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H1B Visa 2021 – Latest News, Updates, FAQs

Below article has all details, FAQs, latest news updates related to H1B Visa Fiscal Year(FY) 2021 season that started in March 2020 with New H1B Registration Process. This article is continuously updated as news emerge.

If you are planning to apply for H1B Visa in March 2021 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Season, check out article : H1B Visa 2022 Season News, Lottery, Updates

If this is your first time filing H1B petition, read H1B Visa Basics – FAQs like Requirements, Quota, LCA, etc.

USCIS News : H1B FY 2021 Cap Reached, No More wait list

February 16th, 2021 : Finally USCIS issued a press release today stating that they have reached H1B cap for FY 2021 Season and lottery final decisions are updated in registration system. Below is the summary of update.

  • USCIS held H1B registrations filed in March 2020 in wait list and did not given final “Not Selected” decision until Feb 15th, 2021. They gave final decision on Feb 16th, 2021 indicating that the cap is reached. There is no more wait listed registrations.
  • Back in August 2020, they had second round of H1B lottery done in the wait listed petitions. Since August 2020, there were no additional rounds of lottery done to select H1B registrations to mee the FY 2021 cap.
  • If you are still waiting for final decision, check with your employer, they would see “Not Selected” Status.
  • USCIS also updated that continue to accept petitions for cap exempt petitions like H1B Extensions, Transfers, Amendments, concurrent filings.
  • Below is the screenshot of the news and Official News Release link
  • If you are planning for upcoming H1B season, read H1B Visa FY 2022 FAQs
H1B FY 2021 Cap Reached - Feb 2021
H1B FY 2021 Cap Reached – Feb 2021

H1B Second Round Lottery for FY 2021 ?

Update ( Confirmed ) – August 14th, 2020 : Today firstly, attorney Greg update on Twitter that there was second round lottery done by USCIS and additional applicants were picked. Many attorneys confirmed the same. Also, AILA has given official update indicating the process to check the H1B Second Round lottery details. Below is the update and AILA news screenshot only given to their members.

  • The Second Round registration notices that were selected would say “August 2020 Selection of Reserve Registration”
  • They will have filing period listed as “8/17/2020 – 11/16/2020”.
  • User who are selected in second round can file H1B petitions starting from August 17th until November 16th, 2020.
  • You need to include your second lottery selection notice and send it to the same location that is listed on the Selection notice. The start date of the petition has to be October 1st, 2020 as this is still for FY 2021 season.
  • Many of our users also confirmed that they have got selected. So, this news is real and confirmed. If you are still waiting, you should check with your employer and ask them to verify.
  • As of now, there is NO official announcement from USCIS on the second round lottery and how many were selected.
  • Also, this second round H1B lottery is only for someone who already submitted their registration in March. It is not for anyone new. They should already be in queue.
  • The Second round lottery selection includes both US Masters quota and regular quota.
AILA - USCIS Second Lottery H1B 2021
Second Round H1B Lottery News Alert by AILA for FY 2021

Update (Unofficial) – Aug 11, 2020: There was an update on Twitter by attorney Greg Siskind saying USCIS may run second round of lottery for existing H1B registrations that were filed in April. This update by him is probably based on some insider information through his contacts or through AILA.

But, as of today, there is NO official update either on USCIS website in their news alerts or any official communication sent by them to the stakeholders. Below is the tweet for your review. In the past, as per some other attorneys inputs, there are no decline in filings, but again, every law firm seem to have different volumes….So, do not get too excited by this news, take it with pinch of salt.


Many are speculating or asking, if there would be any second round lottery. The reason is, if many applicants did not file in FY 2021 season due to the COVID-19 situation. In reality, some of the applicants lost their jobs and some were not able to file, but for the most part based on information from many attorney, most of the H1B applicants selected in initial registration lottery were able to file the H1B petition.

The reason is, the job losses due to COVID-19 are very less in the Computer Science sector, where most of the H1Bs are filed. Also, usually USCIS would usually select about 12% to 15% more applications in lottery to factor in these kind of non-filings & denials. So, the chances of second lottery are low and as of July 20th, 2020, we do not have any official update from USCIS on the second round lottery.

If there will be a second round lottery, it will be very likely published on USCIS website or at least your employer would be notified electronically. So, always check with your employer. Do NOT go by any rumours. We will update the article as we hear any update.

Trump US Entry Ban Applies to H1B Visa 2021 Holders, Exceptions

President Trump signed an Executive Order on June 22, 2020 that bans entry of H1B Visa holders to US until December 31, 2021. If you are a new H1B Holder planning to enter US from your home country with stamping, it impacts you and you cannot enter US as per the Executive order, unless you qualify for National Interest Exceptions.

