This page has all details, FAQs, latest news updates that are related to the H1B Visa 2020 season that started in April 2019. Previous H1B season details are at H1B Visa FY 2019 Quota.
H1B 2020 Season is over, Check out details of current H1B 2022 season at H1B Visa 2022 – Registration, Lottery, Fee – FAQs
If this is your first time filing H1B, please read H1B Visa Basics – FAQs like Requirements, Quota, LCA, etc.
When does H1B visa 2020 Season start ? What is the start date ?
Update : USCIS announced on March 19th that they will accept H1B 2020 petitions starting from April 1st.
Based on past history, it would be Monday, April 1st, 2019. The rationale is that, USCIS starts accepting applications for the next fiscal year exactly 6 months before the start of the next fiscal year. USCIS fiscal year for 2020 year starts from 1st October 2019, which means they would accept applications for FY 2020 from April 1st, 2019. This will change for the next H1B FY 2021 Season as USCIS has published New H1B Registration Rule, where employers will register much ahead of the April 1st date and go through process to be able to file petitions on April 1st.
What is H1B visa 2020 Quota for Regular and Masters filings ?
H1B quota is listed below. There are no changes to the cap count, USCIS confirmed that in their press release in March 2018. Below are the numbers. For first timers, this quota 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
H1B Lottery Predictions for FY 2020 ?
Update : USCIS announced on April 5th that they received enough petitions for Regular cap quota and there would be lottery.
We had H1B lottery for the last 6 consecutive years starting H1B FY 2014. Looking at historical trend of H1B filings, cap reach dates, it is very likely possible that we would have lottery for FY 2020 quota. We have written a detail article on this topic, read H1B Visa 2020 Lottery Predictions, Dates, Results, Analysis.
H1B Visa 2020 Lottery Date ? Results ?
If we look at the H1B lottery, we have three things, one is when the H1B petitions are accepted for the lottery, second is when the actual lottery is done and third is when the H1B lottery results for everyone are out.
- Applications Accepted for H1B Lottery : H1B visa petitions for next fiscal year would be accepted by USCIS from Monday April 1st, 2018 for 5 working days until April 5th, 2018 to be part of the H1B Visa lottery.
- H1B Visa Lottery conducted date : 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 2019, H1B lottery was conducted on April 11th. Similarly, for FY 2018, the actual H1B Lottery was done on April 11th, 2017 . We can expect anywhere around the same dates like April 11th or April 13th.
- H1B 2020 Lottery Results for Everyone : This is probably the most asked question as many applicants wait in state of uncertainty. USCIS, only informs about actual results for everyone after they completed sending our receipts for accepted petitions. So, technically, you may need to wait for a long time to get the actual results, depending on if you were selected in lottery or not. For FY 2019, USCIS sent our all rejected applications on July 30th, with a timeline given until August 13th. So, you can hear your lottery results anywhere from April second week to August 13th..that’s a long waiting window !
- Update : USCIS released a press note confirming that that returned all H1B petitions that were not picked in lottery and you should get a mail by Aug 29, 2019. So, your final date for lottery result date for FY 2020 is Aug 29, 2019.
How to find H1B visa 2020 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. Depending on your situation, 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 or H1B Grader – Sponsors Database
- 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 2020
What is H1B 2020 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 2019 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. Also, premium processing fee increased from $1,225 to $1,410, effective October 1st, 2018. Below table is a high level summary from FY 2019 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) | $1,410 ( from Oct 1, 2018) |
| Immigration Attorney Fee | Varies from $500 to $3000 |
What is New H1B Registration Rule ?
USCIS and DHS went through 9 Steps of Federal rule making process to change the H1B lottery process and published the final rule on Jan 31st, 2019. In the new registration rule, employers register their potential H1B hires during the H1B registration window in the USCIS registration system. USCIS will conduct lottery on the registrations and inform the selected registrants to file H1B petition on April 1st. In the new process, the order of H1B lottery is changed to select Regular cap quota petitions first and then Masters quota petitions. For more info, read Summary of New H1B Registration Rule
Will the New H1B Registration Rule be applicable for FY 2020 Season ?
