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
[prompt type=”left” title=”Beginner – First Time H1B ?” message=” If you are going through the H1B process first time, it is good to learn some basics like cap, quota, LCA, etc. Click adjacent button” button_text=”All H1B Basics – FAQs” href=”https://redbus2us.com/h1b-visa-basics-requirements-filing-dates-cap-fee-faqs/”]
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 Towards | Amount in USD |
| Base filing fee | $460 |
| AICWA Fee | $750 or $1,500 |
| Fraud prevent & detection fee | $500 |
| Fee based on Public Law 114-113 ( if applicable) | $4000 |
| Premium processing fee (Optional) | $1,225 |
| Immigration Attorney Fee | Varies from $500 to $3000 |
H1B 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 !
- Add your case at H1B Visa Tracker
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
- Jan 25, 2019 ( Official News ) : USCIS did a press release that Premium Processing Resumed for H1B 2019 Cap Petitions
- July 30th, 2018 ( Official News ) : USCIS announced that they have returned all the H1B 2019 petitions that were not selected in lottery. They gave guidance that, if you have filed for FY 2019 and has not received a receipt notice or rejected package by August 13th, 2018, they can contact USCIS. More info at USCIS News Alert
- May 15, 2018 ( Official News ) : USCIS Completed Data Entry for H1B 2019 Lottery Selected Petitions
- April 12, 2018 ( Official News ) : USCIS announces H1B Lottery Completed, 190K petitions filed.
- April 6, 2018 ( Official News ) : Press alert saying that USCIS Reached Cap for FY 2019 Quota
- March 23, 2018 ( Official News ) USICS announces new policy memo with guidance on Related entities for H1B Duplicate petitions
- March 20, 2018 ( Official News) : USCIS accepts H1B 2019 petitions from April 2nd, Premium Process Suspended till Sept 10, 2018.
- Feb 22, 2018 ( Official News ): USCIS released a new memo with additional requirements for H1B petitions filed for third party worksite locations. These new rules are very extensive asking for work orders, contracts, client letter itinerary, etc. and will have huge impact on H1B 2019 quota filings. Read completed details with impact info at New Policy Memo Third Party worksite H1B Petitions – Requirements, Impact.
- January 25,2018 : (Unofficial News) : AILA updated to their members that there will NOT be any procedural changes for FY 2019 season. You can read more details at AILA News USCIS – No Procedural Changes for FY 2019
- December 2017 : There are many speculations floating around based on the proposals and bills in senate and house by Trump administration. We just have to wait and see what happens. We will track all the news and update here for everyone’s update.
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 ?
I hope non-ADs, as I am, will start receiving notifications next week. This waiting game is killing me 🙁 .
First timer here actually.
Guys, I could see Employment tab with employer details in it on my Sevp
What does it means ?
What about the history tab? Also, does ur STEM expire before sep30? If so was ur end date set to new date?
No info on history
My stem expire on Jan 2019
It’s normal. You just have to watch out for the history tab and see for a SEVIS update.
I don’t think people with EAD expiring after 09/30/2018 will receive an update on sevp.
Currently, people with EAD expiring before 09/30 have started receiving cap gap extensions (if their case is picked up in lottery). You might have to wait a little longer to see updates.
It means better luck next time.
Guys
What to check in SEVP portal ??
My opt will expire on jan 2019
Can I see any change in Sevp now?
Can anyone please share the info
Nah only people with capgap can.
Your sevp will get updated after next year lottery
@TCSguy Ur’s… will never!!
SEVIS updated my employer. Anyone else seen this in their accounts?
Was your SEVIS updated today?
No, this was on April 2nd.
No updates on SEVP portal, no check cashed or info about receipt number. I guess its over?
If your EAD expires before 09/30 and you don’t see a cap gap extension, then I guess game over for this year 🙁
Yes i will expire 5/2018 🙁
It will***
Did anyone hear from Fragomen about their receipt received?
Not yet
No change in SEVP, no update in Fragomen portal, no receipt, no check info… just bitter wait and sadness for me….
Same here
It’s over.
@CD
What type of changes we can see in sevp portal,if got picked in lottery??
@123456789
only those who are on Cap Gap or have their opt ending before 09/30 see their Employment end date updated as well as some entries in the History tab by SEVIS.
Hi CD,
What’s Fragomen portal? Where can you check that?
If Fragomen was your attorney, they have a portal with all your info and status.
Thank you CD for your reply.
How can we get access to their portal?
Like I said, only if they were your attorney, you will have access… it is not a public portal, it is more customized for their clients only.
I haven’t. My sevp changed on Monday. Still waiting
What do you mean by SEVP Change, what part of SEVP changes?
kongarats:
Nope, who’s Fragomen?
