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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. Upgraded my application to premium processing a couple days ago and received an approval today. Best of luck to everyone else!

    Reply
  2. Hi, My employer filed my H1B this year in premium processing and has not yet given me the case number. Every time I ask, I am told that they have not received it yet. Is this much wait time for premium processing normal? Or could it be a possibility that they did not filed my visa at all and are just bluffing. Is there anyway to verify?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Dear Kumar,

    Greetings!

    I am a bachelors degree holder in non computers related degree but I have 12 years of IT experience worked as a IT Analyst, Test Engineer, Business Analyst. Currently I am on H4 EAD and working as a full time employee as a Lead Testing Engineer. My company filed H1B petition under level 2 wage and it got selected in the lottery process. Mine is a Regular Bachelors Application with Regular Processing.

    Please suggest if there is a possibility of receiving RFE on Specialty Occupation basis. If so how could I handle the situation and support my case.

    Thanks in advance!

    Veda

    Reply
    • Well, your profile looks good. It is hard to say, if you will get an RFE…many of these depend on the SOC code filed, job they applied for and fitment for your profile..Don’t worry, it will be fine.

      Reply
  4. What are the chances of approval after getting RfE? What they actually asked for? Do I need to do something or will it be the employer/attorney?

    Please, advice.

    Reply
    • The RFE could be anything actually. Could you please explain it on what exactly is the RFE about, like education background or previous employment etc. Then the members can address your query better.

      Reply
    • It all varies by the RFE and your application. It will handled by attorney and they will ask you, if you need to give any information.

      Reply
  5. Hi Kumar,
    My employer filed the H1B amendment 33 days ago, but they have not received the receipt for petition yet. I just just wanted to ask, do you think if this is normal time to wait?
    Thank you.

    Reply
  6. Kumar,
    My H1 got approved yesterday. Currently I am on H4 EAD and didn’t travel India after converting from L1 to H4 last year. Planning to travel India this Sept, should I get the stamping done on H4 or future H1 which starts from 01 OCT?

    Reply
    • Hello,

      First off all Congratulations!

      Is your degree/masters in computers and you hold a full time job? May I also know if yours is a developer position?

      Thanks,
      Dev

      Reply
    • I would get H1B stamping. If you already have H1B approved and plan to work on it in US, you should get that to make life easier for future travels. if you arrive on H4, again, you need to apply for COS, that take a long time and issues with travel, it could be hassle…

      Reply
  7. Hi,

    Im on my STEM OPT which is valid until 2020 June. My H1B got picked and it is pending. I have to travel to India in June for 2.5 weeks. Is it really safe to travel now. Please respond.

    Reply
    • You may, but if you have filed as COS, your COS will be abandoned. If you have F1 stamp in passport and valid, should be fine to travel and come back. You need to talk to DSO, get all your paperwork before you travel and also the receipt of the H1B as well.

      Reply
  8. My OPT ends on June 13th, have not heard anything back from the employer or attorney yet. Should I wait until 15th at least?

    Reply
  9. Got approved. CA/MASTERS/RP. Approval date 23rd May. Check on USCIS case tracker and it says got approved. Full time. Level-1. GLTA

    Reply
  10. Folks, H1- B Completed for this year. All the best for next year to all. decided not to go H1-B once more. Why to apply & tension till the results out & disappoint after rejected .. Crazy ,,

    Reply
    • Hi Kumar,
      Suddenly today my attorney asks whether you filed B1/L1 earlier. Anyone came across this situation? ( I didn’t get any information so far on h1b which was filed this year). I lost my hope but now why these questions are coming any progress or is it usually happens?
      Thanks
      Rg

      Reply
      • You should ask your attorney, why are they asking for that information now. That will help clarify things…Well, there are about 10 more days to go…

        Reply
  11. Hi Kumar,
    My employer filed h1 b. It got selected in lottery process. they mentioned salary is $77000. But I heard that salary should be $90000. Is it correct? Any Chances are there for rejecting because of this reason?