On August 12th, 2020, US State Department gave additional guidance indicating the National Interest Exceptions for the H1B holders. You need meet at least two of the five criteria they have listed for Critical Sectors and doing Critical work for them same sectors. You can check all details on the same at H1B Entry Ban Exceptions – Aug 2020

Also, this entry ban does not apply to any other visa holder who file H1B 2021 application as Change of Status (COS) with USCIS. Check complete details at original executive order at : Trump H1B Travel Ban Executive Order until Dec 31, 2020

New H1B Registration System

USCIS launched New H1B Registration System for FY 2021 Season. Below were the dates for the FY 2021 new registration system that was held in March 2020.

  • H1B Employer Account Registration : From Feb 24th, 2020.
  • H1B Registration Period : March 1st, 2020 through March 20th, 2020.
  • H1B Registration Selection Results : Latest by March 31st, 2020.

You can check the complete details at : USCIS Update on H1B Registration Process for FY 2021. The details shared are inline with most of the details shared in December 2019, you can read the previous update at H1B Registration Dates Confirmed by USCIS

H1B Registration System, Lottery Order

USCIS, with the new H1B registration system has introduced two fundamental changes: one is related to the H1B petition filing process and second is to the order of H1B Lottery in the process.

  • H1B Filing Process with Registrations : As per the new filing process, first USCIS would have a H1B registration period for employers to submit registrations using an online system with very minimum information related to their H1B application related to a candidate and their company. There is a $10 fee per H1B registration submitted by the employer.
  • H1B Registrations Lottery Order : After the registrations are closed, USCIS will run lottery on these registrations in a new order, different from previous years’ H1B lottery.  They will first select applicants to fill the regular quota cap and then the unselected master’s petitions are selected again to fill the master’s quota cap.  The change is intended to help the Masters quota petitions have higher chances. After the lottery is done, employers with selected applicants in lottery should submit the full H1B petition with USCIS.

New H1B Process Flow from FY 20201 : Below is the high-level process with H1B registration System.

H1B Visa Registration Process Flow Final Rule

For complete details like what details to submit for lottery, how they will select, etc. read H1B Registration Process, Lottery, Info

H1B Registration System Online Tool

USCIS released the final version of the H1B registration online system with final flow of screens and what all information is required for applicants on Feb 6th, 2020. It is pretty much same as the preliminary version that was released in late 2019 for user testing. For details on the tool, complete flow, screenshots read H1B Registration Online Tool – Flow, Screens .

Now that we know the registration system, let’s look at the dates.

H1B 2021 Season Start, End Dates

The dates for FY 2021 season were slightly different from previous years as we had new H1B Registration system for FY 2021 season. We had two dates : One for the registration period and second for the actual filing of the complete H1B package. Let’s look at those dates.

H1B Registration Period Dates

USCIS had H1B registration Period open from March 1st through March 20th, 2020. It was technically open for 3 weeks and was closed on March 20th. USCIS announced that they have closed the initial registration period on March 20th in their press release

H1B Registration Results, Sample Notice

USCIS announced initial set of H1B Registration results on March 28th and they indicated that initial set of results would be notified to all employers by March 31st. Employers or attorneys would need to login to the H1B registration Online system to view the results. If the applicant is picked in lottery or initial registration selection process, their status would be changed to “Selected”. They will be able to download a selection notice and that has to be used to submit the actual H1B petition. Check out Sample H1B Registration Selection Notice.

H1B Petition Filing Dates fir FY 2021 Season

All the applicants selected in the H1B Registration Lottery Process in March, were given an option to file for FY 2021 season starting from April 1st until June 30th. All the applicants got exactly 90 days. The filing option for FY 2021 season is over. Technically, if you have missed to file during the time specified in the H1B Registration Selection Notice, then you cannot file the petition anymore.

In short, H1B visa FY 2021 petition filing dates are from April 1st, 2020 to June 30, 2020.

No H1B filing Deadlines changed with COVID-19

There were no changes to the filing deadlines for H1B petitions with COVID-19. June 30th, 2020 was the last date to file. If you have missed the deadline, you cannot file H1B Petition. You lost your chance for FY 2021 and need to apply for FY 2022 Season that starts next year.

H1B 2021 Quota Cap – Regular vs Masters

If you are new and hear the word H1B cap, don’t be confused. It is just the maximum number of available H1B slots for a category. There are two categories Regular and Masters. You can read more at What is H1B Cap ? Regular vs Masters quota ? There were no changes for H1B regular or masters cap for FY 2021 and they stayed the same like previous years.  Below are the quota numbers :

  • H1B Regular Quota : 65,000 visas
  • H1B Master’s Quota : 20,000 visas. ( only US Masters eligible)

One small caveat, 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 was 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 Visa 2021 Lottery Predictions  

Update : As predicted below, there was H1B Lottery for FY 2021 season and about 275,000 H1B Registrations were filed.