Not fully. USCIS is suspending H1B Registration Rule for H1B FY 2020 cap season to design, implement and complete user testing of system and make sure the system is ready. USCIS will formally announce this suspension for FY 2020 on their website. So, for the upcoming H1B Visa FY 2020 season , the current process of accepting H1B Petitions for 5 business days and then conducting lottery from the received petitions will be followed. But, one change to the current process will be done, which is the order of the H1B lottery will be changed, where first regular quota petitions are selected in lottery to fulfil 65,000 petitions cap from entire pool of applications and then master quota petitions are selected in lottery order to fulfil the masters quota cap of 20,000. Read complete info at H1B Lottery Changes for FY 2020 Season
H1B 2020 Processing Timelines – Regular vs Premium ?
You would know about the H1B Lottery result for your H1B Petition filed with USCIS, if you either receive a Receipt Notice from USCIS or a Rejected Package indicating you were not picked in Lottery. The timeline for receiving receipts is different for regular vs premium processing. We have put together all the details in a detail article addressing all of these questions. Read H1B 2020 Lottery Results – Premium vs Regular Processing Timeline
H1B 2020 Case Tracker :
Did you submit or plan to submit H1B petition for FY 2020 ? In general, the wait for H1B receipts, lottery results, and processing is quite frustrating without any status until you receive something from USCIS. You would be curious to know others status…so, to have a general view on the statuses movement for entire community, 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 !
[prompt type=”left” title=”Track your H1B Case” message=” Anonymously Track your H1B Case – Share and Get updated from Community.” button_text=”H1B 2020 Case Tracker” href=”https://redbus2us.com/trackers/h1b-visa-tracker/”]
What’s the latest news for H1B Visa 2020 Season ?
Below is the list of latest news by date related to FY 2020 season.
- Aug 15, 2019(Official ) : USCIS released a press note today indicating that they have returned all the petitions that were not selected in H1B 2020 Lottery. They say that, if you do not hear back from USCIS by Aug 29, 2019, you can reach out to them. See below screenshot. You can read the USCIS Press release
- June 7, 2019(Official ) : USCIS released a press note today indicating that they will begin premium processing for all H1B 2020 cap subject petitions starting from June 10th, 2019. Technically, now you can upgrade your H1B petition, if you have filed it as COS or Consular processing. All in all, anyone can upgrade their case to Premium processing. Check the USCIS Official Press Release
- May 17th, 2019(Official ) : USCIS announced that they have completed data entry and will start sending out the reject notices now…Also, they may transfer some cases as well to balance the load. If you see a status change, nothing to worry. Check the USCIS Official Press Release
- April 11th, 2019(Official ) : USCIS announced today evening that they have reached masters cap and also announced completion of H1B lottery for FY 2020. They received a total of 201,011 petitions. Read H1B 2020 Lottery Completed News Summary
- April 5th, 2019( Official ) : USCIS released a press note that H1B 2020 regular cap was filled. Read H1B visa 2020 Regular Cap Filled News. Check out Short Video on H1B 2020 Regular Cap Quota reached.
- April 1st, 2019( Official ) : USCIS Launched H1B Employer Data Hub as part of transparency effort to understand H1B employer’s Information on Approvals and Denials. You can check out How to use H1B Employer Data Hub,
- March 19th, 2019 ( Official ) : USCIS did a press release indicating the start of H1B season from April 1st, and gave out details on Premium Processing that it will be open only for applications filed with COS. Check out all details at H1B 2020 Starts April 1st, Premium Processing Info
- January 2019 ( Official ) : USCIS Publishes Final Rule on H1B Registration on Jan 31, 2019 and gave guidance for FY 2020 season.
- December 2018 ( Official ) : USCIS Publishes a proposed rule in Federal Register to introduce the concept of electronic pre-registrations before filing the actual full H1B petition. Currently, it is in process seeking public comments until Jan 2, 2019. Check out details at H1B Pre-Registration New Proposed Rule – Lottery, Process, Analysis.
- For FY 2020 season there is an increase in Premium processing fee. We do not even know, if USCIS will have premium processing fee for FY 2020 as they have suspended until Feb 2019 for petitions filed in April 2018 under FY 2019 quota. But, something to be aware of.
You can bookmark this page and check this page for updates on H1B FY 2020 season. Also, you can read H1B 2020 Cap Count Updates Page for up to date tracking of this year’s news and other info.
