Wow, it has been a crazy day with some surprise news from attorneys saying that they received H1B Receipt Notices for their premium processing cases. It clearly indicated that lottery was done and we were just waiting for the official press note from USCIS. Anyways, as you know, the H1B cap for FY 2017 reached on April 7th and finally, we have an official press note from USCIS. Below is the quick summary of the details.
Summary of the USCIS Official Press Alert on H1B FY 2017 Lottery, Cap Completion
- Total H1B Petitions in Lottery: USCIS received a staggering number of over 236,000 petitions for H1B FY 2017 Quota during the standard 5 day filing period between April 1st and April 7th, 2016.
- To put it in context, it is the highest number of petitions that USICS has ever received for H1B Quota cap since its inception. Last year for FY 2016 quota, we had 233,000 H1B petitions As we look at history, the previous highest was in 2001, when the H1B quota as 195,000 and total petitions received were about 201,543. You may read H1B Quota Cap reach Dates History
- Masters Quota : USCIS received more than the cap of 20,000 set aside for US Masters degree quota. We do not have any split on how many were filed under masters quota and regular quota, all we have been updated by USCIS is that the overall number is over 236,000 petitions for FY 2017 quota.
- Lottery Process for H1B 2017 : USCIS indicated on April 9th, that they conducted computer generated random selection, popularly called as H1B lottery for the total over 236,0000 petitions received to pick the required petitions for regular cap of 65,000 and masters cap of 20,000 petitions.
- Masters Quota Lottery : First a lottery was conducted for the US Masters degree H1B petitions to select the 20,000 petitions. The petitions that were not selected in this first round were added back to the regular quota pool of applications and lottery was conducted on the entire pool of applications to pick the required 65,000 petitions required for regular quota. This is no different from previous years and you may read H1B Lottery Process
- Petitions Not Selected in Lottery: USCIS indicated that they will reject and return all the petitions that were not selected in the FY 2017 lottery with the filing fee, unless they identify that the petition is duplicate filing by same employer for same or related job roles to trick the system of lottery selection for better odds.
- H1B 2017 Premium Processing Details : USCIS indicated earlier that premium processing will begin no later than May 16th, 2016. It means that, if your petition is filed under premium the clock of 15 calendar days starts from May 16th. As we have already seen many attorneys getting receipts, they may process the petitions earlier as well, but the 15 days SLA for premium processing starts from May 16th, that’s the idea.
- For FY 16, they said that it would be no later than May 11th ( later moved to April 27th after lottery) and for FY 15 it was April 27th. You can see that the initial forecast of the dates are further pushed for this year by 5 days…it tells us that they are anticipating more petitions. You should read H1B Visa 2017 Lottery Predictions Analysis
- Cap Exempt H1B Petitions: The current press alert is only for FY 2017 H1B cap quota stating that it is completed. As always, all the H1B cap exempt petitions will be accepted all year long, which falls under the below categories :
- Changes in H1B employment terms, contract
- Previously H1B cap counted Applications
- H1B extensions
- H1B Transfers
- Concurrent working second H1B petitions
Our H1B Predictions for FY 2017 – Actual Results : We have indicated in our H1B 2017 predictions article couple of things, first one is that we expect lottery and second one is that we expect about 230,000 to 250,000 petitions. We are proud to say that both of our predictions are correct. Firstly, USCIS had lottery for FY 2017 quota and secondly, they received about 236,000 petitions. Hope our predictions, let some of you plan ahead !
What can you expect in next few weeks or months?
All I can tell you my friends is that it is going to be a very long wait for many of the H1B Applicants, who filed petition for FY 2017 quota. With our experience, we can tell you one thing, stay calm and continue to focus on what you are doing…you may feel the pain and anxiety, when others report that they received case number and some post indicating that they got approval… As we have an active discussion always on H1B Visa 2017 Page, I suggest you all not to hurt anyone with your comments or post rumours misleading people. Please do NOT get into fight or write hate speech ! Let’s keep the forum friendly and help one another as everyone goes through this tough waiting period. I suggest you add your H1B case to our H1B Case Tracker and keep it up to date, so that everyone get some high level info and take necessary action as needed.
What are your thoughts on this FY 2017 Quota and Lottery ?
