H1B 2009: Will '2007 H1B Rush' repeat in 2008?

Update: Now its official. USCIS announced today that it received about 163,000 H1B petitions for year 2009 that starts from 1st of October 2008. About 31,200 of those are for Advanced Degree category. Read more. It will be a lottery to accept petitions. I wish you all good luck to you. So, to answer my question I posed in January, whether H1B rush will repeat in 2008, as expected, the answer is a big YES.





Update: USCIS announced today that H1B Visa cap has been reached for both regular quota(65,000) as well as Advance Degree exemption quota(20,000). USCIS hasn’t yet announced concrete number of petitions received. Read more...


Last year, the visa cap for H1B petitions has been reached on Day 1. USCIS had in fact received about 150,000 applications and had to resort to 'lottery'(Random Selection) to pick up eligible applications. Many applicants had to wait quite longer just to know that their application wasn't picked up. Due to sudden rush, many had to wait for months to receive a status on their accepted application as well.

Now, this year, its already almost end of Jan, that means 2 more months to go before USCIS accepts applications on 1st of April for Year 2009 H1B Quota. Having watched and followed the rush last year, I am wondering whether this heavy demand for H1B applications repeat in 2008?

Though there are few concerns that H1B prospects may be considering little carefully this year, the answer to that question will be a 'likely yes'. Here are few things that may affect the drama this year and may change the stats a little bit.

USA Economy Slowdown and Imminent Job cuts in 2008

US economy is not in its brightest of times towards the end of 2007 and economists are predicting that 2008 will be very tough. While some analysts are pronouncing a 'recession', many say that it may be just a 'slow down' of economy due to rising fuel costs and deep troubles in credit markets. Many consider that the recent announcement of such a high of 0.75% in interest rate cuts just confirms the impending deep trouble.

This puts a rather bleak outlook for all IT consultants and Prospective H1B consultants for year 2008. For some, it reminds of the "dotcom" bust in 2001, where 1000s of IT consultants lost their jobs and had to leave for India after spending months searching for their next gig. For H1B consultants, this is a lot more serious issue, as if they loose their job, they almost immediately have to leave US.

Are you ready to throw the dice?

Just like last year, it is expected that visa cap will be reached on day 1 and USCIS may again resort to 'random selection'. That would mean, there is no guarantee and chances are completely based on luck rather than a consultant's qualifications and specialization. That may make some consultants not consider H1B as a serious option.

New Competition for H1B Holders

2007 is a historic year in the sense that visa status became current for green card applicants from India and almost all submitted their I-485 applications. You may recall the Gandhian way of sending flowers to USCIS in protest. Many applicants already received EADs  for themselves and their spouses. Spouses of many of these applicants are currently on dependent visas like H4 and now they have EAD to work without any restriction. That brings in a totally new breed of workforce to the already downsized market for 2008. I am very sure that this additional supply of workforce surely put more pressure in the job market.

Rush of Entrepreneurial Activity in India

For those who want to come to US to work on new technologies and latest applications there is a good news. Recently there has been a rapid growth in Entrepreneurial activities in India and many new startups are hiring with irresistibly great packages. And working in a startup beats flat out working in big companies, for most techies. One of my friends resigned from his excellent paying, often considered as a safe job by his peers, to work with a startup in Chennai for the sheer joy of working in a startup. Its no longer fun and exciting to work at companies like Wipro and Infosys who became so large in such a quick time that no body cares about individuals any more.

Weak Dollar and Upswing of Salaries in India

Just a couple of reasons why US salaries may become less attractive in 2008 to IT consultants coming from India

  • In times of recession, you won't be able to negotiate on price. Particularly if you are on H1B, the whole vendor food chain will definitely exploit the situation to squeeze on price. In general, in times of recession the billing rates/salaries go down, as many are desperate to latch on to anything at any cost, as evident from 2001 bust. Salaries never went up again after that.
  • Upswing of salaries in India combined with weak dollar puts Indian salaries very significant if no way on par with US Salaries. Moreover, they can save daily chores, bland Indian food and little or no social activities in US and enjoy the much more vibrant India.