Not much hope left. Time for this.
https://www.canadavisa.com/assess/canada-immigration-assessment-form.htm
How much?
Can you send address of any Telugu Consultancies in Canada ?
Can they file multiple immigration petitions for me to get into Canada ?
Thank you,
UStoCanada
One can apply independently.
One merely needs to pay an immigration attorney the filing fees.
A petitioner gets assigned points based on education and years of professional experience.
Everybody whose points exceed a threshold are given an ITA (Invitation To Apply) once every three months. There is NO LOTTERY involved.
That website above is to check if one can accrue enough points for an ITA
Can anyone heared about check enchasment??
Nah man no comment so far about checks being cashed. But receipts started coming from today it looks like.
Oh my GOD!! Which school did you attend, if any?
Cut him some slack brother. He must have typed that in a rush.
Lol.. there are many comments on the forum with misspelled words or incorrect grammar here and there.. but this one tops it all. How can someone fit so many mistakes in one small sentence?
Deep down everyone who read that comment knows that it wasn’t a mistake but he/she is already feeling down with people sharing their good news about status updates and stuff. Lets not make it worse for him/her.
As quoted in 3 idiots ” Jab hum fail hote hain toh itna dukh nhi hota par dost top karta toh bohot dukh hota ” 🙂
Not in my name.
Thanks!!
Lol…I hv just noticed it
Was in rush and couldn’t notice while texting/editing and posting as it got auto corrected on my mobile
Anyways my question is about enchasment? Did anyone got the news??
enchasment.. still?
did anyone got.. .. ?
Your phone is not ready for use brother.. sell this one, chip in a few dollars and buy a drink. 😉
Can anyone heared ?? Sorry, but .. how do you even manage drafting emails at work?
enchasment?? you have applied for H1 buddy… not acceptable
Can anyone heared ?? Sorry, but .. how do you even manage drafting emails at work?
enchasment?? you have applied for H1 buddy… not acceptable
You mean “Has anyone heard about check encashment?”
No, I haven’t heard about it.
Got copy of i797 receipt today from Attorney. The receipt date is Apr 12. But nothing is updated yet in my Sevp portal. My OPT end date is 05/2019. This is my second attempt. I think for others who are waiting , there is still some chance. Let us hope for the best.
Below is my status in USCIS.
On April 12, 2018, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number XXX, 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 12, 2018, please call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
Is this Ad or Non Ad bro ?
AD bro.
Congratulations.. good for you man
Did your SEVP Portal got updated?
As I mentioned, it is not updated yet
duuhhh but thats because your OPT end date is later than 09/2018…… thanks tho
Congrats! Before you received the receipts, had you heard anything about your check?
Thanks! Yeah bro, i emailed attorney day before yesterday (Apr 17) and they informed that my check has been cashed. And today they informed that they received my receipt.
Congrats man. You are very lucky to hear this early in the process. Good for you.
Hey SAM! From which Center did you get your receipt? Cali or Vermont? Thank you for informing us
Emily from immigrationgirl.com mentioned that she has started getting reciepts for AD.
any update on Receipts for cognizant (CTS) employees?
My package was delivered on April, 6, 2018 and received at USCIS office sharp @ 10:50 AM. Do you think that my application would have made to final cut in the lottery? If yes or no, how can we confirm that? I am in constant touch with my employer and legal, so I can always follow up if I know what exactly am i supposed to check.
Yes…
Bhakti Patel tum?
Come on… how stupid are you to ask such questions..
I think yes, your application would have made to final cut in the lottery.
All you need to check is sevp portal for automatic cap gap extension
I called my DSO to check my SEVIS status. She said they are not supposed to check and tell that and I gotta ask my employer. She just said ‘Your SEVIS is Active but for any other info you have to check with your employer.’ Does that mean anything?
It means nothing
Most DSOs and attorneys don’t like responding to these requests. But I think it says “active” for most people so perhaps there is no update yet. That doesn’t mean anything. There is plenty of time for the manual entry to process. When USCIS announces that the entry is complete you can check in and see if there were any changes–at that point you will have a better idea if you got the visa or not.
SEVIS is active as long as you’ve valid I-20. So it means nothing.
DSO of most reputed schools wont entertain questions regarding SEVIS status as it is not supposed to be disclosed. The right channel of information is through your attorney/employer.
Thank you everyone! Good luck to you all. Fingers crossed!
The new rule regarding in-house work for STEM OPT is great.. i just wish that the rule change/ change in interpretation had come few days earlier. The 96K AD applicants would have been down to 50% IMHO.
It came out in Jan 2018.
It has been noticed now .