[content_band style=”color: #333;” bg_color=”#ffddea” border=”all” inner_container=”true”] [custom_headline style=”margin-top: 0;” level=”h4″ looks_like=”h3″]Whats after H1B Lottery ? [/custom_headline]
Various Steps, Case Status and Flow on what happens after H1B Lottery – Read Whats Next After H1B Lottery and Flow Chart
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Official USCIS Tweet on this with press release
We've completed the H-1B cap random selection process for FY 2017: https://t.co/SFEay9jWqm
— USCIS (@USCIS) April 12, 2016
Any update from Infy
No Update yet 🙁 Feeling so tensed…2nd attempt!
3rd attempt here 🙂
Don’t worry Guys… still have chance so don’t loose your hope… Keep Praying
Waiting…
anyone from Smartplay who got H1 selected ?
Mine is a 3rd attempt. Non-Ad/RP/CA . Employer hasn’t received any receipt. Others from the same employer got the receipts in last 3 days.
So is it game over? I have a job with the client for at least two more years. It is so frustrating… Congratulations to all who made it in Random selection.
Done ! Selected 2nd Attempt.
Best of luck to all talented applicants.
Anyone from CTS bangalore got the receipt ?
Hi,
I applied through AD/PP. I did not get any update yet. This is my last chance and i do not have much hopes. I would like to know what will be my options if i like to stay in USA. Any inputs from any one is much appreciated.
My employer talks about L1 but i do not want to rely on this company.
Regards,
GR
You have only 2 options for work visa H1 or L1. Assuming your petition not selected for this year, if you want to immediately work in US only other option is L1. If you want to study then you have other options.
You have one more option apart from L1( you might know), get enroll in college or university and apply for CPT and Apply for H1 next year again. I did the same thing 3 years back. If you are working as a contractor then only you can enroll in College or University. If you working as permanent employee for any company(Microsoft, Qualcomm etc) then they won’t allow you to get CPT because they’re not allowed to fill their permanent position who’s still studying or on CPT(etc).
Alternative Options? and others,
L-1 is not a simple option. Here are L-1 requirements:
1. You should have worked for the L-1 employer for at least 1 year outside US in the past 3 years
2. Your job should require knowledge of employer specific tools, technology, processes etc which are not commonly known outside the employer. In other words, a simple QA or Java Engineer position will not qualify for L-1.
Most of the times, a job that qualifies for H-1 doesn’t qualify for L-1. So it’s not a simple option to pick and get approval.
As for CPT, be very cautious when going to schools that offer CPT from day 1. Even if the school is accredited and DSO issues CPT card, it doesn’t mean you won’t get into trouble in future. If the CPT is found to be an issue in future, it would be difficult to pass the blame to school for issuing CPT and to SEVIS for accrediting the school. Do you your known due diligence.
Hi Folks,
Anyone from Goka Tech got to know the lottery result. Non-AD/RP/VT
Thanks!
This is my second attempt Non-AD/RP/VT. Is there any chance that, they will give priority for the people who applied last year but not picked in lottery.
No
Any one got selected from NYTP?
Hey guys,
I just received confirmation from attorney. They have received my receipt.
I wish all the best to my fellow h1b speakers.Thank you for being here and discussing in detail your own struggles and concerns. I am can now relate to a lot of people who are just like me.
Good luck and stay blessed.
NON-AD /RP/CA
Congrats Raul !!!
We are in the same boat ..
Non-AD/RP/VT
Good news. Got my receipt today. Non-AD/Reg.
Got receipt ??? Or just a message from employer
Got it.received my receipt today.Non AD/RP.
congratulations !!
Anyone from Wipro got the result?
No buddy 🙁 still waiting
One more day went without good news… Hope, tomorrow I will be hearing a good news… Bye guys.. will meet you tomorrow.. Best of Luck all of you.
I have a question. By when we can know the lottery results for Non-AD/RP/VT.
I am very tensed.. Sai blessings 🙂
wat is non AD / RP and AD / RP.
12th May + 4 days
I am work in DHL, Global leader logisitic company in Chicago.
My employer petition H1-B for me with Non-AD/PP/First Timer
Recieved receipt date: 4/11/2016
Until now, there is no news yet from both my employer and attorney.
