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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 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 !

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 ?

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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8,787 Comments

  1. Just called my university DSO and found out that there is a change of status in my SEVIS account with a receipt number EAC**. It looks like it is getting started for Non-AD petitions right now.

    Received date: 04/12
    Non-AD US Bachelors
    No change in SEVP account in end date or history
    Currently on STEM OPT ending 06/19

    Good luck to all genuine applicants!

    Reply
  2. @Mean Spirit

    A month of work just has been assigned to us.

    Raghuram reddy is a champ, he can easily become an English professor at Oxford.
    Oh sorry did I write English above? My bad, I meant English like language.
    Whatever this guy has written is not English.

    Reply
    • @AntiAviShek @Mean Spirit

      We are immensely grateful to AntiAviShek for always being there for all of his time to teased and made fun the English like language in this blog and being more than a BC coordinator. Bullying is specifically tied to his life. RIP…

      Reply
      • @Jesus
        BC = ? Is this an English word? I guess you are mixing 2 languages because of your inadequate vocabulary.
        Please use the dictionary if you don’t understand any of the words written above.
        Thanks.

        PS: Also “made fun the English like language” something is missing in this sentence may be a verb, adverb etc.
        I hope you are familiar with the terms I used above.

        Reply
  3. Immigration girl updated that she got 0% receipts from California center for non-AD. Does this mean I can keep the hope alive? or the game is over.. and better to give up and relax?

    Reply
  4. I suggest USCIS to send out rejection packages before sending out the selected receipts.

    That will make this waiting game better, psychologically.

    Cheers.

    Reply
  5. Hello Guys!
    Don’t lose hope. I’ve been blessed and got the notification email from lawyer today.
    Some Facts:
    -Company: Major US Airline
    -Lawyer firm: Ogle Tree
    -AD Applicant
    -First Time Application
    -1 year OPT expiring in JAN ’19
    -CA Service Center

    Reply
  6. Hi All. I am the composer of inspiring Poem ‘ Who gon pray for me, I am always ready for a war again’ and dedicated to all H1b filers for 2019.

    Thanks to all for praying for me. My lottery is confirmed, received the receipt from employer.

    Good luck to all.. Remember – Be like Black Panther. Always ready for a war again. h1b is only one battle. More battles is there when you move forward.

    Reply
  7. What I have observed so far is – many of 2nd chance people who’s OPT expiring next year after April 2019, are rejected. I am assuming that they might be saving some place for the other 3rd chance people. I may be wrong but that what’s it’s look like. Many of my friends in 2nd chance are still waiting for luck.

    Reply
        • thats tough to say… that was my observation and what I have predicted from my friends status and red2bus comments. It is also to note that attorneies can make mistakes while applying.

          All the best guys… hope all legal students get H1B other than some stupid fake consultancies.

          Reply
          • that’s not the case if they had such filtering done beforehand they would have weeded out ungenuine multiple petitions. I know my quite a lot of my friends who got picked this year (2nd attempt).

    • AFAIK the process is completely random. This lottery season was my second chance (stem opt expiring in 06/2019) and I got my receipt yesterday.

      Reply
    • I don’t think so. I know of a lot of my friends, all second time AD applicants got their confirmation from their lawyer/HR.

      Reply
  8. Two more of my friends got the H1B receipt today. So far out of 8 people applied that I know of 7 have got receipts. A mix of 1st, 2nd and 3rd attempt and all AD-Masters. Definitely USCIS is either favoring Master’s/AD students or they are prioritizing them over Non-AD. Very different than last year.

    Reply
    • Good for you all….But that’s not true. its a random lottery. My friends including me haven’t received anything yet and we all are ADs..

      Reply
      • I understand its a random lottery but I don’t know if they are doing something different this year. It could be as easy as sort all the AD’s and start thr processing first. Just saying. Wish you best luck!

        Reply
    • My life is becoming hell everyday with the stress, my last attempt. have been trying for last 3 yrs but no luck. I wish some miracle happens now.

      AD– last attempt — still waiting

      Reply
    • My friend from a leading university confirmed about 90% of the applicants(batch mates) received the receipt already. Total – 35

      Adding onto it one more friend of mine from west coast confirmed that in his friends circle 10 out 12 received it already.

      It sense to be very obvious, that this time they are doing something in the background to save the Billion dollar industry.

      Anyways in my opinion, AD needs it after spending around 35k dollars on an average.

      Reply
    • Dude honestly it seems like everyone (AD) except me are getting picked and I am the only one with full time job among all those!

      Life sure sucks!

      Reply
      • Yeah Life could be cruel sometimes. But trust me it always works out for better good. Not just saying because I got picked or anything. I was ready mentally to leave but as I said whatever happens, happens for a good reason.

        Reply
  9. I have got the Email from my employer that my h1B cap has been selected in Lottery . I am under NON AD . however i have not received the receipt no.