Really feeling for all the affected people .
Should have also felt for others who were not getting visas because of such companies filing for people like gayathri who paid for their own visas.
People said the same after the memo for multiple filings came in, still we are seeing so many people filing multiple applications, going for Day 1CPT programs and what not. Unless they are made an example of and permanently blacklisted from even living in the country, nothing is going to change.
the result of multiple petitions will be seen in next year’s lottery depending on number of rejections this year. however, people working for big companies, and applying with IT consultants on the side by paying them will still not be caught as those companies wont be related. But Stem OPT rule should come down as a hammer for these people working with small consultancies.
Apparently, it might big consultancies like Deloitte, etc. as well.
True. However i dont have any hard feelings for them. these people are usually genuine candidates from good colleges and in good jobs. in my opinion they deserve the lottery as much as i do.. My concern is only with people who fake their resume or pay the consultants to file h1b or file multiple petitions.. those who are not good enough in anything except scamming the system and robbing others’ opportunities.
The crackdown continues….
https://www.murthy.com/2018/04/19/uscis-changes-position-on-third-party-placement-of-stem-opt-workers
http://immigrationgirl.com/stem-opt-for-f-1-students-restricted-to-in-house-work-only/
“Whether such a change in interpretation can be accomplished through a simple website update with no advance notice remains to be seen. In the meantime, I expect those with H-1B petitions selected in the lottery this year to be questioned regarding their STEM OPT experience. It is unclear how schools will react for students who have already been approved for STEM OPT based on off-site work.”
How long should we wait for our checks to be encashed?
I fall under the AD category and my OPT STEM expires 2019 so I cant see an update on SEVP.
My attorney told me checks have not been encashed yet, is it over or is there still time?Anyone has a timeline on how long it might take?
Until mid-May. I have seen cases of receipts until May 20 last year.
Did someone see an update in the history tab of the SEVP portal with a change in employment date since the past two days?
A lot of people have commented that they are seeing changes. This is a very gradual process.
Life cannot be this unfair man. Waiting for the past 5 years to get that email from ,lawyer or my employer that your check in cashed or we have received the notice along with a receipt number. Not really sure if i can take this anymore. these two month (april and may) have been a night mare for the past 5 years with sleeplessness, tiredness, not able to focus or concentrate. Damn this has to be my year. Been 7 years since i went back home 🙁
I feel for you @5th timer. I wish you good luck and hope you get it this time.
Aren’t you currently applying from India? Why can’t you go back home?
Edward – F1 visa expired few years ago and i am not sure if it will be a wise decision to go back and renew it. I am maintaining my status through I-20. I have a job ( regular job not with any consultancy or scam company or third party stuff) so i am kinda scared to throw all of this away.
Just to make it clear. I came here for Bachelors and during bachelors (junior and senior year) few companies were interested in me even though i was not working for them for those two years. So they aplied for me those two years and then OPT (1 year) and then Stem 2 years. Right now on the last year of stem extension.
Talk about not meant to be though 🙁
I can sympathize, man. In a similar boat as yours. Just remember that the US is not the end. I know people who transferred to other international offices and got their visas later. And I am actually beginning to warm up to the idea more and more; as it gives me a chance to explore new avenues.
Sorry to hear…hope luck favors you this time !
This is my Husbands 5th year too.
May he get silverware and wood this year with the approval receipt in it!
R u getting a ticket to heaven ? Come on buddy relax, its just another country..agreed you can earn well.. but if u r tech then u can earn a lot here too..dont loose ur sleep.. b happy with where u r
No.. but its like getting a ticket away from uncertainty.. you wouldn’t understand if you’re not in the same boat.. there are people whose life hangs in balance due to frauds scamming the lottery system with multiple petitions and what not..
I Hope, We all get H1b’s this year.
My case falls under AD and this is my last attempt. My OPT expires in Feb 2019. No updates on SEVP yet. No update from an attorney. Till when can I be hopeful. Also, what are my options going forward? If my H1b is not picked I am not sure what my alternatives are. Appreciate any suggestions.
Cheers.
@Curious – I doubt you’d be able to see an update in SEVP portal if your end date is currently after September 30.
You can be hopeful until the week after USCIS confirms data entry is complete (usually around mid May).
See Kumar’s latest post on this for more details – https://redbus2us.com/sevis-sevp-portal-updates-opt-cap-gap-date-extended-h1b-lottery-selected/
I’m in the same situation as you. If you look at the current situation, they are even scrutinizing Day 1 CPT programs. My best bet would be to wait until mid May for an H1B result. In the meantime, book for an IELTS date, give the exam and apply for a Canadian PR. Since you have time till Feb 19, you have plenty of time. Express entry for PR takes about 6 months or so. While the application is in progress, start looking for jobs in Canada. If USA is where you want to settle down, you can always get a Canadian citizenship after about 3 years after getting a PR, obtain a TN visa and come back to the US.