Do you have any questions on next H1B 2020 season ? Join us on WhatsApp H1B 2020 Group, Telegram, Facebook , Slack H1B 2020 and Community Forum to discuss, ask, share.
Hello Everyone
My h1b cap 2020 stamping was approved last week.
Thanks Kumar and everyone for showing insight on whole process.
Its really painful for ppl who are waiting and I pray to God that you get your approvals soon.
I never thought I would be commenting this way as last year saw late approvals for lot of ppl. Dont loose your hope and all is well.. Stay positive.. Cheers
your case was Advance degree or regular case
and from which center
Hi All,
Wanted to share some good news! My H1B got approved today. Thanks to everyone and special thanks to Kumar! AD/CA/RP.
Congratulations :).. may I know how did you come to know this? By case status or employer? Bcz mine is still showing as ‘We have received I-129….’
saw the update in https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/
@Kumar – case status is “Approved” in https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/ and “Received” in https://my.uscis.gov/account/applicant. Is it an expected discrepancy?
Thanks for the reply 🙂
Cheers !
Hi Kumar,
Is it possible that USCIS inadvertently ignores any case. My case was picked in lottery and got receipt dated 30 April but still there is no decision.
My application is with California Service Center.
I am an Non-AD applicant.
Based out of Mumbai and working of Capgemini.
No, they do not do like that. It takes time, sometimes many months. You can upgrade to premium if you need results faster.
I have received RFE for my case. Awaiting documents from Employer.
RFE related to…?
when(date/month) you received the RFE..?
did you get any progress now
Hi Kumar,
My h1b got picked but then I got employer employee relationship rfe and my h1b got denied .
My step opt expired on 09/09/2019. In how much time do I have to leave country ?
My wife is on h1b visa, Can I apply h4 now and stay on receipt with her ?
You need to leave within 60 days from the STEM OPT expiration date. Yes, you can apply for COS and stay. Discuss with their attorney, DSO and then proceed.
Hello Kumar and Friends,
After 4 years of struggle this time around I got my H1B approved on 09/09/2019. Firstly I would like to thank you all for sharing your valuable experience and inputs.
I am currently enrolled in a CPT program which is ending in July 2020. However, I was issued a I-797B , I was hoping for I-797A instead with automatic H1B status activation. After, reading about the difference between A & B, it states I have to travel back to India to get stamping done, only then will I get an I-94 issued on re-entry and my H1B status will become active.
My query is can I keep working on my CPT till I leave for India to get my stamping done or should I seize work starting Oct 1st cause that is the start date of my H1 visa ?
Am I in any form of violation, Any advice will be appreciated.
Did you apply for Change of Status or Consular processing ? Was your COS Denied ? If COS was denied, then you technically violated status, so you should stop working on CPT, leave and get stamping done.
Hi Kumar,
My wife’s H1B got approved for three months in counselor process. She is currently working on OPT stem.
If She does not use her H1B and keep working on OPT stem, can her employer extend it further in future?
Yes, they can. But, she needs to work on H1B at least few days or get COS done, to be able to leverage the cap exempt in future.
@kumar, thank you for this. As I mentioned, I just got approval for my RFE and my i-20 is going to expire on 24 September 2019. But H1b is going to start from 1st of October.
Now, I have applied COS i-539 for my wife on the same date of my filing of h1 (April 3) and she got her receipt on April 11 for that. But there is no final decision has come out yet.
So, can she stay here in the USA now or she needs to leave and come back?
When she has to go for a Biometric?
I am sorry. I am confused a bit. Please help.
Also, what do i need to do next for stamping? Can you guide me about how those things can be done?
Best Regards,
She can stay here along with you as she is going to be in Period of Authroized Stay. The reason is, you have applied to her COS on time, so you can stay here, you will get I-94 updated to reflect the dates once approved. For stamping, you leave the country and schedule stamping slots in your home country or in Canada. She should have got biometrics slot. Check with USCIS again.
Hi Kumar,
I am CAP Gap right now. My H-1B got picked in lottery and got a RFE. My lawyer is working on RFE response. Meanwhile there has been a full-time opening at my client. Is it ok to apply for for the job while I am waiting for an approval or should I wait for approval ?
You can apply, get offer, but cannot really work for them.