New IT Consulting Companies

However, there is a recent surge in starting up of new IT Consulting Companies in the last few months, mostly thanks to EADs received in 2007. For sure, these firms will try some innovative techniques to lure as many prospects as they can to bring them to US to work for them. It will be very interesting to see how the tides turn.

Little bit on numbers ...

The official H1B quota still stands at 65,000. No news about any possible increase yet. The actual number of visas available is infact about 58,000 once you subtract the visas reserved for Singapore/Chile. For those who received or receiving  Graduate Degree or any other Advanced Degree from US Universities, there is an additional quota of 20,000.

Better hurry up!

If you are considering coming to US to work, you better prepare now. Ask your employer to file at the earliest possible to reach on 1st of April. If your organization is a large one, make sure you put enough pressure to beat the red tape as quickly as possible. Once you file, it all depends on your luck. But most cases you will have about 50% chance of success. Considering the whole immigration process, it's not that bad.

Comments

Praveen Kanth said…
Is there a chance that the H1B cap be increased this year ?
Murali said…
Hi Praveen,

As far as I understand I don't see it happen this year. I read that some firms out of US are actively pursuing the option, while a few congress men insist that they need to understand first how H1B are used (not misused) before any such decision is taken. Given the context of economic recession on the horizon, I don't think an increase is likely this year.

Murali
Ravi said…
Dear friend,

I would like to apply for H1B visa for 2008 quota. I did come to know all the procedure for H1B.But I am in dilemma regarding my qualification. I've 16 years of education but the thing is I've gap in my academic. I have 2 years gap between my Matriculation and Intermediate. Later everything is fine. I would like to know whether Gap in academic years will be disadvantage or ineligible. Please give u r valuable advise.

I will be eagerly waiting for your mail.

Thanking you
add2ravi@gmail.com
Sad Times said…
This is not a good time for foreigners to come and work in America - there are so many talented American IT people out of work. A friend of mine looked hard for 10 months before finding a contract job. With that much competition, bad feelings toward foreigners will be inevitable. There are more bad feelings toward big corporations and our loopholes in immigration law that allow this, but still some dismay will overflow to the foreign workers that come to take the jobs. It is inevitable, and it has been a set-up for all workers, all the way around. These are sad times. India is a better option.
Karthi said…
Hi,

I am working in US in L1 Visa. I am planning to apply for H1 visa through one of a consultant. But i am scared of the job opportunities outside. Is it the right time to do H1? Please advice.
Murali said…
Hi Karthi,

It would be too optimistic to say that it is the right time to switch. It will be little tougher than earlier. However, if you apply for H1 your H1 will be valid from Oct, 2008. It will be quite different by that time and hopefully a lot better.

At this point, number of jobs has come down significantly in Feb, 08.

Murali
Roozbeh said…
Dear Murali and other experts,
I want to apply for H1-2008 and I just wanted to ask some questions.

I found two sponsors who partially accepted to sponsor me for H1B. They are not expert at that and I'm not too. So, please forgive me if my questions are silly.

Is it true that sponsor should apply at 1st April and wait for USCIS response? I just read that in a book which described immigration to USA issues. I don't want to waste my chance at all.

Thanks in advance,
* Roozbeh
Ivan said…
I am applying for the 20,000 exempt category(master's degree or equivalent). My application will be at the service center on April 1, 2008. There are rampant rumors that the 20,000 quota will fill up in the first day and USCIS will resort to a random lottery. It is no more than prediction, but what are the chances of that happening? As an attoorney with a JD from a top US law school(I already passed the bar exam), and employment with a top law firm, how quickly can I get an EB-2 visa if I don't get the H-1B? (premium processing, of course).
Mohamed said…
Hi,

I am working in US in L1 Visa. I am planning to apply for H1 visa through one of a consultant. But i am scared of the job opportunities outside. Is it the right time to do H1? Please advice.

-Mohamed
Murali said…
Hi Mohamed,

It will be quite difficult to predict what will happen in the next six months to US Economy and Jobs. But as per the current trend of jobs in the market and latest market results, market may improve significantly by October. So I wouldn't say it is the right time to shift, but its not that worse as it looks.