Looking at the extreme demand in the last few years, we can very likely assume that there will be H1B lottery. If you are new to this process, read What is H1B Lottery ? Process ? We had lottery for the past 7 consecutive years. Check History of H1B Visa Cap Reach Dates, Lottery.  Now, the question is how many petitions will be filed. Last year, with so much of upfront investment from employers, there were about 200K petitions filed. Now, with the low bar of just $10 per registration, there is not much burden for employers. They may be willing to file more registrations.  It could be USCIS trap as well to weed out the duplicate petitions….We have written a detail article on the same, read H1B Visa 2021 Lottery Predictions to get idea on the predictions and numbers.

 H1B Visa 2021 Lottery Results Dates

In previous years,  USCIS would take a very long time to return the H1B packages that were not selected in H1B Lottery. For FY 2020, it was August 29, 2019, when they were returned. So, some were waiting from April 1st through August 29th, 2019 for about 150 days to know their final lottery results with hope.

  • Initial H1B Lottery Results : This year for FY 2021 season, with H1B registration system, the whole process was electronic and they announced results much earlier. USCIS announced H1B Registration Lottery Results for FY 2021 on March 28th and they informed that the results for the initial round of registration selections will be informed no later than March 31st. The remaining registrations that were not picked in first run of lottery will be in waitlist or pool for future lottery, if needed.
  • Waitlisted H1B Registrations : USCIS said that they will waitlist the applications that were not selected in first round as “Submitted” until the end of fiscal year. They said that they will make the H1B registrations results for everyone, who were not selected in registrations lottery as ‘Not Selected’, only at the end of the fiscal year. Now, the end of fiscal year is usually September 30th for USCIS, but it is not clear, in what context USCIS is referring to for end of fiscal year…if they mean, end of H1B fiscal year 2021 quota or end of USCIS fiscal year. Worst case, you may need to wait until September 30th to be very sure that you were not selected in H1B registration lottery.

What is H1B Visa 2021 Filing Fee ?

H1B visa petition filing involves two things, one is the fee your employer pays to USCIS, second is the fee that they may need to pay an Immigration attorney, if they do not have in-house immigration team. The overall fee can vary anywhere from $1,720 USD to  $7,910 USD + the Immigration Attorney Fee.

Below is a table of the summary of the H1B visa fee. For complete details on H1B fees, Read Summary of H1B Filing Fee – Who pays for What ? 

H1B Fee – Paid Towards Amount in USD
H1B Registration Fee $10
 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) $1,440 ( from Dec 2, 2019)
Immigration Attorney Fee Varies from $500 to $3000
H1B 2021 Fee Details

Though USCIS has published Fee Increase Rule in Federal Register, it was not implemented for FY 2021. Also, it is not effective yet and still in rule making stages.

How to find H1B visa 2021 Sponsors? 

If the current company that you work at does not sponsor H1B, it can be difficult to find a good sponsor. Due to the cost involved and process overhead, many small companies stay away from filing H1B petitions.  With unknown factors like H1B Visa lottery, it gets even more challenging to convince an employer. In any case, depending on your situation, you would be in one of the three scenarios to find a sponsor. 

  • F1 Student in US, OPT holders: The best option for F1 students in school is to 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. If you are on OPT, make sure you work at an employer, who can sponsor H1B. If not, switch your employer to a H1B sponsor.  Find the list of H1B Sponsoring companies using the tool or  H1B Grader – Sponsors Database
  • International Professionals  : If you are outside of US, your best bet is to find an multi-national company ( MNC) and work through them to sponsor H1B visa. Many try the IT body shop route, but it is subject to lot of fraud and you need to be careful. Many rules related to H1B are enforced more with Trump Administration now and you need to be careful. 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 !

Read step by step guide for finding sponsors : Guide on How to Find H1B Visa Sponsors 2021

H1B 2021 Registration, Case Tracker

Did you submit or plan to submit H1B Registration for FY 2021 ?  In general, the registration process is new and also during H1B application processing, the wait can be long and frustrating to see your status not move….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 ! Add your case on H1B 2021 Tracker

Processing Times – Regular vs Premium

In general, you can file your H1B petition in regular or premium processing. If filed in premium, you will get your decision in 15 days and it costs you additional $1440 USD. To understand differences, read H1B Regular vs Premium Processing Timelines.

In short, if you file in Regular processing, there is no estimated SLA set for it. It can take anywhere from few weeks to few months. But, if you file in Premium processing, you get the result in 15 days.