Hi Kumar
Anyone got H1b approval (Non-ad regular case from California center) ..?
If yes, then please share the receipt date…?
First 8 digits case number… For trend expectations
Please check the H1B Tracker many users have added their case info. I have not seen much of cases info posted in comments.
Since your original petition is not yet approved the new petition will be denied because there is nothing to transfer. So, my suggestion is get an approval first then go for transfer.
Any RFE from wipro and what is you status ? ? mine just submitted and waiting for 60 days time? starts pounding my heart!!!
Hi Kumar , is that possible to upgrade or Update SOC Code in LCA after RFE By attroney / employer ? Kindly suggest
Probably not, you need to file new LCA. Talk to your attorney.
Hi guys , AnyOne from here got SPECIALTY OCCUPATION RFE GOT APPROVED RECENTLY??? PLZZ reply Kumar
Every case is different, you cannot really compare other case with yours…talk to your attorney.
is your case was under regular processing or premium or master quota..?
What was Reciept date..?
Which Center…?
My employer says they replied to the RFE two weeks ago but I still can not see the staus being updated in USCIS. Mine is premium process so I don’t know the reason why the status is not updated yet. Does it mean my employer did not submit the RFE or USICS website is not been updated? Can someone please confirm it.
Sometimes, it can take time for online to get updated or may not even update, talk to your attorney for the updates.
URGENT HELP NEEDED!!!
@Kumar, My H1b just got approved and got COS, too.
As I previously asked you, my current CPT is going to expire on 15th of this. And i applied for I-539 already in April for my wife.
But there is no updated on my wife’s status. Can she stay here legally in the United States or she has to return to the country?
replied in other thread.
Urgent ans wer required!!!
My case:-
I m on h4 ead.
Job gone due to biometrics.
–>Employer A consultancy , filed h1b, got selected in lottery, result still pending.
–>Got big company offer letter direct hire after ead approval.
–> Should I wait for employer A to get new project started for me or join big company on ead?????
–> what will happen if RFE came in h1b and I join big company or should stick to same consultancy who filed h1b if it get approved????
You should do H1B transfer only after approval and October 1st to be safe.
Hi Kumar,
Today I have received approval notice only with 3 Months validity ( ie. until Dec 2019). Currently I am in India and I need to go through Visa Stamping.
I got 2 options here,
1. Get the Visa Stamping done and leave to USA soon, apply for Visa extension.
2. Wait till Dec, Go for Cap Exempt on Jan 2020.
In case, If I go with option 1, will I be screwed up more during the visa interview asking for the reason to go only with ~2 months validity.
I’m confused, Please give me your suggestion.
Suppose you get stamped, then Yes, my spouse has only 2 months validity and he was checked a lot at new york. His baggage were opened and even social media accounts were checked. His manager was called and ask was he really wanted or something else? He was asked why are you so important? Why your spouse is not travelling with you? They checked his spouse photographs in social media he was questioned for 3 hours non stop.
What was the port of entry ?
Well, you could go for stamping and then apply for extension as soon as you land in US. Alternatively, ask your employer to file an extension using the same to get more time on the approval and then go for stamping….
Well, they can ask that any day, if you have a genuine client and employer and they are willing to support, you should be fine…But again, visa stampings are really tricky, having 3 years does not give you visa for sure, you need to take calculated risk… As i said, if you can apply for extension right away and ask for more time, that would be ideal…
Even i’m in same situations i got h1b approval dec 2019
Hi. I am on F2 Visa right now.
My husband’s h1 just got approval on 4th September 2019 and he is on his CPT till 15th September.
I have filled my I 539 in April itself. But there is no update on my case status. When can I expect a chance on my case?
Will i get before 15th? or Do i have to leave this country?
@Anita, please let me know what can be happened as I need to work on this too.
Anita,
You need to be in the dependent status of your spouse. Technically your F2 ends when your spouse’s F1 ends…so, based on that plan. Talk to him and understand, if he is eligible for cap gap. If you file for Change of Status before your I-94 expires, you are fine to stay in the country. If not, you should leave and re-enter.
Hi @Kumar. I am still waiting for the result. I hope ill get it before Friday.
Have last question. In case, if I get approval, what will happen to my wife’s F2 as we have already applied for her change of status I 539? will she get the approval too on the same day? or something else needs to get done?