Ivan,

Going by the last year's trend, 20,000 exempt numbers won't be reached on the day 1 and may not be subject to lottery. Wish you good luck. I don't know much about EB-2 visa.
sathish said…
Hi,
I applied for H1B in 2007 and got it. Now, I am planning to go to US in the month of June 2008. I am little bit worried because of the recession and election.
Not sure how the job market is...
I am working in a big MNC in India and am in dilemma whether to quit it and search the job in US.
I need to do SAP course and planning to search the job in SAP in US.
How is the job market in US and for SAP?
Cookie said…
Hello,

Is it possible to have multiple companies sponsor or file your H1B visa? Will it increase your chances of getting picked?

Please email me your response. Thanks!
Gopi said…
http://publication.samachar.com/pub_article.php?id=1557570&navname=Business%20&moreurl=http://publication.samachar.com/economictimes/business/business.php&homeurl=http://business.samachar.com

Its illegal now to apply multiple H1Bs for a single employee. Hope this helps,

Gopi.
Murali said…
No, Gopi is wrong. It is illegal to apply for multiple H1B petitions for the same employee by the same employer. Means, firm A files two petitions for you. The rule clearly says that different firms or even subsidiaries of the same firm can apply multiple petitions for the same worker.

Read the fact sheet published by USCIS here.
link
[...] Thought Garage » H1B 2009: Will ‘2007 H1B Rush’ repeat in 2008? [...]
Kimba said…
I have got about 9 years of experience in software field. Worked with top companies and presently also working with a top MNC. I tried H1 last year but my case is pending in Chennai, India consulate for H1 stamping as 221(g) case. My consultant failed to produce some of the documents demanded by the Consulate like Client agreement letter etc.

I am thinking to apply for H1 through some other consultant during this year. Do you think, it would good idea to go US in this time as there recession blues.? I have a good life over here in India but want to explore more by working in US. I don't want my life stagnate here.
Puja said…
Hai,

I am applying for H1. Should i have to apply on 1st April itself or do i have time after that.

Thanks
Miguel said…
Hi,

I have two questions. I just got a job offer today, April 1,2008 and wondering how long will take to prepare the documents to apply for H1B. There is any way to rush that process? advice

Also, I am in the US Master exception, however I do not if it is to late for prepare my documents. Where I can find information about the cap. I am not sure if it was reached today?

Thank you
angelina said…
hi all, do u know any thing about rush for this year h1b like the past year.
Nikhit said…
Miguel: The MS quota took a month to fill up last year. However, out of 20,000 - nearly 13000 were used up in 3 days. So, it is possible that 20000 MS quota visas could be exhausted within the first 5 days and a lottery would ensue. Or hopefully it will last for more than a few weeks and not go into lottery.

I would suggest you apply anyway - if your application is rejected, USCIS will refund the filing fee. If you find out before you apply that the quota has been used up - well, unless they increase the quota, it would be pointless applying.

Hopefully, either by the end of today or tomorrow, we should know a preliminary status - as for the exact number of visas used up from the MS quota, it'll probably take a few more days for USCIS to announce a number.
Durgesh said…
H1b Rush is because of people sending in applications all at once. The panic feeling has made it more like a race than a formality. Everybody looks at previous years records and often conclude that its getting messier. I think there is so much exaggeration and unnecessary hype and heat created by people in the government and among applicants and has now lead to such a situation.

I wouldn't want to get the hopes high for people considering to apply but here is my theory. Every year, say a X number apply for H1 Visas, out which majority come under the 65 K quota and a small population comes under the exempt MS Degree Quote of 20 K and plus there are H1b holders who apply for extension etc.. Last year, this number was about 150 K application in just 2 days. Thanks to media and other factors which made it happen in two days rather than 30 plus days.The cap exempt Visa (20K) did not fill until April 30. I guess the MS applicants took it a little lighter. This year, everybody is speeding and I am pretty sure everybody has sent his/her application in and there will be no application floating after April 1st outside USCIS and hence I feel the USCIS will go nuts trying to go through them all at once instead of a months time.