    Reply
  12. Anyone from Wipro , who receveived response. GIMS is not responding to queries.They are saying they will be able comment only after 15th June.

    Reply
    • I dont think ours is selected in the lottery and by 15th June we will get our rejection confirmed. Those who are selected have already received the receipts. No more receipts are expected anymore.

      Reply
  13. I am currently from India. Having 11+ yrs of IT experience. A New employer from US filed H1B with premium processing. It picked and pending RFE with Specialty Occupation.

    Will this RFE get clear with my education below !!!

    Graduation and Post Graduation Both are with non-IT subjects. ( 13+2 = 15yrs education ).
    Having PGDCA diploma
    Having three technical certifications.

    Reply
    • Well, it is hard to give generic answer just on this thing. It depends on the SOC code used by your employer, the role they applied and how they put up your case. Your experience, fitment to the role they applied for and the open job is all what they will consider. Check with your attorney

      Reply
    • You can check the status of processing on USCIS website…But, it does not matter, most of them take anywhere from few weeks to few months.

      Reply
  14. Hi Guys,

    I am working for a reputed MNC. 2 weeks back I got a confirmation from office immigration team that my applicaiton was picked in the lottery and they have uploaded the scanned confirmation also.

    But I am not able to check the current status of my application using the receipt number ( WAC19180******) . https://www.uscis.gov/ says invalid receipt number.

    Is there any other place or way to check the status?

    Reply
    • You are checking in the right place…but, it is normal issue with online system, do not worry..Many see similar message, even after their case is approved. If you have the physical copy with you, you are fine.

      Reply
      • Hi Kumar,

        If this error might be seen even after the case is approved, how would I know the result then? They will send an enother letter to my employee via post? Or should I be calling them once a week just to check?

        Reply
        • Sometimes Yes, we have seen that the error continues to be there even after approval, that’s why you should always check with your employer for the physical copy.

          Reply
        • Found the solution for this issue. You will have to create an account or login at blow link and add your case. Then you can track it easily.

          https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/

          Reply
  15. Hi Kumar,

    Last update we got from GICS is on 24th is it final or will get lottery result updates in slots. Is it over or can wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  16. Did any one applied from Semetrix inc ? They have cheated many people in hyderabad, If you are scapegoat , Pls ping .. i want to go for police complain… Trust me ,We can get back the money what we paid. Rs1,50,000/- . we are 3 now.. we want to increase our strength. So Many H-1B aspirants are becoming scapegoat to companies like this ,,,, who r cheating people in professional way. Lets get together & raise voice ,,, Pls Help ….

    Reply
  17. Hi, my h1-b application got selected in lottery. Now the status is “Recieved”.
    Plz tell me how long it will take for approval?

    Reply
  18. Hi ALL,

    I’m really concerned that my chance of getting h1b is very low as almost all of my friends and colleagues have been selected. Today’s 5/23… do you think there’s still hope?

    (Paranoid)

    Reply
  19. Game Over. I have given up hopes for this year and starting to get ready to relocate back to India.

    3rd Timer AD + CA + RP

    Reply
    • Some people got the updates . Please check the wipro yammer group conversation on H1b. i am waiting for the results.

      Reply
  20. Guys, want to share good news with all.
    Just got updated from my employer with the case number WACXXXXXXXXXX.
    I am so happy after losing all hope.

    Thanks to community here and Kumar who have been very helpful.
    Wishing you all good luck!

    Cheers!

    Reply
      • Few ppl say we might get till June end. But this year no one received after may 10. H1 season is closed for CTS this year I guess.

        Reply
        • ya i am also think so, anyway this is the time to look for other opportunities, all the best for you also bro. i will let you know if i know anything

          Reply
        • No, we had users, who posted that they got receipts even earlier this week for general, but I have not seen for CTS.