Please advice.
No, it will not be on same day, it will take time.
AD/VT/PP
Case Approved 9/5.
RFE 05/29/19
RFEs:
Maintenance of status
CPT
OPT
Multiple years of practical training at same education level
Beneficiary Qualifications
RFE submitted 08/23, received 08/26
Thank you Emily!
and Kumar!!
Cheers henry !
Hi Kumar,
My H1b is filled with client A and project is closed now. I got RFE on Aug 16, and yet to know the reason. Now Client A is willing to give any documents and If my employer is ready to respond with Client B.What are the chances of approval ? yourresponse will be helpful.
Well, I am not sure, how it would work trying to change the client. It all depends on how your attorney has put in the application. Talk to them and then take it forward.
Just received my rejection package today. My application didn’t get selected in the lottery this year. This was my second and last trial.
Masters in Mechanical Engineering
2.5 years of experience. Submitted just one application. Working as a contractor. No fake resume. Working in the field of study. I’m not sure what to do next. All doors have closed. Day 1 CPT is going to be expensive. I’m looking into options in Canada, but I’ll move only if I get a job offer there. I don’t want to move there and work in a non- degree based role. I don’t like the fact that chance/luck is determining my career, but it is what it is. I’m a bit frustrated with so many people applying with no job offers and taking away chance from genuine candidates, but again, they are surviving and I am struggling.
Good luck to everyone…. 🙂
Very Unfortunate and hope you through the rough phase !!
Hi Kumar,
I upgraded to premium processing on 22nd Aug. Received request for additional evidence about employee – employer relationship for my Form I129 on 30th Aug.
How difficult is to clear such RFE. Also would like to know once my attorney replies to USCIS will I have to again request for PP or the earlier PP will be still application after RFE response.
Well, it is a very common RFE. Your attorney should be able to provide relevant info, provided all your current setup fits that aspect. There will lot of documents that will need to submitted…talk to your employer and attorney.
USCIS has received my RFE response on 23rd of August. How long does it take to have a final decision or next step from them? What date should be the last? I am in PP Master Quota.
you should hear by end of this week, Technically 6th of this month will be 15th calendar day if they updated the status on Case status site that they have rec’d it on 23rd, else it will be 15 calendar days from the date they have mentioned on the uscis site? Usually premium cases do take 15 calendar days, which service center is adjudication your application ? let me know when it gets approved
They said, they have received on 23rd August. It is on their website.
So, will clock start from 23rd itself?
@Kumar, need your help too.
Thanks,
You can take it like 24th or 25th. Couple of days buffer should be considered to be safe. Always, check with the attorney.
usually 15 days SLS kicks in after they get documents.
Hi @Kumar. I am still waiting for the result. I hope ill get it before Friday.
Have last question. In case, if I get approval, what will happen to my wife’s F2 as we have already applied for her change of status I 539? will she get the approval too on the same day? or something else needs to get done?
Please advice.
No, it does not happen immediately, the processing times are really long with the H4 Biometrics Process. They will use your H1B approval and then adjudicate her COS.
Hi Kumar,
I am currently on CPT and my h1b got approved under consular processing. Do I need to travel to India for stamping before Oct 1st ?
Can I stay here until December as I have my CPT valid until then
Please let me know. Thanks
Dear Naveen, when was it approved, are you PP/EAC ? any RFE’s ?
PP/ WAC. I submitted my RFE on 24 Aug and my case got approved on Aug 30th.
Was your COS approved ?
I did not apply for change of status. It was under consular processing. I was told I need to travel to India and get the stamping done in order to change to H1b from Oct 1st.
My question is Can I travel in december for stamping and continue working on CPT until then ?
Well, if the CPT is properly authorised and not Day 1 CPT, it should be fine. If you are working in one of those Day 1 CPT schools, you should avoid delaying further as there is no reason to delay.
Thanks for your response Kumar!
It is a day1 CPT school. The reason I want to delay is my client does not approve a leave until december 😀
It is your discretion…Talk to an attorney and make an informed decision.
Hi,
I need help! I recently received a NOID because my lawyer wrongly put me on the Master cap but I am not eligible for it given than my school was non-profit. I raised this issue to him before submitting the petition but totally disregarded what I said. Now, we are in this situation.
