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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. Hi All,

    My h1b amendment was filed in Premium. I received and RFE and we have responded back.

    Does Premium calendar of 15 days holds good (From RFE response received data).

    Also, is it 15 calendar days or weekdays?

    Reply
  2. Received my Receipt Notice today

    All the best for those who are still waiting and let you hear Good News soon. Wish you all the very best.

    Reply
  3. Can we still expect receipts or its all done. Does anyone received receipts with notice date 15 th may last day of date entry.?

    Reply
  4. Hello everyone.
    I got selected from the lottery for h1 b visas.I hope to be accepted in the US as a teacher.what are my chances now that I got lucky with the lottery?
    Thank you in advance!

    Reply
  5. I am a silent observer of this site. Received my Receipt Notice yesterday

    RECEIVED DATE – 04/12/2018
    NOTICE DATE -05/10/2018

    All the best for those who are still waiting and let you hear Good News soon. Still Ray’s of Hope alive.May God’s will be done in your life

    Reply
  6. H1B Applied in masters quota with transcript as a proof of degree.. Couldn’t send the letter of completetion from school because of time constraint. What are the chances of RFE for diploma?
    This is my final attempt.

    Reply
  7. Hi fellow readers,

    Currently on F-1 and my employer filed for my H1-B and luckily it got picked in the lottery. However I got an RFE for some wrong documentation and also my Employer forgot to add my dependent details(F-2 to H-4) in the Initial petition. Now question, Can my Employer add my dependents H-4 petition along with my RFE reply ? Would USCIS considers my dependents H-4 petition ?

    Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Yes the H4 petition can be applied now and it could be tagged to your original petition. Dont worry, it can be done easily at any point of time. Good luck!

      Reply
  8. Hi,
    Anyone travelled with below scenario?
    H1B stamping done with by Company A, but Company A doesn’t have project to travel. So candidate resigns Company A and travels USA with old documents whatever he has. Once reach USA , Company B will initiates transfer process.
    Is this legal? Anyone done this ? Any opinion on this.

    Reply
    • That’s absolutely illegal, but you can travel until your h1b is not revoked, it will reveal in US airport and maybe send back.. otherwise its fine 8888888888viseverrrrsssss888888888888888

      Reply
  9. I am waiting and still waiting.. Most of the people are saying the game is over for Non-AD.
    Are there still any chances to get reciept notice.
    This is my first time and now I understand the pain that ppl go thru when they doesnt get picked even after multiple attempts..

    Reply
  10. I got my status updated to this “Case Was Received At My Local Office
    On May 19, 2018, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number XXXXXX”, Do you guys know what it mean ? . last attempt, don’t want this to go wrong this time

    AD, got received status on April 19

    Reply
    • Hi Kumar
      This year my employer has applied for h1B and one another genuine offer has done the same and now I have receipt from both the places
      Should I try withdraw one or continue until approval happens.
      Need input/suggestion

      Reply
      • u r super lucky. we r still waiting to get one receipt. congrates to u.

        Does duplicate petition bill launched this year will not effect your 2 petitions?

        Reply
        • Petition will be considered duplicate when they are done for single job. If it is done for two different job how come it is duplicate?

          Reply
          • safe side cross check with your 2 employers about ur role and client . also if both employers r related together.

      • No such thing. I don’t know why Indians are so paranoid about such stuff. What will someone do with your receipt number? It does not have anything publicly accessible except case status. Even if someone tries to use it, they will never be able to, as it is tied to you with your name and passport number.

        Reply
  11. My employer just inform me that I got my receipt. Been applied for 4 years straight and eventually got it this time. Ironically, I dont feel like I want to come to the US now since I have other things going on. Would rejecting H1B visa hurt my chances to go to the US in the future? Guys please help me, I need to know to make due decision. Thanks alot

    Reply
  12. I don’t think there is hope. If you get the receipt, it ‘s mostly because of post delay. But still i hope there are miracle….

    Reply
  13. 5/18/18 UPDATE: Receipts came in only for non-AD case today. All of these receipts had a Notice Date of 05/11/2018 or 05/12/18. I think we are getting close to the end.

