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H1B Visa 2020 – News, Lottery, Deadlines, Fee – FAQs

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 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)$1,410 ( from Oct 1, 2018)
Immigration Attorney FeeVaries 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, 2019Official ) : 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, 2019Official ) : 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.

   

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2,273 Comments

  1. Hi kumar
    When does approval notice starts for COS non AD regular? Does the approval process starts with AD too?

    Reply
  2. I am Non AD / Not PP/Consular processing .
    Is there still a chance ?
    No cheque were cached for my application yet
    Does Consular processing notices processed in the end or there is no order for COS vs Consular ?

    Reply
    • Well, they usually try to process COS, Masters petitions first as they have a hard deadlines within US…but, it should not matter now…There are about 2 to 3 weeks to receive the notifications, if picked. As data entry is complete, the mails should come in around 3 weeks.

      Reply
  3. Hi Kumar,

    I received the notice number from law firm. But when I track it on USCIS website, it says receipt number is not recognized. Also, my sevp portal is not updates yet. This is my second chance. My OPT ends in June 2020. When they will update the USCIS tracking portal and SEVP portal?

    Reply
        • Try to create an account on https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/ and add your receipt. Mine is also not showing on https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do but showing appropriately on https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/

          Reply
    • It can take time sometimes and sometimes the case number may not be recognized due to various unknown issues…very rare, but possible. In any case, you should ask your employer to send you the copy of the receipt notice so that you know the status and you have been picked. The SEVP Portal updates will not happen to you as you are not in cap gap.

      Reply
  4. Hi,
    AD/CA/non-pp
    If selected in lottery by now are we expected to see SEVIS update on I20?
    If no update on SEVIS can I still be hopeful.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  5. AD/Non PP/Consular Processing/CA Center

    Received Date: May 7, 2019
    Notice Date: May 8, 2019

    Best of luck to all.

    Reply
  6. AD/VT/RP/Consular Processing

    Employer sent receipt notice today. Notice date 05/17/2019

    Law Envoy didn’t notify on their website neither sent any email.

    Reply
  7. Hi there,

    My husband’s company applied for his H1B by premium processing/CA. By which date will he know if he is picked in the lottery.

    Thanks

    Reply
  8. Hello Folks, finally after 3 years of trying, the time has come to enter the “game of H1b’s”. My opt end date got updated from Sept 10 to Sept 30 on May 9th, on May 15th I received the receipt its a WAC center. I was almost out of options other than going on an H4 visa or going back home. Never give up.

    Reply
    • Hi, congratulation! How did you find out that your OPT end date was extended? Is there a way to check that online?

      Reply
      • when you log in to SEVIS portal you can see your end date got changed to Sept 30. FYI, this change happens only if your OPT / STEM OPT end date is before Sep 30. When you go to SEVIS history and click on the event, then you should see something like below. If not then you won’t see the change.
        Meanwhile, I got to the receipt from the attorneys after a week.

        Change Type Old New
        Authorized End Date 09/10/2019 09/30/2019

        Reply
  9. I hope from next year onwards, online application form will come into force. We can get the form number while submitting. Check the status of form online after the lottery is complete.
    Fourth timer, hence not very anxious as my first time.
    June 20th is the last day. The thing with my employer is they wont consider for any other country like canada or australia untill they hear from ucsis.

    Reply
  10. Hi Kumar,

    I am a AD/PP/CA applicant this is my last attempt. I haven’t heard back anything yet and no update on SEVP. My OPT ends May 26. My employer has decided to move me to the Canadian HQ. If I do move, what happens to my H1b petition. If I get a receipt in June or July (Which seems unlikely), can I extend my I20 and come back to the US (my F-1 Visa expires next week)? Can you tell me how to proceed. I dont believe there is a lot of chance for me to selected so I believe moving to Canada is the best way forward as I am a Canadian PR

    Reply
    • Technically, you get automatic cap gap extension, until Sep 30th or the decision from USCIS, whichever is earlier. Talk to your DSO, get your new I-20 based on proof that you applied for H1B. If you leave US after May 26th, you cannot re-enter on F1, you need either B1/B2 or H1B.

