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H1B Visa Documents Checklist for Lottery, USCIS Petition? What NOT to give?

Applying for an H1B visa to work in the US could be a very lengthy process. Sending all the correct set of documents to your employer is very important. But, there are many employers, especially IT body shop kind of companies, that can ask you for stuff you to lock them with you. Also, if you are an F1 student on OPT applying for H1B, you will also require an additional set of documents from the school.

The documents needed for H1B Registration Process, which includes H1B Lottery, has even fewer document requirements. In this article, we will cover the list of documents needed for filing an H1B Visa petition with USCIS, including H1B registration and high-level cost of filing, and what you should not give to your employer.

If you are new to the process, read  How to Apply for H1B Visa: Process from Lottery to Stamping

H1B Filing – Registration vs. Actual Petition Filing

USCIS changed their H1B petition filing process from FY 2021 season. In the new process, they introduced H1B Registration Process, where employers need to first register the H1B applicants or employees in the H1B Registration Online Tool, whom they intend to sponsor H1B to work in US.

If more than 85,000 H1B registrations are submitted in the online system, then USCIS will run lottery first on the registrations as needed and give H1B Selection Notices. Employer will file actual H1B petition with USCIS after they are selected in registration process.

Let’s look at what is needed for each of the processes.

Documents Checklist for H1B Registration Submission

Employers need very basic information regarding the employee or applicant in order to submit the H1B registration in the online tool. Below is the information required to be filled out online. All you need to submit is Passport details( if the applicant has it)

  • Legal Name of the H1B applicant – First, Middle, and Family Name
  • Gender of the applicant
  • Option to select, if the applicant is eligible for US Masters H1B Quota
  • Date of Birth
  • Country of Birth
  • Country of Citizenship
  • Passport Number (  There is option to check, if there is no passport number too )

So, technically, there is not much personal info or documents that need to be given for H1B registration process. Below are the documents you can submit

  • Copy of your Passport
  • Copy of Degree Certificate or Transcripts ( to identify regular or masters cap)

Now, let’s look at the second step after selection in registration.

H1B Visa Petition Filing Documents Checklist for USCIS

If an applicant is selected in H1B registration process, then the corresponding applicant’s employer can file H1B Petition with USCIS. To submit H1B petition or application with USCIS, the H1B applicant need to submit the below documents to employer for preparing the petition and submitting the same to USCIS:

New H1B Cap subject Petition Filing Documents Checklist

  • Copy of all educational certificates of your Bachelors (also Masters if applicable) degree including mark sheets.
  • Copy of Bachelors or Masters Degree award certificates
  • Copy of Passport- all pages
  • If degree is from US University, Transcript and Degree award certificate.
  • If degree from US University, Copy of I-20
  • If you are currently living in US, copy of I-94 ( electronic or physical copy)
  • Copy of latest Resume.
  • If you have lived in the US and paid taxes, copy of previous W2 tax forms.
  • If you have lived in the US, copy of your driving license or state ID
  • If you have lived in the US and have an SSN, a copy of your Social Security Card.
  • If you have done an education evaluation, a copy of the education evaluations too.
  • Work experience certificates (if any )
  • If you have any evaluation reports from work, copy of them too.

If you are an F1 Student in US working on OPT or STEM OPT, you will need additional documents as listed below.

  • OPT Card Copy
  • STEM OPT Card Copy ( if applicable)
  • Copy of the latest I-20 from your DSO that show OPT authorization.
  • Copy of the I-94 ( electronic stating your student status)
  • Pay stubs related to your work on OPT
  • I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.

H1B Transfer Additional Documents Checklist

If the applicant is applying for H1B Transfer the below additional documents would need to submitted, in addition to the above listed documents under new H1B petition checklist.

  • Your most recent H1B approval, copy of previous H1B approval notices (I-797 form).
  • If you are transferring H1B, copy of recent 3 months pay stubs from your previous employer

What Documents you should NOT give to H1B sponsoring company?

Consultancies, aka IT Body Shop companies, sometimes trick you if you do not know the process. They may ask you for original certificates, actual passport, and all other originals. You should NEVER give original documents of mark sheets, passport, or any other documents to anyone.  You will need to carry the originals only when you go for H1B visa stamping, but not for applying H1B Visa petition with USCIS.