So, it is very clear, (there might have been an increase in the number of applicants ), that its not so bad as we think. This effect is because of the cautious applicants who over whelm USCIS with their applications by sending it all at once. I am not saying that we should be cool and send them late but be cool and take it easy after you sent it. I am hoping it to be positive for me (not high in hopes but keeping my fingers crossed).
So Good Luck for those applications which go into the random selection.
D said…
Hi all..
This time around we have not heard any thing for USCIS on H1-B so far. Does this mean that the mandated CAP hasnt reached yet. last year USCIS had come out with a PDF file on 3rd of april itself, that was the second day, saying the cap had reached on the very first day. but this year we have no news so far..
I am keeping my fingures corssed that ppl who really wish to go to usa nd who actually deserve it should get it .. i know lot of ppl in india having h1-b and havent been to usa since last one year just coz they got good offer in india ..
let us all hope for the best..do post if you guys get any updates, specially those who are in usa.
m said…
hi... can anybody please let me know what is the status of the uscis this year?
Murali said…
USCIS is expected to make an announcement today regarding. Stay tuned.
m said…
hey did uscis has announced anything today? let me know
m said…
hi.. anybody hears any updates or any kind of announcement from uscis today?
ki said…
D said,
April 5, 2008 at 3:19 pm

I am keeping my fingures corssed that ppl who really wish to go to usa nd who actually deserve it should get it .. i know lot of ppl in india having h1-b and havent been to usa since last one year just coz they got good offer in india ..
let us all hope for the best..do post if you guys get any updates, specially those who are in usa.


So, you say lot of people want to come to US and they deserve it.
Can you elaborate your view so that this can be forwared to the congress!!!
What do you mean by "deserve"? Do you interpret JAVA as something else in your country and SQL as some out of date thing????
Somewhere I read in this Blog about the other side of the story for H1 published by Americans as how useless this system of H1 is.
AA said…
There will be a lottery. Looks like number of application have far outnumbered the number od Visas available

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080046233&ch=4/8/2008%2012:37:00%20PM
Ivan said…
Just posted on the uscis. gov website: there will be a lottery for the 20k masters quota.
sasidhar said…
USCIS has declared yesterday as below
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c5b6628090e29110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

seems that both masters quota and general quota are going to be selected random process.
ss said…
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=379618e1b9839110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
sasidhar said…
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=379618e1b9839110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
TG said…
Hi,

My company has filed H1B for me. Wanted to know how and when I'll get to know whether my application has been accepted under the Random Selection a.k.a. lottery.

I have a good job offer and would like to join it on 5th May in case H1B doesnt work out.
ss said…
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=183f301458e49110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
sasidhar said…
hi TG,

Hope this answers ur Question...All the best..my gues you will come to know before may5th...if not , extend your joining date to week more ...All the best http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=183f301458e49110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
TG said…
Thanks for the response :)

One more question:

Lets say I dont get to know before May 5th if my application has been accepted (the article mentioned above says June 2nd) and I join the other company. Later I come to know that my application has been accepted. So would that application be still valid? Can it be transferred to my new company and I can attend the visa interview?
m said…
hi the news according to uscis says that all accepted persons should get the receipt no later then 2nd june,2008. but what is the possible early date i mean by 10th may, can i know whether i amselected or not... reply me.
thanks.. regards...
Angelina said…
It seems uscis is working very hard on hb1. everything is happening very fast this.
Shah said…
There are people who really need an H1-B, why do people think it's acceptable to apply when they're not going to use it! Do me a favour, don't apply unless you need it, because there are people out there who's entire lives are getting maligned because of the excess demand.
TG said…
Please respond to this if anyone knows the answer:

My company has filed H1B for me.Also, I have a good job offer and would HAVE to join it latest by 5th May.

Lets say I dont get to know before May 5th if my application has been accepted (the article mentioned above says June 2nd) and I join the other company. Later I come to know that my application has been accepted. So would that application be still valid? Can it be transferred to my new company and I can attend the visa interview?
TG said…
Please respond to this if anyone knows the answer:

My company has filed H1B for me.Also, I have a good job offer and would HAVE to join it latest by 5th May.

