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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. Its end now. No good results for those who have applied through consultancy..I am in the same boat waiting for rejection so that i can get my money back..Hard luck guys

    Reply
      • Hi H1B_Not_Done.

        Sure i will share it.Can you please ping me separately in the email id Robert2018@gmail.com. I will give it to you

        Reply
    • Receipts of your team are with your manager. Its obvious that other companies have received receipts so synechron must have received too. Check with him/her and let us know.

      Reply
  2. Infy is still updating. Some of the folks have the file number updated on GICS today.

    Do not lose hope guys. Wish everyone best of luck!!

    Reply
  3. Hi,

    This time i have filed two petitions one from present company and another from Outside, both were picked.

    Can you please suggest what is the process that i need to follow.

    Please suggest

    Reply
    • Per policy guidelines, duplicate filings are not allowed this year. I am not sure what would be the next step in your case.

      Reply
    • No need to worry if the end Client is not same. You can apply for two separate employer. Duplicate filling for same is not allowed. Wait till you get one approved or both. you can take call later whom to go with.

      Reply
      • If you have followed the rules (dif company and diff cities, diff end client/vendor, diff job profile etc) then depends on the documents USCIS approve both or approve one and issue RFE to other or issue RFE to both. If they determine that it is duplicate filings (same end client/vendor etc) then they issue RFE with the indention of denial. If your case is genuine then wait till the approval for both or one and ask the other to withdraw after October 1st. Don’t tell them to withdraw before that date. All the best.

        Reply
    • here is the process for you to follow,
      1. Pray 24×7 for next few months for not getting direct rejections on both petitions.
      2. Start building excuses and so called proofs to convince (fool) them that you are a genuine applicant
      3. Most important step. Book the return flight if you are in the US. because no matter what you do, odds are really against you.

      PS: from next time stick to one application. Process for that is pretty simple.

      Reply
      • Got a person I know who filed 3 petitions and one of the application got picked and approved. USCIS talks a lot but fails in execution

        Reply
      • Knew a person I know who filed 3 petitions and one of the application got picked and approved. USCIS talks a lot but fails in execution

        Reply
        • @Ideal Process @US is not worth anymore,

          I understand your frustrations. But it is perfectly legal for two separate employers to file two applications for a single beneficiary. Unless USCIS finds the evidence that two employers are someway connected then they will approve both the petitions. It is may not be ethical but it is legal.

          Reply
          • Same client, Different consultancies. Not sure what USCIS is doing. If they could filter out multiple petitions before the lottery it would save so many careers.

          • Dont justify this process as not ethical but legal. This process is illegal as well, since candidates pay employers for their H1b petitions.

            Most of the candidates with so called multiple offers are frauds. Most!

  4. Hi, anyone got h1b approval notice this year? Its for non AD. I got receipt 15 days ago and waiting for approval.

    Reply
  5. Hi All,
    As per the historical trend and update from HCL immigration team, we can keep the hopes alive till July 3rd week as USCIS has provided receipt number to some people on July 19th last year. So have faith in god. Keeps hopes alive until you get your package back. Om Sairam.

    Reply
  6. Did any one from Wipro received receipt this week? I have not received any update. Should I wait few more days or give up?

    Reply
    • you might have received mail from GIMS ( Wipro’s Immigration team) that there is no update on your Application from USCIS… Meaning it is not 99% not picked in lottery, you can wait 1% till your application is revoked. FYI i am unlucky 2nd timer

      Reply
    • immigration girl said no receipts from 21st may . am very much worried cheque is encashed but no receipt number yet

      Reply
      • I heard that people are still receiving receipts and they could continue till mid June…my employer has asked me to wait atleast till May last..

        Reply
        • Its end now. No good results for those who have applied through consultancy..I am in the same boat waiting for rejection so that i can get my money back..Hard luck guys

          Reply
    • My attorney said no hopes of getting it now as USCIS has already completed its process of sending out the receipts. I lost it this year as well.

      Reply
        • What is the gap ( no.of days) between check encashment and getting receipt ? Any one can give some info based on his/ her and their friends experience. Until may 15, check was not encashed, any chance for encashment after may 15? Thanks

          Reply
        • If your cheque got encashed already then you will receive receipt number definitely. Don’t worry. This means you are selected in lottery.

          Reply
  7. If his petition get approved marry him and go to US. If not leave him and marry someone else who can take you to US.

    Reply
  8. once case is approved you can decide. you can try nxt year in ur current company n come to usa or u come here with h4 and sit at home and apply for h1 or do MS.

    it depends on ur intention to work.

    Reply
  9. Hi, I work for CTS, got through lottery this year. If i get promotion before my travel / H1B approval / stamping – will it being any conflicts to my travel? Designation mentioned in LCA and current will vary. any thoughts?

    Reply
        • I guess the designation mentioned in your LCA is completely different from the role that you are currently in CTS. This doesnt matter at all..

          Reply
        • Ricky sorry to tell you, many saying not a problem, but last time I saw a live scenario of my teammate, after stamping he got promoted since last year promotion happened in October, though the designation does not matter the wage will differ for A and SA, so a RFP should be submitted in which our GM team is very lazy. Still my friend could not fly due to this delay and his VISA is valid for only four more months, so I would just suggest to talk to your manager and stop your promotion since the last day for nomination goes till June 15th. Though its a loss for you, a smooth process you can go through. But sure loss is there in your salary if onsite its 10K dollars annually and 10K monthly in India.

          Reply
          • Thanks Sheik.. I am working as SA now. I will get in touch with my M. Even, i heared the same scenario from my friend as well.

    • IT dosent matter what your position is in India, Your LCA says what position you will be helding. Dont worry….. You are safe. All the Best

      Reply
  10. You guys not aware how hard it will be for girls to make a living be it India or US!!