USCIS will never ask for any originals, they may ask for education evaluation documents, but not the originals. There are always some exceptions and if they ask, please ask your H1B filing employer to show you exactly what they got from USCIS and then only submit if needed.   If you give the originals, you are stuck with the employer who filed. DO NOT give any originals.

How much does filing H1B really cost?

The H1B fee varies by the size of the company. As of FY 2024 season, it can range anywhere from $1,710 USD to $7,910 USD + Attorney Fee. There are various fees components that make up this number range. For full details, check H1B Visa Filing Fee Details – Summary 

You should check USCIS website for correct H1B filing fee, as they revise fee every few years or so.

Who pays for the H1B Visa petition filing Cost?

As an employee, you should not pay any fee for an H1B petition filing with USCIS. it is H1B Sponsor’s expense and their responsibility to pay for all the expenses regarding H1B filing…Overall, do NOT be tricked by your H1B filing employer/ IT body shop company.

Understand H1B Visa Holder Rights – US Department of Labor Assistant

If you are a new H1B seeker or an existing H1B employee, it is important for you to understand the rights of an H1B worker. The US Department of Labor has put up a nice assistant for you to give guidance on various aspects like Immigration fees, bench pay,  wages, etc. Read H1B Holder Rights Assistant by the US Dept of Labor.

What has been your experience? What is the checklist?

   

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664 Comments

  1. Hi

    I got my h1b picked this year. I have all other certificates like transcripts and provisional certificate and consolidated one but could not track my original degree certificate. I am trying to re apply for the certificate but with the current situation it might take time. Wanted to know if it’s problem if I could not get it on time. I have submitted other documents to attorney.

    Reply
  2. I got I797C For H1B2021 but it have previous passport number.
    Other documents (I129) it is new passport number.
    Will this cause any issue, also what things I need to justify this error while attending interview.

    Reply
  3. Hi This is akhil,

    I have studied my Btech from 207 to 2011, with few backlogs i have got the certificate from university 2013, And I have 8 Years of Experience in the IT industry .. I am applying for H1b, Which year I have to fill in Year of graduation in the H1b Form.

    Reply
  4. Hi,

    Myself Ranjith, SUPPOSE I have gotten the H1B lottery and I have been offered for a job on a different role all totally than what I am doing now and they are filing the docs based on this new job. Should I proceed if thats the case?? Is it safe??

    Regards,
    Ranjith

    Reply
      • Thanks Kumar for the quick response. My experience is not in that domain, they are just pushing me for that since its selected.

        Reply
          • Hi Kumar,

            I’m Abhilaasya Chennuri, working in US on F-1 OPT. I lost my passport recently. I was wondering whether I need it while applying for H1B lottery in this March. I think it’ll take more than 15 days to get my new passport.
            Also, could you please guide me with the links to apply for new passport here in US once I file a police report?

            Thanks
            Abhilaasya Chennuri

          • Abhilaasya,
            Sorry to hear. The H1B lottery process will start from March, so you have time. Worst case, you can give your old passport and then submit the new one. Indicating the reason. Your new passport also would have the details of old passport. So, you should be fine.

          • Hi Kumar,
            I got selected in h1b lottery this year fy22 and my employer asked to submit documents.
            I have 6 yrs exp in IT(current company 3.5yrs and past 3yrs)
            I have graduation only B.tech in EEE (non IT) will they assume relevant for IT and process my petition.
            Also the previous exp company is a start-up and now it is no more exists but documents available.

            Will the USCIS do BGV on previous 3yrs exp also.?
            Is there chances of my petition to become denied.
            Thanks in advance.

  5. Hello Kumar, Thank you so much for answering all the queries. Greatly appreciate the help. I have a chemical engineering degree with few coursework in computers. I work as a Full Stack developer, but my companies job description has no binding in regards to a degree. In one of the H1 application, For Beneficiary has a master’s or higher degree related to employment what should we put as the response : “Yes/No”. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • H1B Applicant,
      Your application for H1B would be filled by your attorney. So, I suggest you discuss with your employer’s attorney and fill it. The reason is, your attorney can present the case in a way that fits your Job description and profile, so they will be the right ones…

      Reply
  6. Amit

    My Lottery has been picked for H1B , but due to COVID 19 situation the role for which it has been applied at client side is no more . Currently my organization doesn’t have any other opportunity in US . How long my Lottery will be valid and can it be use to apply in future for any opportunity .