    Reply
  14. Congratulations to all who got picked and sorry for those who haven’t heard anything yet.

    Anyone from Vermont Center got approved? I heard few folks got approved from California and wondering if anyone from VC.

    Reply
  15. Do checks encash after the data entry? What are the possible chances?
    I’ve heard from sources that AD receipts were received even during june 1st week last year.

    Reply
    • Don’t think the checks are going to get encashed now. The reason for the receipt of receipts in June was because of postal delays.

      Reply
  16. As its finally over — Guys please do report these fake/fraud consultancies and any duplicate fillings if you know of. We cannot just let this continue anymore.

    It was my final AD-attempt – Opt ends June 9th, 2018 — I cannot do anything about this now, it over. I always had a single petition every year I tried and a full-time associate for one of the worlds largest retailer.

    My bags are packed!!!!

    Reply
    • I couldn’t agree more with you! I have met people who have guts to ask why I didn’t drop more than one application when you know you have more probability with multiple applications. They are not ashamed of what they did and are encouraging other to do the same.

      I am considering Canada as my backup plan. Haven’t decided tho.

      Good luck to you.

      Reply
    • Same here. AD last attempt, one application every year with one of the biggest banks in the US. Off to somewhere I belong 🙂

      Reply
  17. Any Infy folks received updates post 16th? You are the most lucky ones.

    Best wishes to all who made through.

    Do not lose heart to all who didnt.

    Thanks to the admins. You wont see me next year!

    Reply
  18. got selected , yesterday evening my HR told .CA center. Non AD.
    good luck to all, don’t loose hope.

    Thank you so much for the redbus2us admins, and members.

    Reply
  19. I received my H1B Receipt yesterday from my employer. I see that the beneficiary name has a spelling mistake. How does this impact my selected petition. I am sure it was filed with the correct spelling.
    Can USCIS or my employer can do anything about it?

    Reply
  20. Non-AD. No updates from law firm yet.

    I am giving up and going to look into other aspects of life.

    Congrats for all who selected 🙂 Wish you a fruitful career and life in US.

    Thanks for the redbus2us admins for providing this forum.

    Reply
  21. response from my employer:

    Please be advised, I still do not have any update regarding your application. While USCIS announced that it will start returning the unselected applications, it will take at least 4 to 6 weeks to receive same. Unfortunately, I cannot confirm whether your application was selected or not selected until I receive the unselected application back in my office. Again, please be patient because it might take until the end of June to receive the unselected application.

    —————————-

    Reply
  22. I am officially giving up…

    Got info from my firm that if you did not get received any notif by now, chances are you are not selected in the lottery…

    Just waiting now for the returned petition to make it official..

    Congrats to all that were selected this year.

    Thank you……

    Reply
  23. Does the SEVP portal get updated when your STEM OPT gets approved? I saw some entries by SEVIS in the history tab on Monday. Checked the status on ‘USCIS Case Status’ and it says card was mailed to me. Nothing really changed in the portal though.

    Reply
  24. Hi Everyone,

    I called my University and they said they didn’t see any update on my Sevis yet. Still we can have hope or its done?

    Reply
  25. Just got receipt notification from my company attorneys. Non-AD 4th time, each time one application.

    WAC center. Receipt date – Apr 12.

    Thank you Redbus admins and fellow h1 aspirants! I will hope and pray for all genuine applicants!!

    Reply
  26. Admin,

    what will be the status of the Petition who got selected in the lottery but didn’t attend the interview ? Generally some people will file multiple filings and they prefer only the best employer they like and they ignore the rest of the petition even though they got picked up in the lottery…
    i didn’t file multiple petitions. Just curious to know because the 2016 lottery list shared by my employer has lot of denials and only 1 petition got thru.

    Reply
      • But when i checked in the USCIS site the status of the case status is showing some thing like this – On May 2, 2017, we denied your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC161XXXX. We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options.

        It means the Case is Rejected or because of Multiple petitions, applied guy dropped his idea of going thru with this Employer

        Reply
    • Nothing happens, usually the employer is supposed to withdraw them, some of them do, some of them do not…so, nothing happens.