    World is easy for Men’s and itsn’t same for Women

    Reply
    • Look who is talking!. I am a guy and had tough time finding employers for multiple filings and you filed 3. Now whose life is hard?.

      Reply
  11. It depends where you are currently!!
    Step1: If in India, leave him and be with some one who hasn’t selected this year and both of you try next year and you can repeat this process.
    Step 2: If you are already in US.. again leave him and come back to India with some one who hasn’t selected in lottery and leaving to India. You both can try again for H1b next year or follow step 1

    Reply
  12. Hello all,

    Congratulations to the selected ppl. I am yet to receive the receipt number. How much time i can kep my hopes alive??? Please guide me,.

    Reply
  13. will uscis sends receipts to all the applications whose cheques are encashed? attorney said my cheque got encashed on 14th till now no receipt for me

    Reply
  14. Received my receipt notice today..thankyou folks for sharing there updates here n keeping my hopes alive..all the best to genuine candidates..NON AD..2nd time..receipt date 5/11..CTS KOL

    Reply
  15. Mr. George,

    I guess you have a fear to reveal your citizenship status. If not reveal it now. We can talk more.

    Its true that Indians are all over the world. Because the numbers of population is so high that Indians will for sure be everywhere. The real problem is Indians aren’t as smart as the world thinks. If they were smart, they would definitely stay in their home country and start slogans like MAKE INDIA GREAT AGAIN as a reply to the super powers who looted INDIA. Indians are calms and quiet then and now even. They don’t commit great crimes like Mexican, Americans etc do.

    Have you ever seen any news that Indian harming other countries citizens either physically, mentally , emotionally or by any other racist means? Inspite of their large population, they failed to gain number ONE stand in crime rate.

    And in case of H1B, Indians are such a large number, and are competing with themselves since a long time may be since 80’s 90’s. This is not the case in recent years.
    The number of Indians also reflects that they are first eligible to apply as most of them have Masters, PhD and Bachelor degree holders.
    The system was abused to an extent which shouldn’t be the case, but I don’t think a wealthy nation like USA will take a lot of time to fix it.
    And before blaming a nation, understand its history, culture and heritage of it. Understand the GEMS it creates all over the globe. Everyone knows USA is a place where there’s no culture, but want to be super power for no good reason, responsible for ARM culture, killing innocent children in every district school in every state, every month, killing humanity on basis of religion; as said, Indians are not smart, they don’t understand this and try to generate economy to the states and in-turn hears bull shit from the people like you who doesn’t even dare to reveal his identity .

    FYI, I have gone through this years lottery system, which is meaningless and got through it. I have a genuine resume, working full-time for one of the 3 leading automotive companies. I have decided to reject my H1B and going back to my home town.

    Dare to reveal your identity, I can come on a live debate and talk.

    JAI HIND

    Sincerely,
    An Indian

    Reply
  16. Dear George,

    Just an update for you. Indians are everywhere in the world because the world will cease to exist without them. They are highly qualified and sustainable individuals who have nothing in mind but a goal for common welfare. Live and let live is the policy they abide by. However you will never be able to understand their worth because your mind is already filled with filth and zero IQs. The only thing I can say is that I so pity your conspicuous school of thought which is a result of your insecurities and unfamiliarities about your surroundings. Grow up and behave like a man. As far as H1 is concerned, let me tel u brother, India bags most of them because the expertise is not found for the same in native Americans. However, apart from India there are many other nations like China, Japan, South Korea, Middle East countries who participate in the race. Please get your facts right before you spill venom against a country and its people. What a shame Sir! People like you bring America down.

    Reply
  17. Any updates today?

    My check is not enchashed
    no change on SEVIS portal (opt expiring in June 25) (should have been updated)
    no receipt received

    I should give up right?

    Reply
  18. Hi – I just received my H1B lottery receipt notice on 14May. I am still seeing USCIS case status show the validation error saying that “USCIS didnt recognize entered receipt number”. Is it related to data entry issue? Anyone facing this? When it will show the status?

    Reply
  19. Got my receipt today. From CTS Health Care. This is the first time got selected in lottery. What are the next steps to follow

    Reply
  20. My employer told 3 cheques encashed last week and waiting for receipts but he don’t know on whose name its there. Can’t he check on whose name check encashed?

    Reply
  21. I think after May 21st no one received receipt… Yes the game is over i think..Even no updates from immigration girl aswell..

    Reply
  22. Hello everyone,
    Has anyone from TCS received receipt?? I don’t see any post from TCS guys. If anyone has received please share the same.

    Reply
  23. Waiting… Waiting… Waiting…
    Not working properly in office.. Not behaving properly in home..
    This is very bad man… F U H1B..
    Money and status is making Man Mad..

    Reply
    • Dude. U dont have to wait anymore. Its game over. Lottery is not end of the world. Be peaceful and behave well at home and work well. You didn’t get picked up this year. Its 100% confirm now. Don’t lose ur happiness or hurt people who are close to u cos of this.

      Reply
    • What ? you are living in home ? With Parents and family ?

      Dude you are very lucky. behave well with them, because once you come here, this is like a prison where you can never leave back again, even for tragedy situation.

      Reply
  24. Has anyone from Infy rcvd status update in the past two days? I did not receive the email saying ‘Awaiting status update from USCIS’, but the status isn’t updated either, in GICS so far..

    Reply
    • The chances are very very slim as many folks got the receipt no updated on or before May 21st. I am also in same boat like you.I lost all my hope. We must move on

      Reply
      • Picked in Lottery. Received Notice details today in the evening. Please don’t loose hope.
        Thank all for your support!!

        Note: Even I had received email on 21st May that no update was received from USCIS

        Reply

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