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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,

    My H1b petition is selected in the lottery for FY 2018 and FY 2019. I got the RFE for the one in FY 2019 and finally got rejected after the submission of response ?

    My case which was picked in the lottery for FY 2018 is still in received status from 20 months. Can I schedule an appointment with USCIS through info pass? Will there be any advantage of doing this?

    Please help me with this. I am currently doing my 2nd masters and on CPT.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Sai,
      Your attorney would be the person to work with USCIS as it is your employer’s petition, work with them for the same. You can always try scheduling one with USCIS and get their inputs, but the officer may or may not share more info as it is employer’s petition…

      Reply
  2. Hi guys,

    Finally I got good news! After months waiting for any sign I received an email from the company stating that my petition was directly approved. Uscis status website still shows “my case was received”. I’m an engineer and I’m going to work for a construction company.

    Approved Dec 03
    Received May 10
    Non AD
    WAC18166

    Good luck!

    Reply
  3. Any update from HCL ? I contacted to ISG and they confirmed that so far they have received only 2% approval from the selected candidates and they are expecting that this may go till March or June. Now strange part is immigrationgirl claims 97% cases either approved or in RFE for application which they have files. Now how could this be possible that they did not even touched Indian companies applications after 8 months. So it clearly states USCIS deliberately holding applications of all the India big players.. TCS/Infy/HCL/Techm…

    Now rumors are that USCIS will reject half of the applications with any damn reasons. It is hard to disgust but bitter truth is, it is going to be true 🙁

    Reply
  4. Hi All,
    I have my H1B stamped with companyA. I am travelling on Feb. CompanyB is ready to offer me with good salary. After I reach, I guess I can change company once I complete 3 months? Is it correct?
    If yes, in the transfer process, if the transfer is denied for some reason, I hope CompanyA will never come to know about the transfer & I can still continue my job with CompanyA, right?
    Can someone please explain?

    Reply
    • Transfer process is easily taking around 6 months without premium processing. Even transfer cases undergo the same kind of scrutiny as fresh H1B application. Take these things into consideration.

      Reply
    • Yes, you can change. Well, unless someone discloses, Company B would not know…Make sure you stay with company A and working until the COS is approved. Company B may ask you to start working after you get the receipt notice, but that can create risk for you, if petition of company B gets denied. Read H1B transfer Scenarios

      Reply
      • I am sorry. just wanted to ensure I got it right. You mean to say,

        “Yes, you can change. Well, unless someone discloses, Company A would not know…Make sure you stay with company A and working until the COS is approved. ”

        Right? Because Company A should not know about my transfer & Company B will obviously know as they are only transferring.

        Reply
  5. On December 7, 2018, we denied your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACXXXXXXXX. We mailed you a decision notice that explains why we denied your case and your options. Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you do not receive your denial notice by December 22, 2018, please go to www.uscis.gov/e-request to request a copy of the notice. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

    What are my options? Big 4 US Based Consulting Firm

    Reply
    • You can opt for MTR (Motion to Reopen) through your company attorney. Could you please confirm what was your RFE about and your education , experience and work background? Just want to see if there is any pattern.

      Reply
      • RFE was about Nature of Position , Education Non-AD in Computer Science and Engineering, 8 years of work experience and work background Software .

        Reply
  6. Back here after a long time with updates just to thank everyone on the forum.

    This was my 4th and absolutely last attempt (AD) and the wait was crucifying. I had already almost given up on this year’s dream and was already making a list of backup options.

    There were long delays even during processing, was picked on April 24 but got my receipt notice from lawyers in the 1st week of May. Then there was a looooong period of silence but eventually got RFE in the second week of September.

    this time lawyers took their sweet time in responding to the RFE and we submitted the response 2 months after the request in the 2nd week of November, right before thanksgiving.

    however, twist in the tale – completely uncharacteristically USCIS approves the petition within 2 weeks of getting the response.

    Status still show rfe response received on case status portal, but has changed to approved since Monday this week. I received confirmation from lawyers today as well.

    I want to thank Kumar and all admins for answering questions and helping as many individuals as they possibly can. And everyone else on the forum for cheering each other up and keeping hopes alive.

    For all genuine candidates– good luck. AD or non-AD, I hope all of you get your visas pretty soon. If not for some fraudsters looking to abuse the system with multiple petitions, we all would have received our visas a long time ago.

    For now – peace out!

    Reply
  7. I am currently in India ,first time h1 stamping!I got 221g in stamping ! If the current employer withdraws my petetion ,am I eligible for cap exempt through an other employer ?

