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 !
- 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 ?
will uscis announce data entry completion today or unselected petiotions will be returned. am so tensed
this year things are going differently no data entry announcement till now , quick approvals
I am not a US graduate and my company refused to check my check status. There is no way for me to know lottery result until my receipt comes or my petition returns. I am so tired and weary. … I guess next monday or tuesday would be the last chance to get a receipt.
no way even to know if company filed your visa..
IBM India still any hope or game over?
Still chances are there. I got the receipt notice today from US case manager.
Emplyer/lawyer informed me yesterday that chances for non AD H1B are most likely over. This was my last attempt. Better luck to all of you next time who are in the same boat. I will be taking my chances with E visa.
non AD still waiting 🙁 :'(
me too ???
can you share about E visa
lol. they think ‘copy-pasting’ counts as a high-level skill. Moreover, the writing skills of some people on this forum simply amazes me. Jeez.. atleast proof read your comment before posting!
Do checks can still get en-cashed for next week too ?????? reached end of the road 2019:-(
Hi
I am on Stem OPT which is expiring in Feb 2019. My H1b was picked this year and it’s my last attempt. My company is ready to start Green card processing. Do you guys have any suggestions on when would be the best time to start GC processing? Can I ask them to start now or is it better to start after my H1b gets approved?
I appreciate any recommendations that you might have and my profound apologies to everyone who might think this is not the correct time and place to ask this question.
I would just wait and get this approved first. Mainly to avoid the unnecessary content confusion because you are on F1 right now. If you get H1B approved then you are a dual intent alien and then you will have lesser problems for the green card application. Just wait a couple of months, at least till October 1st and then ask you employer to apply.
Thanks for taking the time. Appreciate the suggestion. I would do that.
Hunger games just started second part , if you don’t move for 2 years then you can start from October.
All the people who have already got approval can you please share what is your received date and notice date on your 797C and what is your service center? Thank you!
Any updates From Hcl ???
Hi ,
My H1B petition has been picked in 2017 and got approved but my employer not sending me for stamping due to project issues . Can I transfer to other employer even when they withdraw my petition ?
If you want to transfer make sure to do that before they withdraw the petition, as you will not have any valid h1b visa to transfer if they withdraw it.
most imp thing here is –DO NOT TELL THEM ABOUT THIS.
Ask your new employer to initiate H1 transfer and that way they (old employer) will not come to know about it. As USCIS does not inform the old employer about the transfer.
CTS still no one got updates.. Fake posts pls stay away.. Dont create anxiety with cheap tricks…
I have one update known to me, one of my friends got receipt in Hyderabad and I have seen that also. Not fake
Anyone from deloitte USI received receipt notice??
One guy from Bangalore AMS account received it
Okay…that’s good to hear… No one from my circle(about 10 applicants) AIM received yet :(..Looks like game over for us!!
Any update IBMers? waiting is killing…
Few resources received receipt number from case manager.
Its really good news if true. But, as per immigration still they are waiting to get updates from USCIS.
Can you please share more details who received receipt like location, account etc
Hyd location , FFS sector project. One of my friend got email notification from case manager.
I got the receipt notice from the US case manager via email today. And also INS Zoom also got updated.
I was loosing hope this week after seeing many AD approvals already, but got the receipt yesterday 🙂
AD, second timer (STEM OPT), No updates in SEVP portal.
Service centre Name: California
Petitioner: Fragomen
Congratulations to those who are picked already.
Best wishes to all genuine applicants who are waiting. Hang in there! Few other friends also got the receipts this week.
What was your notice date?
04/26/2018
Looks like this year Uscis has followed a strategy to favor AD masters cap petitions.
They published the AD – Non-Ad petitions count .
IG’s stats showing more than 60% and still receipts for AD are pouring in.
Didn’t mentioned about the completion of data entry but AD guys already getting approvals.
Overall very few from non-ad got their receipts and that too from Vermont centre.
Hows that possible if they are doing random lottery. I will better conclude, priority o is for AD over Non-AD from this.
received the good news from employer today
my petition was picked in lottery.
NON AD
Congrats , Check got cashed or received the receipt. Any idea of which centre?
I am a 1st timer non-Ad with OPT expiring July 14. Haven’t heard anything yet from my company or USCIS. Do I qualify for Cap gap extension?
Any clarification is much appreciated!
Thanks, good luck to everyone still stuck in this waiting game
You only qualify for cap gap if your H1B is picked in the lottery, then your i20 is extended till October. Else i20 only extends till June 1st As your opt is already July 2018 you won’t need that.
If STEM apply for stem extension.
Any one Received H1B Receipt from INFY today?
Very few might have made it. No explicit updates or mails.