Lets say I dont get to know before May 5th if my application has been accepted (the article mentioned above says June 2nd) and I join the other company. Later I come to know that my application has been accepted. So would that application be still valid? Can it be transferred to my new company and can I attend the visa interview?
Sasidhar said…
TG,

H1B is basically for that old company, if you resign that company, they can cancel your H1B, if you are working for that company on H1B, you can transfer to other company, for transfering they ask latest pay stubs with the old company. Better contact some attorney...
TG said…
Sasidhar,

Thanks for the response :)
omar said…
hi
The USCIS said that the final results of this unfair lottery will be announced until june 2th. My wife applyied for the H1 B process 2009, but a friend of her called yesterday and told her He already got the H1B, the USCIS informed him via email on April 16th and He also said some friends of him got it on April 14th.
Does anybody know if the results are coming out so soon?
rajesh said…
I believe premium processing applications should start receiving receipts by this time, if selected in lottery.
m said…
hey do you know when the people will get their receipt numbers those who are selected in random process and are in the general category? pls reply.....
Eduardo said…
I hear that many people had been notified by e-mail that were selected in the random process. Until today I have not received any notification about my status in the random process, I'm very worried. Maybe I was not selected in the random process?

How much time I have to wait to know if I was (or was not) selected in the random process.
Angelina said…
Is there anyone got visa number? I have applied this year, no, not a premium application?
m said…
has anybody got receipt number not for the premium processing but for the general catagory? reply......
sasidhar said…
hi iam also under gen category and i did not get any response..i called my employer he said that he was recieving only pp...so wait and see....
HS said…
my company applied premium processing. i haven't heard anything from USCIS. does it mean my application is rejected for H1B ?
KM said…
Hi, I am under the premium processing...and still waitting my result. I got some shocking info/news yesterday from my coworker and the official news. People who did the premium processing and were selected will recieve the result/reciept until April 29th. So that means....its already May 03.....I couldn't get it.....
m said…
hi... anybody from general /non premium processing / non masters quota got receipt number? let me know.... also let me know about what time we have to wait?
Venkat said…
Hi Any one got H1B Receipt Notification from USCIS ?
Please lets share your happy movements

Thanks
vim said…
Hi, Any idea on how long we have to wait to know the H1B selection status?
Cbe said…
Hi

I applied under the general h1 b category.Still by this time I haven't got any info from my employer or receipy no.Can anyone tell me how we know wheather we selected or not in the lottery.
Do I have any website or phone no. to check my status of my application...
Because I am verymuch worried of its taking time.....
narahari said…
Hi all, I got a mail from consultent that my application has been selected in ramdom pickup, but I didn't get any receipt number. He is saying it will take one week time to send from the US.

Please let me know about the receipt will send later or along with the mail.

Thanks in advance
Narahari
Karthik said…
Hello all

I got a WAC number by April 23 rd. Is it mean that I got selected in the lottery system?

Same as like Sathish , even i am confused. I got a job in the US in SAP. Still i am worried about the economy slow down or recession , whatever.

( Q from Sathish :

Hi,
I applied for H1B in 2007 and got it. Now, I am planning to go to US in the month of June 2008. I am little bit worried because of the recession and election.
Not sure how the job market isâ?¦
I am working in a big MNC in India and am in dilemma whether to quit it and search the job in US.
I need to do SAP course and planning to search the job in SAP in US.
How is the job market in US and for SAP? )

Please advice.

Thanks
acrop said…
Hi,
If I got selected in h1b lottery, what are factors that matters for getting approval for my petition from uscis.
kch said…
I applied under masters quota and still dint receive any information. Does that mean I have not been selected in the lottery or Is there still a chance.
Please let me know.
BL said…
hello everyone
I am also under the general h1b category . i still do not about my h-1 b status which mean i do not received the recepit no.
I just wonder who is under general and received the recepit no.
By the way , one of my friend she applied for the premium processing, and she told me she got the approval in apr. 28.
Sunita said…
My employer informed that he found that my cheque for H1b has been encashed, but he hasnt received the receipt number or any information from USCIS. But since the cheque is encashed he informed that may be my application is selected in the random selection process. Is that true?
Syed Hussain said…
Hi Guys,

Could you guys let me know if there is any chance of people getting approvals even now as my consultant says he did not recieve any notification from USCIS till date and he has no clue if the cheques have been encashed. is there a possibility of all the 32 applications of a single consultant getting disapproved as my consultant sayz he doesn't have any update about all the 32 people.