It is not easy to get a job in Canada. I have tried for that. That plan seems easy but it isn’t. I suggest to hold on your hopes for now. You will figure out your next steps as you go further.
Yes, I’m not asking him to lose hope. Keep your hopes up till mid May at least. And, I’m not saying any of this easy. Nothing good ever comes easy. You have to put in a lot of work, save enough till OPT expires, so that even if you don’t get a job in Canada immediately, you can sustain yourself for a while. Looking for jobs 6 months in advance is better than looking for jobs after moving there. Besides, the other options are very uncertain at the moment.
@Hopeoflight – Did you actually get your PR and try or just randomly applied online? Almost no one gets a job from outside the country. You have to get your PR first, then go there and look.
Does anyone get their SEVP Portal updated on yesterday….
I didn’t see anyone saying their SEVP portal got updated on Yesterday.
No, No one saw that. Just employer or lawyer can confirm your status right now.
reason I asked this questions, few days back people said that their SEVP portal updated with new authorisation date…
In the same manner, does anyone said yesterday (18th April) that their portal got updated?
Even I did not hear of any SEVP updates yesterday. Maybe they have finished the first 25k applications and are moving on to non-AD or maybe they were just busy with some other activity yesterday.
they had a happy hour and were busy partying..
I’m a silent lurker for a while now and this waiting game is killing me 🙁 . I’m a first-timer actually..
Can someone which is a non-AD let us know if they got their check encashed already?
Thanks very much.
Sreeram,
Next week probably we can hear something about the Non-AD receipts.
How does the USCIS works on encashing the payments?
Do they encash when they pick the application for review?
@Hopeoflight – Yes
Anyone here whose end date extended to 9/30/2018 on SEVP Portal but check is not yet en-cashed?
Need your help.
Non AD here, looks like that the check isn’t cashed yet.
Is it Gameover for me this year or, if not, do you guys have any idea until when in April should I hope for a check encashment?
Just wait, mate. Non AD people get receipts by June.
Surya,
Wait till mid may and after that chances will be slim.
Non-Ad guys keep your hopes alive till june 1st week.
All the best . Good luck
End of april. If your check is not cashed by then, it is 99.99% game over. Receipts can come until June but checks are cashed earlier. Rejections can come after July as well.
The slack link for H1b group is
https://join.slack.com/t/h1b2019/shared_invite/enQtMzUwMjg4NTkwNTM1LTdkYTBiZTRiMDZkNDI1YWYzNjJjZTdjYjkyNGJiNWYzYzM1ZDQ5YzA2MmYxODhiYzg1YzBjOTE4M2M3ZjhiYmM
Would you still see the cap-gap extension on your SEVP portal if you have pending STEM extension showing as Future Employer?
Yes. It is the same case for me
Thanks! Are you undergrad?
No. I am grad.
Question:
I saw an entry in my “History” tab from Sevis but nothing in “Employment” tab. Any idea? Thank you.
What is your OPT end date?
And what exactly was the entry in your “history” tab?
Thanks for responding. My OPT ends in June. That entry is showing my employer and not edited by me.
That is a ray of hope for you. Please take it in a positive not and cheer up. I am 90% sure your case was picked in the lottery.
My OPT STEM ends in Dec 2018 and so I will most likely not see an update in my SEVP portal. Sucks for me…
Thanks. I hope so. But my OPT date didn’t change and the check was not cashed either. Let’s be patient. Bless all of us!
This happened to me too, i got the “employer” in history tab, nothing in the employment tab yet, hopefully this is a good sign, bless to us all
Same here…What is your OPT end date? Is your check cashed?
Does SEVP portal update mean the case was picked? Does this mean everyone else whose STEM expires before 09/30 got rejected if portal hasn’t been updated?
Yes for first question. No for the second. Very few people have heard back till now.
My DSO says there is no change in my SEVIS record apart from the STEM OPT approval that happened last year.
Feeling depressed and losing hope…slowly..
Give another week atleast or unless they say data entry is complete. Keep checking SEVP and followup with DSO on SEVIS and attorneys on check encashment. You just need one of these 3 to click and good news will flow automatically.
Thanks for your positive words.
I will keep my fingers crossed for a miracle.
I don’t have any hopes with SEVP since my STEM OPT ends in Dec 2018
No information yet from Fragoman, nor on their website.
Did any of the 3 companies ask you to pay them for filing the transfer petition?
Any updates from nonAD side?
