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H1B Cap Total Number News USCIS for FY 2017 from Lottery

News: Over 236,000 Petitions Received for H1B 2017. Lottery Done !

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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.
  • 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

   

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1,642 Comments

  2. My employer has received receipt number for one candidate out of 6 on 28th April. They have not received anything yet for mine. Is there still possibility for me or game is over? Mine is RP/NonAD

    Reply

  4. Hello Guys – Not sure how much this helps but sign it to see anything can be done against fake applications.

    change.org/p/uscis-fake-h1b-filing-by-consultancies-in-usa-ruining-genuine-candidates-chances

    Reply

  5. Eureka.! First attempt and i Hit Gold 🙂
    Have a question for the knowledgeable folks here. I am currently on L1 and will relocating back to India in June. Can i apply for a change of status before June or can i do it only after october 1st.

    Reply

    • FirstTimeLucky,

      Check w/ your H-1 employer is H-1 was already applied w/ COS or not. If you leave US while COS is pending, then the same will be abandoned.

      I assume you cannot return on L-1 as your L-1 assignment in US is ending. In that case, you can only return on stamped H-1 visa to work for your H-1 employer. Once you enter on stamped H-1 visa, no COS is required as you would receive I-94 based on H-1.

      Reply

      • Thank you Saurabh for the info. Very helpful. I have. Follow up question

        If I get my H1Stamped before October. Can I still enter US on L1 and do a COS after October

        Reply

        • Firsttimelucky,

          You can enter on L-1 only if your L-1 employer wants you to work for them in US on L-1. If not, do not use L-1 visa for entry to US.

          Reply

          • Thank you Again Saurabh. Highly appreciate your time and help.

            Yes, My L1 Employer wants to join another project start of August, So I will start working on L1 from August and do a COS in Octoer.

            Thank You

      • Thank You,

        No My L1 is Valid till 2017, SO i have no issue on that. The concern i have currently is

        I will be travelling to India on June 27th and will be working out of India till august, I might have to come back in September on L1. So my Question is – Say if i get my H1 Stamped in August, Can i still come to US on L1 as H1 is valid from October or do i have to wait till october and come on H1.

        Thank You

        Reply

  6. Non-AD/RP/VT.
    My employer just called in evening me saying my cheque has been encashed 04/30, meaning I got selected in the lottery right?
    3rd Attempt, only one petition filed.

    Reply

  8. Most advanced country but playing with 85000 thousand professional job seekers every year through lottery where merit is not consider but only luck matters and again keep lottery results in suspense, even kids knows when selected in lottery they can announce in their web site but they won’t do it.

    Reply

    • @Ganesh I think there is no other option other than lottery if number of applications exceed 85K limit. All other options are time consuming and need more USCIS staff.
      The reason for not disclosing should be something that USCIS only knows.

      Reply

  9. Yesterday received a call from my employer that my cheque has been cleared.

    2nd time single application

    Best of luck guys… Don’t lose hope

    Reply

  11. Frist time Non-AdV/RP/VT
    Just received a email from my attorney that my Petition has been selected in the lottery. Waiting for the case approval . Keeping my fingers crossed

    Reply

  12. I have a doubt. Why dont USCIS post the lottery results online like any other results on one day? What is the reason behind keeping all the appliants under stress for months together?

    Reply

  13. AD/RP/VT, 2nd timer
    I just received an e-mail from my employer saying my case got picked. I cannot even start to explain how happy I am. Notice date is 25th April.
    I know from last year how heartbreaking and stressful this wait can be so I wish you all the best.
    Remember that if you set your mind on something is really just a matter of time for you to achieve it.
    Keep your fingers crossed.

    Reply

  16. Non-AD/RP/CA, 1st timer
    Received a call from attorney today. My case got picked!
    Notice date on 26th April
    Don’t lose hope!

    Reply

  18. I just got to know from my employer that they have received receipt for 1 candidate? Is there still possibility or game is over?? I mean they recieve for all at one time or it comes one by one or Is it based on alphabetical name order??