Do you guys think that there is no chance for me to get selected in lottery? or there is no hope?
Please help me to answer with your past experienced and knowledged. Thank you very much.
My company is also a Freight Forwarder, Agility Logistics, I am Non-AD/PP. Same case, nothing from attorney or HR.
Non-AD/PP/First Timer,
What do you mean by “Recieved receipt date: 4/11/2016”? Is your receipt received on this date? If you are referring to 797C receipt, then you have already made through the lottery.
when you say received receipt date, that means its been picked up in the lottery
@Non-AD/PP/First Timer
Hey buddy you can relax for some time man.. However you got picked in lottery..
Coming to decision to your petition will be made very soon.. count the dates from May 12. 15 calendar days.. It can be approved before to the date also..
Got it finally 🙂 3rd attempt phewww, good luck to everyone
AD/RP/CA
Congratulations @Big Show
Anybody from HCL got any update?
is game over for Premium processing candidates?
From my past experience, very little chance for PP guys. Been following since 2013.
@h1b
Don’t loose hope. Are you AD or non-AD? Technically AD have less chance as number applications seem to be 20% more than last year. So probaility of selection comes down.
This year AD have 50-55% chance compared to last year 65%.
So please have backup plan and keep final goal in mind.
Days are passing…no news…sleepless nights..tension mounting….!!
When will the anxiety end…and the happy news come..
Hi,
What if a person is within USA only on different visa and got H-1B. In this case what is the process to convert wife and kids on H-4?
Once your H1b is approved you can file h4 for your family. If your employer did not filed H4 during your h1. For the mean time you guys should maintain legal status in USA
ABC,
The employer should have filed H-4 visa for dependents along w/ primary H-1 applicant. You have to be careful about your statuses now. If your H-1 goes into effect, then the old visa status cease to exist and your dependents will be out of status. So it is prudent for them to file COS from current visa status to H-4 as soon as you hear about your H-1.
What’s latest w/ your H-1?
RR/CA @First time Got email from CTS Bangalore today evening at 7:43. All the best who are waiting for results.
No news yet . Non AD / RP/CA. Any hope now??
me too.. NON AD/ RP/ VT…
Did any of your company employees got their lottery result..??
no.. I asked my employer he said we will come to know the results in the month june or july.. Last year they received the first receipt in the month july only.
Till May 12th !
Same here H1 B
Do anyone have an idea about how many days USCIS normally takes to mark the status “approved” after petition being picked up in the lottery?
I can see my status on USCIS site which shows “On April 14, 2016, we received your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number WAC————–“.
This indicates they have picked up on April 14 but still its not in approved status.
Count 15 working days after May 12th..
Non AD/RP/VT …got picked !
Congrats Hanson !!!
When did you got info… ??
You received receipt ??
Hi,
Can any please let me know that when will we receive receipt number or any confirmation mail.my employer said that my petition got picked in lottery. i’m wondering how he got to know the status without receipt number.
NON-AD/RP.
@Sai-H1B-2017
Congrats!! Employers can know it if the cheque which belongs to you is cleared.
ME Non-AD/RP/VT still no update:(
Anyone from Infy any updates?
no, nothing updated in GICS.
April 27, days are passing, no updated from FREGOMEN,
I am Non-AD/PP/VT
anyone from renowned company got updates?.
Goldman Sachs result is out
I’m from DHL. NO updates yet.
Received Petition Date: 4/11/2016
Premium Processing
H1-B Regular Non Advanced Degree
Non-AD/RP start sending receipt # ?
@Khan what do you mean by Got H1B
I said: Non-AD/RP start sending receipt # ?
@khan
They started since this monday .. Lets see what happens…
Got H1B.
You belongs to RP?? PP?? Non-ad?? AD??
Please tell us clearly buddy… we all are tensed
Non-AD/RP
Friends,
Just now got an update from my employer that the cheque was not yet encashed for my Non-AD/RP application till now.
Please advice me whether I can still have hope or to look for alternate opportunity from your experience.
Kindly advice me on this.
Thanks in advance.
Is your company is MNC or a small scale consultancy??
It’s a product development company in US .
Kindly let me know if any information regarding this cheque encashment comment .
I am in a critical situation to take a decision as I am working in Shanghai and got an opportunity to move to Singapore.