    Reply
    • Sekhar,
      They may submit it, if the RFE is given for it. You should submit as much paperwork, and all the required documents with application.

      Reply
      • hi kumar can i submit multiple h1b petitions in this years lottery for year 2022 by two consulting companies? they are genuine staffing firms and diffrent positions but is there any duplication risk for this year

        Reply
  7. Hi all

    Asking for my Friend

    He is currently on Stem Opt and working for company A. In the early March he got a new offer from a company B and they have applied for the H1B visa and he got selected in the lottery. His initial start with the company B was June 1st but due to the Covid-19 his start date is pushed back to Sept 7th.

    Since the latest I-20 has to be submitted for H1B Petition before June 30 , his current employment will be with company A and whereas his new employment with company B will start only from sept 8th. Will this be an issue while processing ?

    Can he be still working for company A till the end of august while the company B files the h1b petition for him before June 30th ?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • PRABAGAR SANKAR,
      Not it will not be an issue. H1B start date is October 1st, future employment, so will not matter.
      Yes, he can.

      Reply
  8. Hi,
    I am with one staffing company and used to work on one client. The company register H1b for me and the attorney informed me that my H1b has been selected. But due to this COVID 19, I am laid off. So my staffing company does not show any interest in filling the H1b petition for me. Now my question is if I get job by myself, can I file an H1b petition from the new company?

    Any kind of suggestion will be appreciated. Thank you

    Reply
  9. This is a very helpful channel. Thank you for answering our queries. My application was selected in the 2021 H1B lottery but the passport number provided by the attorney is incorrect. It is the number of my expired passport dated 2018 expiry. What can I do to rectify this mistake. Is there any repercussions that I should be cautious about. Thank you.

    Reply
    • H1B Passport Error,
      Well, as long as it was your own passport, it should be fine. They need to attach old and new passport. Maybe the attorney need to put in explanation telling the mistake reason…

      Reply
  10. Hi,
    This is Nency

    I understand all the required documents needed from my end to file the H 1 B petition after i get selected in the lottery. I was wondering if the USCIS also needs the tax returns and balance sheets from the employer of 2018 as a required document to file for my H1 this year. As i am of the opinion green card filing does require those documents. Kindly update me with the answer

    Reply
    • NM,
      No, they are not required for H1B filing. You will need to submit your current status related documents like I-94, visa stamping info, etc.

      Reply
  11. Hello Kumar,

    Thanks for the knowledgeable article.
    My company wants to sponsor H1B for me and have currently asked for my documents. I have submitted my Graduation Marksheets and Degree certificate along with Updated resume and Passport copies. My question is:
    1.) Will that be sufficient docs for electronic registration as the deadline date is this week and i want them to submit quickly before 20th Mar 2020.
    2.) Company has asked for my current role description which has been already mentioned in my resume, is that still necessary to send them ?

    Thanks in advance for nice work !

    Reply
      • Hi,

        I got selected in H1B lottery, I do not come under US master degree.
        Do I need to submit MSA OR SOW or Client letter while filing petition or at any later stage till visa stamping?

        Reply
        • Sekhar,
          Usually USCIS needs all contracts to prove that there is job and employer-employee relationship. So, some maybe required during petition stage, talk to your attorney.

          Reply
  12. Hi I have E-1 VISA working for a company and got a offer for H1B.
    I know I have to go all the H1-B process for lottery and petition application even after lottery.

    Questions are

    ・Can I keep working as E1 VISA holder for my current company during applying for H1-B
    ・Can I keep working as E1 VISA holder for my current company if H1-B lottery or petiton get denied.
    ・Can I keep working as E1 VISA holder for my current company until Sep 30th the day before H1-B starts get valid.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  13. I have been proposed a H1B offer by a company that promises placement services and in exchange I will pay them $1,500.00 for the initial processing fees.
    I am a little bit skeptical because I do not have an Official job offer with the specifics of the job I will do if my H1B is selected through the lottery, is it normal?
    Also I am not comfortable sending them sensitive informations such as my SSN, W2, OPT card ect..
    Is is fair that I ask the company to show me their LCA application to prove that they are legal/legit?

