go through lottery again…For extensions, it is usually up to 6 years…I suggest you discuss with your company’s attorney on the extension part without going through lottery as well to confirm.

      Reply
  42. Hi Kumar,

    Its been a month and 10 days since I responded to RFE. There is no status update . I’m thinking of asking my employer to go for Premium processing. Heard when you shift to PP, chances of denial is more. Is this true? or should I patiently wait?

    Reply
  43. Hi Kumar,
    Could you please clarify on the below.
    – My initial H1B Cap petition was submitted with ClientA details and location. The project contract ended this Feb and I moved to ClientB. Now I have received RFE. As per GIS team, they can file RFE response only for ClientA and Change of Client is not allowed legally during RFE response. Is this correct?
    – I have valid H4 Visa. Will H1B Denial/Rfe response not submitted impact my current H4 valid visa? I am hearing H1Denial will deny the H4 visa as it is the latest one. Is it so? Can I travel on H4 even if my H1B is denied?
    Can you please clarify asap which will be of great help

    Reply
    • 1. That’s correct. If you try to submit the documents related to Client A then that will lead to the rejection of the petition because the job is no longer available.
      –Alternative option is revoke the first petition and reapply again with Client B details if you still have an active i-94 if you are in US.

      2. I dont think so. H1B and H4 are two different visas. You still can use the other if any one them is rejected.

      Reply
    • Yes, that’s correct.
      No, it will not impact it. You can travel on H4, even, if denied as long as your spouse is on H1B…I am assuming you were working on H4 EAD…

      Reply
    • There was one batch of reciepts on May 15th. Very few recieved as far i know. Could be recieving more batches over coming couple of weekends.

      Reply
      • My file no : WACXXXXXXX 13 digit number was updated in the portal but I did not get any notification/email and status still pending acknowledgmentUSCIS in portal.. So I’m not sure my petition got selected..?? and Is that receipt number

        Reply
  44. Hi there

    Need advice on my H1B applications that are picked into lottery. I filed 2 application from two different consultancy for same client. Got informed by both the company HR that my application picked up in lottery & they received receipt number last week & yesterday respectively.
    Now I am not sure what would happen to my case? Can you guide me how should I get one application withdrawn? I am worried if both would get rejected due to duplicate application?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • It is touch and go I believe. As per this post, your case falls under scenario 3.
      https://redbus2us.com/uscis-h1b-duplicate-filing-multiple-petitions-new-rule-2018-whats-not-allowed

      From USCIS, (refer page 2)
      https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2018/2018-3-23-PM-602-0159-Matter-of-S-Inc-Adopted-Decision-Package.pdf

      –At this point you cant do anything except hope for the best.

      Reply
    • You should be more worried about not getting both of your applications revoked by USCIS and being deported out of the country, with the consultant/s that filed your applications arrested for visa fraudulent…

      Reply

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