    Reply

      • I have applied thru Nichsoft, no updates yet. when I checked with them early this week, I was told that nearly 10 cases picked and my name was not there. Can I ahve your email id so I can contact you privately.

        Reply

  22. Hi I got to know from my attorney that my cheque has been cleared.. Does it mean that my application picked in lottery.. Please help me

    Reply

      • Dear ABCD, This is not a place to make fun of people and their comments. I do know the process and if you have any doubts you can ask me.. This is coz of anxiety and curiosity we are posting our comments. Not sure what bothers you here…

        Reply

  23. FREGOMEN lawyer came back to me this morning saying they were not receiving anymore PP since Wed, April 27, so she said high changes I was rejected in lottery. She expects to have my docs back from USCIS by June. 🙁
    I am Non-AD/PP/VT.
    Good thing my employer said we will file Green Card for me this year and try luck for H1B next year.
    I was born in Ukraine, so I hope I can get GC in 2 years before my J1 expires (or I win H1B next year)
    Good luck to everyone.

    Reply

    • Hey Debbie,

      Thanks for sharing all the details with us. I am also in the same boat (Non AD/PP) but haven’t heard anything from my employer yet. Looks like I haven’t been picked up in the lottery.

      The good thing about this journey is that it makes you look beyond just H1B and life in US. I have started to realize that we cannot just wait and watch things to happen to us. So pull up your socks and fight back like a real soldier!

      God bless you all!

      ThirdTimer

      Reply

    • Lottery is something which just picked up your petition randomly among all the application. That’s the first step actually. Once its been picked up, your main tension is over. 2nd step is they will verify your documents and your employer’s documents and if they find anything is missing, then they will mark your status as REF and will ask you to submit the documents. If everything is good, they will mark your status as approved and you are good to go.

      Reply

  25. Mine is NON-AD/RP. Is my game over if I have not got any update by EOD today? Or there is still some little hope left for next week? Any help please.

    Reply

    • HI! I am sorry I do not know the answer. But I would like to ask what “NON-AD” mean?

      My application is RP (Regular) and I was answered I can wait until May 12th. I hope this helps.

      Reply

  26. HI!

    It is my first time. My application was sent to California. I haven’t hear anything from the company or attorney.

    If the check was not cashed yet, does it mean I was not selected in the lottery?

    Reply

  27. Today i checked my LCA and Period of work shows 08/22/2016 to 08/22/2019. Basically H1-B working period starts from Oct 1st.
    will there be any problem between the working period mentioned in LCA and in Actual H1-B.

    Can anyone answer please ?

    Reply

        • I am pretty sure about it . And one thing I can tell you is The LCA should not be expired one that’s it. Approval rates no idea..

          Saurabh should help on this ..

          Reply

          • @Non-AD/RP Thanks Bro… was little confused now fingers crossed… and waiting for USCIS to process the Premium Processing on or before May 12th.

    • FirstTimer,

      Your LCA would have been filed around 2/22 and it can be filed 6 months in advance. Hence the dates of 8/22/16-8/22/19. Your I-129 (H-1 petition) should be within this period. So most likely, your employer would have filed with dates of 10/1/2016 – 8/22/19.

      This is normal.

      Reply

      • hi Saurabh,
        My Visa is initiated by my emplolyer by LCA is not as fasr as i know
        is it that he is fooling me around or there is time to initiate LCA later also ?

        Reply

        • Omsairam,

          LCA is a pre-req for H-1 processing. If no LCA was submitted along w/ H-1 petition, then the petition would be denied. No RFE would be issued and it would be outright denied.

          Check w/ your employer if LCA was indeed submitted or not.

          Reply

          • Omsairam,

            No fees is returned if selected in lottery and then denied. Fees is returned only if not selected in lottery.

  28. Non AD/RP/VT check encased 2 days back. My employer shared check scan with me and it has receipt number at back of it. Bottom line: If your employer says check is encashed then he will know receipt number as well.