    Waiting for a reply,
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • gryde,
      Anyone asking for money is trying to cheat the system and not doing the right thing….These are typical IT body shop companies. Stay away from them.
      Legally, you should never pay for H1B fee.

      Reply
  14. Hello I am trying to register for H1B visa lottery for myself(individual), I got stuck
    1. employer identification number (In this section what do I keep?)
    2. What is the primary U.S. office address of the prospective petitioning company or organization? (I am currently residing in Nepal)

    Reply
  15. hi All,
    I am H1B applicant, who plans to travel to India from March 07 till March 21.
    Am I allowed to travel after the registration process?

    Reply
    • Maryna,
      You can travel, but the thing is, if you have applied as Change of Status (COS), then COS Part will be abandoned. If you are applying as consular processing, then no issues. This is applicable to after you file the H1B petition, which is after April 1st. Discuss with your attorney too.

      Reply
  16. Hello i am going to apply H1 b visa i have all the documents except my bachelors original degree but i have provisonal certificate and all the transcripts and i have masters degree with original degree and all transcripts .will it be a problem?

    Reply
  17. For H1B do we need to provide an educational certificate for 10 to Master degree?
    If my high school and B.SCmarksheets are in Hindi then do I need to translate in English notarized for applying H1B?

    While applying H1B my passport has current passport no but my PP is in renewal state so can I update the passport no after getting new passport no in H1b petition?

    Reply
    • Yes, you need to translate to English and also get them evaluated by an agency. Check with your attorney, they will guide you with the process. Yes, you submit whatever passport you have not, you can use your new passport once you get the new one, it should be fine.

      Reply
  18. My name is Arun
    I awaiting the BSC final year results 1) can I apply the H-1B vissa for working in USA in hotel,
    2)The company CEO mail for me you should bear the $450 u s dollars and I will give you passport and visa for 2 years and the $450 u s dollars give back to you after joining you.but I doubt about this mail can you give me a solution about this.thease conversation in only a mail no direct meeting with us

    Reply
      • Hey Kumar can you help me with this

        i’ve got a new job in one of the reputed company recently. I graduated 2017 but didnt work the whole 2018 year. i got job in feb 2019. so can i apply for h-1 visa this year. Heard that to apply H-1 visa atleast 3 minimum pay slips should run. Is it true?

        Thank you

        Reply
  19. My petition is filled by attorney through my employer, I was curious to understand following:

    1. If petition is filed by attorney who physical signs the form?
    2. I did not understand mode of petition filling. The petition is filled online or it is done offline? Do we get application id or any other reference number to track the application?
    3. I saw on USCIS website regarding sending package of documents, when exactly the package/documents are sent to USCIS?
    4. During month of May, USCIS published that data entry is done for all the selected applications, what exactly happens during data entry ? Dont they take online details from petitioner?

    Could you please help me with these questions for my knowledge.

    Reply
    • 1. Both will have their respective places and they will sign. Usually HR and attorney.
      2. It is offline. Only LCA is online. If you get selected in lottery, then you get a case number to track.
      3. During first week of April.
      4. It means that they entered all selected petitions in the online system and you can expect case receipts for those petitions. Once your employer/ attorney gets petition case receipt , you can check details on USCIS site for the same.

      Reply
      • Thanks for your reply.
        I wonder how USCIS manages such a huge number of offline applications. Not sure how the lottery happens? Do they assign some number before lottery?

        Reply
        • That’s why they take forever to process them 🙂 Yes, they give a sequence number only for lottery, but that is not the case number. After lottery, the selected ones get a case number.

          Reply
  20. Hi,
    I travelled out of US in January, hence got new i20 and additional stamps in passport, however my attorney did not include these in the H1b petition and now he says it does not affect the approvability , is that true? If yes, then why do we usually submit all pages of passport ?