Thanks for the update,Just I had a call with GICS help desk team ,they are saying not yet updated/communicated file numbers for 2019 CAP
Someone had said earlier 11th is the date or the expected date in the system for updates. Looks like no one made it.
Still … best of luck to every hopeful soul .. may the force be with you
Today my DSO told me that yesterday they received a notice that my status is pending in SEVIS. This is my 3rd attempt, non-AD, STEM OPT expires on 5/31/2018.
I’ve looked up my Authorized End Date on SEVP portal and it now displays 9/30/2018. Petition was sent by Fragomen to CA. Very Happy!
Now just waiting for official receipt from Fragomen and for new I-20… Perfect timing cause I really need it to update my driver license =)
For those of you who don’t have it as a last attempt — don’t sweat it, enjoy low taxes. For those who do — don’t loose hope but be ready to go with plan for plan B. Remember that it is not the end of the world no matter how ‘inconvenient’ it might be…
I just received my H1B approval notice. That was quick!
Can you share some details like the receipt/notice date? OPT expiring date?
Thanks!
Congrats! Did Fragomen send out an email or update the portal if you have one?
Thanks! No, as of this moment I did not receive any notifications form Fragomen. I’ve asked my company’s international consultant to contact Fragomen rep. and see what they say… so far nothing.
I do have the access to the portal and case system, but there is no update. Funny thing is, there were no update since ‘Contacted client with case instructions and request for documents’ this year, so I don’t relay on it too much.
Any H4 to H1 Receive Receipts ?
nothing
My H1-b was selected in lottery and it got approved today (May 10th 2018). Since my Post Completion OPT was ending on June 20 2018, I had to apply for STEM OPT along with H1-b application. Now my H1 is approved and STEM OPT case status is still saying ‘Case Was Received’. Do I need to do something to cancel my STEM OPT request? Or let it stay the way it is right now?
Looks like you should keep. Since you are selected your OPT will end on 30 OCT. Talk to DSO for more info. Are you AD/Non-AD? US bachelor or masters?
AD – US Masters, California Service Center
Also which center?
Can you please let me know what was your notice date. Also can you give a partial receipt number. I am just trying to figure out how far am I from you in terms of the receipt number. Thanks.
How’s correlated IG’s data to the whole population? AD-CA center looks scary!
Got receipt from attorney on May 9th.
AD / CA, issued on the 149th day since last Oct 1.
OPT expires June 2019, so no update on SEVP.
I completely lost hope last weekend but the luck goddess didn’t give up on me.
Good luck every genuine applicant.
Hi guys just received an email from my employer, got picked up in lottery, Non AD, second timer, VT centre. I was pretty sure that if God believes we deserve a chance he will give us one. Praying for all genuine candidates. God bless us all..,,
Wow..happy for you!Keep the rest of us in prayer…Non-AD here
me too non ad still waiting
Congrats! Please pray for me too.
Surely my prayers for all of you….
received the good news from Lawyer today
“Today we received the USCIS receipt notice for the H-1B cap subject petition filed on your behalf…..”
WAC181575XXXX
Non-AD
4th time
best of luck for every one.
Congrats. Today was not my day.I wann cry ….
Hey congrats! Please pray for me too.
why moderatar is delete my mails. i just trying to talk to neha.. she got h1 receet last day and i just wanting to talk to her.
i did not got receett now yet and i can able to go on h4. i am good looking, fare colour and non smoking. i am wrting this mail about neha not moderatar, so not delete.
I will find you and I will kick you for harassing her.
Employer provided receipt today.
Regular/VT
Good luck
Any update from AD folks?
not yet 🙁 going nuts. no one is even saying if more data entry for AD is going on or not.
I guess most folks stop browsing this site once they get an update :/
If you look at IG’s data today, AD is done.
Yeah. Its high time to move on! //Poi pulla kuttiya padikka veinga//
immigration girl updates are also not coming. it’s so frustrating. why the heck cant they just have a simple search on their site to see if someone got selected or not.
Yeah. In this information age, this looks stupid. There is no need for these many applicants to endure this much anxiety! Or just do all the back work and send out all the mails at the same time! Bullshit Lottery :[
true i agree
only 2 or 3 people are waiting for results others may be received their receipts or just moved on
She updated for you just now..
Any approval or too soon?
AD Folks,
Did anyone got their receipts or checks cashed or Sevis updates yesterday?
Anyone still waiting? Any new news at all? Can I stop waiting and concentrate on my life now?
Feeling rejected….
no we have to move on
rejected word doesnt suit because they havent opened our application and verified they have to say not picked. this lottery process giving sleepless nights.
I guess.
let’s move on!
Got my receipt yesterday 5/9. SEVP update on 5/2 and DSO confirmed the change of status pending 5/1.
Non-Ad
California Service center
US Bachelor degree
Another day starts! Pls
Let me have a receipt!!