      Reply
      • Thanks for replying Kumar.
        The problem is DSO only provides initial cap-gap till June 1. Only after you get the receipt do they extend the cap-gap beyond June. This is what I believe all DSOs are doing. So my new i20 will have opt extended by only few days.

        Reply
        • Yes, this is what I am not clear. My employer says it should get extended till 9/30. As some schools are doing so. What is true ?

          Reply
          • It is slightly grey area…Technically, DSO’s need the copy of receipt to issue I-20 until Sep 30th.

        • You are right, the initial cap gap is given till June 1st and then extended based on the receipt. This is slightly grey area here, if the student does not get the receipt notice or lottery decision…it is the DSO’s choice. Technically, they need the receipt notice to do the extension…but, here is where some of them extend based on the timing of the USCIS announcement of all Rejected petitions returned.

          Reply
  11. My wife got picked in H1B lottery recently. I am unlucky still not picked it’s my last chance. Fortunately, my employer is sending me to Canada on Intra company transfer. I wonder if I can apply for dependent work permit to my wife as well in case she has issues with approval later on. Is it advisable to apply Canada dependent (with work permit) during change of status? Please let me know.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  12. AD/CA/PP…If the checks haven’t been cashed till date, does it mean it is not picked in lottery and there is no point in waiting? In case it was selected, should they have been cashed by now or is there a chance for them to be cashed in the next few days?

    Reply
  13. Hi Kumar,

    My SEVP portal got updated on May 9th to 9/30, but I have’t got any confirmation of receipt yet. I read online that if portal date changes, it implicates petition has been picked up in lottery.

    But still is it safe to assume that receipt is on the way? Thank you so much in advance!

    Reply
    • Yes, very likely picked in lottery. Follow-up with your attorney, you could see some update in two to three from them as well.

      Reply
  14. Hi,

    Receipt Number received, but uscis.gov is showing error when I am trying to check the status. Virtual assistant on uscis.gov is saying that it is ok ant the main thing is to have the receipt number, it might take 30-45 days for the info to be visible online.

    Just wanted to check whether anyone has the same issue and this “it works as it should” situation?

    Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • It is pretty common error, sometimes the online system is not updated well and you may continue to see that error… Ask your attorney or employer to share the receipt notice to confirm that you were picked in lottery.

      Reply
      • Hi Kumar,

        Maybe this is not the right place for such questions, but maybe you know something about this.

        My wife applied for a tourist visa and is in administrative processing for 4 months already. I am a bit worry that it will influence both by my H1-B and her H4 (if mine is approved) review.

        Maybe you can advise any reasonable next steps, which we can do, apart from calling to the embassy and sending emails to the US DOS.

        We are Ukrainian citizens living in Poland.

        Thanks in advance!

        Reply
        • Denys,
          Don’t worry, both are different visa types. They would not have any relationship, unless there is any fraud or criminal history for the individual. If you get your H1B and your spouse need to go for H4, you can go for it.

          Reply
  15. Hi Kumar,

    My situation is like this;

    My H1B Petition was approved on 2008.
    Came to US in 2014 on B2 Visa.
    Employer filed COS from B2 to H1B –> Got Approved and started working from 2014 October to till date. I-140 Approved.
    No Issues till now.

    Next Month i am planning to visit INDIA. In this case what are chances of getting Stamping.

    Reply
    • In general, there should not be any issues, if your H1B details and all are genuine…There could be some more scrutiny, if you are in a consulting kind of a model and maybe there could be additional processing…but again, you cannot really expect everything…All you can do is be prepared and go with confidence with all documents. Don’t worry too much, do you best and go for it.

      Reply
  16. Got an email from HR with the receipt number.
    Category : AD/CA/Non-PP.

    I had lost all faith and was really sad the last couple of days.

    Thank you so much @kumar for having updates on this forum which really helped with all the stress.

    Good luck to everyone.

    Reply
  17. Hi,

    My Lawyers mistakenly processed my application through consular processing instead of a change of status. Can we change the processing to change of status now ? Any risks involved?

    Please help.

    thanks,
    Prem.

    Reply
    • You can apply for Change of Status, that should not be an issue. Work with your attorney. You can do it after approval as well….