No update from immigration team
Did anyone contact Fragomen (if they were your attorney who filed) ?
I did, but no response from them till now.
Did, no response. Also no updates on their portal.
I have not gotten anything from Fragomen either. I really don’t get why, but they also noted that they won’t notify me if I get rejected for the lottery. Did anyone have the same issue?
I have contacted them. My end date also got updated until 9/30/2018. I have asked them regarding the same. They said that whether checks got encashed for my petition and looks like it is not yet. And they are also not quite sure about this since its new system.
No information yet from Fragomen, nor on their website.
Hello all,
I have sent an email to my DSO and she confirmed that I have a pending status and she shared the Case #. I have my OPT extension until Jan 2019. So there is no update on SEVP portal.
I would recommend contacting your DSO. They are ones who will give the correct information. And don’t relay on SEVP portal if you have your OPT extension validity more than SEP 30.
All the best
I called my DSO and they confirmed that they do not get any information regarding case status or receipt number. It could be that they only have the receipt for the people who got picked in the lottery.
Anyone non-AD on OPT (undergraduate) got their checks chased or receipt info?
*cashed
Guys, USCIS has started the cheqe encashment for the NONAD people. One of my friend got his cheque encashed today, he just got this info from his arrorney.
Is there a change in employment dates on his SEVP Portal?
I reached out to my attorney. They said they have received first batch of notifications for cheques encashed for both AD and Non AD filers.
Last year there were comments from folks from TCS, CTS, Infy, Wipro inquiring about result details.. there are no where here now and only people talking about cap-gap and SEVP.. This clearly indicates Indian companies reduced the filings but these Consultancies are abusing the system.
Has cheques for Non AD started to be cashed? Eagerly waiting acknowledgement. Thank you.
It’s too early for them to come. Wait for a few weeks.
why are u worried, do u think doing MS and being AD you are hero ?…don’t underestimate indian companies…
@Advice- please keep your advice with you…why are u worried, do u think doing MS and being AD you are hero ?…don’t underestimate indian companies…
haha.. sad that you are not even getting the point..
Wait till next week. Usually we ll be notified starting end of April.
Hi guys, quick question if somebody can help to clarify. My OPT expires on 5/24/18, in order to work till the rejection notice is received, usually end of June, do I need to apply for a temporary I20 from school?
Good lucks to everybody!
Start packing
You won’t get the temporary cap-gap I 20 unless you get a H1b receipt.
You can get an updated I20 valid until June 1. Again you can extend this upon being selected in Lottery until Sep 30.
https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations-and-fashion-models/extension-post-completion-optional-practical-training-opt-and-f-1-status-eligible-students-under-h-1b-cap-gap-regulations
“””
If a student chooses to obtain an updated Form I-20, the student should go to his or her Designated School Official (DSO) with evidence of a timely-filed H-1B petition (indicating a request for change of status rather than for consular processing), such as a copy of the petition and a FedEx, UPS, or USPS Express/certified mail receipt. The student’s DSO will issue an updated Form I-20, showing an extension until June 1.
“””
You don’t need anything to keep working until you get rejection notice. Once h1b is filed, you can keep working until you get reject notice.
I called SEVIS today and enquired about the update under Employment tab in SEVP portal. They saud that the update would be made by the SCHOOL DSO only and not by USCIS. It shows an update by SEVIS because when DSO makes a change, it is an update from SEVIS and not from the School. But updating the information is entirely in the hands of the school DSO. So for people who did their Masters in a reputed school which has a DSO which will not let its students know their SEVIS update, you would not be knwing the status of your H1b petition until your attorney informs you. So chill guys.
Thanks for the update about your conversation. I tried calling them but herd there initial message and hung up because they probably are tired of people calling in to see what the SEVP portal change means.
So far I was convinced that the end date for people with expiring authorization is extended because of getting picked up in the lottery for H1B. But now I am so confused that DSO can extend your date which will show up as SEVIS in the source column.
Can somebody please clear one thing for me. Whether its DSO or the school or someone from USCIS, whoever changes the date for expiring OPT/STEM OPT should only do so if the application was picked up in the lottery. If its not picked up why would they just go ahead and change it right? Thanks guys and this forum rocks!!
Thx Harsha, Jai ram dev baba.
DSO can only do end date extension for STEM OPT. Lottery update comes directly from USCIS. All that DSO can do here is give you a new I-20.
Thank you so much. It’s very helpful.
Let’s all be positive and patient now!
At least we have a job, right? Focus on your work and stop F4 this page 🙂
Weird.
I went to a top 10 MBA school, so very reputable school and have class mates who have had their OPT expiration date updated in the portal. I doubt our DSO would have done that.