    Reply
  21. ok hello, i hope i will get an answer soon. 
    i am yon am from Ethiopia. recently I’ve received a job Offer from this huge company in the US. i sent my resume and cover letter and they get back to me and asking me many questions online, i answered truthfully and on the next 2,3 days they get back to me again saying i got the job offer with many legal issues, salary fee, working hours and stuff like that and i have to scan and send them my passport, passport Number and other documents for them to apply in the US Embassy. honestly i thought it was a joke but i did and its more realistic now. my point is what do i do now. wait them to get back to me or try to know how it is going? i didn’t even know about USCIS, LCA, DOL or Even what H1B means before 2weeks. so any advice you please? thank you!

    Reply
    • You just wait for them to come back. You can keep in close contact with them and ask for the H1B receipt notice details once they have it so that you can track your case too.

      Reply
  22. Hi, Can i change the passport no (change the place of birth in new passport) after my name will come in lottery and before visa stamping?

    Reply
    • You can change your passport anytime, if some of the details are wrong. As long as you carry both passports, you are fine.

      Reply
  23. Hi, my name is J,

    I had a question about passport copies required. I am currently on F-1 and I am in the process of supplying documents to sponsoring company’s immigration team for a new H-1B petition. I was asked to supply photocopies of all pages of current and expired passports.
    I got the part that says all pages, but I didn’t understand why all expired passports? In my case I had a recent renewal so I am still carrying the last expired passport with US visa on it so I definitely need to photocopy that one but other than that I couldn’t see relation to go back to expired passports.
    I am comparing this to the time I was applying for F-1 visa, I was asked to provide countries visited last 10 years, but was not asked to provide passport photocopies.
    I am trying to understand requirement because there is no mention of this on USCIS page, or instructions of forms associated with the petition (e.g. I-129) for new petitions, so why was I asked to provide that? it would really help if there is an official reference I can read.

    Thanks
    J

    Reply
    • I guess they are asking to avoid RFEs in future. To avoid issues, the attorneys usually submit all the copies of old passports as well. Not all documents would be listed on USCIS website and you may not find official reference.
      You can risk RFE, by not providing it, but what do you lose by submitting old passport copies. My personal experience, I had submitted copies of all my expired passports to visa processing for Australia Embassy and other countries too…

      Reply
  24. Hi Saurabh,

    This year my employer going to apply H1B for me. I have all education certificates and marksheets( 10+ 2 + diploma + BE).Issue is I was failed
    In first attempt of 12 standard but passed in second attempt.I don’t have fail year marks .Please let me know it’s mandatory to submit during applying H1B.

    Reply
  25. Hi ,

    I am going for H1B . I had backlogs in first and fourth sem which i cleared in subsequent sem. Now i have marksheets of the re-attempts when i passed the exam but not of the failed attempts. Do i need marksheets of failed attempt also for H1B. Will it be ok if i only get the transcript from university.

    Reply
  26. I have done Becholers in Banking and Finance and im looking for H1b visa sponsor but i never get any employer till now.
    so please guid me in this regards.
    thanks,
    H.Ali Raza

    Reply
  27. Hi Jatin,

    Actually, I got my Master Degree(Computer Science) in the USA and My college is not eligible for master quota H1B. One of my friends got RFE on this college and said that degree is not valid. So, can I file my H1b on my India Bachelor degree (B.pharm) as a regular quota.
    Please help me.

    Thanks

    Reply
  28. Hi
    I am Rishab can i apply for h1b visa with a bachelors degree in business administration from india (3 years ) and a associate degree in interior designing (2 years )from USA

    Reply
  29. My H1B Petition was approved last year in 2016 with my old Passport number. I have my new passport starting this year. Now when I am going for Stamping ; should I book my appointment based on my new valid passport? (My old passport number is mentioned in my petition).

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Shubh,
      You should use your current passport that is valid. Yes, old passport number will be referenced, so it should be fine.

      Reply
  30. My name is Ogundele Ebenezer, am planning to apply for H1b visa but I don’t have your bachelor’s degree can I qualify without bachelor degree. But i have Higher National Diploma.

    Am I eligible for H1B visa.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Ebenezer,

      You should get your education evaluated by an education equivalency agency in US. Once you know what the US equivalent of your education is, you would know whether you qualify or not. To qualify, you need at least 16 years of US equivalent education. If not, then you need at least 3 years of relevant work experience for each missing year of education.