          Reply
  21. Did any one applied from Semetrix inc ? I heard that 4 folks got picked in lottery. Not sure if it is correct or not.

    Pls update if any information regarding Semetrix Inc.

    It is cheque which will be cashed .. not check .. I saw all folks in this forum are using check ,, instead of “Cheque”.

    Reply
  22. Hi All,

    My H1B petition got picked this Monday AD/Non-PP. I heard from a couple of my friends too this week!

    Btw can my employer opt for premium processing now for my H1B petition?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  23. Hi sir , My lottery got picked .. working in ibm . May 1st week I got receipt. how many days it takes for approval ??

    Reply
  24. Hi Kumar I got picked in Lottery. Mine is h4 to h1 cos regular processing/ California. When can I expect the approval? Last year lots of delay was there. Any chance for delay this year too?

    Reply
    • Well, it is hard to say…can be anywhere from few weeks to few months…Unfortunately, if it is not premium, you need to wait…

      Reply
  25. Hi Admin,
    When they send back the rejection package with rejection receipt. I mean not picked up in lottery. Do they open the package or they return as it is with receipt separately ?

    Reply
  26. My case was approved today. I got an email from the attorney, nothing is reflected on mycase status (USCIS website).
    – AD/PP/VT.
    – Notice date 04-16.

    Reply
  27. AD/PP and I had heard on April 12th that I was selected in the lottery. Does the status “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed” change if we get RFE, or we only hear from the lawyer whether an RFE was issued? Also, does the status change to approved if we do not get RFE within the next 15 days or the status will change only after June 5th.

    Reply
  28. hello,

    I have two petitions filed one with Company A (current employer, AD/PP/VT) and another Company B(future employer AD/RP/CA). Both my petitions have been picked and I received receipt notices.

    1. Company A(Current Employer) It is in Premium processing, I got RFE yesterday. In order to give reply for this RFE do we need to withdraw Company B(future employer, Regular Processing) petition.

    2. or else can we keep both?

    Reply
    • Looks like both are not related based on VT/CA numbers. So, you no need to withdraw at this point (again, i am assuming both are not duplicate petitions as per USCIS guidelines).

      –Refer the following link and see if your case fall any of the scenario listed. https://redbus2us.com/uscis-h1b-duplicate-filing-multiple-petitions-new-rule-2018-whats-not-allowed

      –If both accepted then you may choose to join one of them at later stage (Oct 1). if one of them rejected then obviously you have to join the one which received the approval. If both are rejected then you need to find alternate option.

      Reply
    • You do not need to withdraw. You only need to respond to the RFE with the exact details requested in the letter.

      Reply
    • If both offers and jobs are not related and they were independent there is nothing you need to do…You can keep both and you can choose whom to join after approval…If USCIS believes that they were related, they will deny it as duplicate…

      Reply
  29. I think infosys status updation is complete. Usually infosys submits all the form together and they get the lottery result together. People who have got the lottery congratulations for them. For others better luck next time.

    Reply
      • There is a 10 percent chance. But mostly the first batch is the big lot. Second batch is only a few application. The unpicked application will be updated by june 20.

        Reply
          • wait untill the request is updated as abandoned. Till that time there is hope. GICS send in batches, may be there is still chance

          • Don’t spread fake news and your “heard somewhere” news. Kumar is repeatedly saying the regular processing would come till Mid-June. How can Infy update the status before that and its all over? How can you say my case is gone? How can you say First batch is alott while USCIS itself keeping sending without an order? How can you say nobody got it when somebody I saw recieved it?

            Just hold yourself and hear to what people who have known this thing have been saying.

            Cheers!

    • No, USCIS does not send lottery results together for all the ones that were submitted together…it is just that Infosys immigration team updates their employees at the same time…

      Reply
        • I don’t know in specific about infosys. Based on what people have been sharing on blog, it seems that they update everyone at once..again, I am just guessing based on what users shared so far.

          Reply

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