How can you go to a top MBA school and not know that “class mates” is one word – “classmates”? You are either fake or of no value to this country.
So the DSO is somehow informed on whether the student has been selected in the lottery or not and then the DSO updates the end date?
@YashaKris That’s exactly my point. Is the DSO somehow getting to know whether we are picked up in the lottery or even that our employer has applied for an H1B this year for us! There is something that I don’t know about this reporting method from USCIS to DSO.
USCIS updates the end date. DSO can only see change in date in SEVIS. DSO CANNOT MAKE ANY CHANGES FOR CAP GAP.
Well. DSO would know the moment your SEVIS gets updated. But it seems that the school has the right to let the students know if their SEVIS status changes. Some schools would never say their SEVIS status until they give a receipt number to them. So once you request a Cap Gap, they would update into your Portal. The source is going to be SEVIS and not DSO. Because DSO just updates the info on that website. Its the SEVIS which has approved your Cap Gap. The SEVIS person never said I can’t answer. She clearly said Only your School DSO would change the status. Just a simple logic guys. My STEM ends on May 26th. Even if I don’t get picked up in lottery, I have Cap Gap until June1st. So no matter what the status is, my work authorization should have changed to June1st by default if its the SEVIS the one which will update the SEVP portal. But it doesn’t. For one of my friends, he emailed his DSO about his SEVIS status and they replied back regarding the same via EMAIL. But my DSO would not even give a hint about that to anyone. So it completely depends on your school DSO. I am 100% confident cos I got this answer from SEVIS. If you have questions, please contact SEVIS to confirm the same.
@Sri Harsha, is anything updated for you in SEVIS/SEVP or any confirmation on check encashment?
Well, a friend of mine from a reputed school got her SEVIS updated. So I do not buy this inference of yours.
Well Call SEVIS and enquire about the same. Call your DSO and see if they give you a Yes/No when you ask them ur SEVIS status. SEVIS answered my call in just 2 mins. There is no long wait time. Give a shot and you will this within 10 mins.
Well my DSO said they havent updated and it has been updated for me. .
So this means -> If your DSO comes to know about your SEVIS status change (which means your application got picked in lottery), DSO updates your SEVIS account i.e. extends OPT end date to Sept. 30th. Also, SEVIS update is only done for those people who have an OPT end date before Sept. 30th. Did i get it right?
@everyone who is confused or is confidently (and incorrectly saying end date change does not mean anything) – Please read through this whole page: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-status/f-1-cap-gap-extension
Thanks for the link. Was definitely helpful and interesting to read. Although they never mentioned anything about “applicable only to people with receipt number or received cases by USCIS”.
Yeah because SEVIS/USCIS wants to just extend the end date 30th September for no reason.
@ Dumb That’s the very point I made in a comment earlier. I understand its a dumb question but people are really making me question this whole SEVP update thing. Including my own DSO. He said that the change is only related to the cap gap extension but your SEVIS has no other update than that which doesn’t make sense at all. haha
It is clearly mentioned it will extend to September 30 for “pending” cases which is different from “filed”. It moves from filed to pending only when you’re picked up in lottery. If you are still unsure, then just wait for the receipt notice which should come in a few days!
Thanks for the clarification. I will update if I hear anything from lawyer. 🙂
If you are on OPT with end date before 9/30/2018 and you don’t see any updates before the end of today, then it’ll be the time to go to h1b-visa-2020 page to continue the discussion.
85% of the selected petitions will be entered into system by today.
Even your father should have slept quietly that night.
@ Pun Intended. No need to get personal an unclassy.
Negative times negative is positive. So please ask the people who are posting negative stuff to begin with to stop. I am just making their negative POSITIVE.
How do you know this? What are your sources?
I know everything about you
Meet me in my office in 5 mins.
Sorry guys New unofficial rule who are using CPT for second masters, (CPT or OPT practically it can be used for once in master, or you can use in PHD, but not again in masters), denied or go back to country and come with H1B visa . so practically there again wasting h1b slots like multiple visas..
Okay…Good, when did you introduce this rule in USCIS?
Where is this rule posted? Please share the link when you say something like this.
@Bsdk
bsdk, first understand , the immi link describes may be risk not denial.
http://immigrationgirl.com/new-interpretation-of-cpt-curricular-practical-training-for-f-1-students/
They might deny the Change of status which means you would have to go for stamping, which is a risk/denial.
Guys,
Anyone please explain what updates to check on SEVP ?
I was off from the site for couple days,so dint follow
– End date change to 09/30/2018
– History tab with a record of this update done by SEVIS.
Thanks DSO!!
But my stem end date is till Jan 2019,still can I see theses changes??