      Reply
  31. Hi!
    My name is Roy. I rencntly did my bachelor. My cgpa is good but i have 5 f grade on my mark sheet and certificates. I am worry about aplly h1b. Is there any problem in 5fail course. Please answer.
    Thanks

    Reply
  32. I am on a H1b visa and transferring to an another company. When the attorney’s filed a transfer, USCIS have asked for more documents(RFE) related to education and the occupation I am going to do. Here is the question.
    I have an UG in Mechatronics engineering and am doing a masters in Data science(yet to be completed), but when the attorneys submitted the education document they did not provided anything about my masters and even after RFE they are refusing to provide the transcripts saying that they will do evaluation and submit a supporting case. should I push them to submit my masters transcripts or just let them take care of it

    Reply
  33. Hi,

    My H1 is approved last year but stamping is still not done. I recently traveled to India to get stamping done. But while went for stamping they told still pending with some docs from employer. When contacted employer they are not responding properly and saying still in progress. Is new rules causing employer to delay this?

    Reply
  34. Hi,

    I am a recent graduate and i have started working with a company on full time basis. They are sponsoring my H1-B this year. USPS has lost my original EAD while delivering, so i have applied for a new one. But it still has not been received. I am working with the company on basis of my Receipt. Will this cause a problem ?

    Reply
    • Spia,

      I assume you mean applied for duplicate copy and not a new one. I think it should be ok as you are really approved for the EAD. Although you wouldn’t know what the expiration date is as the online status would just show it as approved. What did your employer do for I-9 verification?

      Reply
  35. Hi Saurabh,

    Thanks for the info you provide here!! Question for you.. I have a high GPA for my graduate (masters) degree, but my undergrad degree really suffered from a few F’s in my first two 2 years of undergrad (I did graduate though, and did much better after changing programs!!). Will they actually read through my undergrad transcript?? Should I be afraid that my application will be denied because of my bad grades from more than 10 years ago? (Also, I work for a big tech company, and it’s never come up there thankfully!).

    Any thoughts you have would be much appreciated… thanks!

    Reply
    • Anindita,
      As you are not a fresh college grad, your grades should not matter. You are offered a role because you have the experience, that’s the logical way to look at it…Dont worry too much on this.

      Reply
  36. Hi,

    I lost my original Btech documents , can I attend H1 B visa stamping with Copy’s of my Btech and original masters certificates.

    Reply
  37. I don’t have my UG degree certificate rather I have provision certificate. I have joined the new company with the PG certificates alone. But now, when company applies for H1B, they are asking for UG certificate. Can you please let me know what will happen in this scenario?

    Reply
    • Sonu,
      It is required document for applying for H1B. I guess, you will have to go and get your UG Certificate from the University, where you studied from…

      Reply
  38. Hello Saurabh,

    Is submission of social security absolutely necessary for the H1B application? What does immigration typically do with social security? Do they run applicants’ social to search for identification, criminal or employment history?

    Kyle

    Reply
  39. Hello Everyone,

    This is Gangula, I’m on F1 visa status did my masters in a for-profit university, I have seen issues with public and for-profit university very lately I regret my decision. So right now I’m on my OPT and planning to work in my uncle’s hospital as a data analyst and he is willing to apply for my H1 and all other stuff. As per the rule my masters degree doesn’t belong in master’s cap, can I file my H1 in general quota and I did my bachelors in electrical and electronics engineering and I have 1 yr experience in a company as data analyst and did my masters in IT. Will there be a problem if work for a hospital as data analyst.

    Reply
  40. Sir,
    I have applied fr H1B through consultancy.on they say That ur visa application has been final only stamping remains.now they are demanding me 5000 USD as basic travelling allowance.I want to know that is it mandatory to have traveller cheque of 5000 USD.

    Please its my request to guide me immediately as I have flight at 17 SEP2016

    Reply
    • Tarun,

      That is SHADY. Don’t give them any money. Are you sure your petition has been approved? Have you seen your approval notice?

      They claim that stamping is still left and you have flight on Sep 17. Do you have a visa stamping date prior to that?

      Something doesn’t look correct over here.