      Reply
  27. 1. Check not encashed
    2. SEVIS shows no update
    3. SEVP shows no update

    Is there even the slightest of chances if my application was picked up in the lottery? From previous years filings, few receipt notices were received in June. Should I continue to hope?

    Reply
    • If you are Non-Ad, residing in Wakanda, you will not have SEV or SEVIS update.
      Only check from employer.
      You still have chance, but very less.
      Who Gon Pray For You !
      Save your Pain for You !

      Reply
      • I fight the world, I fight you, I fight myself
        I fight God, just tell me how many burdens left
        I fight pain and hurricanes, today I wept
        I’m tryna fight back tears, flood on my doorsteps
        Life a livin’ hell, puddles of blood in the streets
        Shooters on top of the building, government aid ain’t relief
        Earthquake, the body drop, the ground breaks
        The poor run with smoke lungs and Scarface
        Who need a hero? (hero)
        You need a hero, look in the mirror, there go your hero
        Who on the front lines at ground zero? (hero)
        My heart don’t skip a beat, even when hard times bumps the needle
        Mass destruction and mass corruption
        The souls are sufferin’ men
        Clutchin’ on deaf ears again, rapture is comin’
        It’s all prophecy and if I gotta be sacrificed for the greater good, then that’s what it gotta be

        Reply
    • In case of the one who received in June, i guess their cheque had been encashed. It is mostly because of postmail delivery. Just my guess…

      Reply
      • if our petition is applied for h1b we have to get either receipt or rejection notice. until we receive either of this we can expect.

        Reply
    • Check not encashed after Data entry is a rough indicator that your application did not make the cut this year. Copy of receipt notices can take time since they are mailed through regular mail and depends on postal service speeds.

      Reply
  28. Any updates from IBM… heard that this year many applications are transferred from Vermont to California.. so delay is expected .. what does it exactly means..

    Reply
  29. Has anybody noticed that California center is much faster this year and has already approved a lot of applications. Whereas Vermont is very slow in approvals. Wonder is it just because everybody applied to Vermont. Hopefully now that data entry is done we will see Vermont pick up some pace. What do you guys think?

    Reply
  30. I think it’s time for us to give up guys, h1b is over for me this year. I don’t want to try for this for next year also. not just day or month, its waste of years for waiting to get this. this was my 3rd attempt. no luck this time as well , only bad luck remains!

    Reply
    • Maybe they are afraid that you will quit/transfer ur H1 if they give u the receipt number, or they just did not file your H1 this year

      Reply
    • @Bhaiyya ji,

      They are legally required to give “LCA only” on the day of you are joining and not before them. H1B receipt no required to be shared legally.

      Reply
  31. Did anyone get any acknowledgement of receipt filing from the USCIS when they submitted your application from the lottery. It feels like they never even got mine!

    Reply
    • no they shared fedex details because they will send bulk applications in one package. The only way to know whether ur petition is filed or not is we have to get rejection notice from employer.

      Reply
  32. None of my colleagues or employees from Hcl I know received any updates. If anyone received updates please post here…

    Reply
  33. USCIS showed biggg middle finger to all WITCH company filings..
    Very few from these companies got their receipts but most of them didnt… Bad Luck..

    Reply
    • No, I don’t see any update. I’m apprehensive now that USCIS data entry is complete. Can we still hope to get the receipts in a week or so?

      Reply
    • Bro,

      I think its done in Infy. Do not lose hope and start on Plan B.
      Do keep us posted if you hear anything. All the very best.

      You will do well wherever you go.

      Reply
        • Folks got updates starting Tuesday. If there is no update still then it would be better to move on. I am in the same boat as you, and moving on.

          I just might be the last person in the data entry list – wishful thinking… but am not banking on it.

          Reply
          • That’s correct.. My team member’s friend has got the receipt and his status got updated on Tuesday.. As such, there were very few applications filed and a tiny fraction of them would’ve got through..

    • Updates wud have gone to the ppl who got picked in lottery. No company will do press release to let everyone know who got picked and who didnt…
      check with any of ur frnds and their frnds to chk if anyone got picked in ur campus

      Reply

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