Guys, best news I’ve heard.
My SEVP status just got updated. It says timestamp 06:47 AM CST.
My new status is – ‘Approved to become citizen. Green card will be mailed.’
Does this mean my H1b is selected ? Fingers crossed.
that means you are a moron.
Wake Up!
Oh… It was a dream. Thanks for waking me up.
@GoldDig
lol your mind lost connection with this world @ 6:47AM CST::::
If your citizenship is approved a PASSPORT is emailed, not a green card.
Your father should have slept quietly that day.
any update from IBM immi team?
IBM company will be closed soon
Nice joke kid
Capgemini FS BU Update
I received the confirmation mail from immigration team on the submission of application with USCIS.
is it AD or Non AD???
Non AD
No DADDY.
I too got from FS BU.. But i dont believe in them a bit ..
I have H1 stamped and it’s valid till Aug 2018. I got it stamped in Dec 2016. I used to work for another employer at that time. Recently I got full time job and my petition by new employer is approved. If I travel to Europe, do I need to stamp it again for re-entering US?
Hi Everyone,
I am a non-stem candidate with opt end date on June 15, 2018. I am anxious like many of you and I keep checking Sevp portal every once in a while. No change in my opt end date as of now.
Currently I am totally confused on when to join a university and would really appreciate your suggestions:
Most of the schools have programs starting in May or in July. If I join the May program and say I get to know my H1 got picked after I join the program, can I continue working on cap-gap until Sep 30? Is this possible or do i need to wait for cpt and then start working once the cpt is approved?
Can someone suggest to me if it is better to join in May or in July for someone whose opt is ending in June mid? And when should I get my Sevis transferred in both the scenarios?
Also if someone already went through the 2nd masters, please let me know if there is anything that you thought would have been helpful if you knew it before applying to these universities.
I would really appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you in advance.
HopingfortheBest!
Update: Heard from a friend of mine that his OPT end date changed to Sep 30 in Sevp but check was not cashed and did not receive any receipt number!
I have just completed my 2nd Master’s degree in US and am currently working on CPT and waiting for the H1b pick. One advise, I would give is that if you have used your OPT during 1st Masters degree, you do not get to apply for OPT again for the same degree level; even if its a STEM program. So if you wish to continue working after your 2nd Master’s degree, you can only use CPT for work until you graduate.
Wrong.
Even CPT is not legal now. Read the new memo by uscis.
I am in Data Science Degree where internships is a requirement for graduation.
The new memo just talks about all PT in general. It means all Practical Trainings, doesn’t matter if CPT or OPT.
OPT to CPT and H1B to CPT will be denied.
And yeah, also CPT to H1B.
So, good luck.
Where is the memo, can u send the link?thanks
“A student may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level.” 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10).
http://immigrationgirl.com/new-interpretation-of-cpt-curricular-practical-training-for-f-1-students/
there is no new memo. Just they might interpret PT differently. Doesn’t mean definite denial or anything. I know many who got the H1B after using day 1 CPT. It’s a case by case basis.
Either way, they approve H1B and the problem is only for Change of Status.
That is not entirely true.
If you have unused OPT left from first Masters program then you can use it in your second Masters. Remember, OPT is once in a lifetime for one level (e.g. Master or Ph.D.).
Please do not go the day 1 CPT route . It is highly risky and it’s almost certain that the USCIS will catch you and reject your visa even if it goes through the lottery, especially in the current climate when they just need a pretext to reject your application.
@Hopingforthebest – No cap gap for CPT. You’ll have to stay enrolled until you get h1b approval.
SEVIS transfer date can be entered by the DSO as per your preference and usually takes a maximum of a week.
Hi,
If you are not in the OPT period, I believe that you are not qualified for the cap-gap.
You still have 2 months grace period for you to apply for the second master degree program after your current OPT ends. It is very easy for the transferring process after you are admitted by the new program.
If I were you, I would do:
Apply for the admission for the new program but not transferring my I-20 to the new school until a couple of days before the last date of my current opt or the first date of the new school.
This is just my personal opinion not legal advice.
Hi Everyone,
Thank you all very much for your suggestions. I just hope all the last chance candidates get their H1b picked. Its such a pain to work so hard to be here and keep waiting for a lottery decision.
Everything has been so difficult, we work twice as hard to get half the chances. I remember so many employers saying that they wont be able to hire OPT students if it expires within an year. Getting a job became depressing, and finally got one. Now, the lottery decision! I just want to know the decision soon and have some peace of mind.
