As per our prior updates which we link to below, USCIS completed the H-1B Cap Random Lottery Selection Process April 9th, 2016.
Original article about FY17 Cap posted here.
Below is an outline of key events during this process and what to expect for the remainder of this process:
April 12 – We started receiving the first receipt notices via email from USCIS Premium Processing (PP) about the selected cases.
Original Article regarding completed lottery posted here: https://marksgray.com/2016/04/13/over-236000-fy17-h-1b-petitions-filed-and-lottery-completed/
April 21 – We started receiving receipt notices for the cases that were filed using regular processing.
May 2 – USCIS issued a notice indicating that it had completed the data entry for all petitions and we stopped receiving receipt notices.
Original Article Here: https://marksgray.com/2016/05/03/uscis-completes-fy2017-h-1b-cap-subject-data-entry/
May 10 to August 8 – The 17-Month STEM OPT extension applications submission.
STEM OPT Extension Update and articles regarding limited filing opportunity original posting here:
Limited Filing Opportunity Available: https://marksgray.com/2016/04/08/limited-window-of-opportunity-to-file-for-7-month-stem-opt-extension-under-revised-rule/
Back Up Options to the H-1B Visa: https://marksgray.com/2016/05/02/students-not-selected-under-the-fy17-h-1b-lottery-who-are-currently-working-under-f-1opt-stem-should-strategically-consider-taking-advantage-of-the-new-24-month-stem-opt-extension/
May 12 – USCIS started adjudicating Premium Processing (PP) filed petitions.
Information on PP petitions and delayed timeline associated with them here: https://marksgray.com/2016/05/11/uscis-ongoing-delays-in-processing-h-1b-extensions-affecting-driving-permits/
May 27 – Our PP filed petitions had all been adjudicated.
June to September – USCIS will return cases not selected in the lottery with uncashed filing fee checks.
June to September 30 – USCIS will process and adjudicate regularly filed cases.
Last year, most cases were adjudicated by September 30th. However, some cases that received requests for additional evidence (RFE) were still awaiting a decision in early October.
We will update our clients with pending petitions that were filed using regular processing as we receive more information from USCIS. As always, for up to date Immigration and Visa news, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.