Regards,
Syed Hussain
urja said…
hi.....My employer got my EAC receipt number yesterday from USCIS. Mine was general h1b category and not Premium processing
Amit said…
Hi i got my receipt number, do that mean that i am selected in lottery
Vaibhav Shah said…
Anybody got the h1 in general catagory ? Please reply
Sunita said…
I too got my WAC receipt number from my employer. I went and checked the uscis website and it said that the Petition is received and is Pending.

I have apllied in general category (not a premium processing). But i am not sure if this means that i would get H1B stamoed.
Ritesh said…
Hi,
I've been selected in H1B lottery and I'ce valid B1 visa.
Last year i've travelled USA on B1 visa for 3 months through company 'A'.
Now i've applied for H1B thru company 'B'.
Normally, in this way i'll be able to go to USA only after/from oct-08. But i'll like to go early as soon as possible.
Can i use my B1 status in this case.


Waiting for yr response.....
Ritesh said…
No Amit,but yr chances are high..now they will cross check all yr documents(adjudication) which takes 8-10 weeks and after that u have to go to US consulate(anywhere outside US) for visa stampimg.There they will take yr oral interview and after that they will stamp on yr passport.Only when u'll reach to this point, u can consider yrself as selected candidate.....
..here rejection may be at any point...but chances are low....
Ritesh said…
don't worry, if u have not received Receipt no. yet.....wait till june-2..
BHARTI said…
i have applied for h1 but i have not got the receipt number or rejection letter till now. how long sould i wait for the answer. are there chances of approval or does it seem like i have been rejected? please give me the answer as soon as possible
Prashant said…
Can anyone confirm if getting Receipt no. is confirmation for getting selected inLottery.
Amit said…
This is very important & generic question.
I have received EAC No from my employer(receipt no) do it mean I have been selected in lottery system ?
Please let me know at earliest ?
KUMAR said…
my employer is saying that I have to wait till end of may to exact status of visa ie rejection or acceptance.when can we know exactly.it was told that certain applications were selected remaining applications are kept pending.how far it is true.when an we know that our application is rejected or accepted?.
Anil said…
yes my employer says the same . could some body confirm this. Have all the selected applications reached
or they are still coming.
pps-h1b applicant said…
Hi ,

My consultancy called up on May 9th 2008 and told me that my cheque has been encashed but till now I havent received any receipt number. :(

How long should I wait for the coveted number.Please advice.. I am undoubtedly tensed .....
Ren said…
how long??? losing hope
Smita said…
Hi,

I have also applied thru non-premium and yet no news from the consultant :-( Plz update if there are still hopes.
fir said…
I have also got to know from the my consultant that the cheque has been encashed....just waiting the EC #...anxiety becomes more irresistable...
KUMAR said…
can any body let me if there is any way so that we can know our status of application just by entering our fullname and employer name,as my employer is asking me to wait till 2nd june.So far I have not recieved any EC number.some of my friends are saying that they got it about 10 days ago
Sunny Boy said…
Anxiety is increasing with every passing day. Earlier there was lot hope but now its difficult to sustain it as May end almost reached.

Does any one have idea/ figures how many seats have already been occupied and how many chances are still available ?
KUMAR said…
How about australia,as USA is facing rcession.our applications are not yet picked up till date thus thinning down hopes.can u any of u let me know best option for SAP CONSULTANT.whether australia,usa or uk.or any other european country.If option is any of above countries let me know how to apply for immigrantion.
fir said…
Hello people, please dont lose hope...as June 2 is the latest date by which :
1) USCIS will send the reciept notices to the people whose applications have been duly filed and are selected for the approval.
2) and USCIS will also return "unselected" petitions with the fee(s)......