    Reply

    • @Sai-
      There are locations divided into CA and VMT.
      Vermont Service Center
      If the job is located in: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, or West Virginia – then file with the Vermont Service Center

      California Service Center
      If the job is located in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, or Wyoming – then file with the California Service Center

      Reply

    • @ CTS Coimbatore

      This is Senthil from CTS coimbatore.. I have not heard any update like receipt received for anyone in Coimbatore.. Heard for people in Pune and Hyderabad.. Mine is 3rd time… Its really frustrating and patience kills.. Need to plan for other options if it does not works out.. 🙁

      Reply

  33. Non-AD/RP/CA , I just received I-797C, Notice of Action for my wife & kids today by regular post, but haven’t received mine from Attorney. Hope I got through lottery.

    Reply

  35. Hello Guys,
    If you have applid H1B from US and whoo has completed MS from US, I would suggest to all of them, please contact your DSO or Internation Student Adviser
    , they must have all the information that your H1B is picked up or not. When your H1B is picked up, USCIS infomr to school and they will update in your SEVIS , so
    DSO/ ISA can get to know that your change of status (F1 to H1B) is pending status in SEVIS portal of school. I know that all the university/school does not provide that information
    but you can try to explain your situation ,they must be provide to you.I was in same boat few years back and got to know from school.

    Good luck to all the folks who are waiting for lottery result.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • If check is encashed, how long it would take probably to receive the receipt number? Please reply if anyone has any knowledge of it

      Reply

        • @FirstTimer

          I have a question buddy. My employer told me that out of 20 only 3 cheques got encashed.
          So until he get the receipts he cannot say who got selected. How long it takes to get receipts from Vermont Service Center.?? Please revert

          Reply

          • If out of 20 checks 3 got encashed that means you r 2nd one.
            Anyways Vermont center is pretty faster than California
            So may be next week you might receive some news…

      • Hi Friends,
        How long it took to receive your receipts after notified that your cheque is encashed.
        I am also in the same boat.
        Thanks and All the best to all guys!!

        Reply

  36. First time – Non AD / RP/VT
    Employer – US consultant
    Was shared receipt notice today which has application received by USCIS On 4/11 and noticed issued on 4/24
    All the best everyone else who are still waiting for updates

    Reply

  39. NON AD/RP My employer informed me that my check got encashed. Waiting for my receipt no from USCIS. After so many sleepless nights some sort of relief. This is my third attempt.

    Reply

    • Exactly same information I got from my employeer, He said check got cleared so I am picked in lottery, by next week he is expecting to get detailed email.
      Mine was RP(Ofcourse Non AD), This was my 3rd attempt, so guys never lose hope and keep trying till you get it. Wish you best luck.

      Reply

      • My employer is not telling about the check has been cashed or not. Have patience. Last year we got the receipt in the july month..

        Reply

    • If you are not picked in H1b lottery, you officially can file for green card. You will have to issues being able to travel to home country for years. H1b is dual immigration intent category and green card is immigration intent category. Once you start processing your green card without H1B and travel abroad, it will be considered that you have given up your immigration intent. Having H1B aka dual immigration intent category visa helps you travel abroad while green is being processed.
      After your I485 EAD is approved you can travel on green card too. But if you are from india/china the wait before you can earn your I485 is anywhere between 5-10 years depending on EB1/EB2 filing.
      So the answer is depends and you should see an attorney before you make a decision.

      Reply

  44. Is there any possibility that your employer says my cheque is encashed but it is on record of another applicant. I mean to ask if there any possibility that the attorney can shuffle the cheques at their ease during scanning etc?

    Reply

    • Thanks, this is my first time I came to know about process just going through this site

      If encashed how many days it takes to get receipt I am non adv/regular

      Reply

  46. Non-AD/PP/VT
    Just heard the news from my employer that my H1 got picked in the lottery.

    PP Guys, Don’t loose the hope until 12th May.

    Good luck to everyone..

    Reply

  48. NON AD/RP my employer told cheque got encashed 3 days back but still receipt not yet received, so please can any one of you tell what will be status

    Reply

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