H1B Cap Timeline – FY 2017
March 3 2016 – Now that the H1B cap for the fiscal year 2017 is opened, many are calling and want to know about the timeline of the processing of the H1B Cap cases filed in 2016 for the year 2017. This is our projected timeline on the previous random selection situation (H1B lottery). This is what we are expecting based on the March 2016 press release from the USCIS and based on previous years of H1B cap processing:
- April 8th 2016 – last day, H1B cap cases will be accepted by USCIS
- May 15th 2016 – expecting all the H1B cap random selection (H1B lottery) should be completed.
- May 16th 2016 – USCIS will start processing premium.
- May 30th 2016 – Expecting to receive premium processing first answers from USCIS on cases selected in the lottery FY Cap 2017 including approvals, request for evidence (RFEs), and some denials.
- June 30th 2016 – Expecting to receive answers on non premium cases.
- August 30th 2016 – Expecting most of the selected H1B Cap cases will already be processing or under RFEs.
- September 15th 2016 – H1B Cap visa holders whose case have been approved, would be ready to go for H1B visa stamping (if required to do so)
- October 1st 2016 – Those who filed under change of status or Cap-Gap, will be under H1B visa and should comply with all the H1B visa rules and regulations.
The video below covers some of the timeline related to H1B cap 2017.
The above is just a quick review of the timeline and it is not scientific facts, it is based only on the experience the Shah Peerally Law Group PC in working with H1B cases. If you want more information or need help with any H1B issues including H1B transfers, H1B extensions, H4 visa or H4 EAD cases, feel free to call us at 510 742 5887.