    Reply
  8. Hi Kumar/others,

    I recently got an RFE for employee-employer relation, I have all the documents including SOW( Work Order) except agreement between the end client and vendor (they are refusing to give it). Is there any alternative document that I could provide to compensate agreement? What would be my case strength without the agreement?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Well, it is hard to say. All of these documents are supporting documents and there is no dedicated list given by USCIS. Discuss with your attorney on the best way to support the case to establish the employer-employee relationship.

      Reply
  9. Hi Kumar,

    I have filed my h1b petition last year in India and before it got approved later in this year, I came to USA on h4 visa in Mar 2018. I have i-797 approval copy with me. My question are:
    1) Can I go for h1b transfer to another employer without having visa stamped with first employer?
    2) And I am still in USA on h4 status, Can I get into h1b status here itself without going to India for visa stamping?

    Reply
    • No, Waiting for more than 200 days +…. Not sure it worth of waiting and complete lot my patience. GM team said, it will take more than 180 + days.

      Reply
      • Got some update from my mgr, that few got RFE’s in CTS.. but not sure with the authenticity of the information . Still waiting with Hope..

        Reply
  10. I have H1b approved with company A not yet stamped . Guys I have intiated transfer with company B . If company A stamping gets denied will it affects company B progress ?

    Reply
  11. Hi Kumar/Anyone expert,

    I got an RFE and below are the details. Attorney is preparing response, however could you please tell me what should i prepare from my side and what are the chances

    Samples of work output. This should be screen shots of work that they perform or projects that they work on. UCSIS has started asking for this information from all RFEs to prove specialty occupations. 5 – 7 examples per person.
    – VOE – Verification of employment from Xceedance – India (template attached)
    – Enhanced Job Descriptions

    Reply
    • Well, I think they are probably looking for speciality occupation kind of clarification. Maybe a letter from employer indicating that you are engaged in Speciality occupation/ specialised high skilled work may help. Check with your attorney, as they are the ones who know your case best.

      Reply
  12. Hi Kumar,

    Will the proposed changes to the selection process affect the ongoing H1B cycle of 2018? Or will it take place from next fiscal year?

    (as per the below update:

    https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/12/03/2018-26106/registration-requirement-for-petitioners-seeking-to-file-h-1b-petitions-on-behalf-of-cap-subject)

    Kindly confirm.

    Reply
  13. I have H1b approved with company A not yet stamped . Guys I have intiated transfer with company B . If company A stamping gets denied will it affects company B progress ?

    Reply
    • Hope your RFE will clear soon..
      RFE for what. Please give some more RFE desc
      Is INSZOOM updated ? or checked in USCIS case status ?

      IBM Which Location ?

      Reply
    • Hi IBMer, I am from IBM-India and have one quick question if you could help me with. My H1B was picked up in April 2016 lottery cycle for Client A. The petition was approved fromOct 2016 to Nov 2017. It was stamped on passport but I never travelled to USA for client A. Now after an year I am being asked to travel for Client B with the same roles and responsibilities but immigration team came back saying that I need to got through H1B lottery process again. Do you know confirm if this is true. My understanding was that I just need to apply for H1B new that is not subject to cap. Any USCIS link that tells this rule will be helpful.

      Reply
  14. Hi,

    I am awaiting RFE response on specialty occupation from CALIFORNIA service center.Its been more than 80 days.Any idea about general processing times in WAC service centre?Any one got approval post RFE from WAC.Please share.

    Reply
  15. Just found below article, how does it impact current lottery selects?
    US proposes changes to H1B visas; to be given to most skilled, highest paid foreign workers
    https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visa-and-immigration/us-proposes-changes-to-h1b-visas-to-be-given-to-most-skilled-highest-paid-foreign-workers/articleshow/66891324.cms

    Reply
    • Well, I am not sure, if there is a term called Student RFE. You may have got RFE related to your Student status or education, etc. In general, we only have RFE term that is used.

      Reply
      • Lot of news papers & channels covered it.
        https://www.businesstoday.in/current/world/us-congressional-committee-h1b-visa-holders-minimum-salary-work/story/264157.html
        I am sorry. All those are really fake news?

        Reply
        • Yes. Its Fake.

          It’s not LAW yet. Inside the article it says “A similar version of the bill needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be sent to the White House for US President Donald Trump to be signed into law”, meaning it is a bill still in congress. The same bill needs to clear the senate (for that they need 66 votes (2/3 majority) in senate and at this time GOP has only 51 senators). Many bills of this kind are proposed from 2006 on wards and they didn’t go anywhere.