Has someone encountered the same issue? Please let me know how you went about it.
Well, if it was wrongly submitted then, there is not much you can do….though it is filed for you, it is your employer’s petition, so you personally cannot do anything about it
Hi Kumar,
How long can it take to get an approval after the acknowledgement of RFE response for non-PP. Also, is there any SLA for it.
Thanks!
There is no SLA for non-PP, can take their own time…few weeks to months.
Hi Kumar,
I received RFE for my petition I need to submit MSA& SOW but it’s valid only till Jan 2020. Is that sufficient to response RFE..??
Do we need minimum 6 months valid of MSA & Sow is required to response RFE..??
Well, it is relative. The longer the better. It is too less I believe, they may approve only until that date…So, see, if you can give more validity agreements.
In the SOW they mentioned like it may be extended. Is that fine?
It would help for sure…
Thank you
Still waiting for the approval or rfe
dont know what to do
Same case in my case also…
Chill bro, Most of them are waiting similar to you – very few got response for RFE or Approval !
Hi Kumar, what is the difference between RFE & Request for additional evediance ?? Bcoz I have got request for additional status in USCIS Case status link . Plz help me out .
Both are same. The only difference is the word evediance
Pretty much the same…they need more info. Ask your attorney on what they have given in the RFE document. Check USCIS RFE general info
Did anyone receive RFE Specialty Occupation – Availability of work (not determination)? I understand attorney and employer will work on it but if possible could you please share your knowledge/documents required
1) Do we have to give Expert Opinion Letter
2) What documents are need to support
3) Any other documents
Thank you for your help
AD/VT/RP – Consular Processing
Depends, but I have seen it submitted in most cases.
In general, the RFE will list the exact list of documents, if you can submit most of them, you should be in good position. Attorney’s of course would have more expertise on what else can be submitted.
AD / CA / Regular Processing.
My status is still in “Received” from Day 1. Is anyone else waiting to hear from AD/ CA/ RP?
Many would be waiting like you….It can take time, unless you upgrade to premium processing, nothing to worry, it is common.
Hello people!
Mine is a consular application, 4th timer.
May mid: Check cashed
July beginning: Upgraded to premium
July mid: Case changed to approved and email sent
Still waiting for I-797, it’s been 6 weeks now. I this type of delay common?
Thanks a lot!
You should have got by now, ask your attorney to request duplicate copy of approval, could have been missed in mail.
Thanks for that!
I will do that, whenever I mail my company lawyers the only response i get is USCIS is backlogged so it’s not surprising. But i guess no harm in requesting a duplicate.
How long does it take to get a final decision after RFE response submission? in PP case.
Usually 15 Calender days
Center : Vermont, AD
Upgraded to premium processing in June.
April 30, 2019 – Case Was Received
June 24, 2019 – RFE
August 22, 2019 – RFE Response Sent
August 23, 2019 – Received by USCIS but not updated on site
August 27, 2019 – 15-Day Premium Processing Clock Started for My Case with August 26th date
August/ September –
Hi Kumar,
My h1b petition is filed when I was working for client A, Now I am working for client B but same employer/company but different location(LCA is different). Both client A and client B are still clients for my employer. Only thing is I am working for client B.
Now i received RFE for EE & SO. How to handle this scenario? Do i need to submit EE & SO details of client A or Client B.
Please help me on this.
@Kumar – Can you clarify the above scenario.
Hello Everyone,
My H1B approved 🙂 for three years. CA/PP/AD. I am on STEM OPT right now.
April 12: case was received
May 21 : RFE ( client letter and Maintenance of status)
Aug 15 : RFE Response sent
Aug 21 : RFE response Received
Aug 23 : Case was Approved.
I want to say thanks to kumar for all kind of support you are giving through this website. Information here helped me a lot in responding RFE. All the best to you kumar and keep supporting us.
@H1B Candidate
Was it a premium processing?
Yes , Premium processing, CA center
Cheers ! Glad it helps the community !
Hi Kumar,
I have doubt regarding stamping which is scheduled next week. I dont have client letter with me but I have SOW and email from client saying that I will working from client office and they dont provide client letter as per organization policies.
So SOW and email from client sufficient as substitute for client letter. Is there any other document I need as replacement for client letter.