I don’t blame Americans for fearing that we are taking their jobs but that is not the case. In-fact immigrants are the reason why their economy is developing and we did create so many opportunities for them. Instead of cribbing about the H1b system, Mr. Govt should infact focus on improving their education system. You expect your country people to pay 60k per year for 4 years to finish bachelors. How do you expect to have skilled people when you cant provide affordable education.
Anyways, back to updates! I checked my history tab today and realized I was checking Sevp portal every 9 minutes. Inner Peace in the drain!!
Hello Guys,
When do we expect H4’s enchasing normally?
Thanks
After divorce.
no word for you. one of ……. itt
It is not funny at all if you want to make a joke …?!?. Actually, it is for my kid
Who said it is your kid ?
Lol
:)) same as other … mals …
Glad you accept your fate. Please divorce only after your wife gets gc. Because women are so weak and they need empowerment, even when they have power.
If H1 petition is selected, along with H1, H4 would also get en cashed.
Thanks for the reply.
I have valid H1b until October 2018.
Since, I am not sure if project will extend, I filed new H1b this year, through another genuine client project.
Does existing H1b status have impact of they file new H1b ? I value responses. Thanks
Dude, you have any common sense ? Do you even know why new H1b is filed ?
Why do you need a new H1b? You just need a new LCA.
I only have 2 years left on current H1. New one will give new 6 years more.
Don’t think you need to go through lottery process for that. Lottery is only for generating new H1bs for people not having it.
What ? My filer told me I am eligible to file new H1 as it will give me 6 more years. I don’t see any rule that say already h1 can’t apply for lottery.
Who are you ?
You are very wise. I think you should apply for new H1 every year so you will have always 6 years left.
Great Collection of H1b years.
Did you pay money? Someone cheated you dude.. why would anyone apply new if they already have one valid.. you have to apply new only if you have exhausted 6 yr limit and don’t have approved I-140.
Moreover you have jeopardized a chance for someone else.
If you can’t response to the question, please don’t comment.
There are so many people applying multiple filing. I personally know more than 15 people and all do H4 also for people sitting at home.
I am also do or die as I have only 2 more years left for H1 Visa.
If you not able to give proper answer then don’t give comment.
No body cheat me. It is normal to file h1 like that. They always have client with all documents.
My question is will active h1 impact new h1 ?
I din read any news it is illegal. So, any body in same boat ?
Abbhe Lavade, jaake ghaand choos !
How many times you will apply ? Realize your worth and keep moving, madar jaat !
if you have valid H1B, you can’t apply for it again until you used 6 years limit. And you say you are genuine. first learn the basics and ask the questions. I wonder how you managed 4 years of it. you are not deserved.
Do you have any shame ? Why do you have to live by killing others ? Are you even a human being with any emotion ? Wild animal
If you have lottery people will buy multiple tickets. Don’t be bitter if you but smart and try from loser employer that cheat you. I heard most US employer don’t even apply h1b. They cheat student without filing h1b and send them home. Why you think there are so many Master graduate that go home after 100 attempt ? US employer are biggest cheater. They won’t apply H1
You’re either pretending or you really are applying for multiple H-1Bs (it’s most probably the latter). I hate it break it down to you but what you’re doing is illegal. You don’t just apply for H-1s because yours is expiring in 2 years. Just because you know 15 people who are doing it doesn’t mean its correct/legal.
Once you have a H-1B, you apply for a GC or you lose your visa status after 6 years. There’s no other legal way.
What you did was just jeopardize a chance for someone and maybe destroyed their dreams. Good luck on your illegal endeavor.
If you’re pretending then haha nice joke!
I went for a 12 hour meeting and came out stronger.
NO MATTER HOW MANY H1Bs YOU APPLY YOU GET A TOTAL OF 6 YEARS ONLY…
Anyone has a Slack group Invite to H1b 2019?!
USCIS first completes data entry for 15000 AD applicantnts and get into the Non AD pool.. NonAD includes the AD applications too those are not part of the initial 15000. Data entry happens until 1st week of May. Don’t lose hope if you don’t see updates.. Hopefully we’ll get thru.
My end date has been changed to 9/30 on SEVP portal. Does that mean my case has been picked in the lottery?
When did it change? Also what was your end date before it got changed (Were you eligible for CAP GAP)
It changed this morning. My EAD was set to expire on 8/23/2018. This morning I saw a chnage made to my SEVP portal.
Good to know it looks like the SEVP portal change is happening only to those eligible for CAP GAP.(OPT ending before 09/30). If someone whose OPT expiry date is beyond 09/30 and got SEVP portal updated please correct me.
My Friend already received a Reject Notice. So I think Lottery is Over for NonADs as well.
before you jump to conclusion that this is fake.
this is what i got from my employer.
check en cashed today around late afternoon.
i am under AD “ta , vermont SC