      Reply
  18. Now USCIS has to give answer.
    US court orders USCIS to explain H-1B delays and denials in two weeks.
    https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/world-news/article/us-court-orders-uscis-to-explain-h-1b-delays-and-denials-in-two-weeks/419062

    RFE for USCIS….!!!!!

    Reply
  19. Hi Kumar

    I am currently awaiting H1B via allotment but no news till now. Since it is almost end of cycle, I am trying to find out the best possible options for me. My employer does not have offices outside US. I am on STEM OPT ending January 2020 while I have valid F1 visa till September 2020. My i140 has been approved with a start date January 2018 but on a long backlog given India as my home country.

    Meanwhile my girlfriend has a valid permanent resident status but I do not see us getting married before September – October 2019 at the earliest. Given our Indian origin, can you please let know any tentative time line of receiving a F2A permanent residency (based on June 2019 bulletin)?

    · Can I port my EB2 start date into the F2A process?

    · Also, how will any of the options listed below impact this process? I do not absolutely want to jeopardize my permanent residency status process.

    Till now I have figured out the following options and it would be great if you could let me know your inputs. If you think, I need a proper consultation, please let me know how may I receive it ?

    Option 1

    Work remotely from my home country (India) or Canada (I need to start the process of PR and hence it will not be before ~10-12 months that I will receive the authorization). My Company seems to be okay with the option at this moment but will need to get an official say.

    · Can my Company make another H1B application next year even if I am working as a contractor from outside US? I understand that there are tax issues but will it affect my application?

    Option 2

    Enroll in Day 1 CPT. My intent is to do things in line with regulations and not violate any status. I will complete all my assignments and maintain proper academic records (mode of teaching will be online primarily and some classroom attendance in East Coast while I am based out of West Coast). The level of study is at the same Master’s level.

    My immigration lawyer (Company will require her green signal) will not be very supportive of the same based on her initial thoughts.

    Question

    · May I travel outside US and come back while on Day 1 CPT? I need to be sure that I will not be stopped at any port of entry.

    · How will it impact a future H1B filing made in April 2020? Based on your experience, what are the chances of approving a RFE when this option is exercised?

    Option 3

    Enroll in Certificate program that allows CPT taken as part of credit. I need to be enrolled for 3-6 months before being eligible for CPT (no pay) and 9 months (with pay). My plan is to enroll in the program at the end of December 2019 and study till end of my F1 visa i.e. around September 2020.

    Timeline

    January 2020 – September 2020: Study the certificate course (online but will be travelling to LA sometime from Orange County which is around 40 miles away)

    April / July 2020 – September 2020: Keep working with my employer but with no pay since OPT ends in January 2020. This is assuming my adviser allows me to work on no pay CPT by end of 3 months / 6 months (this is certain).

    Question

    · While no-pay CPT is allowed before 3 / 6 months (i.e. April /June 2020), can I keep working from January 2020 – March / June 2020 at no pay if I can manage the course load? Will I be in violation of the status? I will try to get my adviser to allow me CPT at the earliest but will it still violate my status if I work with no pay?

    · In between around February 2020, I will receive my annual bonus for CY 2019. Will that make any impact?

    · I understand my need to work as an “intern” during the period. So, can I remain a permanent employee (my status though I am on STEM OPT) during this period or do I need to be reinstated as an “intern”?

    · Can my employer file for a H1B in April 2020 given the above arrangement within Option 3? Any possible ramification from the same?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • In short, I would say pick something that works for you. I understand you have all the choices and you have done all the homework. Day 1 CPT could be a risky thing, while some have done well with it, many had issues. Regarding working in India, you need to make sure you figure out the tax thing sorted out…yes, they can file for H1B next year… If you need full clarity, please work with an attorney and share all your concerns.

      Reply
  20. Got a month more on my STEM OPT, just gave my land lord a months notice… 🙁
    started clearing out my stuff 🙁
    LOST

    Reply
    • Hey Cheer Up! Look into CPT option. If you haven’t received a rejection yet then you just might hear back soon… As far as the apt goes, look into sublet or squatting with a friend till you are sure of your next move. Stay positive k.

      Reply
  21. Hi my application was picked in the lottery under regular processing. I was wondering if I could still upgrade it to premium and if it is advisable to do so. Please let me know. Thanks!