Thanks
I think the document(s) you are currently have suffice and you may explain the same to visa officer if they ask client letter during the interview.
Am in same boat.infact, i dont have the email saying org policies not give any client letter.
I have a question about change of status from h4 ead to h1b. If suppose I change my job-new employer before my h1b-from old employer is approved.
what will happen to my h1b? will I be on h4 ead after 1st October or on h1b?
Reason for change:- I lost my job due to biometrics in ead extension and now I am changing job, but old employer applied my h1b. It is still pending.
I did not get your question. In short, until your H1B, you will be in old status, which is H4.
if my h1b got approved in September and mean while I change my job on h4 ead. now my h1b will be applicable since October. what will be my visa status since October? and what will happen to my newly approved h1b after 1st October? as my employer is changed now. and he decide not to revoke.
If it was filed as change of status (COS) then your status will change to H1B (assuming it will be approved in September end) and you no longer in H4. That means your EAD will be invalid (similar to OPT EAD). If you are no longer working for Company A, then you need to find a company who will sponsor (transfer) your case to them. However, if it was filed as Consular processing then you can continue to use your H4 EAD and convert to H1 late. Conclusion, it depends on how it was initially filed.
When are yo going for stamping buddy? I am yet to get email but hopeful to get email before my stamping. What’s your plan B?
CA/Non AD/RP, I am working with CTS and Got RFE for my case onAugust 21st, yet to receive what they need. it looks like there is no direct approval without an RFE for the service-based companies like CTS and etc..did anyone has a different update, pls share your thoughts.
Vermont giving approval without RFE. Two of my colleagues got approval in month of June.
Uff.. wish I was mapped to Vermont… Pretty much all my colleagues got an RFE from California center… mostly for Employee-Employer relationship… There are dozens of people already working at client location and these guys are asking the relationship… Are you serious?
If you are from Big 4 companies, 90% you will land in RFE spaceship… hahah.
Which company they are from?
which service center u got RFE?
CA- California
@FirstTimerInfy
Can you see any Document Type in Infy GLOMO for RFE?
I can see some kind of Document Type…
Where it was..?? Can you help me to find out..??
When u open GLOMO and click on your VISA(hyperlink) and then “View/Submit Documents” and scroll down to “Other Documents” and then “Additional Documents”.There u can see a table with some DocumentType.
Hi All,
Does any body got any Approval\RFE\Denial for similar situation as mine, is the California center is the slowest ?
Center: WAC (California)
Receipt date : 4/11/2019
Regular
Thanks
I got RFE on 08/16/2019. Non-AD/Regular
I got approval on Aug 18.
Non-AD
Regular Processing
Did u know reason for RFE??
Even I got RFE on Aug 16
Same here
I got my H1B Approval today.
Center : California, NON AD H1B , Direct Employment.
Upgraded to premium processing on Aug 09.
There were lot of confusions in the USCIS website regards to the status update, following are the sequence of information in the USCIS website.
April 24, 2019 – Case Was Received
August 15, 2019 – Name Was Updated (confused status)
August 20, 2019 – Case Was Reopened For Reconsideration (confused status)
August 20, 2019 – Request For Premium Processing Services Was Received
August 20, 2019 – 15-Day Premium Processing Clock Started for My Case
August 21, 2019 – Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed
August 22, 2019 – Case Was Approved and my Decision was Emailed
Online status was always confusing and we don’t know what is happening inside USCIS.
Thanks for sharing. Yes, the online statuses are really not always consistent…Best to wait for the physical copy
Thanks Kumar…It got updated to “Case Was Approved And My Decision Was Emailed”.My attorney also received an email saying that “The California Service Center has approved the following I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker that had been filed under the Premium Processing Program: H1B”
But my attorney is telling
“we will pass along the hard copy of the approval as soon as we receive it. I expect that the change of status has also been approved (otherwise the email would list a consulate), but we won’t know until we actually receive the hard copy.”
So is there any chance that my change of status has been denied or i’m good based on your experience.I’m nervous so posting it here.
Thanks.
And also in the email it is telling Consulate Notified (if applicable ) as blank and I94# with my I-94 number.
It is very likely that COS is approved, but again, wait for the actual document.
Understand you are nervous. I would wait for the documents to be sure. Yes, very likely to be approved. Do let the community know.