          If any one party (GOP or Democrats) controls the congress , senate (with super majority or at least 60 senators ) and president then only ANY TYPE of immigration bill becomes law.

          This scenario will not going to happen in near future. Most of the news media are fear mongering and not reporting what is actually happening. So it leads to many misinformation.

          For your question, IT IS NOT A LAW and Not going to be LAW in near future.

          Your petition will be approved if
          (a) the employer able to prove that the job is in fact qualify as specialty occupation,
          (b) the employer spend reasonable effort to find US worker but they found shortage of worker,
          (c) they are offering min or above wage for that job as per US department of labor statics and
          (d) you are having the specialty skills (through education, experience or both) to carry out the job.

          Reply
  16. Last couple of year the online system is not up to date and some time you may get some weird updates.

    If your friend received the actual hard copy of the denial then they can’t do anything expect try for an appeal. It is very time consuming and also they need to respond within 1 months. Almost 99% of the time the employers not willing to contest the denial.

    However, if they didnt received the hard copy then there is a hope that they may get the approval.

    Reply
    • Up to now he was not received the hard copy, just he can see in the portal. If he reopen the case can he apply for 2020 H1B lottery if still that one pending?

      Reply
      • Why would anyone accept 500$ as pay … Only guys like you who have gone to the US on F1 to cheap universities(no offence for genuine dudes) will accept it. Good luck with your shit life.
        FYI … Not all desi consultants are fake, they have a genuine experience unlike you (everyone knows what happens in OPT) .

        Reply
  17. Hi,

    I am working in Chennai for AAA company. I got offer from BBB company who was ready to sponsor me H1B & after several process, I got my H1B stamped on August 2018. Company BBB told me to travel only on Jan 2019 & thus I resigned with Company AAA this month.
    Next month, My wife & two kids (Aged 2 & 8) will be appearing for H4 interview & unfortunately I cannot accompany them as I am in notice period & leaves are strictly NOT allowed & also somebody is travelling to my office to get my KT.
    1) Is this fine if I do not accompany them?
    2) Will the following documents be sufficient for H4 interview or anything else required?
    Their original Passports
    My H1B Visa copy (Hope my original passport is not necessary)
    DS160 Copies & Appointment Confirmation
    Visa Fee Paid Receipt
    Marriage Certificate Original
    Wedding Album
    Wedding Invitation card & Wedding Hall receipt
    Kids’ birth certificates original
    Photo of all applicants
    Copy of I-797, I-129 & LCA
    Employer Offer Letter
    My wife’s degree certificate
    3) Can someone (my wife’s sister) accompany my wife to take care of kids as it is very hard to manage them by single person?
    4) Will they ask any question to my kids?
    5) She did not appear for H4 along with me when I went for H1B since I was really hesitant that if she screws up for some questions, then my dream is gone. So if VO asks, what reason my wife can say for not attending the interview along with H1B?

    Reply
    • 1. It’s Fine, infact now you won’t be allowed to accompany them
      2. Documents seems to be more than enough.
      3. No, they won’t allow. However your wife will get priority seeing 2 kids with her. Dont worry it will be smooth process once she reached there. Infact your wife doens’t need to take kids there as dropbox is available for kids under 12.
      4. Never
      5. It is only you can screw your interview, not your wife if you had been together at you H1 interview. anyways now it’s fine. Mostly she wont be asked to come for stamping later, it is usual practice. Dont worry.

      Reply
      • @Nimesh Patel
        Thanks a lot for your detailed responses. Now I got all clarified.
        Though I read in so many forums that Children below 12 are not required to attend both Bio & interview, the appointment page specified that that rule will be applicable only if both the parents are having visa already.
        Anyway, this is first time & I am not sure what it is. My wife will go with kids & required documents for bio & let her enquire the rest of the stuff. Whatever experience, I will share it later here.