however they have also "wait-listed" some H-1B petitions, meaning they may possibly replace petitions chosen to receive an FY-2009 cap number, but that subsequently are denied, withdrawn, or otherwise found ineligible. USCIS will retain these petitions until a decision is made whether they will replace a previously selected petition or not. USCIS will send a letter to the wait listed petitioners to inform them of their status. USCIS expects that for each of these wait-listed petitions, it will either issue a receipt notice or return the petition with fees within six to eight weeks (starting from June 2)........
so please dont lose hope...if you havent heard the bad news yet...there may be a good news waiting for you....
all the best to all of us....
Abhay said…
is there still any hope to recevie H1 receipt no. ?
JJ said…
Looks like there is no more hope.
CGD said…
Hi ,
I haven't got any updates from my consultant nor frm my petitioner... about the status of my h1b .... is that means that I have not selected lottery.. if so when can I know officially that i haven't been selected or not picked ... and when will be reaming amount will be retuned apart from processing fee.... plz let me know the process...

Thanks
Prashant said…
There is always Hope , it just gets delayed....in H1B case may be one more Year
Hemant said…
Does it mean that i will get rejection news after 2nd June only. I havent heard anything from my consultant.
Arjun said…
Guys,
Having receipt number just makes sense that it has been picked in lottery blindly...Now the game starts whether to reject or approve him\her H1???? is it ??????
Manoj said…
Hi
Is there any chance for getting H1B for US Master degree who are not selected for the 20000 quota?Anybody got application back till todate?
Lakshmi said…
Hi Guys,
I got a mail from my consultant by mid of May saying that I got selected in the lottery. But after that till now no news from them, regarding my receipt number or anything.
I mailed then and they were saying 'We'll keep you posted".
But no posts ....
What will I do???
Paul said…
I spoke to my consulant and she told me that they filed a total of 60 applications for the H1B, and they already received 35 applications that are selected in the lottery. But she told me that my application either picked up or not is not yet received. Does it mean that I am not selected already?? Thanks
Ricardo Quintero said…
Arjun, I think you're rigth!
yunsur said…
Hi everyone
I didn't get either approval or denied notice, it means I am on the wait list, how long does it take? does any one know?
regards,
Kiran said…
Did any one got H1B approval notice ?
U Pasha said…
I have still not received an acceptance or rejection. But the money was withdrawn back in April. Anybody got any genuine news? Has anybody ACTUALLY received a rejection yet?
U Pasha said…
I have heard that people are now getting acceptances and rejections. I am still waiting though :( I guess we are on a waiting list.... fingers crossed!
Ricardo Quintero said…
Hi,
Thanks to God, Jah,
My sponsor told me that he got my approval.
I'm very happy.
Rafael said…
Hi Ricardo,

Congratulations. I'm still waiting for the approval/rejection. Where was your petition filed? mine was filed in Vermont, but the timeframes there doesn't make any sense to me.
saravanansaranya said…
Hye

i want to apply h1b visa.i want to more details.
Sanjay said…
I got my petition approved , but my employer is not interested in arranging the interview ( may be due to the recession heardabouts ) .... Since the interview is opened from october 1 st ...Can anyone tell me ,,,howlong the petition is valid to take the interview in the consulate ?
Murali said…
I guess global recession could be the cause. As far as I know, there is no deadline for you to goto consulate for stamping.

Market is terrible right now n USA. So it would better to wait for a while before taking off.

Murali
Sanjay said…
Hello Murali , thanks.....but one more question.... if I am delaying the stamping for mote than 1 year ,,, and going for stamping by October 09.... will I get the same 3 years visa validity ..or will it be reduced .......

- Sanjay
Renuka said…
Hi Sanjay,
Got answer for ur question?
Im also looking for the same.Plz update me. Thnx
roshan said…
hi ,i want to know is there time to apply for h1b visa.
rachel said…
hi,

I am in H4 visa. i would like to change my visa status to h1 b 2009. what is the actual time to apply and what will be the cost?
thanks in advance
jj said…
hi, i want to know when one should apply for h1b visa
Ganesh said…
Any predictions/calculations for the FY 2010 H1B?
Swati said…
Hi, I am going to apply for 2009 H1 B quota, I am Master Student graduated in May 08 and my OPT expires in June 09. I need to know how long the processing time would be in the worst case if I go with normal processing method. USCIS says 2 months processing time
Partha said…
Hi,Can anyone tell me if I can send any additional documents later date than april 1 after I apply the reqd documents before april 1st week/?

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