As in previous years, for FY 2021 USCIS has suspended premium processing from April 1st for all petitions until early June. But, with the COVID-19 situation, USCIS cancelled premium processing indefinitely. Finally, they opened up premium processing starting from June 22nd, 2020. Now, premium processing is available for H1B 2021 season applications. Check more at : USCIS Premium Processing Opens in June 2020

Latest News Updates for FY 2021 Season

Below is the list of latest news by date related to FY 2021 season. We will update here as we have new updates.

  • Feb 16th 2021 ( Official ) : USCIS updated that they have reached the cap for FY 2021 season and no more wait list or lottery would be done. Read USCIS news
  • August 14th, 2020 ( Confirmed) : Today, USCIS ran second round lottery for H1B visa 2021 season. It was run on the existing H1B registrations that were filed for FY 2021 back in March. Many attorneys confirmed the news and also AILA issued practice alert. Many of our users confirmed too. Check above section on H1B second lottery for more info and alert details.
  • August 11, 2020 ( Unofficial) : There was a tweet by Attorney Greg Siskind saying that there will be second round of lottery. As of now, there is NO Official news by USCIS or any communication to stake holders. We need to wait and see.
  • August 9, 2020 ( Unofficial ) : There are delays in getting H1B receipt notices. Some are taking over 30 days to get receipt notice. So nothing to panic, if you have not received the H1B receipt notice.
  • June 22nd, 2020 : Trump signed an Executive Order that bans entry of H1B holders into US. If you are someone planning to get US visa and enter US, you cannot enter. Check more at Trump H1B US Entry Ban Details
  • April 13th, 2020 : USCIS issued alert for stakeholders regarding delays with processing of data entry, receipt notices today. Check H1B 2021 Delays with Receipt Generation, Data Entry – May 1st
  • March 28th, 2020 : USCIS updated that the H1B Lottery for Registrations is completed and employers would see results in the online portal by March 31st, 2020. Read full details at H1B Registration Lottery Completed
  • March 16th, 2020 : USCIS confirmed that premium processing is not available from April 1st for FY 2021. For full details read H1B Premium Processing FY 2021 Updates
  • Feb 21st, 2020 : USCIS again confirmed the filing dates for registration and the submission dates for registration in a press release. It is same as before and nothing has changed. The above article covers the same dates and info. You can read USCIS press release
  • Feb 7th, 2020 : USCIS Stakeholder call with updates on upcoming Registration process. Read Latest Update on H1B Registration Process, Info
  • Jan 10th, 2020 : USCIS publishes federal register notice confirming the registration process for FY 2021 H1B season. Read H1B Registration 2021 – USCIS Notice, Period, Fee
  • Dec 6th, 2019 : USCIS Confirms the launch of H1B Registration System for FY 2021 Season. Check H1B Registration System Dates, Info
  • Nov 7th, 2019: USCIS finalizes to charge $10 Fee for H1B Registrations. Anticipated to be effective for FY 2021 season. Check USCIS press release

Common FAQs

Can I still file H1B petition after June 30th, 2020 ?

No, if you were selected in H1B Lottery in March 2020, your deadline was June 30th, 2021. You cannot file past that date.

My company did not file with COVID-19, Can I transfer Registration ?

No, you cannot transfer the registration. To be counted towards cap, you should have filed H1B petition by June 30th, 2020. If you missed to file, you need to go through lottery again next year.

When will the second round H1B Lottery be done ?

No official update, if there would be second round lottery from USICS as of July 20th, 2020. We do not even know, if there will be second round as USICS always selects 12 to 15% more entries during lottery to factor in non-filings, denials.

I have a job offer now, can I apply for H1B still for FY 2021 ?

No, you cannot. Your next option is to apply for H1B FY 2022 season that starts in March 2021.

We will continue to update this article as we have more updates. You can bookmark this page.

   

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1,102 Comments

  1. Hi,

    I have booked VISA slot for me without adding any dependents.. Can I add my kid as dependent now and go for interview along with my kid. Could you please suggest on this.

    Reply
  2. Hi.
    Is there a better chance of approval for dropbox as compared to in person interview because dropbox means the person already approved visa once before?

    Reply
  3. Hi All,

    Will I be considered as cap exempt if my previous employer revoked the petition? I was in USA for little more than a year. And came back to India after extension denial. Now current employer ready to sponsor H1b as cap exempt.

    Reply
  4. Hi Kumar,

    Could you please help me with the below query?

    I was in USA from May 2017 to July 2018 for Employer A with H1B and returned to India in July 2018 due to H1B extension denial. Can Employer B file a new cap exempt petition for my unused period? Also, I noticed that old petitions were revoked by Employer A. In this case am I still eligible for cap exempt?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  5. Hi Kumar,

    I am in USA in H1B status. I got H1B status in 2020 through change of status. I didn’t go back to India for the stamping till now. Now I got an another company offer letter. Can I switch the company without stamping H1B?