Since April, I asked for receipts every time I can from grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants. It just makes me feel better. Good habit!
Haha, I can’t believe I can still smile! 🙂
😀
I started collecting my neighbors’, friends’ and families’ grocery, gas and restaurant receipts in hope of my receipt. Soon I realized that I became a trash collector.
Hi CTS Folks,
Kindly comment if your application is picked up and you have received the Receipt notice.
Would be very helpful if you provide below details:
Service centre Name:
Receipt issue date:
Communication from CTS/GM:
Congratulations to all those who are picked up!
Also please share at what time u received the confirmation email, during night or day time of IST?.
really it kills me man without knowing any info from anybody within org. Even the mobility team also not ready to share any info.
I think they should atleast start a Yammer Group to discuss or update the GM portal with number or receipts received!
I got he confirmation today :).
Service center : Vermont.
Receipt Issue Date : 26th Apr
Communication from: GM
thanks.
Congrats 🙂 you made us to keep hopes for one more day 🙂
By the way from which location you are from?
Congratulations!!
Service centre Name: California
Receipt issue date: 01st May
Communication from CTS/GM: 08th May 5pm,auto triggered email from 1c.
Congratulation Friend!!
Any update from IBM?
no update in my account..still waiting..
I think they might do bulk update this time.
what time they have received it? during night or day time?
Any update in assignmentpro portal for capgemini ?
If anybody from Hcl received updates, please post here.
any one received receipt number in INFY
Yes.. yesterday
HYDSEZ .. upadated in GICS
Game over in Infy looks like. As it is, very few were filed this year.
Account name ?
As per GI team update in INFY ,not yet updated any receipts numbers as of now
Any news from Wipro
Nope
CTS Chennai’ans – any updates??? I’m still waiting to receive the receipt notice.. if someone receives from Chennai CTS, pls post here
Associates in CTS Chennai, Kolkata & Hyderabad has received receipts till now. Any news from other locations? should we still wait?
which account from Chennai? any idea?
what time they have received it? during night or day time?
For CTS I have only seen one person here from Kolkata posting of reciept. Other than that there have not been not update that i could find anywhere even internally .. Can you please clarify the source
Does anyone receive the receipt for NON-AD VT (bachelors from outside of USA)?
Any updates from CTS ? .. Are the reciepts coming in, did not hear much till now from anybody …
Capgemini FS BU Updates!
Anyone from Capgemini FS BU received email confirmation on the lottery result?
Guys got my receipt today.
AD – 4th timer
WAC service center.
Notice Date – 04/23
My STEM ran out last year so my company relocated me to India. AD Receipts are still coming. Please don’t lose hope. I’ll pray for all genuine applicants to get through this year’s lottery.
are any AD-VT still getting receipts? is it all done now? dying of the anxiety. Please share if you are AD and got receipt today.
@raj
I got my receipt today. Notice date was 04/23
@ raj,
got my receipt notice yesterday. AD. Notice Date 04/13.
Anybody heard from Fragomen Non AD yet?
I heard that one guy from fragmen got the receipt from my community. He is under non AD.
Yes, Fragonen is our Immigration firm, however my company HR notified that H1B Petition is selected. Non AD, Vermont Centre.
Are there still hope for non-ADs?….
Yes
Yes please keep the hope up until you receive your package back from USCIS. I am second timer, NON AD. Last year too I held the hope up until June end when my petition was returned. This is nothing we can do and this anxiety is making things worse. So let’s keep ourselves occupied and let’s pray for each other, all genuine candidates and rest leave upto almighty. If he feels we deserve a chance we will definitely get our receipts. God bless us all…,
I am outside of US now. I have been not sleeping for a month because the receipt would come during my night time. I hope my turn would be tomorrow.
Holy Molly! I got my receipt today! Non AD – WAC. Receipt date is April 12.
Do not lose hope guys. Be still all genuine applicants.
What’s your notice date? Thanks!
April 12
Funny Sunny! Congrats.
Any H4 to H1 received notice?
waiting!
Yes my wife got receipt on May 1st 2018. But she does have a US Masters degree so she is AD.
Just got my receipt today. Finally 🙂 Good luck and best wishes to you all.
I have US bachelor and MS from EU, so it’s non-AD cap.
EAC181475xxxxx
Congrats
Congrats dude! Still waiting for mine
Congrats! Still waiting for mine…
Is it all over for ADs ?
I am still waiting. Not sure if its even worth to wait anymore…
Waiting.
still very hopeful —hang on guys until your packet is returned
Since SEVP is updated after case being picked up in lottery, will it have any kind of update if the case is approved?
No — Sevp portal update will just reflect your opt end date and nothing else. You will have to check your case status on USCIS.gov with the receipt number you got