If I get through H1B I will continue in Shanghai till this year.
@JJJ
Wait till May 16th.. Then take your decision for option two.. Good luck Buddy
Thank you Non-AD/RP for the reply.
Will wait till May 16.Good Luck to you & all!!
Its getting late , but i would wait till end of 1st week may . i would start looking for other options .
My friend residing in Oregon State has received E-mail on 25-01-2016 i.e. on Monday. So AD/PP game not over yet. This is 100 % trustworthy news. Be hopeful.
Thats a Good news !!! Guys from Oregon State don’t loose hopes and other states too
Good Morning Friends…
Did anyone got any H1-B approval notification email. Lets update here…
Did you got picked in lottery…
RP/vermont/CTS got mail in the afternoon. Happy :).
All the best everyone. Good luck
Thank u redbus2us.com
Congratulations @First Time
@First Time
Could you pls let me know you are from which location of CTS since I am too from CTS – Coimbatore and it is my 3rd time.. patience kills.. fingers crossed..
Hyd @MSK
whats ur first letter of first and last name
Anyone from 8KMiles company got selected ?
anyone from renowned company got updates?.
Can see Non AD / RP started getting picked, Situation is getting tensed, mine is Non AD/RP and I am trying 3rd time, fingers crossed!
Same here…Third attempt
2 Attempt. Non AD/RP
2nd Attempt … Same boat
4th Attempt
Non AD/RP/VT …got picked !…received call yesterday 🙂
Heard that some of the Cts_Pune guys got receipts.
Any Update from IBM Chennai…Mine is Non AD/RP…i am trying forsecond time…Lets see my luck
who filed your 1st petition , was it from IBM ? By the way no news yet on NON AD /RP/VT/CA
Last year from same account, yes from IBM
Hi,
My company was filled H1B 2016 for me but they didn’t get my wife info as I’m married.
Anyone know when filling H1B then need spouse info too? or need later after approve H1B?
Thanks!
nanzo,
If you are applying while being outside of US, then spouse details are not required. Your wife can directly appear for H-4 visa stamping when you appear for your H-1B visa stamp.
Thanks for your reply.
Hi Saurabh,
What if a person is within USA only on different visa and got H-1B. In this case what is the process to convert wife and kids on H-4?
if already in US, then there are two way h1b can be applied
1) consular – have to go out of US to get stamped to change to h1 once present visa expires (can be done whenever you wish even if present visa is not expired)
2) change of status – automatically converts status to h1b from oct 1st (if selected)
so dependents will have the same situation i think.
AD/RP/CA /CTS Got receipt from One communicator. It is uploaded in post processing app. First time and lucky. Good luck rest of guys.
urs is AD or Non AD??
AD/RP
Anyone from renowned Corp got any updates..
IBM’ers , Please post your receipt/snail mail status. Anybody acknowledged with receipt numbers for NON-AD/RP/VT/CA.
Anyone from FTI NJ?
Any updates?
I am 2nd timer, still waiting, lets see my luck this year.
Same boat !!
One of my friend Non-AD/ RP got a receipt from Balglobal
Any update from Infosys and updates in the GICS portal?
Not sure when will they update the site.
AD/RP
Again, one more day has gone after a long wait.. No news from my employer or my attorney. . Hope for best for tomorrow….
First time.. waiting for Receipt confirmation.
@Dears : Any one got update from Texas…
Hi shivaram,
I got whatsapp message from my employer that my petition got picked on 22nd April. But till now i didn’t get any official mail or receipt number.
My employer is from TEXAS.
You belongs to RP?? If so it will take some time to receive mail
Thank You for your information. But how my employer got to know that my petition got picked. i asked him but he is not giving any update.
yeah..ONE MORE HARD DAY HAS GONE WITH NO NEWS.LOOSING HOPES SLOWLY:(
Got my wife’s receipt no. from the attorney today. Non-AD/RP/Vermont and 1st time.
USCIS have started sending (regular mails) the receipt numbers for RP petitions selected in lottery to the attorney’s.
Got my wife’s receipt no. from the attorney today. Non-AD/RP/Vermont.
USCIS have started sending (regular mails) the receipt numbers for RP petitions selected in lottery to the attorney’s.