    Reply
  10. CTS Chennai i dont think anyone got.. Someone told in Kolkata they got.. Not sure abt chennai..Anyone got in chennai ?

    Reply
  11. I feel like everyone was picekd beside me. The notification would be done by this week. I am so scared after that.

    Reply
  12. In my company someone got receipt today

    Adv
    California service center
    Receipt date: April 12th

    Receipts are still coming in for Advance Cap.

    Good luck to all genuine candidates!

    Reply
  13. Non-ADs who got their receipts or checks cashed. Did you get your SEVP updated? (If your OPT is ending soon)

    Reply
  14. Hi Emily,

    Thanks a lot for your blog. It’s my turn to share the good news. Today, my employer received receipt notice of H1B petition and shared with me immediately. For all the AD guys don’t lose hope, many petitions are still on the way. ATB for all genuine applicants.

    Reply
    • there is no point getting picked h1 for first time. because you got ead for 3 years as f1 visa student. You have no advantage.
      You are lucky only if you get picking off 3rd time because you dont need to pay medi & social taxes on f1, but h1 is very high expense.

      Reply
      • That’s a good point, less taxes if you get selected on last try. I am in my last year of OPT non AD. Hoping I will get selected. No news yet.

        Reply
  15. Got my h1b approval notice today. I was notified on April 22nd by my company that my h1b was picked in the lottery.

    AD – Full time Job
    Last time
    California service center
    Received date: 04/12/2018
    Notice date: 04/30/2018

    Good luck to everyone!

    Reply
  16. Got my SEVP updated last week but did not get my receipt yet. Non-AD.

    How long does it take from SEVP update to getting the receipt?

    Reply
  17. To My Fellow Applicants.

    I have zero tolerance and pitiful thoughts just like others, with regards to People filing multiple applications. but I wont gonna debate my feelings here because “Well, Who Cares !!” Its now a part of Natural Ecosystem. Lion Eats a Deer… Can you Stop it? Well Duh….
    Anyways. Guys if you are genuine, If you know that you did the right thing, you tried your best off to get a genuine job and working honestly. and learning at all parts of your life. Good Things Will Happen for sure. Just have Faith in your hard work and finally you will get it. I am not saying its easy. it is very hard, writing speeches is easy but going through that mode is very tough its a patience & faith game it is more Important that we have to believe in Faith and Karma.

    Good Luck & Peace to all of those who are waiting for the Good News. Hope you will find some joy.

    AD.
    WAC.
    RECEIVED : 4/12/18.
    NOTICE : 4/28/18.
    Notice Arrived Yesterday.
    OPT END: 6/19 (June 2019)

    Reply
  18. Got my receipt number today. Non-AD, California center. No sevp update. Don’t loose hope till end of this week. Cause it says that if you don’t get it by May 12th, contact USCIS…..

    Reply
  19. If anyone wants to join the slack channel:

    https://join.slack.com/t/h1b2019/shared_invite/enQtMzYwNTkzOTMyNjEzLWE1Yjc1NzhkZDcwNzkxZGI1Nzc0ZmQ0MWMxZjVlM2IxYjY3YTczYzhkNmQzYzRhNjI5YzAxNTg5MmE1Zjg3MmU

    Reply
  20. Has anyone seen cases where, DSO sees no update on SEVIS and no update on SEVP, but still AD applicants received receipts or check cashed?

    Asking because the data entry seems to come to close right?

    Reply
    • Hi All, AD and Non AD guys n Girls, Hang in there and don’t loose hope, it takes time and you all surely get it….Don’t loose hope…Everything is Possible…Just chill Maadi…..Have Patience please…I am also in same boat…………….

      Reply
    • Man wish this was electronic. Hardly takes few mins to process and say YES or NO.

      Sooner the better. If unlucky then should notify immediately so that we go for next plans.

      Still waiting. AD (2nd time though, but I have completely lost hopes in this sytem). STEM 2019

      Reply
  21. Holy moly!! I got my receipt! My company’s law firm guys wrote to me yesterday evening.
    Non-AD, 2nd timer, Cali center.

    Good luck to ya’ll people.

    Reply
  22. Till when we can expect this cheque clearance process will happen.

    Because my employer said 70 AD got picked out of 101 and till now only 15 Non-AD got picked.

    Will this happen till end of this month?

    Reply
    • It’s this: (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2; (a − b)2 = a2 − 2ab + b2; a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 − 2ab; a2 + b2 = (a − b)2 + 2ab; (a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab(a + b); (a − b)3 = a3 − b3 − 3ab(a − b); a3 + b3 = (a + b)3 − 3ab(a + b); a3 − b3 = (a − b)3 + 3ab(a − b); a2 − b2 = (a + b)(a − b); a3 − b3 = (a − b)(a2 + ab + b2)

      Reply

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