Thank You Kumar for the response.The reason i was debating myself on this is i have received an RFE regarding Non-immigrant F1 status since i enrolled into CPT this May.Sure I will post here once i receive the hard copy how it is.
Kumar,
My Change of Status also got approved.Attorney have received the hard copy today.Its a great day for me.Thanks for all your help to everyone of us in the community.
Cheers !
You can contact you college DSO and ask them is your SEVIS is active or not and you also check in the SEVIS portal if you have.
Hi Kumar,
I got RFE on Aug 16th from WAC.
If I update to premium now and proceed, Is scrutinising level will be high?
Can you please suggest me?
No, that is just perception, it should not matter…
My Friend got a job offer and their employer told visa is H2B. Can they apply H2B visa for Indian citizens. I saw some were H2B visa is not eligible for india . Please advise
India is not in that list of H2B. Check https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-announces-countries-eligible-h-2a-and-h-2b-visa-programs
I got my H1B approval notice today.
Regular
Non-AD
All the best to everyone who is waiting for their approvals.
@Kumar: Being a first timer I have read anything from your site, thanks for that, all the best to you as well.
May i ask which company?
Cheers ! Glad to hear.
Hi Anyone form INFY WAC** series got approval or rfe
One of my friends got an RFE. He said he needs to submit some documents.
Did you know the reason for RFE? what document they are looking for ?
I got RFE on Aug 16
Did you know the reason for RFE? what document they are looking for ?
In USCIS website(https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/mycasestatus.do) it’s showing RFE for my petition but INFY portal it’s not updated yet and i did not get any from INFY team.
Can you check your petition status on this above link.
Same with me.When did u got ur RFE ?
Aug 14. What about you?
Aug 16.
Did u know exact reason for RFE? And which service center u got RFE?
INFY portal it’s not updated yet and i did not get any info from INFY team. In USCIS website(https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/mycasestatus.do) it’s showing RFE
INFY portal it’s not updated yet and i did not get any info from INFY team. In USCIS website(https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/mycasestatus.do) it’s showing RFE. WACXXXXXXXX
Can you see any Document Type in GLOMO for RFE?
We are on Same boat.WAC and on Aug 16th
Iam from indy…got approval…
When it was approved?
Hi Kumar/anyone here,
If my cahnge of status is denied and H1B petition got approved,what will the USICS case status indicates???Will it display approved and decision notice mailed (and we will come to know in the H1B approved notice that change of status is denied and H1B approved)??or if yuo have seen any such cases can you please tell me how it works.
It will usually say Decision notice mailed. It will not show specific statues. Read H1B Statuses Meaning.
If the petition is waitlisted, do they be notified about the same?
HI,I got RFE notice today.non-ad(Pemium).what is the chance of approval after getting RFE.Working in l1b visa for last 4 years. Any update pls
Hi,
I got the similar RFE and lawyers responded with approved I-140 to claim 3 year approval.
Also the lawyers submitted an amended I-129 with 1.5 years limit(remaining duration in 6 year window) and requested the approval for 1.5 years only if USCIS feels they can not grant 3 year approval.
Then my petition was approved in 5 days after USCIS received the response for remaining duration.
While computing any recapture time, please ensure to exclude both the day you left US and the day you landed in US for every trip.(thought its not a serious issue, its better to compute this way as USCIS handbook proposes this)
eg: if you left US on Aug-01 and returned to US on Aug-03, you should request for only 1 day as recapture time.(24 hour day you were outside US)
All the best for your approval.
Thanks for the insight on the recapture time.
I was not able to get any documents from Client and all I have is some screenshots from Jira, email conversations and Affidavits from co-workers. Kumar, can u tell your experience with this kind of case?? I know client letter is mandatory but as per my client policy, they are not going to give a single document to support my RFE.
Hi All,
After petition approval in Premium, when can we initiate stamping? Do we need to wait for the hardcopy of the approval notice or can we initiate right away as waiting time in India is around 6 weeks?
Please let me know
Read Steps after H1B Approval . Yes, you need the copy for stamping, no need for booking appointment.
USCIS update :https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-returns-unselected-fiscal-year-2020-h-1b-cap-subject-petitions
Thanks for sharing, added the link and info to the article.