      Reply
  41. please solve my problem, my daughter has a different birthday date in 10th marksheet & passport.Passport is original one. Will this create any problems in future coz school is not cooperating in changing the date. I m too too much tensed. She is in 12th now

    Reply
    • Ritu,
      Dont worry too much. You can always go to the local municipality office and get a birth certificate with the correct info in it. That will be a backup for anything. Also, in general, Passport is the base document that anyone will look at for date of birth.

      Reply
    • Ritu,

      From H-1 or H-4 perspective, it doesn’t matter what her 10th certificate says. They would rely on the passport date. Do you have the birth certificate for her? What’s the date mentioned there?

      Reply
  42. Hi Saurabh,

    Please ignore earlier post: A few corrctions..

    I got selected in lottery this year and just realized that I messed up sending the passport copy. I did send the copy of all passport pages. But while checking the docs yesterday I realized I sent the copy scanned in Jan 2015. After that i had travelled to dubai in March 2015. I had completely forgotten about my travel so I did not scan the passport again.

    Now the sent passport does not have this stamp and am very worried.

    Can you please let me know what happens in such scenarios?

    Reply
    • Shrikant,

      No worries. Dubai is not a high alert country for them. So even if omitted, it is not a big deal. When appearing for visa interview, you will have to include all countries visited recently.

      Reply
  43. Hi Saurabh,

    I got selected in lottery this year and just realized that I messed up sending the passport copy. I did send the copy of all passport pages. But while checking the docs yesterday I sent the copy scanned in Jan 2015. After that i had travelled to dubai in March 2016. I had completely forgotten about my travel so I did not scan the passport again.

    Now the sent passport does not have this stamp and am very worried.

    Can you please let me know what happens in such scenarios?

    Reply
  44. Hello Saurabh,

    Is it an absolute must to provide all W2 tax forms for the H1B application? I might not have all my W2 tax forms.

    Thanks,

    Kyle

    Reply
    • Kyle,

      Not mandatory at all. These are good to have documents to show that you have maintained legal status. If USCIS officer has doubts then they may ask for W-2s but it is ok to submit some/none during initial submission.

      Reply
  45. Hi Saurabh,

    I sent only first and last pages of my current passport and forgot to send all pages of my current passport and previous passport.

    Will it be problem during approval process or USCIS will issue RFE?

    I’m happy for my lottery and sad about missing documents to submit

    Please clarify my doubt.

    Reply
    • RP,

      Not a big deal. They may not ask for remaining pages, but even if they do it would be a simple RFE which you can address.

      Reply
  46. HI All, My name is vishal and I am on F1 visa right now, which going to be expire in May 2018. I am in school right now i can finish my study this year or either next year and My question is if i will finish my school by April 2017 and I will file H1 in April 2018 does they consider that my visa is going to be expire in next month after filling my H1. so does they effect on my H1 file or not?
    really need help

    Reply
    • Vishal,

      Visa stamp in passport is just for entry to US and doesn’t impact H-1 processing. What would matter is when you are graduating and when your OPT is expiring. This will control the SEVIS record. What are your OPT plans and does it qualify for STEM?

      Reply
  47. A consultancy firm called – Wireclass has asked me to pay $1100 for Training and then they will interview me with the Client. Only when I clear the interview and get theh offer letter, will Wireclass file my H1b.

    Is Wireclass a trustworthy company to go with?

    Reply
    • Hi Shreyas,

      My name is Sameer and I have plans of joining wireclass. My email ID is pandit.samee yahoo com. I would love to hear your personal experience, reviews and advise on wireclass. Please see if you could send me an email regarding this.

      Reply
  48. Right now I am on J1 internship visa, which will expire in the middle of July 2016. I am still a senior student ( in the 4th year of study ). My major is Software Engineering and I am doing an internship in the same field.

    My company where I do internship would like to apply for H1B visa that I could work for them after my internship.

    I won’t have a diploma on April 1st, but I’ve read on quora “… you’ve completed all your work and exams for Spring semester but don’t have your degree because your college doesn’t hold graduation exercises until later in the year, you may be able to apply before graduation”.

    Am I eligible for H1B and is it enough to have a proof from the university that ‘Estimated date of graduation is June 30, 2016″? I have all credits which I need for graduation, just need to defend bachelor thesis.

    Thakns

    Reply

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