    Reply
  22. my SEVP portal got updated last week(9/30) and my OPT ends 8/31 , but my lawyers havent gotten anything yet. does this mean i am picked? if yes, how long does it take to get receipt/check encashment?

    Reply
  23. Hello Kumar,

    My H1 petition (Non AD/PP) got picked up in the lottery this year while I am on H4 EAD. We have applied for for my H4 /EAD Extn along with my spouse’s Ext/Transfer this week. I could see my H4 /EAD Extn and H1 petition process happens concurrently.
    If my H1 gets approved, I would COS to H1 irrespective of my H4 status. However, had to go for H4 /EAD extn as it is due in Sept.
    Do you see any risk for my H1 petition or H4 EAD if both gets processed at the same time?

    Reply
    • There are two aspects, approval of H1B and second one is COS. Your H1B approval would have no risk. Only the COS is something that you need to be aware of based on timing….

      Reply
        • Always the last action from USCIS takes precedence. If H4 COS comes after H1B approval, then you will be on H4 status…so, it can be tricky situation…that’s why discuss with your attorney and plan the timing to do necessary withdrawals as needed.

          Reply
  24. Mandatory Envoy check :

    Has anyone got response from Envoy Law firm with California center?

    I am AD + PP California center and a couple of my other colleagues have not heard any yet.

    Reply
  25. Anyone know if H-4’s biometrics fee check($85) get cashed if the the primary applicant’s petition (h1b) gets selected from the lottery? Or is the H-4 application including the check processed at a later time? Both H1b and H-4 were filed together.

    Reply
  26. 1st Timer .. Non Ad/Non PP/ Got detail from Employer as “Your Request Selected in H1B Lottery” . waiting for other detail.

    Reply
  27. Hi All,

    Need some advice..
    Current Status: F-1
    OPT expiration date (Non stem): June 10th, 2019 (with 60 days grace period-Aug 10th)
    Husband: F1 visa
    Husband’s H1b was picked in lottery this year..
    How can I convert from F-1 to H-4 and what would be the timelines if I do not want to leave the country.

    Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Assuming you did not apply for H1B and not eligible for cap gap. Technically, after Aug 10th, you cannot stay on F1 in US, you need to change your status. You can apply for F2 COS based on your spouse’s F1 until September 30th. Also, in parallel, once the H1B is approved, you should apply for H4 Change of Status based on your spouse H1B, so that you will be on H4 from Oct 1st. Discuss with your DSO and your spouse’s attorney and plan it out.

      Reply
      • Thank you for your response. I did apply for H1B under CAP in the current year but did not get picked. I have heard from people that processing for H4 COS in US takes minimum 9-12 months and it is better to leave the country and get the stamping for H4 after my spouse’s H1B is approved which I believe will be approved by October 1st.

        My concern is if I will have to leave the country even if I file for F2 and later on H4 application COS which will be under process since my Spouse’s status would be changing from F1 to H1B.

        Reply
        • Well, there will be too many things in parallel, waiting and working with them is lot of uncertainty, you need to make an informed decision which works for you…

          Reply
  28. Did any one applied from Semetrix inc ? If so did u got any response from the employee?

    Pls update in this forum ,,, It is for non-ad regular H-1B cap.

    Days are going ,, No response

    Reply
    • I also applied in non-ad and regular. We need to wait till last week of June. Please don’t target on one thing in life and be ready with other options. H1B is not everything. We need to accept the whatever decision of USCIS and digest it. We can not change the fact and not in our control. Must have back up planes like Canada, Australia or NZ. Move ahead with positive attitude.

      Reply
  29. 3rd time, CA/AD/non-PP. Checks were cashed 3 days ago, informed by employer. I think CA center is continuously processing and cashing picked cases for these days. Physical receipts come later, not receiving emails from lawyer. Not in STEM Extension, therefore I don’t see any change from SEVIS Portal.

    Reply
  30. Hi all,
    If my college international office tells me that they have not seen any changes to my immigration system, does it mean that I was not picked in the lottery? The same officer was able to confirm that some of my friends had been picked. My firm’s lawyers have not been communicating with me at all…
    Thank you!

    Reply

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