    Reply
  6. Hi Kumar ,

    The questions is regarding the H1 transfer. Is it possible to do a H1 transfer before entering the USA for the first time. H1b got stamped with the company A and now another company (say company B) is willing to transfer the H1 to them. Is it possible to transfer without entering into the USA. IF yes is there any risk associated for it ? Kindly clarify

    Reply
    • h1b,
      In general, this is slightly grey area. In most of the cases, if you had stamping done, then you can transfer your H1B. There is no risk associated, the worst that can happen is USCIS can say you cannot transfer. It does not impact you in any way. DO update how it goes.

      Reply
      • Hi Kumar,

        Please share your inputs:

        H1b Stamped : April 2018amp
        Visa Stamped Location : Chennai , India
        Visa Expired : Sep 2019
        Travelled to USA: No (not even once)

        Looking for visa extension option from India.

        Am I eligible for cap-exempt ? If yes, till how long I can opt for cap-exempt or visa extension options from India ?

        Thanks,
        PV

        Reply
  7. Hi Friends, I need help with a query, My B1 visa interview is denied for two times in the last years (2019/2020), I wanted to apply H1B visa for this year through a consultancy.

    Is the B1 rejection will affect the H1 visa process and post-process ??
    Does anyone have a similar experience?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • You have to be honest with your answers in form DS-160, rest depends on the the visa officer. If you are denied visa previously, then mention it on DS-160.

      Reply
  8. Hi kumar,

    I m PR of canada. I went for interview for USA visa nd they said visa is approved but there is no stamp in my passport.

    Reply
  9. Hi Kumar,

    I got my h1b approved but during my contract renewal, my employer and end client remained the same but the mid vendor got changed.

    Do I need to let USCIS know about this change before going for visa stamping? If yes, how do I do that?

    Please advise.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  10. Hi Kumar ,

    Have already submmited my DS160 and scheduled the interview. Do the job duties of the previous employer and the employer whom i am going to work needs to be matched? Mine is not exactly matching but something matches. Is it safe to edit and submit a new ds-160 or leave as it is ?

    Reply
  11. Hi Kumar,

    i moved to H1-B from L1-B as COS, and planning for India visit this Dec, do i need to go for visa interview ? or any other option available because of non-availability of interview appointments,

    Thanks

    Reply
  12. Hi Kumar,

    My H1B status is still showing as Case was Received and its already 21-Oct-2021.
    Not sure how long it might take.. But as per the processing time, it should be heard in Oct..

    Should I raise a online request to know the status in USCIS portal if I don’t hear in Oct? Or is it that only attorney should raise that request?

    Appreciate your inputs..

    Thanks
    Vasu

    Reply
  13. Hello – My H1B petition was sent to California Service Center in the month June . There was no receipt for 75 days, After 75 days My petition was returned due to my Lawyer was missed cheque during filling my application was rejected is there any possibility of filling resending again or is there any possibility of Query Please help.

    Reply
  14. Hi,
    I’m working in Canada(work permit) and my H1B got approved last year. I have booked my first H1b stamping in Toronto(Dec 2021). Can I go for my first stamping in Toronto or I should go to India. I don’t know the process in Toronto. anyone done it before?

    Reply
  15. Hi,
    Is anyone able to schedule US Visa Stamping appointment from anywhere in India? Any of the consulate in the Major cities are open and accepting appointments? I have paid the fees but when I get to the last screen to check on the available slots it says “There are currently no appointments available”. Please share some information if you have any regarding this.

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  16. Hi Kumar,

    MyH1B i94 is expiring on Sep 10, 2021. My extension with current employer is pending. I also got a new job. But my i140, 180 days with current employer completes on Sept 10, 2021 (exact). If I don’t get the extension approved within 10th Sep, what are the risk in joining new job after i94 expired?

    Reply
  17. Hello Kumar,
    I am on OPT. My application registered by company A was not picked in the lottery. Now I got a new offer from company B which I can’t turn down and I have to join immediately. Now, lets say my application which was registered by company A got picked up in the second lottery, will I able to transfer my registration to company B?
    My company B is also willing to sponsor my H1B, but didn’t registered me as beneficiary in April 2021. Kindly suggest. Thanks!

    Reply
  18. Hi Guys,

    My situation is I got stamping of h1b in April 2018, India but unfortunately I could not travel because of lack of projects with my employer.

    Over the last 3 years, I was able to clear initial rounds of interview with the help of Dice and Indeed.com portals but I was unlucky I didn’t clear the HR / Immigration round with many companies. Or in other words, those companies were not able to help me on visa transfer or cap-exempt filing option .