        Reply
        • Thanks everyone. H4 visa approved for my wife & kids. Kids were required for VAC (Biometrics) & they are not required for consulate interview. The interview was very simple.
          Where is your passport?
          Gave all three passports with respective DS-160 forms.
          Oh, So you & your children applying for dependent visa?
          Yes mam.
          Can you give me your husband’s visa copy?
          ** Provided ** (DO NOT give original one)
          How long you have been married?
          **Answered**
          Has your husband travelled to USA?
          No. He is planning only on January & he has booked flight ticket too. (** My wife had ticket copy incase if they want to see)
          Where are you going to stay in US?
          My husband will travel on Jan but me & kids will be travelling only after May since my son has to complete his 1st std here. So before I go, my husband will arrange an accommodation there.
          In which city he will be travelling?
          ** Answered **
          In between, she was scanning our passports & was entering something in her monitor. May be whatever answers I was giving.. God only knows. She smiled by seeing my kids’ photos in passport & said you have cute kids & I like your son’s signature. 🙂

          Ok. I got all the details I required. Do you know USA rights & responsibilities?
          Yes
          Thanks. Your visas are approved & here is your confirmation.
          ** She gave a light green colour paper where it was mentioned like “Your visa application is approved & if you have opted for premium delivery you will get your passports to the address which had mentioned**

          Reply
  18. Kumar ,
    I have my H1 approved from company A not stamped yet..I got good offer from company B and doing the transfer process. If company A calls for stamping can I go while the transfer with company B is in progress ? Will it cause any problem ?

    Reply
  19. Hi Kumar,

    Can you please share some light on the below query..

    Is there any specific timeline within which USCIS needs to adjunct new H1b petitions (atleast to change the case status toeither RFE or NOID or Denial)

    Thanks In Advance

    Reply
    • No, there is no such rule or estimated timeline, it is up to them. Unfortunately, you need to wait for their decision or next steps. You can always work with your attorney to raise a service request with USCIS, if it is beyond normal processing timeline

      Reply
    • Got an update from Rahul Reddy, Emily Neumann from youtube, 10 % of case was untouched and only options that we have to wait.. wait.. wait.. wait..

      Reply
  20. Guys ,
    I have my H1 approved from company A not stamped yet..I got good offer from company B and doing the transfer process. If company A calls for stamping can I go while the transfer with company B is in progress ? Will it cause any problem ?

    Reply
  21. Hi Kumar,

    Need urgent help.

    My H1 got denied today.

    AD
    Vermont
    RFE Responded – 29th Aug

    Now my problem is that i have already applied for OPT Extension on 20th Oct and yet to receive my receipt number. Is there anyway to check with USCIS for my receipt details.

    Plnote: My courier got delivered on 24th Oct’18.

    Reply
  22. Hi,
    I had an approved H1b on 2012. I couldn’t utilize and did not travel to USA on it. As per consultancy’s advice – it’s expired and they applied for H1b this year . It did not get picked in lottery. Currently I’m on H4 . Could you please advise me on the work permit . Is there any way I can revive my previous Unused H1b ?

    Reply
    • Unfortunately, you can’t because 6 years deadline passed between your original approval and current data. if you would have used, say, a year then you can able to recover the remaining 5 years of the remaining. As per your case it is not possible and your best option is H4_EAD or next year H1.

      Reply
  23. Got USCIS portal updatedthis morning saying We denied your I-129 petition for non-immigrant worker. RFE received on 24th July, response submitted on 23rd October.Do not know the exact reason for denial yet. But anyone knows if there are any chances to appeal the denial or is it game over 🙁

    Reply
    • hi,
      I am still waiting for the approval. The status is still case received. I am assuming (not sure) that I should get the result by January 2019 first week as they should reply within 240 days.

      Reply
  24. Hi Kumar,

    Currently I am in US on L1B status valid until mid 2019.
    My H1B petition got approved with consular processing in October 2018. It was applied with Consular processing to avoid the restriction on overseas travels as I had some planned out of country travels in August-September 2018.
    Now, can my attorney file amendment to change/transfer my L1 to approved H1B petition/I129? and long does it take for this process? I do not have any immediate plan to travel out of country so do not really want to go out of country just for visa stamping.
    My employer is not change, customer is also not change for last few years.
    Please suggest.
    Thanks in advance!!!

    Reply
    • If you have the case no. then create an account in myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov and check your status. Don’t rely only on egov.uscis.gov

      Reply
    • 1. Can my attorney file amendment to change/transfer my L1 to approved H1B petition/I129?
      Yes.

      2. How long does it take for this process?
      Anywhere between 3 months to 6 months. There is no Premium option available till Feb 2019. You may have a option to upgrade to premium once it is available.

      Reply
      • Let’s wait for tomorrow to get an update from Rahul Reddy, Emily Neumann, or REDDY & NEUMANN, P.C.

        Attorneys will be available to answer your immigration-related questions.
        Live Q & A on Immigration at 5:00 PM CST every Tuesday..

        Reply
        • Can You Please update it here if you get any valuable answers/updates from them, that might help our CTS friends and others here. Thanks

          Reply

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