    1. What are my options ? Can someone please guide ?
    2. Where I can find the list of companies / consultancies’ who can help with cap-exempt filing options?
    3. Employee who filed my visa is not helping me or returning my calls 🙁

    Note: My i7979 got expired on 14-Sep-2019.

    Thanks,
    PV

    Reply
  19. Hi Kumar,
    Can we get NIE approved by sending any documentation through an email to the consulate and get it approved before going for an visa interview in july 2021 .
    FYI- My biometric has already been completed on 17 june 2021 in HYD.
    Can i attend for an physical visa interview with out having any proof of document for proving that i am eligible for NIE ?

    I have visa interview on 26th/2021 – Mumbai
    Your thoughts please ? Thank you in advance .

    Thanks,
    Chinna,
    H1b/2020-21 Query

    Reply
  20. Hello Kumar,
    Is almost every one are getting 221g for normal visa interviews ?? Yesterday I have went for h1b interview normal processing and received 221g . Just would like to understand does the ratio of getting 221g increased ?

    Reply
      • Hello Kumar,

        I am selected in H1b lottery 2022, the petition has already filed and approved by USCIS. US employer falls under waste water control/Dam building category (NIE). Can i schedule VISA stamping interview for in Mumbai? Or i should wait for travel ban lifting?

        Reply
  21. H1B Visa Stamping Experience in Delhi – 1st June 2020
    Background: I’m a first-timer with H1B and this site helped me a lot to prepare myself Thankfully it all turned positive.
    Biometrics and Photo at Visa Application Center(VAC) Experience
    Date: Apr 26, 2021
    Simple and straightforward process for biometrics at VAC. Takes only about 15-20 mins.
    Documents required for Biometrics Before Stamping at VAC :
    • Passport(s)
    • DS-160 Confirmation
    • Appointment Confirmation.
    • Nothing else is required. If you wish, it is good to have all other documents in hand.

    H1B Visa Interview Experience at US Consulate (Delhi)
    Date:1st June 2021

    H1B Visa Interview Questions 2021
    VO: Can I get your passport?
    Me: Good morning, sir. Here you go!
    VO: Good morning. Is it your first H-1B?
    Me: Yes.
    VO: Who’s your employer and what do they do?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: Where is it located in the US?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: How many employees are there?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: Do you have an end client or in-house?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: Highest education qualification?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: What is your role?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: Explain to me your project details?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: Where is your work location?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: what’s your team size?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: When are you planning to travel?
    Me: Answered appropriately.

    H4 Visa Interview Questions 2021
    VO: When is your anniversary?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: What’s your husband’s date of birth?
    Me: Answered appropriately.
    VO: Can I see your marriage certificate?
    Me: Given the certificate.
    VO: Can I see your DOB certificate of your kid?
    Me: Given the certificate.

    VO explaining me about rights by showing me the pamphlet and finally said I am approving your visa and have a nice day.

    Reply
      • Thanks, Kumar.
        I have received passports today, and there is one line printed on the visa i.e NIE under all p.p.s on novel coronavirus. What does it mean?

        Also, there are two stars printed underneath my photo what is the meaning of two stars? please help

        Reply
    • You applied for first time and along with you how you taken H4 dependent with you. I guess with H1b approval, we cant file for H4 (dependent)

      Reply
      • Pls read this,
        You applied for first time and along with you how you taken H4 dependent with you. I guess without H1b approval, we cant file for H4 (dependent)

        Reply
  22. Hi Kumar,

    My case was approved on 13th May 2021. I got scan copy of the I-129, LCA, I-797C and I-797B from my employer. My question was, do i need original copies of these documents for Visa interviewing at consulate office?

    Thnaks
    Mamun

    Reply
  23. Hi Kumar,
    I got RFE in Sept 2020 and my RFE is submitted on Dec 28th, 2020. My petition is in pending status since then, It’s been almost 4 months. How much time do you think the USISCS will take to make a decision. What kind of option do I have to expedite the process.
    All my other friends who applied through my employer received Approvals. I am the only one still in diliema.

    Reply
    • chikki,
      There is no estimated time for processing, if you filed in regular. It can take few months. The best thing to do is file in premium processing. Ask your employer to upgrade the processing to premium, you will get result in 15 days.

      Reply
  24. Hi Kumar,
    I have attended h1 regular interview today at Hyderabad location and VO given 221g white slip and told since this is new company additional administrative processing needed . What will be the outcome in these type of such cases? Does this can take several months ?

    Thank you
    Maddy

    Reply
    • They will check if you are exempted from proclamation. You need to clear 2 out of 5 requirements. https://www.natlawreview.com/article/unpacking-national-interest-exception-requirements-to-recent-presidential
      Salary should be high.
      job role.
      type of client

      Reply
  25. Hi Kumar,
    I wanna ask a question, my I797 approval notice shows Lahore Pakistan as my consulate but i am stuck in Saudi Arabia so can i just simply apply from here for stamping or do i need to submit a I-824 form as its mentioned on the approval notice but i have heard from some people that i can go directly to another consulate.
    I would really appreciate your expert opinion on this one

    Reply
  26. Hello ,
    I have a query. My H1B petition is approved and I need to go for H1B stamping. But I came to know that there is no open position at my client now. So being remain with same employer can I go for amendment to work for new client . Basically , I want to know if it is possible to go for H1B amendment before Visa stamping. Point to note here my employer will remain same , only client will change.

    Reply
  27. Hi Kumar,

    I was on CPT for 1 year after OTP. I’m going to India in April and have to go to Consulate for H1B stamping . If VO asks about my education details, do I have to mention about my second master’s details?? How should we justify the reason for doing Second Masters??

    Reply
    • Nothing will happen, they won’t ask that question. I have done 2 masters and almost 4 years of CPT. got my visa approved and stamped on may5th 2021.

      All the hype on this forum about CPT is widely misunderstood. Once you step outside US for a visa stamping, they don’t question how you maintained your status, that is only significant in COS in US.

      Reply
      • Daddy Chill,
        You have been one of the lucky ones, there are many users, who had issues. Doing Day 1 CPTs is a huge risk and not worth it.
        You are saying it because, you did not have any issues. If it was very much a real valid option, everything from Harvard to UCLA would give such options…that tells the grey area of the Day 1 CPT.

        Reply
  28. Hi,

    I moved into new Employer on Dec 2020 and received email from uscis for my previous employers Approved receipt notice(it was approved on Nov 2020) . Kindly let me know anybody having any idea for this?

    Correspondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It
    On March 23, 2021, we received your correspondence for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EAC2021****We are reviewing your correspondence, and will send you a notice if we need something from you. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

    Reply
    • GR,
      Do not worry about it. inform the same to your employer. Some of these statuses can be sporadic…They will send physical notice, if anything changes.

      Reply
  29. Hi Kumar,
    I have received Receipt Notice I-797C, Notice of Action and UCIS Status was showing –
    Case Was Received
    On June 30Case Was Received
    On June 30, 2020, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number, 2020, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number EACXXXXX

    Since then no updates, Please advice; approach for the next steps as i did not get any updates from Employer.

    Thank you.
    Krishna

    Reply
  30. Does any one have any idea of h1b 2022 lottery registration beneficiary confirmation number format ?

    Last year it was 19 digit, but this year my employer shared 16 digit with 2022 as start of the number .

    Reply
  31. Dear Kumar,

    Presently I am on H1 B Cap and working for a profit organization. Now i got an offer from a non profit organization and planning to join by applying a H1B transfer to a non profit organization. My doubt is in future can i come back to a profit organization with same
    H1 b or not ? Pl give your advice.

    Reply
  32. Hi Kumar,

    My son is on dependant visa of my husband’s L1 visa. I have H1B visa and recently got i140 approved. We want to transfer my son’s visa under mine. Do I have to apply for H4 visa or just applying for Adjustment of Status for him would be sufficient ?
    Please let me know

    Thanks!

    Reply
  33. Hi Kumar,

    My employer asked me to the cost of Green card filing cost for my family. Do you have any cost information to file EB2 green card?

    Reply
  34. Hi Kumar,

    My H1B visa is getting expired in August 2021. I will be applying for extension. Once approved is it necessary that I have to go to India for stamping ?

    Reply
  35. Hi Kumar/Ram,
    I had my EAD when my husband was with L1B VISA and that got expired 5 years back. I travelled back to India and again back to USA and my spouse is on H1B VISA.
    Now I am applying H4-EAD,
    1) Is my category a fresh EAD or renewal of EAD?
    2) Am I qualify for EAD renewal fees waiver?
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
  36. I have my 2021 H1B RFE response pending with USCIS for past 40 days. And i see H1B cap reached’ notification is also out. Will there be any rejection because of H1B cap reached for 2021 or still i have a chance?

    Reply
    • Same to me:
      RFE Issued: 8th Dec 2020
      RFE Responded: 8th Jan 2021
      RFE Received: 14th Jan 2021
      Still case in RFE receive state. I dont know if there have any chance for approval.

      Reply
    • My H1B (2018) got RFE and was approved in July 2019. Unfortunately it took more than a year. So have patience. It will get approved. It has nothing to do with new set of H1B application been filed. Some application are approved faster than others. Don’t get bogged down by that.

      Reply
  37. I am indian. I am currently in hongkong for last three years. My H1b petition is approved in June 2020. Can i apply for stamping in hong kong US embassy. Due to corona i could not travel to india as there is no air bubble between india and hong kong. I heard the stamping should be done from home country. But some embassy allows “third country”

    Reply
  38. Hi Kumar,

    I have my H1b approved and received the approval notice. I’m from Hyderabad, can I fill in DS 160, pay my visa fee and keep it ready to book the slot. Is it advisable or no kindly let me know your thoughts pls…..Many Thanks!

    Reply
    • I am from same boat. I had booked my interview on April 5th for Hyderabad location only. Slots actually will book soon as soon as available in the site so make sure check multiple times also aware that ur account may locked if multiple visit

      Reply
    • You will get MRV Fee recepiit number once you make the fees. This receipt number has validity of 1 year. once the fees is paid, slot selection page will be enabled. You can select the slot. But checking repeatedly will trigger a warning message, saying you are nearing the number of limits

      Reply
  39. Hi Kumar,

    I have a question related to travel. I came to the USA with my family on an L1B visa and last October I started working on an H1B visa through the change of status and not stamping yet because of the proclamation order. Now, my family planning to go to India for emergency purposes.

    Is there any condition to choose only any particular flight route because the H1B visa not stamped yet?. Any advice, please. I am planning to Qatar Airways and the Dubai Emirates.

    Reply
  40. Hello,
    I have visa approved till Feb 2023 but I haven’t done stamping yet.
    My dependents H4 is still in process from last 11 months.
    Now I have to change projects and my employer will be filing Amendment next month.
    My question is can be dependents travel to know or not?
    It may happen that their current H4 Extension may become invalid but can they apply for stamping in India using my approved 1-797 valid till Feb 2023 or they have to wait till my amendment is approved?

    Reply
  41. Hi Kumar,

    Could you please suggest/guide on below scenario.

    My fresh H1b regular case( filed from India) was selected in the 1st lottery April 2020 and then it went to RFE. The RFE documents(BRM Letter, Project MSA documents) have been submitted on time in Dec 2020. Current status on USCICS is ‘Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received’.

    Meanwhile I received another good offer from employer B. I have accepted their offer and resigned from current employer A. Right now serving notice period with last working day with employer A in the end of March 2021.

    I have only H1B Petition Receipt Number(I-129) with me. My current employer A will neither upgrade to premium processing nor share any hard/soft copy of H1B Petition I-797, I-129 etc. whenever it gets approved. They may withdraw/revoke it after my LWD.

    Could you please suggest -> Which would be good option to do?
    1-Employer B can initiate the H1B transfer with only Receipt No. now?
    Or
    2-Once I Joined company B and initiate the H1B transfer for withdraw/revoked H1B Petition with only Receipt No. in hand ?

    I assuming here, current RFE would result in Case Approved in coming days.

    Reply
    • Hi Kumar,

      Also, Could you please suggest possible best option if any other?
      Just in case if I need to act pro-actively before join to employer B.
      Employer B may be willing for H1b Transfer if there would be any possibility in my case.

      Reply
  42. Hi Guys,

    I have worked on H1B from Oct 2020 through Change of Status. Is there any chance to file a green card without stamping?. Is there any minimum duration to work on a particular employer?.

    Reply
  43. My fresh H1b regular case( filed from india ) was selected in the 1st lottery and then it went to RFE. The RFE documents have been submitted on time and the acknowledgement was received on 1st October 2020. After that, there is no update yet. My organization is not ready to apply for a new one for this year as the old one is still in progress(awaiting a response from USCIS). May I know what options are available for me? I find my situation unique as almost every other person has got a yes or no by this time but I am still hopeful as ‘H1B cap reached’ notification is not announced yet on the USCIS website yet.

    Reply
  44. Hi Saurabh,

    I am from Hyderabad and the consulate is not open for regular stamping. Should I opt Delhi consulate for the same? is there any problem?

    Reply
  45. Hi, my case was approved in aug2020. After that I have not heard any thing from my employer for the next steps. What will be the next step..? When will the embassy s will open in India.

    Reply
    • Sreekanth,
      Ask your employer, if it was approved. Ask for copy of approval notice or receipt, so that you can check status. You can go for stamping after USCIS has approved.

      Reply
  46. Hi Kumar – I have a quick question. I can be approved for an emergency appointment because of the essential nature of work. My lawyer said that i can only go to India and not mexico for stamping. He said my F1 student visa expired in 2017, if i had a valid us visa of any kind, i can travel to mexico. My question is why is valid US visa required for mexico ? Can’t i just get a Mexican visitors visa ?

    Reply
  47. HI Kumar,

    My employer recently filed amendment as per new wage rule i. December and got approved.Now employer is forcing to file another amendment to lower down the wages.Will it impact my H1b or future GC processing? what if my amendment is rejected still my previous petition is valid?

    Reply

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